Gambling.com launches “Cosmo Spins” Free-to-Play Slot Game

Gambling.com, the global leader in online casino reviews and bonus comparison, has unveiled its newest innovation — Cosmo Spins, a free-to-play entertainment slot game that gives users daily free spins and the chance to win real prizes with no deposit required.

A Stellar New Adventure

Cosmo Spins introduces players to Cosmo, Gambling.com’s adventurous space explorer, who travels through the iGaming universe in search of rewards. The game’s standout feature is the Prize Wheel, which unlocks when players land three Cosmo Avatar symbols. Once activated, the wheel offers a variety of prizes — from giveaway entries to exclusive bonuses.

Fun, Free, and Rewarding

“Cosmo Spins is quickly proving to be great fun for our members, and yet another reason to come to the website each day and try your luck on us risk-free,” said Dean Ryan, Marketing Director at Gambling.com.

He added:
“We love free-to-play games that offer entertainment and education without spending money — and we thought, why not create one ourselves to join our extensive library of free casino options?”

Gambling.com remains a trusted destination for safe, transparent online gaming experiences and expert advice. With over 20,000 users already registered, the launch of Cosmo Spins is expected to attract even more players.

Dean Ryan concluded:
“Look out for the first Prize Wheel winners — with real prizes, exclusive giveaway entries, and other items up for grabs, it’s all to play for!”

Cosmo Spins is a free-to-play entertainment game, not real gambling, and is available in multiple regions, subject to local terms and conditions.

Reade more >>

Poker pros under pressure as U.S. tax reform targets gambling losses

A recent tax reform in the United States is raising serious concerns among professional poker players. New federal regulations limit the deductibility of gambling losses to 90% of annual winnings. As a result, players may be taxed on "phantom income" even in years where they break even or suffer slight losses.

This change has been met with strong criticism, especially from high-volume professionals who operate on tight margins. Their business model relies on long-term profitability with inevitable short-term swings, and the new rule could lead to unsustainable tax liabilities even in modestly profitable years.

Industry groups and poker associations are calling for amendments to the law. Many experts argue that the rule could drive professionals toward unregulated markets or prompt them to relocate to jurisdictions with more favorable tax systems.

This policy shift could profoundly impact the structure of professional poker in the U.S., affecting not only individual players but also live and online poker ecosystems, sponsorships, and tournament economics.

Reade more >>

Andrea Pirlo presents winners at Golden Boomerang Awards 2025 at iconic San Siro Stadium

Milan, Italy — The Golden Boomerang Awards 2025 reached new heights of prestige and celebration this year as Boomerang Partners hosted the landmark event at none other than the legendary San Siro Stadium. Drawing over 400 partner teams from around the world, the event has firmly established itself as one of the premier global gatherings in the affiliate marketing industry, honoring excellence across sports and a range of performance-driven verticals.

The evening’s highlight was the presence of Andrea Pirlo, AC Milan legend and global football icon, who graced the stage to personally present the awards. His participation brought a special significance to the night, as he applauded the innovation and performance achievements of this year’s winners.

Andrea Pirlo commented:
“It’s a pleasure to be part of such an exciting event that brings innovation, performance, and community together. My congratulations to all the winners—your hard work truly stands out.”

Kajino Media Takes Top Honors

In total, 11 awards were presented in major affiliate marketing categories, culminating in the prestigious GrandPrix award, which was claimed by Kajino Media for dominating the sports leaderboard.

Kajino Media’s founder shared:
“The Golden Boomerang Awards is a great test of our capabilities and expertise. This tournament allows us not only to evaluate our work but also to be recognized on a global level. I had some expectations that we would win, but I wasn’t sure, to be honest. I’m happy!”

A Night Beyond Awards

The ceremony was more than a celebration of affiliate success—it was an immersive VIP experience. Guests received exclusive access to the Mondo Milan Museum and the Official AC Milan Store, where a live Italian artist created custom T-shirts for attendees.

Renowned Italian showrunner Gabriele Rizzi, known for his collaborations with top fashion houses, curated a stunning stage production, while performances from elite DJs, fashion artists, and a Michelin-starred culinary team elevated the experience.

Giving Back Through Sport

The evening also featured a memorable charity auction, with standout prizes including:

• A commemorative watch honoring AC Milan’s 2003/2004 title-winning season

• A custom ball signed by Andrea Pirlo

• A lot of premium wine from Pirlo’s own collection

• A signed jersey by team star Rafael Leão

The auction raised €8,000, all of which was donated to Fondazione Milan in support of youth sports projects.

