VAD is urging for an increase in the legal age for online sports betting and lotteries in Belgium
The VAD, a Flemish expertise centre for alcohol, psychoactive medication, gambling, gaming and illegal drugs in Belgium, is advocating for amendments to the country’s gambling laws. According to its 2024 memorandum, the VAD is proposing an adjustment to the age limit for online gambling, suggesting an increase from 18 to 21 years.
At present, brick-and-mortar casinos mandate that players must be 21 years old or above to participate. This same age restriction is also applicable to online casinos. However, for other online gambling activities like sports betting and lotteries, the current legal age stands at 18 years or older.
The VAD argues that raising the age limit for online gambling, particularly in the context of sports betting, is crucial in preventing the potential negative impact of gambling on young individuals. The organization expresses concern about the influence of sports betting on young players and sees this as a way to mitigate the potential risks associated with early gambling addiction.
Hacksaw Gaming and Soft2Bet have decided to extend their partnership with the entry into the Romanian market
Hacksaw Gaming has recently extended its partnership with Soft2Bet in a strategic move to introduce the supplier’s games on the Don.ro platform. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as it signifies the debut of Hacksaw Gaming’s offerings in the Romanian market.
The relationship between Hacksaw Gaming and Soft2Bet originated in 2020 and has since evolved into a mutually beneficial alliance. Over the years, the two entities have successfully undertaken numerous joint projects, fostering a strong partnership. The seamless integration into various projects worldwide has been a testament to the synergy between the companies.
Soft2Bet’s online casino boasts an extensive collection of over 1,200 slot machines, table games, and live dealer games. In parallel, Hacksaw Gaming has a portfolio of more than 120 games available across more than 20 regulated markets. Noteworthy titles from Hacksaw Gaming’s library, including popular games like “Wanted Dead or Wild,” “Le Bandit,” and “RIP City,” will now be accessible to the local gaming community.
Earlier, Hacksaw Gaming made its debut entry into the Croatian market.
1WIN online casino operations have come to a halt in Kazakhstan
The Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA) of Kazakhstan has curtailed the operations of the 1WIN online casino. The website has been blocked, and the authorities have placed four organisers on the international wanted list. The FMA’s press service reported that property and funds, amounting to 1.5 billion tenge (approximately $3.3 million), linked to the illegal activities have been seized.
The FMA’s Department for the Alma-Ata region is currently conducting a pre-trial investigation into the illicit operations of the 1WIN online casino. Notably, the casino was not only active in Kazakhstan but also extended its operations to the CIS countries and beyond.
The agency highlighted that, aside from illegal gambling activities that involved a significant number of citizens, the online platform also provided betting services without the necessary licence.
Pragmatic Play will offer its gaming content in the markets of Belgium and the Netherlands
Pragmatic Play has entered into a strategic partnership with Gaming1, a major online casino operator. This collaboration aims to expand Pragmatic Play’s presence in the regulated markets of Belgium and the Netherlands by delivering a diverse range of online casino content through the Circus brand.
According to this agreement, Pragmatic Play’s extensive library of games, including its latest slot releases, will now be made available to players in subject jurisdictions. These games can be accessed through the Circus.be and Circus.nl platforms operated by Gaming1.
Senator Joseph Addabbo has proposed a bill aimed at legalising online casinos within the state of New York
Senator Joseph Addabbo has introduced a legislative proposal aimed at facilitating the legalisation of online casinos in New York, building upon a similar initiative from the previous year. Presently, only seven states, including neighboring New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, permit online casino gaming.
The proposed online casino bill outlines potential financial benefits for the state, with market estimates projecting an annual influx of around $1 billion in state tax revenue. Additionally, the legislation anticipates one-time licensing fees totaling approximately $150 million.
These fees would be collected from casinos, operators, and independent contractors seeking to establish online casino operations within the state. If passed, this bill could usher in a significant economic boost for New York through the expansion of its gaming industry.
