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BAGO Welcomes Positive Developments in Young People’s Gambling Behaviour, But Calls for Stricter Controls

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BAGO, the Belgian federation of private gambling operators, is pleased with the latest figures from the Flemish Expertise Centre for Alcohol and other Drugs on the gambling behaviour of young people. In 2023, 12.4% of young people reported having bet on sports at some point, which is a slight decrease compared to the previous year (12.5%). For casino games, we can see a similar slight decrease to 5.3% in 2023 who had ever played (5.5% in 2022).

These figures show a clear stabilisation and even a decrease in the number of young people under 18 who participate in gambling for some games, despite the fact that the survey took place before the introduction of stricter rules on advertising and the increase in the minimum age. BAGO has always advocated an increase in the minimum age to 21 and strongly supports measures to better protect young people.

Despite the ban on gambling for under-18s that has been in place for years – which has been extended to 21 since 1 September – the participation of young people in certain games of chance is still too high. Because recognised providers apply strict age checks and have invested heavily in player protection in recent years, minors mainly gamble on illegal websites or via physical products from the National Lottery. Recent figures, published in L’Echo , show that 60% of the Belgian gambling market consists of unlicensed providers. BAGO therefore advocates stricter controls to ensure that young people under the legal minimum age do not have access to games of chance.

BAGO emphasises that the Gaming Commission must be sufficiently effective to tackle the illegal gambling circuit effectively. In this circuit, minors can still gamble, without any form of protection and there is no age limit. In addition, BAGO finds it illogical that the increase in the minimum age to 21 years does not apply to all National Lottery products and therefore calls for equal protection for young people. In addition to control and equal treatment, prevention is an essential part of keeping young people away from gambling.

The post BAGO Welcomes Positive Developments in Young People’s Gambling Behaviour, But Calls for Stricter Controls appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Compliance Updates

Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy

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Under the theme “Perspectives,” a total of 43 compliance staff members from the Merkur Group across various countries gathered from 30 June to 1 July to further develop compliance processes in a sustainable manner. Colleagues from Germany, Spain, England, Malta, Australia and the US traveled to the two-day meeting at Benkhausen Castle, the in-house training centre of the Merkur Group. The workshop set the stage with expert presentations on global and digital topics such as cybersecurity, risk management and artificial intelligence. A panel discussion featuring representatives from various international companies within the Merkur Group, as well as a digital quiz, rounded out the programme.

In keeping with its guiding principle, the workshop focused on sharing experiences, fostering global networking and providing impetus for the further development of compliance processes. Because informal exchanges are also key to close cooperation, the evening programme created a relaxed atmosphere and gave participants the opportunity to continue their conversations, make new connections, and further strengthen team spirit across company and national boundaries.

“The ideas and diverse perspectives gained during the workshop will now be incorporated into our day-to-day work and help us to continuously improve collaboration and existing processes,” said Ludwig Beckmann, Chief Compliance Officer of the Merkur Group.

The concluding feedback session also highlighted just how valuable the international exchange is. The term “collaboration” came up particularly often, a clear indication of how highly the participants value working closely together within the international compliance network.

The post Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Anne Marie Caulfield

GRAI Launches New Campaign Helping Parents to Spot the Signs of Underage Gambling

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The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is encouraging parents and guardians to be alert to the signs of gambling among young people and to intervene early to prevent gambling harm.

The signs of gambling aren’t always visible, the GRAI in partnership with the Health Service Executive Addiction Services have developed dedicated advice on www.grai.ie to equip families with the knowledge to recognise the signs, advice on how to start the conversation with their children about gambling, and where to seek help if required.

To support the guidance, the GRAI has launched a national public awareness campaign across video on demand, radio, digital audio, and social media platforms, bringing this message directly to families across Ireland.

With the lines between entertainment and gambling increasingly blurred, especially online, what may look like harmless fun can still involve risk, money and chance in ways that affect young developing brains. Research commissioned by the GRAI and conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) found that children who gamble are twice as likely to develop a gambling problem as adults.

Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the GRAI said: “We have launched this campaign to help parents start an important conversation about the risks of underage gambling. Children and young people are among the most at-risk members of Irish society when it comes to gambling exposure and harm. Children’s brains are still developing the judgement and impulse-control systems used to weigh up risk, which makes gambling appealing to them.

“With online gambling available at any time of the day, it is easy for the warning signs to be hidden. The guidance the GRAI developed with the HSE Addiction Services sets out some of the key behavioural signs to look out for in your child.”

The post GRAI Launches New Campaign Helping Parents to Spot the Signs of Underage Gambling appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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NSW: EOI Opens for Candidates to Replace Retiring NICC Chief Commissioner and Commissioner

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The NSW Government has announced the opening of an expression of interest process for Chief Commissioner and Commissioner roles on the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC).

On 20 May 2026 the Governor of NSW, on the recommendation of the Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris, re-appointed the NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford, and Commissioner Stephen Parbery for additional six-month terms to 24 November 2026.

The reappointments will ensure stability in the NICC’s leadership in coming months and an orderly transition to new commissioners.

Mr Crawford and Mr Parbery have announced they will retire from public service when their tenures expire in November.

Both were inaugural members of the NICC when it was established in September 2022 in response to the Bergin Inquiry recommendations to strengthen casino regulation and oversight in NSW.

Prior to appointment to the NICC, Mr Crawford served as Chairperson of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA), while Mr Parbery served as an ILGA board member.

Both Mr Crawford and Mr Parbery played crucial roles in the NICC’s response to the two Bell inquiries into The Star and have contributed to strengthening oversight and accountability across the casino sector including the transition of Crown Sydney to an unrestricted licence.

The appointment process for the NICC Commissioner vacancies is being undertaken in accordance with requirements under the Casino Control Act 1992.

This includes establishment of a selection panel to prepare a list of recommended candidates for consideration by Minister Harris, as well as the appointment of a probity adviser.

The expression of interest process is open until Monday 3 August.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said: “I thank Philip Crawford and Stephen Parbery for their service and leadership, particularly during a critical period for casino regulation in NSW.

“As Chief Commissioner, Philip Crawford has played a key role in ensuring both casino operators meet strict regulatory requirements, following the various casino inquiries.

“His leadership has been instrumental in overseeing complex probity assessments, remediation programs and contingency planning during a period of significant regulatory reform and scrutiny.

“Stephen Parbery has also made a substantial contribution as Commissioner, bringing considerable expertise and judgement to the Commission’s work.

“Both Commissioners have helped drive important regulatory improvements that have restored public confidence in the integrity of casino regulation in NSW, and I thank them for their dedicated service.”

The post NSW: EOI Opens for Candidates to Replace Retiring NICC Chief Commissioner and Commissioner appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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