Benedetto Di Blasi, Fundraising and Digital Communication Officer at Fondazione Milan, said:
“Thanks to this fundraiser, in the next season 2025/26, Boomerang and its partners will support 27 children, either living with disabilities or in vulnerable environments, giving them the opportunity to play sports in safe and high-quality project spaces.”

---

Looking Ahead

The Golden Boomerang Awards 2025 showcased how the power of sport, affiliate technology, and human connection can converge to create something unforgettable. With legendary guests, world-class entertainment, and a commitment to social impact, the ceremony raised the bar for what industry events can be.

Boomerang Partners has already begun work on the third season of the tournament, promising another groundbreaking year for the affiliate community.

Stay tuned—the boomerang always comes back.

Reade more >>

BetUS ordered to halt illegal online gambling operations in Michigan

The Michigan Gaming Control Board has issued a cease-and-desist order to BetUS, an offshore gambling operator, for illegally offering internet gaming and sports betting to Michigan residents without proper licensure.

Founded in 1994 and based in Costa Rica, BetUS is one of the longest-standing online gambling platforms. The company claims to serve over a million clients globally, offering a wide range of betting options including sports betting, esports, casino games, and horse racing. Despite its extensive operations, BetUS is licensed only in the Comoros Union (Mwali) and is not authorized to conduct gambling activities in Michigan.

BetUS operates a comprehensive online platform that includes live betting, mobile access, and cryptocurrency transactions. It has been known for offering proposition bets on a variety of events, from sports to pop culture and politics.

Violation of Michigan Law
Investigations by the MGCB revealed that BetUS was accepting wagers from Michigan residents on various gambling activities, including sports and casino-style games, without the necessary state authorization. This operation violates Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code.

“Unlicensed operators like BetUS undermine the integrity of Michigan’s regulated gaming market and expose consumers to potential risks,” said Henry Williams, MGCB Executive Director. “The MGCB is committed to protecting Michigan residents by ensuring that all gambling activities are conducted legally and responsibly.”

Cease-and-Desist Order
The cease-and-desist order mandates that BetUS immediately halt all operations involving Michigan residents. The company has 14 days to comply or face further legal action in coordination with the Michigan Department of Attorney General.

Reporting Suspicious Activity
The MGCB encourages residents to report any suspicious or illegal gambling activity by calling 1-888-314-2682 or emailing MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov.

Reade more >>

AC Milan Legend Andrea Pirlo to be at the GBA 2025 Ceremony

AC Milan Legend and world football icon Andrea Pirlo officially addressed the second annual Golden Boomerang Awards 2025 tournament participants. The organizer, Boomerang Partners, posted a video message on social media.

Pirlo was excited about the event: “The Golden Boomerang Awards 2025 is where legends and winners come together. And this year, I’ll be there, waiting to meet the top 30 at San Siro on May 20th. It’s going to be a special night. Full of energy, football, and style — in the heart of Milan.”

Andrea Pirlo is the 2006 World Champion with the Italian national team. He has twice won the Champions League with AC Milan and is a multiple winner of Serie A, the Italian Cup, the Italian Super Cup, and other notable tournaments. He is also inducted into the AC Milan Hall of Fame and the Italian Football Hall of Fame. After finishing his career as a footballer, Andrea started his coaching journey. Pirlo’s presence at the Golden Boomerang Awards ceremony links football’s legacy with the future of digital entertainment.

With the Golden Boomerang Awards 2025 concluding on 11 May, the top 30 affiliate teams are now set to gather in Milan for a night of recognition, creativity, and connection. Boomerang provides this opportunity as the Official Regional Betting Partner of AC Milan. Awards will be presented in 11 categories, including the main one—the Grand Prix. Guests can expect an unforgettable evening with Andrea Pirlo. They can look forward to high-profile networking opportunities, inspiring moments, and speeches celebrating the fusion of culture, innovation, and creativity.

Reade more >>

Caesars launches live dealer studio

Caesars Entertainment, Inc. today announced the launch of its first branded online casino live dealer studio for players on Caesars Palace Online Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino in Pennsylvania. Made possible through Caesars’ partnership with Evolution Gaming, Caesars' marquee online casino platforms in the Keystone State now offer an immersive live dealer experience reminiscent of the energy and grandeur of the Caesars Palace Las Vegas gaming floor.

The new Philadelphia-based studio comprises five blackjack tables, including a VIP-exclusive blackjack table, one roulette table and one baccarat table, offering something for all players. Each table features a custom felt with imagery and branding from the iconic Caesars Palace and Caesars online casino brands, including Caesars Palace Online Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook and Casino. Select tables also feature custom felts co-branded through partnerships with professional sports leagues. The VIP-exclusive blackjack table creates true 1-to-1 live high-limit blackjack that could previously only be had inside a casino.

