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(AsiaGameHub) -   Ranging from Italy's full licensing system overhaul to stricter regulatory measures in the UK and the liberalization of emerging markets such as Finland, the global gaming sector is entering an era of major transformation.  To help operators navigate this constantly evolving landscape, SBC Summit Malta is launching a specialized ‘Market Disruption’ track focused on regulatory shifts and newly emerging opportunities that will define the industry's next phase of growth. Taking place on Wednesday, 29 April, the programme will bring together regional experts to analyze the most significant regulatory changes across the global gaming space and their impact on operators, covering everything from market entry strategies to long-term financial viability. Kicking off the track is the session Italy Reset: Consolidation, Control and the Next Licensing Cycle, which will unpack the ramifications of Italy's new licensing structure. Regional experts Marco Tiso (Managing Director, Sisal), Quirino Mancini (Partner and Director, WH Italy), Luca Grisci (Managing Director, HBG Online (Novomatic Group)), and Nicola Tani (Chief Editor, Agipro) will assess the core challenges facing operators entering the market, from financial consequences and regulatory adjustments to the barriers created by the new framework. “UK in Transition: Regulation, Retreat and the Fight for a Sustainable Market” will analyze how stricter regulation and rising operational costs are reshaping the UK gambling market. Christopher Dalli (CEO, L&L Europe) will explore how operators are adapting, from cost-cutting measures to adjustments in affiliate partnership models, alongside the rapid expansion of the black market, and whether tighter rules are protecting players or pushing them towards unregulated alternatives. A key highlight of the track will spotlight Malta's evolving fiscal framework with the session “New VAT Laws on Gambling and Betting, a Game Changer.”  Set to take effect on 1 October 2026, the new VAT regulations are expected to have a significant impact on how operators structure their business operations. The session will explore the drivers behind the reform, the benefits it brings to the gambling industry, and what steps Malta-based operators need to take to prepare for the changes, with insights from Nico Sciberras (Director Indirect Tax, MTCA), Cristian Edu (Head of Finance, Superbet Romania), and Ramona Cassar (Partner, Head of Tax, WH Partners). “Germany at a Crossroads: Regulation and Market Sustainability” will examine the challenges facing one of Europe's largest gambling markets. With growing black market activity, ongoing debates around channelisation, and increasing scrutiny over the balance between taxation and player protection, the session will explore whether Germany's current regulatory model is viable, moderated by Dr. Fabian Masurat (Lawyer, Taylor Wessing). “The Dutch Market at a Crossroads: Regulation, Politics and the Future of Licensing” will explore how political uncertainty and tightening restrictions are shaping the Netherlands' gambling landscape. With ongoing discussions around advertising bans and licensing limits, the session will examine whether increased regulation could drive market consolidation or force operators to exit the market, with insights from Frank op de Woerd (CEO & Founder, CasinoNieuws.nl). “Finland's Big Gamble: Can Regulation Win Back the Market?” will focus on the country's transition from a state monopoly to a licensed market by 2027. With channelisation rates declining and substantial revenue flowing to offshore operators, the session will explore whether the proposed regulatory framework can effectively compete with the black market, as discussed by Sam Brown (CEO, Rootz). Closing out the track, “Emerging Markets: The Next Billion Dollar Battleground” will examine where the industry's next growth opportunities are taking shape, as attention shifts from mature markets to regions across Africa, the UAE, Asia, and Latin America. With regulation still evolving in many of these markets, the session will explore where operators can make early moves, which regions are closest to formalizing regulation, and who is best positioned to succeed, featuring Donna Bugelli (Managing Associate, WH Partners). SBC Summit Malta will be held at the InterContinental Malta from 28–30 April, bringing together 6,000 industry stakeholders to explore the key forces shaping global gaming, from evolving regulation to technological innovation and shifting player expectations. Alongside the Market Disruption track, attendees will gain insights across marketing, sports betting and iGaming, operations and compliance, policy and PR, affiliation, and leadership. Secure Your Tickets to SBC Summit Malta Group Pass 3+ (VIP Pass): Available for groups of three or more, this pass grants full access to conference sessions, the expo floor, and networking events, all for a discounted rate of €400 per person. Single VIP Passes can be purchased at the full standard price of €600.  Looking for an Expo+ Pass? You can get one for just €150.If you are an operator or affiliate, you are eligible to apply for a free pass! Operators can apply for a complimentary pass here | Affiliates can apply for complimentary passes here. