Europe

Germany’s gambling regulator, the Joint Gambling Authority of the Länder (GGL), has stated that Google’s update to its search engine to block off illegal gambling adverts is having an effect.  On 25 September, Google introduced a change to its advertising policies regarding “gambling and other games”. This has had a positive outcome in Germany, as now only those gambling providers …

Mark King has been suspended by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) for five years. An independent disciplinary committee found the professional player guilty of match-fixing and providing inside information for betting purposes. In detail, the ban relates to his match against Joe Perry on 13 February 2023.King was suspended on 18 March 2023 after suspicious betting was …

Flutter Entertainment has appointed a new Chief Executive for its UK & Ireland business and reorganised the scope and remit of its International unit following recent M&A expansions. This afternoon, the NYSE- and LSE-listed gambling group unveiled a new leadership structure to bolster its global growth ambitions, introducing a new ‘International Division’ as part of a streamlined two-division organisational model. …

A union of Conservative parties in Slovakia has called for a reset of the “Law of Advertising and Media Services” to include new protections for youth and vulnerable audiences. The National Council of Slovakia has received an urgent proposal from the political parties Slovensko, For the People, and the Christian Union (KU) to close loopholes in Slovakian media that have …

The industry prepares for a significant rise in responsible betting messaging both online and in land-based venues, as Safer Gambling Week gets in full swing for the eight consecutive year. The initiative is organised by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the Bingo Association, and BACTA, as well as with backing from the UKGC, with comments having poured in from …

It’s been a long year for the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), marked by a variety of regulatory implementations and a deepened focus on fostering better support for operators. However, work is just picking up pace, with 2024 laying the foundations of what will be a more mature and refined UK market in the coming years.  This was stated by UKGC’s …

Stake (Stake.com) has marked out its intent to become a leading player in Italy’s reorganised online gambling market in 2025. The statement follows Stake’s completion of its acquisition of Baldo Line SRL, the operating company of the heritage Italian sportsbook brand Idealbet.it. The deal sees Stake acquire Baldo Line’s online gambling licence from its previous owner, Octavian Group. From 2025, …

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has reviewed the performance of its betting, attendance, viewer, ownership and competitiveness targets that it set out last year. The report, which looks at the first three quarters of 2024, comes as the halfway point of the two-year trial of fixture list initiatives – introduced to boost the appeal of the sport to racing fans, …

 Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Gambling Authority of the Netherlands, will fund a pilot program with Gamban to provide a comprehensive block of all online gambling websites and apps targeting Dutch audiences. Operating in the UK since 2015, Gamban is recognised as the most comprehensive gambling block and self-exclusion solution, compatible across all devices and operating systems (Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android). …

The shareholders of Everi Holdings have approved the $6.3bn acquisition and merger transaction proposed by private equity fund Apollo Global Management. Everi reported that around 99.88% of the voted shares approved the deal – representing around 71.48% of the total outstanding shares of Everi common stock as of the date of the Special Meeting. Michael Rumbolz, Chairman of the Company’s …