“Creating a fully customized live dealer studio with our partners at Evolution has heightened the user experience on our online casino platforms by providing a Las Vegas Strip-style experience directly in the palm of our players' hands,” said Matt Sunderland, Senior Vice President and Chief iGaming Officer at Caesars Digital. “We’ve taken inspiration from the iconic designs at Caesars Palace to complete this world-class studio in Pennsylvania, from the legendary Julius Caesar statue down to flooring patterns and wall coverings at the destination. The result is an aesthetically unmatched live dealer experience that pays homage to our renowned brand.”

“Evolution is excited to take our partnership to the next level by providing a unique live dealer studio dedicated to the Caesars brand in our Philadelphia headquarters,” said Jacob Claesson, Chief Executive Officer at Evolution North America. “By combining our cutting-edge technology with the unmistakable Caesars brand, this dedicated studio will deliver the elegance and thrill of Caesars Palace to online players in Pennsylvania. The new studio is truly stunning and showcases the incredible potential of live dealer casino gaming. We are extremely happy and proud to support Caesars in their efforts to elevate their player experience and continue to raise the bar for online casino entertainment.”

Caesars Palace Online Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino, and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino are available on iOS, Android, and desktop for those 21 and older in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ontario, and West Virginia. Each platform offers a dynamic online casino experience with a range of unique Caesars-branded games alongside hundreds of classic land-based casino favorites and core casino game mechanics, including high limit slots, private live dealer tables, linked progressive jackpots, variations of poker and roulette, and more.

Caesars’ easy-to-navigate online casino apps and desktop platforms also tie online gaming to The Company’s industry-leading customer loyalty program, Caesars Rewards. Players in the United States earn Caesars Rewards Credits through their online and in-person casino play that can be redeemed for unforgettable Caesars Rewards experiences at one of Caesars' more than 50 world-class destinations across North America.

Caesars Entertainment is an industry leader in Responsible Gaming, known for pioneering Responsible Gaming awareness and education. In 1989, Caesars became the first commercial casino company to address problem gambling by launching the industry’s first Responsible Gaming program, Project 21. Today, the Company’s commitment to ensuring all players are aware of Responsible Gaming resources remains steadfast and spans all of Caesars’ digital platforms and world-class destinations in which it operates. Caesars Entertainment proudly enforces an enhanced 21+ gaming policy that prevents individuals under the age of 21 from using Caesars Rewards and restricts access to its gaming products for individuals under the age of 21.

In March 2024, Caesars Sportsbook received the prestigious RG Check accreditation from the Responsible Gambling Council in Ontario, Canada, which recognizes companies that achieve the highest standards for their Responsible Gaming practices. Just a few months later, the Company was awarded the National Council on Problem Gambling’s award for Corporate Social Responsibility.

Reade more >>

Dutch Gambling Authority intervenes in gambling sponsorship

The Dutch Gaming Authority has reprimanded three providers for incidents involving sponsorship. Since 1 July 2024, there have been new rules regarding sponsorship. This means that sponsoring television programs and events is no longer permitted. Until 1 July 2025, only sports sponsorship is permitted, after that it will no longer be permitted.

In sports sponsorship, providers may not target vulnerable groups, including minors and young adults. It is the responsibility of the gambling provider to adhere to these rules at all times, even if third parties are involved in the sponsorship. The Ksa saw this go wrong several times.

One provider had a sponsorship contract with an organizer of a national event in the past. Despite the fact that this agreement had expired, the organization continued to use the promotional materials that contained the provider's name, while this was no longer allowed after July 1. After the warning from the Ksa, the provider immediately had its logo removed from the promotional materials.

A second provider also went wrong in agreements with a third party. The provider sponsored a major sporting event. In the run-up to the tournament, children and young adults played sports at the location. As a result, the provider's advertising expressions were also visible outside the sporting events, and moreover by a vulnerable target group. The Ksa emphasized again that the provider itself is responsible for the sponsorship expressions and their visibility and should therefore have been alert to the fact that these were also visible outside the tournament.

The third provider had an issue in a sports webshop: T-shirts of a famous athlete were sold there with the provider's logo on them, as shirt sponsor. These shirts were also available in children's sizes, which meant that the advertising was aimed at a vulnerable target group, which is not permitted. The provider immediately took action to ensure that the children's sizes no longer carried the provider's logo.

