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27
Feb

Netherlands regulator KSA presents 2024 supervisory agenda

The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the gambling regulator in the Netherlands, has presented its supervisory agenda for 2024, citing four areas of focus.
KSA Netherlands
Looking to achieve its mission of “safe gaming”, the KSA says it will increase its protection of vulnerable players in the Netherlands by looking to prevent addiction. The country took measures to do this in 2023, including the introduction of a ban on most forms of advertising.

The KSA is also looking to combat illegal online offerings, aiming for at least 90% of players to gamble with legal providers in the Netherlands. In a December article for iGB, Yield Sec chief executive Ismail Vali noted how the KSA’s current approach appeared to lack clear success in actual enforcement terms.

The KSA is vowing to further support partners, including the police and tax authorities, on investigations in the physical domain. The regulator hopes this will lead to less “undermining” between different organisations.

The KSA’s final area of emphasis is on compliance with data provision. The KSA wants data to be provided in a “timely, complete and correct manner”. This will then make it easier for the KSA to swiftly -identify any potential wrongdoing.

Growing focus on problem gambling in the Netherlands
Netherlands KSA
THE NETHERLANDS INTRODUCED A NEAR-TOTAL BAN ON ADVERTISING IN 2023
Earlier this month, a motion to completely prohibit gambling advertising in the Netherlands was submitted by Derk Boswijk of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) party. While the move to go further than the 2023 ban on untargeted advertising ultimately failed, its proposal was the latest indicator of the rising concern over gambling harms in the Netherlands.

In December, the Netherlands minister for legal protection Franc Weerwind announced measures he hoped would protect players from problem gambling.

Weerwind’s measures included providers being required to contact players who have set a deposit limit of €350 (£303/$386). Operators should inform such players of the risks of gambling in such high amounts.

The KSA’s consultations for an update to the Responsible Gaming Policy Rules ended in early-February. The aim is to publish the new rules in April.

In October, Weerwind also announced a multi-year digital resilience campaign programme to combat fraud associated with online gambling.

The industry has hit back against some of Weerwind’s proposals, though. Peter-Paul de Goeij, chairman of the Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA), warned Weerwind that his plans could lead to gambling being seen as “unattractive”.

Helma Lodders, chairman of the Licensed Dutch Online Gaming Providers (VNLOK), highlighted two areas of Weerwind’s letter that need examination.

“Firstly, that imposed measures are actually effective in keeping the number of problem players as small as possible,” Lodders explained.

“Secondly, that the legal offer remains sufficiently attractive for the vast majority of players who participate in a responsible manner. The latter is important to prevent them from returning to the illegal supply.”

22
Feb

Michigan igaming revenue reaches record $181.9m in January

Total gross online gambling revenue, comprising igaming and sports betting, amounted to $229.6m. This was 22.6% ahead of $187.3m in Michigan last January but 5.3% less than December’s $242.5m record for total gambling revenue.

Figures include licensed commercial and tribal igaming operators in Michigan.

Gross igaming revenue was 18.4% higher year-on-year, surpassing the $153.7m reported in January 2023. The total also narrowly beat the existing monthly record of $181.4m set in December.

Turning to sports betting, gross receipts here reached $47.7m. This was 40.7% higher than $33.9m in the same month last year but 21.9% less than December’s $61.1m. As for handle, the $577.4m wagered in January was 21.4% higher than in the previous year.

In terms of adjusted gross receipts (AGR), which account for promotional deductions, this hit $183.0m, up 20.7% year-on-year. Adjusted gross igaming revenue climbed 18.7% to $164.2m, with adjusted gross sports betting receipts also up 5.6% to $18.8m.

As for tax, licensed operators paid $31.3m in taxes and payments to the State of Michigan during January. This includes $30.0m in igaming taxes and fee, as well as $1.3m for sports betting,.

In addition, some $8.5m was paid in wagering taxes and municipal services fees to the City of Detroit. This comprised $7.9m in igaming payments and $614,400 in sports betting tax and fees.

