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Stanleybet Pays Taxes in Bid to End Block on Entering Italian Betting Tenders
Stanleybet Malta Ltd., the Maltese subsidiary of the Liverpool based Stanleybet Group, has announced its decision to pay Italian retail betting tax to the Italian regulator, Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM), for the first time ever in Italy. The first payment, made on 2nd January 2023, with the “F24” form under the same rules that apply to Italian licensed operators, refers to the revenue made by Stanleybet in its Italian retail shops for the period 1st to 31st December 2022, which by law is due for payment by 31st January 2023. ADM was informed of this decision on the same day of the payment, via letter sent to its General Manager and to the 2 top officials responsible for gaming and betting at ADM.
Four sentences of the European Court of Justice, later confirmed by the Italian Court of Cassation and, recently, by the Italian Council of State, ruled that Stanleybet had been discriminated against with respect to free access to the Italian retail licensing system: both in the initial experimental phase (1998), and with regards to subsequent public tenders: in 2000, 2006 – with the “Bersani” tender – and, lastly, in 2012, with the “Monti” tender.
In addition, ADM prevented Stanleybet from entering the 2015 and 2016 “amnesty” proceedings. In fact, with multiple trials initiated by the Italian Regulator between 2014 and 2017 against senior Stanleybet executives and against Stanleybet shop owners (CTDs), ADM effectively made Stanleybet’s participation in those proceedings impossible, due to a lack of fair and objective entry conditions. Those proceedings ended in December 2017, when the deadline for seeking participation in the “amnesty” expired.
It should be noted that Stanleybet has never actually filed a complaint against ADM – despite all the crime reports that have been filed against its business in Italy and yet were ultimately concluded in Stanleybet’s favour.
The company has always favoured the path of dialogue. In fact, around the time of the expiry of the Italian retail betting licensing system, on 30th June 2016, Stanleybet, which by then was officially recognised as a lawful operator by the Italian courts, formally asked ADM to allow it to start paying the Italian retail betting tax in the same way as the Italian licensed operators do, by being linked to the “national totaliser” (the centralised data control system for licensed operators). ADM ignored the letter for 3 long years, and then only responded when forced to do so by the Italian Ministry of the Economy, whom Stanleybet urged to intervene as a last resort.
ADM’s historical aversion to Stanleybet should come as no surprise. After all, how could ADM, the organisation which itself was responsible for the discrimination suffered by Stanleybet, then turn around and admit that Stanleybet’s activity was always lawful? In addition, as ADM is a government body should the Italian Government not share some of the responsibility?
With the 2011 Stability Law and subsequent amendments, the Italian legislator provided for payment of the retail betting tax, not only by operators licensed in Italy but also by operators that were not licensed by the Italian authorities. However, in the latter case the betting tax payable could instead be calculated by reference to shop revenue based on tripling the average betting shop revenue for the relevant province. ADM then chose to apply these “tripling” provisions to Stanleybet, thereby effectively admitting that it still considered Stanleybet to be an illegal operator. The result of ADM’s actions was a large and unnecessary tax dispute, which remains ongoing.
During 2022, Stanleybet proposed to ADM that it was prepared to immediately start paying the retail betting tax as a licensed operator, subject to a formal settlement agreement to deal with alleged historic liabilities, with the intention of drawing a line under the issue, once and for all. Although various meetings were held in “Piazza Mastai”, ADM’s headquarters, even with the initial participation of the ADM Director himself, ADM’s position remained totally against this proposal. Even numerous settlement proposals put forward to ADM in individual tax proceedings, often with the support of the relevant Judge, were met with an absolute refusal by ADM to reconsider the calculations and Stanleybet’s position as an Italian licensed operator.
Given that any attempt to get ADM to accept a reasonable solution to the dispute seemed futile, Stanleybet proposed during a Group Board Meeting of its Executive Directors in Liverpool, held on 15th December 2022, to start paying the Italian retail betting tax, exercising the right to pay taxes in Italy like any other licensed operator. The decision was formally approved, after further deliberation and planning, at a further extraordinary Group Board Meeting of its Executive Directors held on 28th December 2022. Stanleybet hopes that ADM will consider this proactive decision not as a challenge, but as an act of common sense made in good faith and in the best interests of the Italian State. The Maltese gambling regulator (MGA), which is well aware of Stanleybet’s history in Italy, fully understands Stanleybet’s decision and the reasons behind it, and was officially informed at the same time as ADM. Whilst Stanleybet Malta Ltd.’s aim is for full participation in the Italian regulated system, it remains and wishes to remain, a licensee of the MGA – which it thanks officially, and with deep gratitude, for its continued support.
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S8UL creating history as the first Indian organization to secure four nominations at Esports Awards 2025.
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In a landmark moment for Indian esports, S8UL, a global powerhouse in gaming and esports content, has made history by becoming the first Indian organization to secure four nominations at the prestigious Esports Awards 2025, set to take place in Las Vegas on November 19, 2025.