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The Netherlands' gambling regulator, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has stated that the country's illegal gambling sector is expanding further. In its most recent review, KSA Chairman Michel Groothuizen noted that primary metrics for the legal market—such as licensee count, player figures, and total revenue—have stayed mostly flat over the past six months. This stagnation demonstrates the effect of rules enacted in 2024 and 2025, which encompassed deposit restrictions, advertising rules, and increased tax rates on gambling. Even with the market's lack of growth, the KSA indicated that average player losses have kept dropping, declining to approximately €120 (£104) per month in the latter half of 2025—a reduction of over 25% from the year before. Nevertheless, the KSA expressed renewed alarm over the scale of the illicit market. The proportion of gross gaming revenue (GGR) attributed to licensed operators decreased from 56% early in 2025 to 53% in the second half, implying close to half of all gambling expenditure now goes to unlicensed sites. Michel Groothuizen. Credit: LinkedIn “Research indicates the illegal market's global share is increasing, a pattern we observe in other European nations too,” Groothuizen stated. “Several technological advances, like AI, and trends such as cryptocurrency gambling are factors. In the Netherlands, this movement might also stem from our own actions to enhance player safety at legal operators, like the implemented deposit limits. “Whereas half a year ago we had not seen deposit limits per operator leading to multiple accounts, we now notice a slight rise in accounts per player. “Consequently, it is plausible that the financial capacity check triggered above a specific amount motivates individuals to open another legal account elsewhere to avoid it, or to move completely to illegal options.” As Groothuizen highlighted, illicit market growth is not confined to the Netherlands. Regulators worldwide appear to be struggling to manage the surge of unlicensed operators within their borders. For instance, a recent YieldSec report revealed 62% of gambling activity in South Africa occurred via unlicensed sites not regulated domestically. South African Bookmakers’ Association (SABA) CEO Sean Coleman informed SBC News that the country's regulators are “lacking resources and skill sets to deal with the illegal market”. This sentiment is likely common among experts in many countries, supported by a study for Flutter Entertainment detailing how UK black market operators function effectively without significant consequences. Regarding this, researcher Alex Wood remarked it would be “impossible” to legally confront these operators because of cross-border challenges. The KSA’s future plans For the future, Dutch authorities are evaluating a comprehensive deposit limit to stop players from hopping between licensed operators. Although this could limit avoidance within the legal market, Groothuizen recognized it might also drive some players to illegal alternatives. The KSA also reaffirmed its dedication to rigorous duty-of-care standards, underscoring persistent worries about high-risk gambling. Approximately 6% of Dutch adults engage in online gambling, and it has been highlighted that the country has “no age group that has as many gambling accounts, relatively speaking, as 18-year-olds”. Groothuizen cautioned that relaxing player safeguards would be unsuitable, emphasizing that protecting at-risk users is a foremost concern. Only last week, the KSA allocated additional money to its Addiction Prevention Fund to combat problem gambling. Although the regulator is often highlighted globally for addressing gambling harm and illegal operations, it continues to face extensive challenges—issues that extend beyond the Netherlands. Groothuizen ended his remarks by stating: “Strict compliance with the duty of care thus remains a key priority for the legal market. “It is self-evident that the illegal sector has no concern whatsoever for the potential harm from gambling.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Romania is set to distribute €5 million (£4.3 million) in grants to address problem gambling, with the funding provided by the regulator, the ONJN. The financial support is being made available through the National Public Interest Programme 'Conscious and Free', fulfilling a commitment by the ONJN that was published in the Official Gazette in December 2025. The grants will be provided as non-repayable financing for non-profit initiatives, drawn directly from the ONJN's 2026 budget earmarked for promoting socially responsible gambling. The allocation is divided into three key areas. The largest portion, €3.6 million, is designated for prevention, education, safeguarding minors, treatment and counselling, research, digitalisation, and the promotion of responsible gambling. A sum of €1.2 million will be dedicated to establishing or enlarging specialised treatment centres, a funding stream exclusively available to public authorities. The remaining €200,000 will support studies and impact assessments to guide future public policy and intervention strategies. A complete timeline has been published, outlining four distinct phases. Applications must be submitted by 11 May, with eligibility assessments released on 15 May. Applicants may appeal these outcomes from 18-20 May, and final decisions and compliance findings will be issued between 21-26 May. On 8 July, the ONJN will publish the findings of an independent analysis alongside a report from a specially appointed ONJN Evaluation Commission. These preliminary results can be challenged until 13 July, with the definitive results slated for publication on 28 July. The concluding phase involves finalising grant contracts from 29-31 July, aiming for projects to start on 3 August. Each initiative will have a four-month duration, concluding in December 2026. Vlad-Cristian Soare, President of the ONJN, stated: “I promised these projects would come to fruition. Despite previous challenges, they will proceed and, crucially, will assist vulnerable individuals. “This secures the first funding of its kind in the ONJN's history for such programmes and simultaneously establishes the necessary regulatory framework for future financing. “It is important to note that enabling this funding required a joint effort by the ONJN, the Ministry of Finance, and UEFISCDI. This effort encompassed: amending legislation; reforming the internal responsible gaming service within the ONJN; constructing the legal mechanism and enacting two presidential orders that set the methodology and applicant guide; holding public consultations; developing a project submission platform; approving the State Budget Law; and publishing the programme and its announcement.