Tribal operators also reported making $3.6m in payments to governing bodies in January.

Detroit casino revenue falls in January
The increase in online gambling revenue is in contrast to the decline in the Detroit land-based sector.

Last week, it was revealed Detroit’s three casinos recorded $94.4m in monthly revenue, a year-on-year drop of 8.8%. This was also 18.8% lower than December’s monthly total.

Some $93.9m came from table games and slots, while $500,221 was generated by retail sports betting.

In terms of market share, MGM held 48% in January. MotorCity held 30%, while Hollywood Casino at Greektown took up 22%.

15
Feb

Maine sports betting receipts hit new high despite handle dip in January

Total handle for January in Maine was $38.1m. This was 13.4% behind $44.0m in December but 1.3% ahead of $37.6m in November, the first month of legal betting.

As for adjusted gross receipts, the January total was 25.0% ahead of $4.4m in December. It also beat the $4.6m generated in the opening month by 19.6%.

Sports betting adjusted gross receipts account for voided and cancelled bets, player winnings and a 0.25% federal excise tax.

In terms of total other tax due to the state, this amounted to $546,099 in January. Maine has a tax on sports betting of 10.0% of adjusted gross receipts.

DraftKings ahead in Maine two-horse race
Netherlands advertising
BILL LD 585 WAS SIGNED IN MAY 2022 TO LEGALISE SPORTS BETTING IN MAINE
Maine currently only has two licensed operators that offer sports betting: DraftKings and Caesars. Both have tribal partnerships in place, in line with Bill LD 585, signed by Governor Janet Mills in May 2022.

DraftKings operates in Maine via a partnership with the Passamaquoddy tribe. In January, this partnership generated $4.7m in adjusted gross receipts from $32.1m, accounting for a large share of the market.

The only other approved operator in Maine is Caesars, which is partnered with three of the Wabanaki nations. These include the Houlton band of Maliseet Indians, Mi’kmaq nation and Penobscot nation.

During January, the Caesars partnership reported $743,762 in adjusted gross receipts. This was from a total monthly betting handle of $6.1m.

Lawmakers propose bills for exclusive tribal gaming rights
Aspire
ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE BY LAWMAKERS TO PERMIT TRIBES EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TO OFFER IGAMING
In other news, last month it was announced Maine lawmakers will discuss proposals to permit tribes to have exclusive rights for igaming.

Those backing the proposals were hoping to follow a similar route as sports betting.

The sports bill signed by Mills allows retail and online sports wagering, but internet sports betting can only be run by approved tribes. These tribes can apply for a licence to operate online betting and also partner one online operator each.

12
Jan

Curaçao minister of finance blasts LOK “misinformation”

Javier Silvania, Curaçao’s minister of finance has released a statement condemning “misinformation” surrounding the region’s new incoming gambling law.
Curaçao gambling bill
The National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK) entered the market’s parliament for approval in December. The LOK will overhaul how gambling is regulated in Curaçao.

Currently, Curaçao operates under the existing National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (NOOGH) legislation.

CURAÇAO’S GAMBLING REGULATION BILL ENTERED PARLIAMENT IN DECEMBER 2023
In a statement released today (11 January), Silvania acknowledged that the LOK’s submission to parliament would naturally generate “wider debate”. However, he made two clarifications regarding the legislative process. The first was the spreading of misinformation, which he warned against.

“First, amidst this entire process we have been all too aware of a significant amount of misinformation, confusion and accuracy, and I strongly urge against the further propagation of unverified rumours or speculation,” said Silvania.

“Full and accurate information can only be guaranteed when issued by either the Ministry [of Finance] itself or the Curaçao Gaming Control Board.”

Ongoing licensing process and milestones
Silvania also confirmed that the current licence issuing process under the NOOGH remains in place.

“Second, and crucially, I would like to clarify that the current process of licence issuance by the GCB under the current legislation remains unchanged meaning that the Critical Milestones published on 20th December 2023 are likewise unaltered,” he continued.

