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Survey: Supporters of Centre Party, Finns Party and National Coalition Party are against the Government’s decision concerning Veikkaus Ltd

Published

6 years ago

July 15, 2020

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Finnish Government’s decision to make budget appropriations in order to fully compensate Veikkaus Ltd.’s beneficiaries for the decline in Veikkaus’s revenue from gambling divides the Finnish people into two, almost equal-sized opposing camps, as indicated by the survey commissioned from Bilendi Oy.

Finns are split almost exactly in half over whether or not the Finnish Government reached the right solution in deciding to make budget appropriations to fully compensate Veikkaus Ltd.’s beneficiaries for the decline in Veikkaus’s revenue from gambling in 2020.

In March this year, Veikkaus Ltd, the government-owned betting agency that holds a monopoly in Finland, shut down its gambling machines in grocery stores, convenience stores, restaurants and petrol stations due to the coronavirus crisis. Additionally, sports betting has faced an exceptional situation, as many popular sports have temporarily ceased.

41% of Finns are in favour of the Government’s decision to fully compensate the beneficiaries for the decline in revenue, while 38% of them are against it. The rest cannot say how they feel about it.

These are some of the findings of a survey conducted by the market research company Bilendi Oy as part of its M3 Panel, a nationwide consumer panel, between 10 and 13 July 2020, on commission by Kasino Curt, the gambling information website (https://kasinocurt.com/). The margin of error in the survey is ±3.1 percentage points. A total of 1,000 Finnish adults responded to the survey, and the sample was weighted by age, gender and place of residence to represent the Finnish population on a national scale.

Out of all parties’ supporters, the decision by the Government headed by Prime Minister Sanna Marin arouses the most opposition among Finns Party voters, of whom just 31 percent relate favourably to it. Out of the Cabinet parties’ supporters, Centre Party voters are against the Government’s decision; merely 37 percent of them are in favour of it. Likewise, supporters of the National Coalition Party and the minor parties are against the Government’s decision.

“On the whole, the difference between the support and opposition is so small that it falls within the margin of error. However, different age groups relate very differently to the matter. The 18-24-year-olds feel most negatively about the decision, whereas among the 45-54-year-olds, as many as 47 percent consider the decision a good one,” says Janne Juntunen, Senior Client Service Manager for Bilendi Oy.

Gambling machines in grocery stores: a sign of the post-COVID-19 era?

In June, Veikkaus publicly announced it will restart the gambling machines on 15 July. Veikkaus also announced it will do so with attention to the health risks caused by COVID-19, which seems to have convinced the Finnish people.

According to Kasino Curt’s survey, 46% of Finns approve of Veikkaus’s decision to turn the gambling machines back on while 30% of them disapprove of it. The rest cannot say how they feel about it.

“The coronavirus epidemic was not mentioned in conjunction with the survey for impartiality reasons, but the respondents may have thought that the restart of Veikkaus’s gambling machines is a sign of the post-COVID-19 era,” Juntunen mentions.

Last year, Kasino Curt commissioned two similar surveys from Bilendi. The findings of these surveys indicated that more Finns support than oppose the idea of abolishing Finland’s gambling monopoly and adopting a gambling licence system and that Finns are suspicious of the Finnish MPs’ motives in gambling matters.

The results of all the three surveys are still available online at https://kasinocurt.com.

Listed below are the statements of the most recent survey and those responses that indicated agreement or disagreement with them (that is to say, the responses “Cannot say” are not included in the listing):

In March this year, Veikkaus Ltd shut down its gambling machines in grocery stores, convenience stores, restaurants and petrol stations. On 15 July, Veikkaus will turn the gambling machines back on. In my opinion, the decision to restart the gambling machines is the right one. Agree 46%, disagree 30%.

The Finnish Government has decided to make budget appropriations in order to fully compensate Veikkaus Ltd.’s beneficiaries for the decline in Veikkaus’s revenue from gambling in 2020. In my opinion, this is right. (The beneficiaries are represented by a number of organisations.) Agree 41%, disagree 38%.

Alea

Alea Leads Brazil iGaming Talks in São Paulo

Published

11 hours ago

April 1, 2026

Wladimir P.

alea-leads-brazil-igaming-talks-in-sao-paulo

Alea is set to take a leading role in São Paulo as the Headline Partner for NEXT.io Focus Brazil, returning for a second straight year to one of the most important gatherings in the country’s regulated iGaming calendar.

The invite-only event takes place on Monday, 6 April at Palacio Tangará and brings together around 100 senior industry decision-makers to examine how Brazil’s market is evolving beyond its launch phase.

The agenda will center on the market’s new reality, including changing player behavior, regulatory maturity, and the long-term sustainability of Brazil’s iGaming sector. Alea CEO Jordi Sendra will open the afternoon by joining the panel “Brazil 2026: The New Reality of Regulated Gambling,” where leaders from TQJ Bet, Esportes, and Stake Brazil will discuss how operators can stay competitive in a more structured environment.

Alea says its renewed partnership reflects the company’s growing commitment to Brazil and its deeper local presence. Over the past year, the company has invested in building a stronger on-the-ground structure to support partners across the market, with Sendra describing Brazil as a fast-changing but increasingly organized industry where open dialogue remains valuable.

