The University of Exeter (UoE) has launched a behavioural, addiction and memory (BAM) study to explore how formative experiences can influence negative gambling behaviours or habits.  BAM study researchers will test ketamine on participants to examine their memories and whether they determine negative outcomes. Ketamine, which blocks a receptor important for learning and memory, is used as a common anaesthetic …

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has revamped its Player Protection Directive, adopting new safe, sustainable and responsible measures of paramount importance. Changes have been applied following feedback received through its dedicated consultation process, the amendments made by the authority will require licensees to monitor selected markers of harm when creating procedures to detect and address instances of problem gambling. The Authority …

STS Group has confirmed that it will begin to ‘phase out’ its business activities in the UK and Estonia to strengthen its objective to increase profitability for investors.    The decision follows successful 2022 trading, which saw STS strengthen its position as Poland’s largest bookmaker, accumulating PLN 4.68bn (circa €1bn) in wagers. 2022 saw Poland’s market leader generate net-gaming-revenues (NGR) of …

2023 sees the Gluecksspiel (GGL) take regulatory charge of governing Germany’s federal GlüNeuRStv online gambling regime as licensed incumbents demand urgent changes. Yet, Regulus Partners sees little hope for improvement, as the  German market remains blighted by unnecessary bureaucratic self-harm, pointing towards a long road to nowhere for GlüNeuRStv players. Germany’s transition to regulated online gaming demonstrates the lesson of …

Ringier Sports Media Group (RSMG) continues to expand its European sports betting presence launching its flagship Sportal domain in Greece. Recognised as the leading sports portal in the Balkans and Central Europe, the launch of Sportal.gr will provide Greek audiences with the most comprehensive news, live scores and analysis of sports coverage and betting markets. Greece becomes the sixth European …

Apollo Global is reported to be reviewing options on its Lottomatica investment, which may see the heritage Italian gambling group listed on the Borsa Milan.     Bloomberg and local media report that Apollo eyes a “return to Piazza Affari” for Lottomatica, in which it has called on investment banks to price up a €1bn IPO. A Milan listing would see Apollo …

The board of Catena Media Plc has resolved the terms of its share buyback programme on the Nasdaq Stockholm, a transaction that was originally disclosed to investors on 23 May 2022.  The programme was launched by Catena governance as it is in the company’s interest to “reduce share capital through subsequent cancellation of repurchased shares”. Investors were notified that Catena …

Fractures have resurfaced in German gambling as the laws Fourth Interstate Gambling Treaty (GlüNeuRStv) continue to be questioned by state legislators. This week at a hearing held by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern questioned why it should obey the rules of the GlüNeuRStv and allow online casino to be played within its borders.  The query …

Mansion Group has confirmed that it has surrendered its UK operating licence with immediate effect, choosing to end its entire brand presence within Britain’s online gambling marketplace.  The Gibraltar-based operator informed media and stakeholders that it had withdrawn its online casino portfolio of Casino.com, MansionCasino.com and SlotsHeaven.com from the market. In 2022, Mansion withdrew its flagship sportsbook brand MansionBet from …

Allwyn Group has confirmed to SBC that Group CEO Robert Chvátal has assumed the role of Interim CEO of Allwyn UK “to drive on the transition towards the start of the Fourth Licence of The National Lottery” beginning on 1 February 2024. The leadership change sees David Craven, who has served as Allwyn UK CEO since June 2021, depart the …