The minister concluded by stating his support for the GCB during the transition.

“The GCB is acting on delegated authority from the Minister in this regard and is fully committed to this process in advance of and until the enactment of the LOK, whenever that may transpire, and the GCB has my full support during this period of transition,” he assured. “To suggest otherwise would be reckless and misleading.”

The Critical Milestones document detailed the Ministry’s process for transitioning from the current framework to the LOK.

A key date in the process is 31 March 2024. From this date, the registration of sub-licences on the GCB portal – and the subsequent application for a direct licence under the NOOGH, if required – will no longer be possible. In addition, no new extensions or renewals of Master Licences will take place after this date.

Renewal of licences

THE CGB STARTED THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR OPERATORS ON 1 SEPTEMBER 2023
The GCB has also renewed all gambling licences in Curaçao, with the first renewal ceasing in August 2025. The final one will be renewed in January 2025.

From 1 January 2024, licence holders were permitted to begin displaying a Digital Seal on their websites. The GCB, which issues the Digital Seals, will release a dedicated policy on them in the future.

The GCB kicked off the application process for operators on 1 September 2023 by opening its online portal. The portal began accepting account registrations for applicants and sub-licence holders on 1 November.

5
Jan

Sports Betting Alliance opposes California sports betting ballots

Both ballots would give tribes exclusive rights to offer retail and online sports betting in California. They were filed with the state’s attorney-general in October 2023.

CALIFORNIA’S SPORTS BETTING BALLOTS WERE FILED WITH THE STATE’S ATTORNEY GENERAL IN OCTOBER 2023
The two ballots name Reeve Collins, co-founder and CEO of Pala Interactive, as the contact for media inquiries. Pala Interactive was founded by the Pala Band of Mission Indians in 2013. It was acquired by Boyd Gaming in November 2022.

Authors of the ballots have been seeking financial support for signature gathering from sports betting operators. However, SBA members – BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel and Fanatics Sportsbooks – have said they will not provide funding.

SBA blasts proposed ballots
SBA spokesperson Nathan Click says this is in line with the organisation’s opposition to the measures.

“In the interest of clarity, and consistent with our previously stated opposition to these measures, we can commit that SBA won’t be funding or otherwise supporting either of these sports wagering initiatives,” Click said. “Without significant and widespread tribal support this initiative fails and sets back productive conversations for several years.

“Further, this initiative is constructed to prevent the market from reaching anything close to its potential to the detriment of all stakeholders — commercial operators, Californians, gaming and Revenue Sharing Trust Fund tribes- – while enabling the unregulated illegal market to continue to thrive.

“Finally, the original premise of building a business based off customers acquired illegally through offshore operations falls significantly short of the regulatory standards to which our membership adheres.”

What are the ballots proposing in California?
The first version of one ballot, entitled The Sports Wagering Regulation and Tribal Gaming Protection Act, set out detail proposals. These included tribes submitting 15% of adjusted sports betting gross gaming revenue (GGR) into a tribal wagering revenue sharing trust fund.

Tribes would also contribute 10% of their adjusted sports wagering GGR into the California homelessness and mental health fund. In addition, tribes would need to partner sports betting operators, which would operate as vendors.

THE SPORTS WAGERING REGULATION AND TRIBAL GAMING PROTECTION ACT WAS AMMENDED IN DECEMBER IN AN EFFORT TO GAIN TRIBAL SUPPORT
The initial version was amended in December in an effort to gain tribal support. Changes include that sports wagering could not launch until 1 July 2025. This is slightly earlier than the originally proposed date of 1 September 2025.

Tribes receiving approximately $1.0m (£786,254/€913,395) yearly under current conditions would receive an estimated 15-20 times more under the proposed measures.

Sports betting GGR contributions to the tribal wagering revenue sharing trust fund increased from 15% to 25%. In addition, a requirement for in-person online gambling registration for those outside of a 10-mile radius from a casino will be removed after two years.