In these three cases, the Ksa has once again explained the rules regarding sponsoring to the providers. In the event of a subsequent violation, the Ksa may take enforcement action. It is up to the provider to make clear agreements with external parties. This includes the use of sponsor materials, the time at which sponsor messages are shown and the way in which they are distributed. In addition, it is also up to the provider to ensure that external parties adhere to these agreements.

Reade more >>

Betway becomes European Betting Partner of Chelsea FC

Leading global online sports betting and gaming brand Betway has secured a multi-year deal to become the ‘European Betting Partner’ of five-time Premier League champions Chelsea FC.

Chelsea joins Betway’s enviable portfolio of top clubs across Europe’s biggest football leagues, furthering the brand’s English Premier League exposure.

This agreement will see Betway, owned by global digital gaming company Super Group, benefit from extensive IP rights, including the use of Chelsea’s legendary players and current stars to create exclusive content. Fans can look forward to VIP experiences such as meet-and-greets with players, pitch-side tours, match hospitality and unique opportunities - such as the chance to play on the iconic Stamford Bridge pitch.

Betway’s branding will be prominently featured on the LED advertising boards around the pitch during all home league and domestic cup matches, ensuring visibility to millions of fans globally. The deal also covers digital and social media rights, enabling Betway to connect with Chelsea’s extensive and passionate global fanbase.

Neal Menashe, CEO of Super Group, stated: “We are incredibly proud to partner with the two-time UEFA Champions League winners and the five-time Premier League champions. An amazing achievement. Chelsea is a truly global club with a hugely successful history. This partnership is a super opportunity for Betway to expand its brand and to reward our loyal customers and engage with football fans in new and thrilling ways. We are super excited to work alongside this club.”

Casper Stylsvig, Chief Revenue Officer at Chelsea Football Club, added: “We are really pleased to welcome Betway as our Official European Betting Partner. Their commitment to creating engaging and memorable experiences for fans aligns perfectly with our values at Chelsea.

“This partnership will offer our supporters incredible opportunities to connect with the club, from interacting with current and legendary players to enjoying VIP hospitality and behind-the-scenes access. We look forward to a successful and dynamic collaboration with Betway over the coming years.”

Betway will also work closely with the club to deliver best-in-class training and initiatives as part of a joint, and ongoing, commitment to safer gambling.

Reade more >>

UK Gambling Commission launches new gambling survey

The U.K. Gambling Commission today launched a new gambling survey which is set to become one of the largest in the world and establish a new baseline for understanding gambling behavior in Britain.

The first annual report of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, produced by National Center for Social Research and the University of Glasgow, features responses from 9,804 people but will increase to around 20,000 by next year.

The publication provides greater insight into attitudes and gambling behaviors – presenting a fuller picture, illuminating participation rates, the type of gambling activities participated in, experiences and reasons for gambling, and the consequences that gambling can have on individuals and others close to them.

Tim Miller, Executive Director of Research and Policy, said: “One of our aims as a regulator is to ensure we gather the best possible evidence on gambling – and today’s publication is the next significant step forward in our journey on creating a robust source of evidence for gambling in Great Britain.

“Data in this report represents the first year of a new baseline, against which future changes can be compared and as such will prove invaluable in deepening further our understanding of gambling across the country.”

Professor Patrick?Sturgis, Professor of Quantitative Social Science at the London School of Economics, added: "The new design of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain will significantly enhance the evidence base on patterns and trends in gambling behaviour.

“With an annual sample size of 20,000 individual interviews across the nations and regions of Great Britain, the survey will provide researchers and policy makers with fine-grained and timely data across a broad range of key indicators.

“Using a push-to-web mixed mode design and random probability sampling from the Postcode Address File, the survey implements?state-of-the-art methodology to a very high standard."

As part of a drive to ensure the new statistics are used correctly the Commission has published guidance on how this data can be interpreted. For example, estimates presented in this report are not directly comparable with results from prior surveys due to the differing methodology, including a bigger sample size. The Commission will always robustly tackle any misuse of official statistics and our guidance sets out how we do this.

Reade more >>

Europe is well on its way towards full multi-licensing for online gambling

A new analysis by EGBA concludes that 27 out of 31 European countries employ some form of multi-licensing for online gambling, with an overwhelming majority implementing a full multi-licensing approach.

In recent years, Europe has experienced a remarkable transformation in online gambling regulation. Just fifteen years ago, the landscape was vastly different. Most European countries lacked dedicated regulations for online gambling or operated under exclusive rights models where only state-owned entities had a monopoly to offer online gambling services.[1]

But fast forward to today and the situation has evolved significantly. A new analysis[2] by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) concludes that the multi-licensing model has become the predominant regulatory approach in Europe. Under this model, multiple companies are permitted to offer online gambling services within a country, provided they comply with strict regulatory obligations.