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Caixa Econômica Federal has confirmed the suspension of its plans to introduce an online gambling platform, which was to operate under Brazil’s Bets Law. Late last week, Caixa revealed its choice to halt the launch of its online betting brand, initially slated for 2026, stating it would instead “monitor forthcoming developments related to federal online gambling laws”. Consequently, Caixa will freeze its BRL 30m (€6m) license payment, which had been made to the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) of the Ministry of Finance, the body responsible for regulating fixed-odds betting in Brazil. SBC Noticias Brazil reported that the state-owned bank had faced examination by the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU), which mandated it to reveal its intentions for launching an online gambling platform and to detail how it plans to utilize state funds. Since 1962, Caixa has been the sole operator of Brazil’s lottery system, a role established by an executive decree under President João Goulart. Via its Caixa Loterias subsidiary, the bank manages the nation’s primary lottery products, such as Mega-Sena, Lotofácil, Quina, and Lotomania, in addition to supervising infrastructure and bids for state lottery franchises. Caixa’s suspension of its plans comes amidst political disagreements regarding the future of the Bets Law. Bets in limbo Last week, the Workers’ Party’s congressional caucus introduced Bill PL 1808/2026, which seeks to entirely abolish the Bets framework, imposing a nationwide ban on online gambling throughout Brazil, with the sole exception of state-controlled lottery products. Given that Brazil ratified its online gambling legislation only 16 months ago, this would represent a significant reversal for the country, which had previously been identified as one of the world’s largest potential gambling markets. While 68 PT members have supported the bill, it has not yet secured formal approval from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva or high-ranking government officials, thus leaving its political influence uncertain. Additional uncertainty arose on Friday when O Globo reported that President Lula is drafting a presidential decree intended to supersede certain aspects of the existing betting regulations. These proposed measures are anticipated to concentrate on limiting gambling involvement among financially vulnerable populations, with a priority on safeguarding the Bolsa Familia programme. Moreover, Lula is expected to introduce his own directive to implement extensive restrictions on advertising and promotional incentives. These developments have positioned Caixa in a politically delicate situation. In 2025, the federal bank had been granted the right to enter the Bets market, a decision that attracted criticism from political circles regarding the perception of a state-owned entity promoting online gambling through its Caixa Loterias brand. Through Caixa Loterias, the operator is obligated to dedicate approximately 40% of lottery revenues to public funding, thereby supporting education, health, sports, and social security initiatives, establishing it as one of Brazil’s most crucial contributors to social investment. Responding to the prevailing uncertainty, Caixa reaffirmed its commitment to closely observing regulatory changes. In a statement, it declared: “Caixa advises that it consistently evaluates, responsibly and in alignment with the regulatory landscape, opportunities to engage in the fixed-odds betting market. As of now, no contracts have been executed for the platform’s operation, nor is there any liability for fines concerning this issue.” The bank further stated that its strategic choices have been informed by “technical, legal, and sustainability criteria, and continue to align with the federal government’s directives”. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   evoke and Bally’s Intralot have officially confirmed that acquisition discussions are underway. A public announcement from evoke, which has been approved by the Bally’s Intralot Board, indicated that talks are progressing regarding a potential acquisition of all of evoke’s issued and to-be-issued share capital at a price of 50 pence per share. As of April 17, the LSE-listed gambling group had 450 million shares outstanding. At 50 pence per share, this would place the purchase value at approximately £225 million. Following this announcement, evoke’s share price has seen an increase, trading around the 42 pence mark, its highest in a month. Credit: Google Bally’s Intralot retains the right to alter the terms of any potential offer, with May 18 set as the deadline for confirming such an offer. Robeson Reeves, Chief Executive Officer of Bally’s Intralot, stated: “We have established a business with a margin profile that distinguishes itself within this industry. evoke possesses the necessary scale. “We perceive a significant opportunity to apply our operating model to a considerably larger entity, with the potential to enhance its financial performance through substantial synergies that we are uniquely positioned to