Details are sparse on the other ballot proposal, entitled The Tribal Gaming Protection Act. It outlines that sports betting will be offered exclusively through tribes in California.

What can we expect next?
The SBA declaration will come as another blow to ballot backers, with many tribes and other operators have also stated their opposition to the measures.

When the ballots were first published, it was stated Pala Interactive had 180 days to gather the required signatures through random sample.

Backers would need 874,641 for the ballot to be put forward for consideration with voters. Election officials would also need to verify at least 500 signatures. The 2024 election will take place on 5 November.

A PREVIOUS ROUND OF SPORTS BETTING PROPOSALS WERE REJECTED BY VOTERS IN NOVEMBER 2022
The ballots are the latest effort to legalise sports wagering in some form in California. In November 2022, voters rejected sports betting proposals – despite a poll in February 2022 revealing some support for legal sports betting.

In May 2022, it was confirmed a proposition would feature on the ballot. This was to sit alongside another sports betting initiative backed by tribal gaming groups entitled the Tribal Sports Wagering Act Initiative.

However, Democrats in California recommended voters vote against the proposals. Both proposals appeared on the ballot but were ultimately rejected by voters.

25
Oct

Netherlands to launch digital resilience drive amid gambling concerns

The Dutch government is to launch a national campaign to combat digital fraud amid concerns over crimes related to online gambling.

Franc Weerwind, Netherlands’ minister for legal protection, announced a multi-year digital resilience campaign programme to combat fraud associated with online gambling.

Weerwind explained the rationale behind the campaign in response to concerns raised by fellow parliamentarians over match-fixing via social media.

Weerwind said the campaign will initially be aimed at young people. In particular, messaging will help them recognise scams and offers that appear too good to be true.

The minister was responding to questions from SP, CDA and Christian Union MPs about a report from the AD news site which alleged that social media influencers were defrauding victims of thousands of euros via Telegram by helping to promote fake sports results.

Weerwind said there was no evidence that the young people targeted were involved in match-fixing or indeed that any sporting events had actually been fixed. However, he expressed a broad concern that fraudsters are seeking out vulnerable people, such as the young.

Weerwind also said it is “undesirable” for influencers to advertise risky games of chance. He noted that gambling companies are prohibited from using role models that appeal to young people to advertise products.

“Fraud and inciting people to commit criminal acts is harmful and also punishable,” Weerwind wrote. “In this case, this would be done under the guise of ‘making quick money through sports betting’. The so-called manipulated results are purchased from the scammers on Telegram and paid for via cryptocurrency.

“People are being scammed. Awareness about and recognition of online scams by citizens can help prevent victimisation.”

Netherlands gambling social problems

Weerwind responded cautiously to suggestions that the legalisation of online gambling has created or expanded existing social problems. He said he did not wish to pre-judge a review into the impact of the Remote Gaming Act in 2024.

He added: “I have already made adjustments within the given legal frameworks in the past period and will continue to do so. For example, I have banned the use of role models as of 30 June 2022 and untargeted advertising for online gambling as of 1 July 2023. Addiction prevention is central to my policy efforts.”

Earlier this year, the Dutch government said it plans to submit new rules to improve addiction prevention in early 2024. It admitted the current system is flawed.

In addition to the broad digital resilience campaign, the Dutch gambling regulator, KSA, is due to commence work on a scheme that will test how self-exclusion service Cruks’ brand awareness can best be increased among different target groups.

Other initiatives include a programme that identifies and provides guidance for risky or problematic gambling behaviour among young adults. Developed by the Trimbos Institute, a specialist in addressing addiction issues, it will also be delivered in schools from 2024.

igamingbusiness

13
Oct

Germany’s illegal gambling problem

“The best antidote to the illegal market is a competitive regulated market,” the Betting and Gaming Council’s (BGC) Wes Himes told delegates at the conference last week.