Key findings of the analysis:

- 27 out of 31 European countries have adopted some form of multi-licensing, indicating a robust trend towards open, competitive markets.
- Four countries currently do not have any form of multi-licensing: Finland, Iceland, and Norway maintain exclusive rights models, granting state-owned entities a monopoly over all online gambling services, while Luxembourg lacks dedicated regulations for online gambling.
- Of the 27 countries with multi-licensing, 23 countries have a full multi-licensing model for all regulated online gambling products in those countries.
- Four countries have a mixed model with partial multi-licensing: Slovenia and Switzerland each have a monopoly for online sports betting, while Austria and Poland each have a monopoly for online casino gaming and poker, with multi-licensing for all other online gambling products.
- Cyprus (casino gaming and poker) and France (casino gaming) each impose product-specific prohibitions but both have multi-licensing for all other regulated online gambling products.
- Finland is currently undergoing legislative reforms, and is expected to establish a multi-licensing framework for online gambling in 2026.

“The momentum towards full multi-licensing for online gambling in Europe is undeniable. While a few exceptions still exist, governments are concluding that public policy objectives, particularly related to consumer protection and tax generation, are more effectively met through well-regulated online competition. Finland’s current transition towards multi-licensing signals the impending end of the last online gambling monopoly in the EU, marking a significant regulatory milestone.”

“Similar deliberations regarding the future of the online monopoly are inevitable in Norway and Iceland. Furthermore, the handful of countries with either partial monopolies or product prohibitions should strive for greater consistency and effectiveness in their policies by phasing these out. With over 15 years of regulatory experience in Europe, it’s clear that full multi-licensing offers the best pathway to enhance consumer protection, increase tax revenues, and ensure stronger regulatory control. The time has come for the last remaining European countries to embrace this optimal form of online regulation.” – Maarten Haijer, Secretary General, EGBA.

Reade more >>

William Hill adds four Irish horse racing ambassadors

William Hill has strengthened its impressive stable of horse racing ambassadors by aligning with leading Irish trainer Gavin Cromwell, top National Hunt jockeys J J Slevin and Sean Flanagan and respected presenter and broadcaster Jane Mangan.

Aimed at increasing its content offering in Ireland, the deals with Cromwell, Slevin, Flanagan and Mangan will see the ambassadors provide blogs covering all the major racing news and meetings as well as regular video content for the bookmaker’s social media platforms. The activity will begin ahead of this weekend’s Dublin Racing Festival from Leopardstown, where Slevin is set to partner Irish Gold Cup contender, Fastorslow.

The four new deals come in conjunction with the news that the leading bookmaker has extended its sponsorship of the William Hill Champion Chase on the opening day of the Punchestown Festival for the next three years, with several other races set to be sponsored including the William Hill Boyne Hurdle at Navan on 11 February.

In addition, William Hill has also partnered with Irish sports media company, Off The Ball, who produce podcast, radio, website and live digital content. The partnership which will see joint branded William Hill and Off The Ball live horse racing events around Ireland in the coming months, with the first taking place on February 1st ahead of the Dublin Racing Festival. The live event will feature all four of the bookmaker’s new Irish horse racing ambassadors.

Andrew McCleave, Head of Marketing at William Ireland, said: “William Hill has a long proud history in horse racing, specifically in the UK, and for 2024 we want to position ourselves at the heart of racing in Ireland as well.

“We are delighted to announce Gavin Cromwell, J J Slevin, Sean Flanagan and Jane Mangan as our new horse racing ambassadors in Ireland. All four are very talented in their fields and will be able to offer fascinating and unique insight to our followers.

“We really want to get into the DNA of Irish racing by supporting big races and festivals, so it’s fantastic that we have extended our sponsorship of the William Hill Champion Chase at the Punchestown Festival for another three years, while our deal with Off The Ball should really help increase our exposure too.”

Reade more >>

Swedish Gambling Authority and IBIA join forces on betting integrity

Spelinspektionen, the Swedish Gambling Authority, and the International Betting Integrity Association have signed a memorandum of understanding on sports betting integrity. It brings together the body responsible for ensuring that the Swedish gambling market is legal, safe and reliable, and the largest international betting integrity monitor of its type in the world.