deliver. This is an opportunity we are pursuing with strong conviction.” The acquisition would consolidate three major brands under the Bally’s Intralot umbrella: evoke’s iGaming platforms 888casino and MrGreen, along with William Hill, which is the leading retail bookmaker in the UK and also a prominent online brand. However, this acquisition would also involve taking on significant debt, as evoke reported a net debt of -£1.8 billion in its interim H1 2025 results. At the close of 2025, evoke confirmed it was conducting a strategic review with the assistance of financial advisors Morgan Stanley and Rothschild & Co, which is when speculation about a sale intensified. This speculation was further fueled when evoke postponed its FY25 results to April 29, a month later than its usual reporting schedule in recent years. The news regarding the strategic review followed shortly after the UK Autumn Budget, announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, who confirmed an increase in Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40%, effective from April. Prior to the budget, evoke had decided to scale back its international presence for William Hill, withdrawing the brand from 13 markets to concentrate primarily on the UK. Subsequently, it was confirmed that an additional 200 shops would be closed within its domestic market. For Bally’s Intralot, the advantages are evident: a leading position not only in the UK but also in several other key European markets, such as Italy, where evoke recently secured a €7 million license under a newly regulated framework. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The Scottish Greens have committed to implementing a new levy on gambling establishments in their 2026 manifesto, with the goal of financing services for addiction prevention, recovery, and support. According to the plan, a surcharge would be applied to casinos, bookmakers, and other physical betting operators via non-domestic business rates. The income raised would be allocated to public health programs that tackle harm caused by gambling. The party stated this initiative aims to make sure companies help cover the societal expenses linked to their operations, especially concerning problem gambling and its broader effects on communities. “A significant number of gambling firms generate profits by preying on vulnerability and addiction, while the consequences are handled by communities, families, and public services,” stated Scottish Greens Co-Leader, Gillian Mackay. “What is frequently advertised as innocent entertainment can escalate into a much graver issue. “For many individuals, gambling can result in addiction, leading to debt, intense stress, poor mental health, and enduring damage to family life. The harm extends beyond the person, affecting their loved ones, households, and communities. “Our proposal is about restoring accountability. In essence, if a corporation benefits from addiction and harm, it must not evade the associated social costs. If a business profits from an activity that causes such significant harm, it should contribute to funding the solution. This is a fundamental issue of fairness. “At a time when public services are already strained, it is unjust for the burden to land on the NHS, local communities, and families, while gambling companies keep making profits.” While the Scottish Greens are a smaller party compared to the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP) and the primary opposition Labour party, they still wield a degree of influence. As part of a power-sharing arrangement with the SNP, two Green MSPs served as ministers from August 2021 until April 2024. The party also strongly backed a bill from an SNP MSP last year to prohibit greyhound racing, which has since been passed. The prospect of the party directly shaping policy is quite plausible, as a recent report indicated the Scottish Greens could secure up to 17 seats and become the second-largest party in Scotland. In addition to advocating for higher taxes on gambling, the Scottish Greens are also resolved to stop betting sponsorships in sports. This move might be supported by some Scottish football fans – supporters throughout the UK have often voiced their opposition to gambling sponsorships – but it could also negatively impact club finances. Mackay further commented: “Gambling addiction does claim lives, and it deserves to be addressed with the same gravity as drug addiction. This requires a genuine public health strategy, concentrating on prevention, support, and recovery instead of downplaying the extent of the harm. “This is also why we are dedicated to eliminating gambling sponsorships in sports. When you are fighting an addiction, the last thing you need is a persistent trigger during an activity you enjoy. And for minors, they certainly do not need an entry point to problematic gambling. “A vote for the Scottish Greens on 7 May ensures that businesses profiting from harm are compelled to contribute, so that all people in Scotland can gain, not just the wealthy betting firms.” Which sporting organisations would feel the sting? Several of Scotland's most famous sports institutions have connections to gambling firms. For instance, the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has a sponsorship deal with William Hill, which is owned by evoke. The nation's two largest football clubs – Celtic and Rangers – both feature gambling companies as their main shirt sponsors; Celtic is partnered with Dafabet and Rangers with Unibet. Another major sports sponsorship involving gambling in Scotland is Coral's association with the Scottish Grand National. Scottish Greens to follow similar European moves The demands from the Scottish Greens mirror numerous policies already implemented by European