Critics lined up to attack slow progress on regulatory reform in Great Britain, the BGC’s home market after a three-year review and six different gambling ministers. But in Germany, the Gambling Act white paper is held up as a successful, collaborative and proportionate model for fine-tuning gambling regulation.

In a market with blanket online slot stake limits of €1 and where monthly deposits are capped at €1,000 Great Britain’s emphasis on moderating rather than prohibiting activity appeals to many. Many attacked affordability checks as intrusive and excessive, but it provides a personalised compromise that Germany lacks, attendees and panellists suggested.

The strict measures only serve to shore up illegal competition, across the land-based, street and online sectors.

New State Treaty, the same old problems

Chief executive of local licensee Rootz Sam Brown laid bare the impact of re-regulation during a session organised by gambling law specialists Hambach & Hambach. There is a clear parallel between re-regulation and a rise in illegal online play, he explained.

Before the toleration period where businesses adhering to the 2021 State Treaty’s conditions were allowed to operate without a licence, Rootz players deposited €350 on average, Brown explained, and gross revenue per player averaged €141.

By August 2023, however, average customer deposits fell 80% to €150, with GGR per play halved to €73. Around 10% of Rootz’ pre-regulatory business channelled to the regulated market Brown added. “And they haven’t stopped gambling and found another hobby.”

Strict measures such as deposit and staking limits play a big role in the black market boom, he says. Harm prevention should be the ultimate responsibility of the operators Brown added, echoing a point from Himes about GB operators recognising their leading role in player protection.

The operators, not the authorities, not the legislators, hold all the data. Addicted customers are bad for business Brown said, but a personalised approach based on individual players will be more effective than Germany’s blanket restrictions.

This is especially significant if it shifts consumers to illegal sites without safeguards. Brown believes around 80% of online slot play is happening illegally, a far cry from new federal regulator Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder’s (GGL) claims of high channelisation.

Black and white markets powered by the same providers

Hambach & Hambach salary partner Yannick Skulsky pointed out slot sites – somewhat counter-intuitively – cannot be marketed as casino. Furthermore, regulations make it incredibly difficult for legal operators to roll out new titles, and very easy (and lucrative) for black market counterparts to do the same.

For the legal market, individual games must be certified. An operator needs a licence to offer slots, then specific permission for each game. The GGL, which carries out its testing internally, has scope to hire around 150 staff. It currently employs around half that number, a mixture of part- and full-time employees. There is inevitably a backlog for slot certification.

However there is no B2B licensing. A game could be certified and launched by one licensee, while another still awaits permission. Or a slot studio could have its legal roll-out delayed with one licensed client while the revenue flows in through an unlicensed brand.

Player claims and Malta’s Bill 55

It seems attempts by players to recoup gambling losses from unlicensed brands isn’t much of a deterrent, either.

Courts and customers in Germany continue to pursue operators for losses incurred during Germany’s long delays in implementing its State Treaty. Austrian lawyers are even trying to file claims against individual executives and directors.

Hambach & Hambach founding partner Claus Hambach believes this situation – one he admits feels quite surreal – is beginning to rationalise. While state high courts rule in favour of the players, a Supreme Court ruling possibly changes the outlook.

It threw out a claim to recoup losses from a payment provider, predominantly on the basis that the player was gambling. They knew money was at risk. Further, it noted the contact between the player and the operator could not be voided as both parties, by placing and accepting the bets, were effectively breaking the law formally.

Hambach sees a legal article published by German civil law expert Professor H Köhler as the way forward. There are only three factors that should prompt an operator to return losses to a player, Professor Köhler argues.

Any losses incurred by minors should be refunded, and players able to prove they were misled by a brand pretending to be licensed would be eligible. Those suffering from gambling addiction would also be able to claim back losses, if they are able to provide medical proof of their condition.