The MoU will see both parties share information concerning suspicious betting activity identified on Swedish sport. IBIA represents the majority of the SGA licensed betting market, which leading industry data and intelligence company H2 Gambling Capital valued at SEK4,690m in sports betting GGR in 2022.

Khalid Ali, IBIA CEO, said: “IBIA is delighted to have reached this agreement with the Swedish Gambling Authority. The association is focused on working closely with the SGA to maintain the integrity of Swedish sport and the regulated betting market. IBIA will utilize its global customer account transaction data to identify and report suspicious betting on Swedish sporting events to the SGA and engage in any related investigatory actions. Maintaining the integrity of the market is of paramount importance.”

Camilla Rosenberg, SGA Director-General, said: “It is very important to us that information is shared regarding suspicious betting activity in order to maintain the integrity of sports. Therefore, we are delighted to have reached this agreement with IBIA which will be beneficial to our coordination of the national platform and general work against match-fixing. We look forward to our cooperation with IBIA.”

In December 2023, the Swedish Government notified the European Commission that they intend to amend the Gambling Ordinance. The changes include proposals to make Sweden fully compliant with the Macolin Convention and for SGA to set up and run a platform for itself, licensed betting operators and national sports federations to share information about suspected match fixing.

IBIA is a globally recognized non-profit organization that seeks to guarantee integrity in the sports betting sector. Its membership includes nearly 50 companies and over 125 leading sports betting brands with over $137 billion in betting turner per annum, making IBIA the world’s leading operator-run integrity monitoring body.

IBIA’s Q3 2023 integrity report detailed 50 alerts reported in the quarter; the association’s Q4 and annual report for 2023 will be published in the coming weeks. The association reported 268 alerts to the authorities in 2022, with successful sporting or criminal sanctions against 15 teams, officials or players where IBIA had reported suspicious activity on their matches.

Reade more >>

MGA cancels Winners Malta Operations Limited's license

The Malta Gaming Authority has decided to cancel the authorization awarded to Winners Malta Operations Limited, bearing reference number MGA/B2C/618/2018, effective as of 11 January 2024.

This is being done in terms of regulations 9 (1) (c), 9 (1) (d), 9 (1) (l) and 10 (1) (a) of the Gaming Compliance and Enforcement Regulations (S.L. 583.06) (the ‘Regulations’).

Pursuant to the foregoing decision, the Authorized Person is hereby being directed to:

- Settle all outstanding fees that are due to the Authority within a period of five (5) days from the effective date referred to above; - Refund all player monies to the legitimate players accordingly and in line with the Gaming Act (Chapter 583 of the Laws of Malta) (the ‘Act’) and the regulatory instruments issued thereunder; - Submit to the Authority a transaction report extracted from their back-end system together with the supporting bank statements, attesting that all player funds have been duly remitted to the registered players, within a period of seven (7) days from the effective date referred to above; - Provided that the Authority shall reserve the right to request the Authorized Person to provide the necessary facilities to the Authority in order for the latter to extract and make copies of the relevant data, including but not limited to, essential regulatory data as defined in the Gaming Definitions Regulations (S.L. 583.04). - Remove, with immediate effect, any reference to the Authority and the authorisations in accordance with article 51 of the Act.

This decision is subject to appeal in terms of article 43 (1) of the Act.

Reade more >>

EUROMAT urges European Commission to take action against the Valencian gambling law

The European Gaming and Amusement Federation, representing the interests of the amusement and low-stakes gaming machine industry, is urging the European Commission to address transparency and procedural concerns in the Valencian Government’s adoption of its gambling law (Valencia Law 1/2020, of 11 June 2020, of the Generalitat, on the regulation of gambling and the prevention of pathological gambling in the Valencian Community).

EUROMAT is concerned that an obligation on Member States, imposed by Directive (EU) 2015/1535, to notify the European Commission of draft technical regulations prior to their adoption was not observed by the Valencian Government. Several amendments to the law, resulting in significant modifications, were introduced between an initial TRIS notification in March 2018 and the adoption of a final text in June 2020 which should have triggered a new notification. The European Commission is currently investigating the matter.

Commenting on the case, EUROMAT President Jason Frost said: “It is important that EU law is fully respected by all Member States and that legal changes are thoroughly scrutinized using the correct notification procedure. We are urging the European Commission to look in detail at this particular case as there were clearly substantive amendments to the gambling law which were not notified. Unless EU law is properly enforced, business has no legal certainty”.

Proper notification and re-notification of legal texts by Members States is essential for comprehensive reviews by the Commission and affected EU countries. EUROMAT has raised this concern with the Commission and hope for a swift conclusion to its investigation.

