CMSC of the House of Commons has released a report addressing the challenges in gambling regulation
A major concern raised by the Culture, Media, and Sport Committee (CMSC) revolves around the pace of consultation and implementation, especially considering the enforcement of the proposed changes. The committee has also expressed reservations about the effectiveness of self-exclusion measures, pointing out that individuals who voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling sites can still easily access unregulated black market casinos.
In addressing potential harm associated with gambling, the CMSC emphasises the need to focus on specific demographic groups. They advocate for an independent longitudinal study commissioned by the government to explore the connection between gambling advertising and the risk of harm, with a particular emphasis on women and children.
Another critical aspect highlighted in the report is the apprehension regarding a gambling ombudsman. According to existing laws, an ombudsman must adhere to industry standards to be recognized as such.
The CMSC questions the feasibility of establishing a suitable body with sufficiently high standards by the summer of 2024.
Armenia will block access to the websites of unlicensed online gambling operators
The document was published on December 21 on the website of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia. The resolution, approved during a cabinet meeting on Thursday, introduces amendments to various existing legislative acts within the country.
According to the resolution, the acceptance of online bets from residents of Armenia will now be allowed only to companies holding a valid lottery operator licence in compliance with current national legislation.
Additionally, non-citizens of Armenia will be permitted to place online bets on the platforms of operators licenced within the country. The resolution also suggests that these bets can be both accepted and winnings paid in foreign currency.
Spinomenal strengthens its presence in the Bulgarian Market through partnership with Efbet
Spinomenal has expanded its footprint in the Bulgarian gaming market by entering into a strategic partnership with efbet.com.
Through this collaboration, Bulgarian online bookmaker Efbet will grant its players access to Spinomenal’s extensive slot list. The catalogue includes popular titles like Demi Gods II, Majestic King, Book of Rampage, Queen of Ice, and Poseidon’s Rising.
Commenting on the partnership, Lior Shvartz, Spinomenal’s CEO, stated, “We are delighted to announce the availability of our premium slots to a broader audience of Bulgarian gamblers through our partnership with Efbet.”
EGBA takes a stand against hike in online gambling licence fees in Italy
The European Gambling and Betting Association (EGBA) has raised concerns over the proposed surge in online gambling licence fees in Italy, as outlined in a statement published on December 19.
Recent reports from Italian media indicate a planned increase in the licence fee for online operators to €7 million, a figure that surpasses those set by other European countries.
The EGBA highlights that the proposed fee is 35 times higher than the 2018 licenсe fee, which stood at €200 thousand. Although a prior suggestion to raise the fee to €2.5 million was never implemented, the current proposal could have severe repercussions.
According to the EGBA, such a substantial increase in licensing costs may result in a drastic reduction in the number of licenсed operators from the existing 91 to a mere 15-20. This, in turn, could fuel the growth of the black market for online gambling in the country, posing risks to players.
Earlier, Curacao revised pricing for iGaming licences.
University of Glasgow launches an initiative to unravel and mitigate gambling-related harms
The University of Glasgow has initiated a collaborative project aimed at comprehending and mitigating the adverse effects of gambling. For these purposes, they have partnered with Darwen Council Public Health in Lancashire and the University of Sheffield.
The study will take the form of a needs assessment, intending to unveil the extent and repercussions of gambling on individuals in the targeted area. The project includes various key objectives, such as determining the prevalence of gambling and associated harm in Blackburn with Darwen. This will be assessed based on socio-demographic characteristics and geographical distribution.
Additionally, the research aims to gather stakeholder perspectives on gambling-related harms, as well as the social, economic burdens, and other factors associated with this issue.