Malta’s attempt to protect its licensees from these cases, Bill 55, is viewed as bigger than a gambling matter by conference delegates. But not only will the European Commission look into Malta`s legislative approach but the European Court of Justice will also evaluate Germany’s disputed Interstate Treaty on Gambling, which is the basis for the claims in the first place (Case C-440/23).

Germany’s omnichannel black market

However illegal play is prevalent across all channels. The illegal gaming machine market is growing, and unlicensed Kaffe Kasinos are on the rise, warned Burkhard Blienert of the Federal Council on Addiction and Drug Issues.

Law enforcement experts pointed out illegal gambling is relatively low risk for criminal groups and remains highly profitable and a popular method of money laundering. It is also easy to manipulate legal devices or build approximations of traditional gambling devices – several primitive slots and even a variant of roulette seized by the police were on display.

However from government level there remains a desire to tackle illegal gambling in tandem with strict controls on the regulated market. For example Blienert argued sports betting advertising was as much a threat as illegal gambling and loot boxes, amid debate on whether TV ads, football sponsorship and other branding should be limited or banned similar to Great Britain.

However Gauselmann Group director Manfred Stoffers took a contrasting view. Player protection is raised by regulation, he argued. If an activity happens in the open, it can be monitored and controlled.

But two years on from the GGL taking charge of igaming regulation, operators and associations argue Germany’s strict regulatory measures are only benefitting the black market.

igamingbusiness

9
Oct

Romania’s Game-Changing Move: A Bold Leap in Online Gambling License Fees!

Romania’s online gambling landscape is witnessing significant shifts. In a surprising move, the Romanian government has greenlighted a substantial hike in annual gambling licensing fees across all categories.

This bold decision was part of an emergency ordinance unveiled on Thursday, introducing comprehensive reforms in Romania’s gambling regulations. These pivotal changes encompass steeper licensing fees, revamped advertising guidelines, a stringent prohibition on alcohol within gaming venues, and a mandatory clause for gambling enterprises to establish a fiscal headquarters within Romanian borders.

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New Gaming Oversight Body Formed Next to ONJN

Alongside the ONJN, a fresh organization has been established, vested with several responsibilities. Key among these are the prevention of gambling addiction and the deployment of activities and programs safeguarding minors and other susceptible groups—both socio-economically and otherwise—against the risks of gambling. The organization’s mandate also extends to the promotion of responsible gambling, treatment of gambling addiction, and responsible gambling advertising.

This body will develop a robust IT infrastructure, encompassing both hardware and software elements. A central feature of this system will be a national database designed to combat gambling addiction. This database will hold records of self-excluded and blacklisted individuals. Additionally, a dedicated communication line, “Telverde” will be established.

Revenue Structure

The organization’s revenue is primarily sourced from the annual contributions of licensed gambling operators. The breakdown is as follows:

Remote gambling operators, Class I: €500,000 annually.
Directly involved entities in both traditional and remote gambling, Class II: €15,000 annually.
State monopoly remote games, Class III: €100,000 annually.
Traditional gambling operators:
Lotto games: €200,000 annually.
Video lottery games: €100 per device annually.
Pari-mutuel betting: €50,000 annually.
Fixed-odds betting: €200,000 annually.
Return betting: €100,000 annually.
Casino-specific games: €4,000 annually per game table.
Poker club games: €5,000 annually per club.
Slot-machine games: A tiered approach is employed:
€300 annually per authorized slot in 2024.
€500 annually per authorized slot from 2025 onward.
Bingo games in gaming halls: €5,000 annually.
Television network bingo games: €500,000 annually.

In a move that underscores the government’s commitment to responsible gambling, 70% of these increased contributions will bolster the state treasury. The remaining 30% will be channeled towards initiatives promoting responsible gambling.

Annual Licensing Fees for Games of Chance

Explore the latest fee structure for gambling licenses, showcasing significant increases across multiple categories when compared to previous rates. Dive in to see how the changes might impact on your operations.

