Dutch regulatory body advises against proposed updates to gambling laws
The Dutch Advisory Board on Regulatory Burden (ATR), an independent watchdog overseeing regulations impacting businesses, consumers, and the public sector, has raised concerns regarding proposed new regulations for online gambling. It argues that the suggested requirements would unnecessarily burden operators with technical issues.
Legal Protection Minister Franc Weerwind has put forth proposals for monthly financial risk assessments on customer accounts once spending exceeds €350, along with a mandatory €150 loss limit for players under 24. Additionally, operators would be required to ensure that trained staff reach out to customers individually every 30 minutes to offer care warnings.
However, the ATR has questioned whether the government has adequately considered the technical complexities involved and whether these measures would achieve their intended objectives. Citing a report indicating that up to 5% of players might raise their deposit limits to circumvent controls, the ATR also pointed out estimates by Kindred Group suggesting that meeting the requirement for care warnings would necessitate a 50% increase in customer care staffing.
The ATR proposed that it might be simpler and more effective to prohibit high betting limits altogether, thereby obviating the need for additional staffing. Furthermore, it expressed support for a ban on gambling advertisements.
Wazdan solidifies its presence in Spain through a partnership with Casino777.es
Wazdan has strengthened its position in the Spanish market through a recent collaboration with Casino777.es. Under this partnership, Casino777.es will offer a selection of Wazdan’s game titles, with plans to expand the offerings as the collaboration evolves.
César Paredes, the Country Manager at Casino777.es, stated: “We are thrilled to partner with Wazdan to introduce their innovative games to our platform. Wazdan’s slot portfolio has already resonated well with Spanish players, and we look forward to offering an even wider array of their unique titles to our customers.”
This collaboration not only strengthens Wazdan’s foothold in Spain but also consolidates its presence across Europe. Recent expansions include collaborations in Bosnia and Herzegovina with AdmiralBet, Lithuania with Twinsbet, and Romania with Totogaming, among others.
Andrzej Hyla, the CCO at Wazdan, said: “We are excited to join forces with Casino777.es. This partnership enables us to extend our reach and introduce our captivating titles to a broader audience of Spanish players.”
Brazil imposes a 15% tax on gambling prizes
The Brazilian Federal Revenue Service (RFB) has officially confirmed personal income tax (IRPF) regarding winnings from betting, lotteries, and online gambling.
In alignment with expectations, the RFB has greenlit the government’s decision to impose a 15% personal income tax on prizes and winnings exceeding BRL 2824. For winnings below this threshold, equivalent to two average monthly wages for Brazilian citizens, the 15% tax will not be applicable.
The calculation of net prizes in the betting market will be based on the difference between the prize amount won and the total amount wagered by the individual.
To streamline the tax process, operators will deduct the 15% tax from winnings ‘at source’ when crediting customers, akin to practices seen in state lotteries.
This measure was imposed by President Lula da Silva upon signing Bill No. 3,626/2023. While sanctioned as federal law, the tax provision required review by the RFB to integrate into the broader tax framework.