governments, where gambling sponsorships have been prohibited or significantly limited. A prime example is the Netherlands, where a prohibition on gambling sponsorship and advertising for sports clubs and events was introduced in July of last year. A focus on safer gambling is arguably more crucial now in the UK than ever before, as statistics on gambling-related harm continue to rise. The recent introduction of a statutory levy has also sparked debate, as the government has taken over the distribution of funds to gambling prevention charities from GambleAware, which has since ceased operations. A proposal from the Scottish Greens to use gambling revenues to support harm prevention charities would likely be met with approval from such organizations and the general public. However, if the Scottish Greens achieve success in the upcoming 2026 Scottish Parliament Election, many sports organizations may be forced to seek alternatives to fill a potential major financial gap created by the new tax and the loss of gambling sponsorship revenue. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Google has removed hundreds of millions of gambling-related advertisements for violating its policies, with the tech company noting that its safety teams are operating around the clock. Despite these efforts, Google, along with other major technology firms, continues to face regulatory scrutiny regarding the promotion of illegal gambling across various international markets. The Alphabet subsidiary has been utilizing its Gemini AI technology to identify "bad ads"—promotions on the Google Ads network that fail to meet its standards. In 2025, the company blocked or took down 8.3 billion advertisements, a figure roughly equivalent to one banned ad for every person on Earth, based on April 2026 Worldometer projections. Gambling and gaming represented the eighth-largest category of prohibited advertisements, with more than 270.7 million ads removed in 2025. Additionally, the sector accounted for 123.9 million restricted ads, making it the third-largest category in that segment. “Our teams have long used advanced AI to identify and stop scammers, and Gemini takes that work even further,” stated Keerat Sharma, Google’s Vice President and General Manager of Ads Privacy and Safety. “Our models analyse hundreds of billions of signals — including account age, behavioural cues and campaign patterns — to stop threats before they reach people. “Unlike earlier keyword-based systems, our latest models better understand intent, helping us spot malicious content and preemptively block it, even when it’s designed to evade detection.” Whose ads have been removed?… Gambling advertising has increasingly become a focal point for Google over the past year, driven by rising public and political pressure regarding the visibility of betting content—both legal and illegal—across multiple regions. In response to concerns raised in countries including the UK, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Australia, Google has taken action. In January, Google Ireland announced that its advertising policies would be tightened starting in March 2026. The Google Ads team in Ireland informed stakeholders that accounts experiencing repeated policy violations or certification revocations could face permanent loss of certification or the rejection of future applications. Google’s 2025 report also highlighted significant enforcement against publishers, noting 9.7 million policy violations by gambling and gaming publishers, ranking the sector fifth in terms of page volume. However, the report does not clarify whether the gambling platforms being promoted were licensed or unlicensed within their respective target markets. This distinction is critical for gambling regulators demanding accountability from tech companies. The prevalence of unlicensed advertising on social media has been a frequent subject of debate in the UK, particularly regarding regulation and taxation. Meanwhile, in Brazil, the nascent "Bets" market continues to contend with a long-standing black market that existed for decades prior to the formal legalization of the sector on January 1, 2025. On Saturday, April 18, the Brazilian Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP) issued letters to Google Brazil and Apple, demanding clarification regarding the presence of illegal betting applications on the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store. According to the MJSP, these applications were not licensed by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), the betting regulator under Brazil’s Ministry of Finance. The apps were identified through monitoring conducted by the General Coordination of Rating Classification of the National Secretariat of Digital Rights (SEDIGI). The MJSP has requested that Google and Apple provide comprehensive details regarding their internal policies, screening processes, and an updated inventory of all lottery, betting, and casino applications available on their platforms. Pressure remains high on Big Tech firms like Google and Apple, as well as social media platforms like Meta and X, to curb the spread of online gambling. Regulators in markets such as the UK and Brazil have also highlighted the use of influencers to promote illegal gambling products. Nevertheless, Google maintains confidence in its ability to police its advertising platform. Emphasizing the effectiveness of the Gemini AI system, Sharma noted that the technology has “dramatically improved our ability to detect and stop bad ads”. “Our systems caught over 99% of policy-violating ads before they ever served, and we’re continuing to evolve our defenses to stay ahead of even the most advanced schemes,” Sharma asserted. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.