Lotto Games: €200,000
Mutual Bets: €65,000
Fixed Odds Bets: €200,000
Counter Bets: €150,000
Casino Games: €150,000
Poker Club Games: €25,000
Slot-Machine Games: €150,000
Bingo Games (Gaming Rooms): €15,000
Bingo Games (TV Networks): €150,000
Remote Gambling Licenses Categories:
Class 1 License: Aimed at remote gambling operators engaging directly with players: €300,000/year.
Class 2 License: For entities in traditional and remote gambling, as well as conformity assessment bodies. Fees are €20,000/year for the following:
Operators offering platform management and hosting
Payment processors
Software producers/distributors for gambling
Affiliates
Certifiers
Auditors
Conformity assessment entities
Class 3 License: For lottery game operators: €200,000.
Poker Festival: €20,000
Temporary Casino Games (3-month validity): €27,500
Raffle Games (Traditional): €20,000
Video Lottery Games (Traditional): €100,000
Yearly Authorization Fees for Gambling Activities:

Unravel the new yearly fee framework for gambling operations, reflecting notable changes in rates across multiple game categories. Discover what’s in store for both traditional and remote gambling platforms.

Traditional Lotto Games: €300,000.
Mutual Bets (Traditional): 21% of the game revenues as per art. 11 of the emergency ordinance, with a minimum fee of €120,000.
Fixed Odds Bets (Traditional): 21% of game revenues, with a baseline of €200,000.
Counter Bets (Traditional): 21% of game revenues, with a minimum fee of €200,000.
Casino Games:
In Bucharest: €70,000 per table.
Outside Bucharest: €40,000 per table.
Poker Club:
In Bucharest: €82,500 per location.
Outside Bucharest: €38,500 per location.
Slot Machine Games:
Class A Slot Machine: €5,300.
Bingo (Gaming Rooms): €7,500 per hall. Plus, 5% of the value of cards bought from the “National Printing Company”.
Bingo (TV Networks): 23% of game revenues, with a minimum of €150,000.
Remote Gambling (Class 1 & 3): 21% of game revenues, starting at €400,000.
Poker Festival: €35,000.
Temporary Casino Games: €22,000 per table (3-month validity).
Raffle Games: €85,000 per venue. Additionally, 5% of the ticket value purchased from the “National Printing Company”.
A Safety Net for Licensing

To ensure financial security, operators are obligated to maintain minimum capital reserves, especially if they default on licensing fees. Depending on an enterprise’s revenue, these mandatory reserves could touch €1,000,000 by 2025.

Guarantee Levels to Cover Risk of Non-payment:

Traditional Gambling Activity (excluding casinos):

For 2024: The guarantee is based on the organizer’s income level:
Up to €5,000,000/year: €500,000 guarantee
€5,000,001 to €20,000,000/year: €800,000 guarantee
Above €20,000,001: €1,000,000 guarantee
From January 1, 2025: A flat guarantee of €1,000,000, irrespective of the organizer’s income.

Casino Gaming (Traditional):

Guarantee: €3,000,000

Online Gambling Activity (excluding online casinos):

For 2024: The guarantee is based on the organizer’s income level:
Up to €5,000,000/year: €500,000 guarantee
€5,000,001 to €20,000,000/year: €1,000,000 guarantee
Above €20,000,001: €2,000,000 guarantee
From January 1, 2025: A flat guarantee of €2,000,000, irrespective of the organizer’s income.

Online Casino Activity:

For 2024: The guarantee is based on the organizer’s income level:
Up to €5,000,000/year: €1,000,000 guarantee
€5,000,001 to €20,000,000/year: €2,000,000 guarantee
Above €20,000,001: €5,000,000 guarantee
From January 1, 2025: A flat guarantee of €5,000,000, irrespective of the organizer’s income.
Redefining Gambling Ads in Romania

Promotional campaigns by operators are undergoing a transformation as well. Operators must prominently display their ONJN license in all promotional materials and refrain from dispatching unsolicited electronic messages. Furthermore, advertising on billboards exceeding 35 square meters is strictly off-limits.