Reade more >>

Gambling Market to grow by $260.44 billion between 2023 and 2027

The Gambling Market is projected to experience significant growth, accelerating at a CAGR of 7.1% and an estimated increase of $260.44 billion. The market's expansion is driven by the increasing betting on e-sports. However, factors such as security and credibility issues associated with online gambling may impede market growth. This gambling market report extensively covers market segmentation by type (lottery, betting, and casino), platform (online and offline) and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America). This segmentation allows for targeted analysis of regional trends and customer needs, enabling effective strategies for companies.

Technavio provides reports in the bundle related to the Gambling Market offering valuable insights and a comprehensive understanding of their current status and future prospects.

Historic market values with future estimates

In-depth analysis of segmentation and 10+ countries

Current market dynamics and growth opportunities

Growth strategies of 20+ companies with offerings

By purchasing this cost-effective bundle, you gain access to valuable information and insights. It offers multiple reports at a discounted price, making it more affordable than buying individual reports separately.

Online Gambling Market: The Global Online Gambling Market Size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.03% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 150.5 billion. This report extensively covers market segmentation by device (desktop and mobile), product (lottery, betting, and casino), and geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa).

VR Gambling Market: The virtual reality (VR) gambling market share is expected to increase by USD 1.74 billion from 2020 to 2025, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 53.13%. This report extensively covers VR gambling market segmentation by type (casino, betting, and lottery) and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, MEA, and South America).

Casino Market: The casino market share is expected to increase by USD 38.23 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 3.97%. This casino market research report extensively covers casino market segmentation by type (poker, blackjack, craps, lottery, and others) and geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa).

Mexico Lottery Market: The lottery market in Mexico is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecasted to increase by USD 3,537.24 million. This report extensively covers market segmentation by platform (offline and online) and type (draw-based lotteries, sports lotteries, instant lotteries, and others).

Subscription Based Gaming Market: The subscription based gaming market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.17% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 4,409.54 million. This subscription based gaming market report extensively covers market segmentation by device (smartphones, console, and PC), type (offline and online), and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa).

Reade more >>

Le donne nel poker: storie di successo e crescita nell'industria

Le donne stanno conquistando il mondo del poker con successo e determinazione. Sempre più donne stanno emergendo come giocatrici di poker di alto livello e stanno contribuendo a cambiare il panorama dell'industria. Queste storie di successo ispirano altre donne a entrare nel mondo del poker e a sfidare gli stereotipi di genere associati a questo gioco di carte.

Reade more >>

Gambling market to grow by $260 billion from 2022-2027

The gambling market size is set to grow by USD 260.44 billion between 2022 and 2027 and register a CAGR of 7.1%, according to Technavio's latest market research report.

North America is expected to contribute 37% to the development of the global market. The demand for online gambling in the region is growing at a rapid pace because of the rise in the number of mobile application platforms.

Previously, the adoption of online-based gambling games, such as online poker, online bingo, and online lottery, was limited because of the lack of availability of online platforms, such as web applications and mobile applications. The increasing use of websites and applications for online gambling and the rising penetration of smartphones has enabled vendors to launch online-based gambling games, which is expected to fuel the demand for online gambling in North America, fostering the further growth of the market in focus during the forecast period.

Reade more >>

Betting industry urges great cooperation on safer gambling marketing

Social media giants are being urged to co-operate with the betting and gaming industry to limit marketing seen by young people and problem gamblers. Standards body, The Betting and Gaming Council, want to implement new measures for online adverts but are being undermined by social media platforms. BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher has written to Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer MP, urging her to put pressure on social media platforms as part of the Government’s drive to tackle problem gambling among the young in particular. Launching the recent Gambling White Paper Mrs Frazer proposed measures that specifically looked at the under 25 age group. In his letter, Mr Dugher explains that an earlier BGC drive saw social media platforms allow the public to opt-out from receiving betting and gaming advertising. However, members say they need further cooperation to deliver other measures – in particular for those who have signed up to the industry self-exclusion tool GAMSTOP. The industry wants a ‘marketing suppression scheme’ which it says would stop 300,000 people registered to GAMPSTOP from receiving direct marketing on social media. In a letter to DCMS Secretary of State Mrs Frazer, Mr Dugher says: “This is impossible to achieve without the cooperation of the social media platforms themselves. This is a sensible solution, which BGC members are keen on implementing, but we cannot do so without the cooperation of social media platforms. “I would urge you to help on this matter by calling on social media platforms to finally cooperate with the BGC and make the relevant functionality available, so we can help protect the most vulnerable.” It would also like social media platforms to limit the frequency of ads to specific age groups, something members cannot do without cooperation. BGC members have already taken major steps to ensure only those legally allowed to bet see online marketing for regulated betting and gaming products. Currently all social media advertisements for BGC members must be targeted at those aged over 25, unless platforms can provide evidence to verify the accuracy of their targeting to over 18s. A new BGC code of conduct was also introduced placing a ban on football clubs using their social media accounts - which are popular with youngsters – posting direct marketing on betting odds and sites. The regulated betting and gaming industry in the U.K. supports 110,000 jobs, generates £4.2 billion in tax and contributes £7.1 billion to the economy. Around 22.5 million adults in the UK bet each month and we are encouraged by the latest figures from the Gambling Commission which show the rate of problem gambling among adults in the U.K. is 0.3%.