The São Paulo appearance also connects directly to Alea’s wider South American push. After NEXT.io Focus Brazil, the team is shortlisted for Best Aggregator at the SiGMA South America Awards, before continuing discussions at SiGMA South America from 7–10 April at Booth N145, where the company will showcase its localized portfolio and technical support for operators navigating Brazil’s evolving market.

The post Alea Leads Brazil iGaming Talks in São Paulo appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

BIG Cyber

BMM Showcases Gaming Tech at BiS SiGMA

Published

11 hours ago

April 1, 2026

Wladimir P.

BMM Innovation Group is set to reinforce its leadership in compliance testing, cybersecurity, and professional training at the BiS SiGMA Americas, taking place from April 6–9 in São Paulo. Exhibiting at Stand F147, the company is doubling down on its long-term commitment to Brazil’s rapidly evolving regulated gaming ecosystem.

As one of the most dynamic gaming markets globally, Brazil presents both opportunity and complexity. BMM Innovation Group, through its specialized brands, is positioning itself as a critical enabler for operators, suppliers, and regulators navigating this fast-changing environment.

A Three-Pillar Approach to Gaming Compliance

Operating through its globally recognized divisions—BMM Testlabs, BIG Cyber, and RG24seven Virtual Training—the group delivers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to regulated gaming markets.

Testing & Certification: BMM Testlabs ensures that gaming products meet stringent regulatory standards, enabling smoother market entry.
Cybersecurity Solutions: BIG Cyber strengthens digital resilience, a growing necessity as gaming platforms become increasingly interconnected.
Compliance Training: RG24seven Virtual Training provides certification programs designed to equip employees with the knowledge required to meet regulatory obligations.

Strategic Focus on Brazil’s Gaming Boom

With more than 40 years of industry experience, BMM Testlabs continues to play a pivotal role in supporting Brazil’s regulatory framework. Its investment in local infrastructure, including a dedicated test lab in São Paulo, signals a strong, long-term commitment to the region.

According to Marzia Turrini, Global President of iGaming & Cybersecurity, Brazil stands out as one of the most promising regulated markets worldwide. She emphasized that ensuring integrity, compliance, and cybersecurity readiness is essential for sustainable growth in the sector.

This localized approach allows BMM to help stakeholders confidently launch products while adhering to evolving regulatory requirements—an increasingly important factor as Brazil formalizes its gaming laws.

Driving the Future of Regulated Gaming in Latin America

Attendees at BiS SiGMA Americas will have the opportunity to engage directly with BMM’s experts and explore how the company’s integrated solutions support the future of regulated gaming not only in Brazil but across Latin America.

From certification to cybersecurity and workforce training, BMM Innovation Group is positioning itself at the intersection of trust, technology, and regulation—three pillars that will define the next phase of growth in the global gaming industry.

Industry professionals interested in learning more or scheduling meetings with BMM representatives are encouraged to connect during the event to explore tailored solutions for their operational and compliance needs.

The post BMM Showcases Gaming Tech at BiS SiGMA appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Compliance Updates

CATALIST SPORTS SECURES NEW SUPPLIER LICENSES IN ARKANSAS AND NEBRASKA

Published

11 hours ago

April 1, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

catalist-sports-secures-new-supplier-licenses-in-arkansas-and-nebraska

New approvals in U.S. states and applications in Canadian provinces drive Catalist Sports’ latest expansion across regulated North American markets

Catalist Sports, a leading licensed supplier of sports betting content to the regulated U.S. marketplace, has continued to expand its regulated market footprint with new supplier licenses secured in Arkansas and Nebraska, alongside recently submitted Canadian applications in Ontario and Alberta.

Arkansas’ regulated sports betting market is set for significant growth, with major operators including DraftKings and FanDuel entering the state in March 2026. In addition to Arkansas, Catalist Sports has successfully obtained a supplier license in Nebraska.

Following the approval of its supplier license in Missouri, the latest state to regulate online gambling, in December, Catalist Sports is now licensed in 30 U.S. jurisdictions, with two Canadian provinces expected to follow.

These license updates reinforce Catalist Sports’ commitment to serving both U.S. and Canadian regulated betting markets with compliant, high-quality content and services.

“Securing licenses in new jurisdictions and strengthening our regulatory standing is fundamental to serving as a trusted, key supplier to our operator partners,” said James Monk, Vice President & General Manager of Catalist Sports.

“Arkansas represents an exciting next step for us, particularly as major brands prepare to enter the market. At the same time, our licenses in Nebraska, along with applications in Ontario and Alberta, and ongoing license upgrades, position Catalist to continue delivering scalable, compliant, and differentiated services to our partners.”

Catalist Sports’ expanding North American footprint supports the company’s broader strategy to provide licensed operators with premium data, live streaming, and advanced trading capabilities, helping partners maximize in-play engagement, product innovation, and long-term growth in regulated markets.

Catalist Sports distributes official data and live streaming rights from a vast portfolio of events to licensed U.S. sportsbooks. This includes top-tier tennis properties such as the Australian Open, ITF World Tour, Davis Cup, and Billie Jean King Cup, as well as events across soccer, basketball, and ice hockey, which power year-round engagement for sportsbooks seeking continuous, high-frequency, high-quality live betting content.

The post CATALIST SPORTS SECURES NEW SUPPLIER LICENSES IN ARKANSAS AND NEBRASKA appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.