While the ordinance’s approval was widely anticipated, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu’s remarks on Tuesday grabbed attention. He candidly addressed the criticisms, asserting that he wouldn’t bow down to threats from the gaming sector, a subtle dig at past politicians who allegedly yielded to industry pressures.

Conclusion

The recent uptick in license fees, guarantees, and social fees underscores a commitment to bolstering player safety and ensuring a more regulated and responsible gaming environment in Romania. These changes not only reflect a proactive approach to address potential gambling-related issues but also ensure that only the most dedicated and genuine operators thrive in the market. By setting a higher financial threshold, the landscape is primed to favor those operators who are serious about adhering to standards and delivering a secure gaming experience. In the end, these measures are a testament to Romania’s dedication to protecting its citizens while also allowing committed operators to continue serving their clientele responsibly.

igaming.express

4
Oct

Victoria government introduces gambling reform bill

Victoria’s minister for casino, gaming and liquor regulation, Melissa Horne, put forward the Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 to the state’s parliament.

If the package of reforms is successful, a curfew will be enforced at most Victorian electronic gaming machine venues from mid-2024.

This would bar hotel and bar patrons from accessing pokie areas between 4am and 10am. The law would only permit casinos to allow punters to play between these times.

The Victoria government said it introduced this measure of the gambling bill to prevent the common practice of staggered opening hours. It argued some venues do this to encourage customers to move between venues in an area in order to continue gambling.

Other reforms comprise the introduction of mandatory pre-commitment limits and carded play for all pokie machines. The government will cap load-up limits at AU$100 and slow spin speeds to reduce the pace of games.

The government said it intends to consult with industry for these measures as part of an implementation working group.

Reforms follow Crown scandal

The government first announced its intention to implement the reforms in July. This came in the wake of a high-profile scandal and inquiry at Australian casino giant Crown Resorts’ Melbourne property.

The Royal Commission inquiry, which was led by Ray Finkelstein AO QC, made 33 recommendations to the government, which were then passed. This followed the report finding the operator “unsuitable” to hold a casino licence in the state of Victoria.

“Our previous reforms have delivered stronger oversight of the gambling industry in Victoria with a regulator unafraid to hold venues to account – now we’re doing more important work to prevent and reduce gambling-related harm,” said Horne.

“We’ve seen predatory behaviour from some venues, allowing people to keep gambling for hours, at any hour. Closing gaming areas between 4am and 10am will give people an important break to reassess and walk away.”

Victoria gambling bill expands government powers

Also on the slate would be a more general expansion of the gambling minister’s powers. The minister would have more scope to prohibit betting on activities considered harmful by the government, such as sports played by minors.

The bill also includes measures designed to enable the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission to better deal with casinos that lose their licence.

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Oct

Nigeria bans operators over unlicensed gambling

In a public notice, the LSLGA names a host of operators that do not hold the relevant licence or approval in Nigeria. The LSLGA says operating without a licence breaches Section 33(3) of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Law 2021.

As such, the LSLGA deems each of the named operators as illegal and not approved to offer gambling in Nigeria. It is also urging players to cease gambling with any of the operators.

“The LSLGA wishes to reaffirm its commitment to regulating and promoting the Lagos gaming industry to ensure the interests of all stakeholders are adequately protected,” the LSLGA said.

Nigeria open to offshore operators

The Nigerian market is by no means closed to operators but requires any business to hold a licence to offer gambling.

In October last year, it was revealed Nigeria was to introduce a new remote operator permit for offshore-licensed operators. This allows businesses to offer online gambling in Nigeria without a local presence.

Businesses are eligible for a remote operator permit if they already hold a licence in another jurisdiction. The permit covers casino games, bingo, slots, sports betting and poker.

Each permit is valid for five years. Operators must pay an initial $100,000 for the permit, plus fees of $50,000 in each of the next four years.

Holders will also be allowed to advertise in the country across print media or via affiliate programmes.

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