Tag Archives: eu

Serbia orders compliance sweep on local gambling venues

SBC News Serbia orders compliance sweep on local gambling venues

Municipalities and administrative districts across Serbia have been instructed to enforce new laws and standards for gambling venues and franchises. This directive follows the fast-tracking of new “protective amendments” approved by parliament under the Law on Games of Chance of the Republic of Serbia (2011). Authorities in Serbia’s 29 districts and 190 municipalities have been tasked with reviewing and verifying …

Read More »

Poland backs working group to combat EU exposure to illegal gambling

SBC News Poland backs working group to combat EU exposure to illegal gambling

Poland seeks for EU member states to “harmonise and deepen” collaborative efforts to combat illegal online gambling, which is reported to cost Eurozone nations an estimated €7.2bn in lost tax revenues. Since 1 January, Poland has held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, setting the agenda for the first half of 2025 for the bloc and its …

Read More »

Montenegro begins consultations to modernise gambling laws

SBC News Montenegro begins consultations to modernise gambling laws

Montenegro will develop a “new legal solution for gambling,” as pledged by the Ministry of Finance, tasked with modernising the Law on Games of Chance. The Ministry has begun consultations with key stakeholders, including the “public, media, state authorities, local communities, and businesses,” to discuss amendments and resolutions. A new law is required “to establish safe and responsible gambling environments, …

Read More »

EGBA lauds sustainability against black market threats

SBC News EGBA lauds sustainability against black market threats

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has released its latest sustainability report, showing that 65% of customers from EGBA members, totalling a record 21 million, used safety tools in 2023. In a joint letter, CEOs expressed concerns about the growing illegal online gambling market in Europe. They emphasised the urgent need for national policymakers to act decisively to protect …

Read More »

Montenegro to revise unworkable e-payments ban on gambling transactions

SBC News Montenegro to revise unworkable e-payments ban on gambling transactions

Montenegro will re-evaluate the controversial ban proposed on digital payment systems, wallets and mobile apps for betting transactions. The government enacted laws this year that prohibit electronic payment methods, including Apple Pay and PayPal, for online gambling services. Incumbents of Montenegros betting sector instantly criticised the laws, that will likely  hinder Montenegro’s efforts to join the EU. Several months later, …

Read More »

Finland opens consultation on new Gambling regime to launch in 2027

finland/finnish parliament

The Ministry of the Interior of Finland has submitted its draft proposal of a new Gambling Act to modernise Finnish gambling in line with recommendations previously put to the government.  As formerly proposed, the new Gambling Act will end the ‘monopoly arrangements’ of state-owned gambling firm Veikkaus Oy, which currently has an exclusivity over sports betting and online casino games.  …

Read More »

Montenegro gambling in turmoil as e-payments ban is authorised 

SBC News Montenegro gambling in turmoil as e-payments ban is authorised 

The government of Montenegro has been urged to explain why it has authorised amendments to impose a ban on electronic payments services for gambling. Conflicts arise in the Balkans nation as the government has confirmed that it will “enact amendments to Gambling Laws” that will prohibit the use of modern payment systems for gambling. The controversial amendments contravene EU competition …

Read More »

Romania ONJN buzzed by hairstylist’s VP appointment

SBC News Romania ONJN buzzed by hairstylist’s VP appointment

The government of Romania has sparked controversy in the gambling industry by appointing Cristian-Gabriel Pascu as the Vice-President of the National Gambling Office (ONJN). The government gazette published yesterday disclosed that the Ministry of Finance had selected Pascu, a celebrity hairstylist and beauty salon owner, to serve as the VP of the ONJN. The announcement set off a media storm …

Read More »

SRIJ Portugal sees 40% increase in gambling self exclusions

SBC News SRIJ Portugal sees 40% increase in gambling self exclusions

 Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ), The Gambling Authority of Portugal has reported that online self-exclusion registrants reached 215,000 in the fourth quarter of 2023. The agency noted that while online gaming gross revenue improved year-over-year by over 16 per cent, land-based gaming revenue dropped by almost four per cent. Publishing data for Q4, the SRIJ declared a 16.4 per …

Read More »

Maarten Haijer, EGBA: Europe requires greater cooperation on forthcoming gambling resolutions

Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA

Ahead of ICE London’s opening day, Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), outlines the trade body’s proactive approach to 2024’s regulatory agenda, which will likely be disrupted by general elections across multiple markets. The EGBA remains committed to fostering cooperation among operators and key stakeholders to improve standards and harmonisation practices of dynamic and evolving …

Read More »