Compliance Updates
UK Gambling Operators Face £100M Tax in Harm Reduction Push
Gambling operators in the UK face a tax of as much as 1.1% of profits on some types of games as the government seeks £100 million ($126 million) a year to invest in harm reduction and research.
The planned statutory levy on all licensed operators will range from 0.1% to 1.1% of the gross gambling yield, depending on the sector and nature of the gambling, according to a statement Wednesday from the UK’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
The UK has over the last few years introduced stricter regulation of gambling, including requiring operators to reduce the intensity of online games, carry out financial vulnerability checks of players and provide customers with better control over the types of marketing they receive. Many of the measures were announced under a Conservative government, which lost to the Labour Party in July’s General Election.
The government will review the charge within five years of its introduction, with the first formal review expected by 2030, according to the statement.
UK gambling stocks soared last month after UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ budget did not include much-speculated tax hikes on the sector.
The statutory levy is a separate initiative, proposed under the Conservative government in a 2023 white paper on gambling reform.
The announcement was welcomed by anti-gambling campaigner Matt Zarb-Cousin, who said that he was “really pleased” that it is being introduced. “It will totally transform the research, prevention and treatment of gambling harm,” Zarb-Cousin said.
The four biggest gambling operators – Entain Plc, Flutter Entertainment Plc, William Hill-owner Evoke Plc and Bet365 – previously pledged to pay 1% of their gross gambling yield to an industry-funded charity GambleAware in anticipation of the levy.
In the year ending in March, the charity said it received donations of £49.5 million, £46.6 million of which came from the top four operators.
“This represents a significant step towards protecting people from gambling harm. The levy is also a crucial step towards ensuring continued support through a statutory system and is something we have been calling for since 2017,” GambleAware CEO Zoë Osmond said of the plans in a statement.
The Betting and Gaming Council, which lobbies for the industry, said that it supports plans for the levy outlined in last year’s proposal.
“Ministers must not lose sight of the fact the vast majority of the 22.5 million people who enjoy a bet each month, on the lottery, in bookmakers, casinos, bingo halls and online do so safely,” Betting and Gaming Council Chief Executive Officer Grainne Hurst said in a statement.
The post UK Gambling Operators Face £100M Tax in Harm Reduction Push appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested the Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block more illegal online gambling sites, after investigations found these services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
The latest sites blocked include:
Lucky Mate
Vegastars
Wombet
Cosmobet
Fortune Play
Fortunica
Rolletto
Velobet
Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling. Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 1518 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. Over 220 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal online gambling rules in 2017.
The post ACMA Blocks More Illegal Online Gambling Websites appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
3 Oaks Gaming, an established distributor of iGaming content, has entered the Spanish market after securing certification to supply its slot portfolio in the region.
This approval enables Spanish-licensed operators to integrate more than 20 of 3 Oaks Gaming’s games, bringing some of the distributor’s most recognised slots to local players.
Certified titles available include recent releases such as 4 Pots of Egypt: Hold and Win, Rush for Gold, and Egypt Power. The portfolio showcases 3 Oaks Gaming’s signature Hold & Win mechanic alongside Scatter Pays and its increasingly popular 3 and 4 Pot models, delivering engaging gameplay certified for the Spanish market.
Securing the Spanish certification represents a significant step in 3 Oaks Gaming’s ongoing European growth strategy, supporting its expansion across established and regulated markets.
By entering Spain with a robust, fully approved portfolio, the distributor underlines its commitment to compliance while offering operators content that is aligned with local market requirements and player preferences.
Krasimir Pankovski, Head of Sales at 3 Oaks Gaming, said: “Spain is a strategically important regulated market for us, and obtaining certification here marks an important milestone in our growth journey. By launching a diverse range of certified titles, we are giving Spanish-licenced operators the flexibility to offer engaging content while meeting the highest regulatory standards.”
The post 3 Oaks Gaming Enters Spanish Market appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
The Dutch Gambling Regulator (KSA) has contacted several online sports betting providers regarding incomplete information about the “early payout” feature. The “early payout” feature allows a bet to be considered won before the match has officially ended. This feature is not available in the event of a draw. The KSA found that several providers failed to communicate this sufficiently, making it appear as if players could also use this option for draws.
Early payout
The Early Payout feature allows players to declare their bet a winner if their team has a two-goal lead during the match, regardless of the final result. The odds for Early Payout bets are lower than those for regular bets. The problem arises when this option appears to be offered for draw bets, as there is no team with a lead.
Unclear information leads to confusion
Providers also promote lower odds for draws under the “early payout” feature. The providers’ terms and conditions then state that early payouts are not possible for draws, but this isn’t always clearly communicated when placing the bet. This creates confusion among players, who may assume that early payouts also apply to draws.
Obligation to provide clear information
Providers are required to provide clear and understandable information about the possible outcomes of a bet, including the associated terms and conditions. The KSA determined that providers were not complying with this obligation when providing information about the “early payout” feature. Providers that offer this feature have been contacted and have improved their communication so that players are now more clearly informed about the limitations of early payout for bets on draws.
The post Dutch Regulator KSA Warns Operators Over “Early Payout” Feature appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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