The ChristianUnie party in the Netherlands is pushing for an amendment to the country’s online gambling laws, advocating for the implementation of a “universal loss limit.” Party leader Mirjam Bikker says that the current regulations are insufficient in controlling excessive gambling behaviour.
The proposal has been presented to Franc Weerwind, the minister for legal protection. But Weerwind has expressed reluctance to pursue it further, citing the considerable time and complexity involved in establishing a comprehensive limit that applies to all 27 online gambling operators. Nevertheless, the proposal reportedly enjoys support from multiple political factions.
In the interim, Weerwind has put forth alternative measures, including a €150 spending cap for individuals under the age of 24 and mandatory monthly financial risk reviews for player accounts exceeding €350 in spending. These proposals are scheduled for a parliamentary vote later this month. However, ChristianUnie argues that these measures still pose significant risks, as players could potentially distribute such spendings across different operators to evade detection.
Earlier, the International Betting Integrity Association and the Norwegian Industry Association for Online Gaming signed a Memorandum of Understanding, aiming to advance the secure and efficient regulation and licensing of gambling operations throughout Norway.
Meanwhile, Wyoming legislators are set to discuss the expanding of the state’s gaming industry by including online casino gambling
Spearheaded by Representatives Sandy Newsome, Jon Conrad, Tom Walters, Robert Davis and Sandy Newsome, House Bill 120 proposes for the legalisation and regulation of iGaming within the state. This move follows Wyoming’s successful legalisation of sports betting in 2021.
The bill aims to subject iGaming to oversight by the Wyoming Gaming Commission.
Key points of Wyoming iGaming Bill:
- Provision for up to five online gaming operator licences.
- Initial cost set at $100,000 per licence.
- Renewal fee of $50,000 every five years.
- Imposition of a 10% tax rate on all iGaming revenues.
- Allocation of $300,000 annually for addressing problem gambling.
Moreover, the bill suggests that licensed operators may form partnerships with counterparts in other states, a move prompted by Wyoming’s relatively low habitancy. However, the specifics of such partnerships, including player pool sharing and traffic, remain undefined.
Wyoming’s initiative aligns with a broader national trend towards iGaming regulation. Illinois is considering House Bill 2239, which proposes iGaming licences with an initial fee of $250,000. Licenced operators could have up to three brands, with an annual renewal fee of $100,000.
Hawaii is also contemplating the legalisation of iGaming, with Senator Ronald D. Kouchi introducing Senate Bill 3376. This bill aims to establish a Gaming Control Commission and legalise sports betting and online poker — a significant departure from the state’s historical stance against gambling.