Equivalent to the Oscars of gaming, the Esports Awards are the most esteemed global recognition platform for excellence in the esports and gaming ecosystem. Each year, they celebrate the players, creators, organizations, and innovations shaping the future of gaming worldwide.
This year, S8UL has earned nominations across four major categories, marking another milestone for India on the world esports map:
Esports Content Group of the Year – S8UL Esports
Having won this award three years in a row (2022, 2023, and 2024), S8UL returns as a frontrunner in the category that has established it among the most decorated organizations in Esports Awards history. The nomination further reinforces its dominance as a content powerhouse and community leader.
Esports Personality of the Year – Animesh Agarwal (8Bit Thug)
As the driving force behind S8UL, Animesh Agarwal has been recognised for his immense contributions to India’s gaming ecosystem and his leadership in bridging the worlds of esports, entertainment, and brand partnerships. Under his guidance, S8UL has become one of the most influential organizations in global esports.
Esports Content Creator of the Year – Raj Varma (Snax)
Raj Varma, one of India’s most beloved creators, has been nominated for his engaging storytelling, skill-based content, and influence in shaping the next generation of gamers. A former esports athlete, he is now among the country’s biggest gaming creators, with over 2.15 million subscribers on YouTube and 1.1 million followers on Instagram.
Streamer of the Year – Payal Dhare (PayalGaming)
One of India’s most prominent gaming personalities, Payal Dhare has been recognized for her trailblazing journey that continues to inspire millions of women gamers. Known for curating diverse gaming content, she remains the only female gamer from India to win an international award, paving the way for more women to pursue gaming professionally.
This recognition follows a landmark year for S8UL, which represented India at the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh after becoming the first and only Indian organization selected for the prestigious Club Partner Program by the Esports World Cup Foundation. Last year, Naman Mathur (Mortal) brought further pride to India by winning ‘Esports Content Creator of the Year,’ marking a first for an Indian creator on such a global platform.
As the world gears up for the Esports Awards 2025, all eyes are now on S8UL and its creators to once again make India proud on the world’s biggest esports stage.
Voting for the Esports Awards 2025 is now live at www.esportsawards.com/vote, and will remain open until November 12, 2025.
The post S8UL creating history as the first Indian organization to secure four nominations at Esports Awards 2025. appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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The Gaming in Germany Conference, which will take place November 11 in Berlin, has added several new speakers to its already impressive agenda.
Sebastian Buchholz, Head of Licensing and Market Supervision, Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), will deliver the event’s keynote address.
The operator’s perspective will be well represented at this year’s Gaming in Germany Conference, with Christian Heins, Director iGaming Tipico; Alex Green, Vice President – Games, ZEAL Network; and Ewout Keuleers, former General Counsel, Kindred Group all confirmed to make an appearance at our event.
Naturally, attendees will also hear from both German and European trade associations, with Dr. Dirk Quermann, President, Deutscher Online Casinoverband (DOCV); Mathias Dahms, President, Deutscher Sportwettenverband (DSWV); and Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) contributing.
Willem van Oort, founder of Gaming in Germany commented: “I am extremely pleased with this year’s speaker lineup. I think it speaks of the relevance of our event, and especially the key topics that we are highlighting this year: the threat of the black market and the evaluation of the 2021 State Gambling Treaty. I see that licensed operators are highly committed to making the German iGaming market more sustainable and competitive and I am very happy that we are trusted to play a role in promoting fruitful discussion and debate on these topics.”
“As the event takes place while the evaluation of the 2021 State Gambling Treaty is ongoing, this is certainly the time to be part of the conversation,” van Oort added.
Breakout program and networking opportunities
In addition to its main program, the Gaming in Germany Conference will also feature several highly practical breakout sessions on data compliance, game certification, RG, live casino, eSports, and much more.
The full agenda, including breakout program, is available here.
In addition to a loaded program, the Gaming in Germany Conference also offers plenty of networking opportunities during pre-conference dinner, coffee breaks, lunch, and concluding networking drinks.
Practical information
The 2025 Gaming in Germany Conference takes place Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the DoubleTree Hilton Ku’damm in Berlin – just 100 meters from the magnificent Kurfürstendamm.
The post Gaming in Germany Conference confirms new speakers, breakout program appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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PAGCOR proudly launched today its Gender and Development (GAD) Digital Corner dedicated to promoting gender equality, empowerment, inclusivity, and diversity within the organization and beyond.
The digital space features comprehensive GAD-related contents including the latest news and announcements, significant laws and issuances, projects and activities, and other beneficial resources.
The PAGCOR Digital Corner will be displayed as wallpaper on all office desktops with the new GAD logo and a QR code directing to the GAD Digital Corner website from October 16 to November 16, 2025.
This initiative highlights PAGCOR’s continuing support to gender equality and inclusivity in the workplace, in relation to Republic Act No. 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women.
The post PAGCOR LAUNCHES DIGITAL SPACE FOR GAD appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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