Reade more >>

ACMA takes action against illegal 'skins' gambling site

Online gaming company Feral Holdings Limited has been given a formal warning and its CS:GO Roll website has been withdrawn from Australia after the company was found to be providing prohibited interactive gambling services.

An Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) investigation found CS:GO Roll was providing casino-style online games, which are illegal under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 if the games are played for money or anything else of value.

CS:GO Roll allowed users to deposit ‘skins’ from popular video game Counter Strike: Global Offensive in exchange for in-game coins that could be used to gamble on casino-style games. Winnings from CS:GO Roll would then be paid out in the form of skins, which could be converted into real money using third-party platforms.

Gaming skins are used to change the look of virtual items or characters and can be won in video games or purchased via third party websites.

ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said gambling sites must follow Australian gambling laws, even if they use virtual items instead of traditional currency.

“Providing casino-style games online is prohibited in Australia when playing for money or something of value, whether that’s Australian dollars, cryptocurrency or in this case, online gaming skins,” said O’Loughlin. “Skins gambling services are particularly concerning as they tap into a youth market and have the potential to convert gamers into gamblers.”

Feral Holdings has been issued with a formal warning for contravening Australian gambling laws.

The ACMA publishes a register of licensed interactive wagering services so consumers can check the service they are using is legal in Australia.

Information about how consumers can protect themselves from illegal gambling operators is available on the ACMA website.

Reade more >>

Circa in Las Vegas to debut sports gambling hall of fame

On 11 August, Las Vegas’ Circa Resort & Casino will debut the Sports Gambling Hall of Fame. Located in an enclave within the world’s largest sportsbook, it will honor bookmakers and bettors who have notably transformed the sports gambling industry. Billy Walters, Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal and Roxy Roxborough will be amongst 10 of the names inducted into the inaugural 2023 class, which will take place at a special ceremony during the professional sports betting networking conference, BetBash.

“It’s an honor to have our sportsbook serve as the physical location for the Sports Gambling Hall of Fame,” says Derek Stevens, Circa’s CEO and founder. “At Circa, we are all about recognizing those who have made our city and industry what it is today. We look forward to celebrating these individuals and ensuring that their legacy is cemented.”

This year, the committee will recognize five living inductees, and five will be honored in memoriam. The first three announced inductees include:

- Billy Walters - Known for being the greatest sports bettor of all time. He commands respect from every prominent bookmaker in the world and is known for contributing as a philanthropist to various causes;
- Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal - American professional sports bettor and former Las Vegas casino executive known for blending charisma with customer service to casino patrons. He was portrayed by Robert DeNiro in the popular movie, Casino;
- Roxy Roxborough - Preeminent oddsmaker in the 1980s and 1990s who introduced mathematical formulas and computer models to the industry, as well as revolutionized the technology for updating odds to hundreds of sports books, newspapers and media outlets.

Additional inductees will be announced in the weeks building up to BetBash.

Gadoon “Spanky” Kyrollos, founder of the Sports Gambling Hall of Fame and BetBash, said, “It was a no-brainer to ask Derek if the Sports Gambling Hall of Fame could live in the world’s largest sportsbook – it’s truly the most beautiful and best sportsbook in the world. Most of the time, you have a casino and then you build a sportsbook into it. But at Circa, the casino was built around the sportsbook. Being a sports bettor, it’s such an incredible thing and we love what Derek has done down here. We look forward to having a permanent venue to recognize these accomplishments in our industry.”

Rules and regulations for the Sports Gambling Hall of Fame have been created and voted on by an advisory board consisting of 16 members, all of who have spent much of their lives in the sports gambling industry. Over a rigorous course of the past several months, the board met, discussed and voted on the development of the inaugural class. A 75 percent approval rating is needed for an individual’s induction to pass.

Reade more >>