Month: May 2024

An experienced industry professional, Kopjo will officially take on the CFO role at Galaxy on 28 May. He is replacing Harry Hagerty, who is moving to a strategic advisory role after seven years as CFO.

Kopjo joins Galaxy after three years at Everi. Here, he spent time as vice president of finance and director of investor relations.

Prior to this, he worked at PlayAGS for five-and-a-half years. This also included a spell as director of investor relations, serving in the role from January 2018 to December 2020.

His other industry roles include 18 months as senior manager of financial reporting at Wynn Resorts. In addition, he spent time as financial reporting manager at Shuffle Master.

Kopjo backs Galaxy to achieve continued growth

Speaking about his appointment, Kopjo said he is honoured to be considered and ultimately selected as CFO.

“I’ve watched Galaxy from afar and always believed it was poised for continued growth,” Kopjo said. “I can’t wait to join the team and support the commitment to strategic product innovation. I look forward to bringing my experience to bear as we explore ways to maximise shareholder value, ensuring Galaxy Gaming remains at the forefront of industry excellence.”

Galaxy president and CEO Matt Reback also welcomed the appointment. He said Kopjo has skills that are a strong fit for Galaxy.

“His experience, leadership, work ethic, and contagious energy will without a doubt contribute to our continued growth and success,” Reback said.

“While it is never easy to replace someone like Harry Hagerty, we are proud of how we have supported his transition from a full-time C-suite role and continue to leverage his valuable experience as a strategic advisor.”

Record Q1 for Galaxy

The appointment comes after Galaxy this month published its Q1 results. These include an 8.1% rise in revenue to $8.0m (£6.3m/€7.4m), a record quarterly figure for the group.

Revenue was higher across both the GG Core and GG Digital segments at Galaxy Gaming in Q1. While the GG Core land-based business remains its primary source of revenue, the GG Digital division posted more growth.

Other key figures from Q1 include total operating rising 9.6% to $5.7m. However, finance costs were cut by 3.1% to $2.1m.

Lower overall spending, coupled with revenue growth, meant net profit increased 40.2% to $178,514. In addition, adjusted EBITDA edged up 2.8% to $3.2m for the quarter.

The announcement was made following the Switzerland casino industry’s delegate meeting on Wednesday (22 May). With current licences lasting until the end of 2024, the new agreements will be granted for 20 years and start from next year.

New casinos were approved in Prilly and Winterthur, with the latter replacing the current venue in Schaffhausen after no licence application was submitted.

Gerhard Pfister, Swiss Casino Association president, believes the new licences mark a landstone moment in Switzerland’s gambling history.

“The granting of the new concessions is a milestone,” Pfister said. “The federal government has recognised that today’s casinos ensure safe and responsible operations and generate great economic benefits in their region.”

All Switzerland casinos now members of association

Additionally, the Swiss Casino Group venues in Zurich, Schaffhausen, St. Gallen and Pfäffikon have all joined the Swiss Casino Association following a unanimous agreement. Winterthur will submit a membership application to the Swiss Casino Association after it opens.

It means that all of the 21 land-based and 10 online casinos are now members of the Swiss Casino Association.

Pfister feels the enhanced collaboration of all Swiss casinos being part of the association will prove beneficial for the industry.

“I’m pleased that Swiss Casinos has joined the association and with it the entire casino industry with one voice can speak,” Pfister said.

Swiss Casinos board member Marc Baumann added: “The online business is changing the Swiss casino industry sustainably. We are happy to work together with the Swiss Casino Association to help shape the future.”

Land-based GGR decreasing but online on the up

Over 2023, Switzerland saw a slight decline in revenue from its land-based venues, though online casinos showed significant year-on-year growth.

Last year, land-based venues generated CHF623m (£536m/€629m/$681.2m) in gross gaming revenue (GGR). That was down 1.1% on the year prior.

However, the 10 online casinos accumulated CHF286m in GGR, a 14.3% year-on-year increase. The Swiss Casino Association noted that the change in popularity from land-based to online offerings matches other industries aside from gambling.

Casinos also paid 3% more year-on-year in tax, with the state receiving CHF409.3m in contributions over 2023. Swiss casinos have contributed over CHF8bn in taxes over the last 20 years. The majority of that total has gone towards the country’s AHV pension system.

Switzerland lottery reports record profit

Earlier this week, the Loterie Romande public lottery in Switzerland posted an increased net profit of CHF5.1m for 2023. The lottery will also pay out a record CHF243.7m to good causes.

This was despite Loterie Romande’s GGR dropping 3.4% to CHF420.7m in 2023. 2022 saw the lottery post record GGR of CHF435.5m.

Loterie Romande chairman Jean-René Fournier attributed the rise in profit to reductions in marketing and administrative costs.

“This result can be attributed in particular to the rigorous management of operating costs, the strengthening of our digital offering, and – with the launch of the European draw game EuroDreams in October 2023 – the diversity of our product range,” Fournier said.

The partial merger will create the Audit and Risk Committee, which will be chaired by Ian Penrose. A senior independent non-executive director, Penrose has served on the Playtech board since 2018.

Joining Penrose will be non-executive directors Linda Marston-Weston and Samy Reeb, both serving as ordinary members. 

Meanwhile, the compliance aspect of the existing Risk and Compliance Committee will now become part of a new committee. This, Playtech said, will be named the Regulatory and Compliance Committee.

Reeb will lead the new committee as chair, with support from Penrose and Anna Massion, another non-executive director, as ordinary members.

Changes will come into effect from 1 June. No other committees at Playtech will be impacted by the reshuffle.

Playtech revels in Americas B2B growth

The announcement comes just days after Playtech published a trading update for the first four months of the year. Playtech said it delivered a “solid” trading performance across both its B2B and B2C segments.

In terms of B2B, Playtech referenced revenue growth in regulated markets, led by the US and Canada. The group also said it continues to benefit from tighter cost control as well as “rapid expansion” in the live market.

Looking to B2C, praised Italy-facing Snaitech, which it said performed well on an underlying basis. The group also noted wagers showed strength across the online and retail betting segments.

Caliplay uncertainty remains

The publication also featured an update on the ongoing dispute with Caliplay. A joint venture with Mexico-facing operator Caliente, Caliplay is seeking to end its legal relationship with Playtech.

The case dates back more than 12 months, with both parties going back and forth over a disagreement on certain fees. This eventually led to Caliplay launching legal proceedings to annul its partnership with Playtech in October last year.

Hitting back, Playtech set out steps to resolve the dispute. It also said actions by Caliplay in Mexican court proceedings contravene contractual agreements under an agreement that was established in 2014.

Playtech went on to make further claims against Caliplay in terms of unpaid fees when announcing its full-year results in March, Playtech has made further claims against Caliplay in terms of unpaid fees. 

As for the latest development, Playtech believes it has visibility over substantially all revenue generated by Caliplay, and that Caliplay continues to perform strongly, it has been unable to obtain full financial information from Caliplay during the period. 

As such, revenue generated from the additional B2B services element of the agreement is partly based on an estimation. This, it adds, takes account of prior trends and information provided.

However, Playtech also took the opportunity to reiterate that Caliplay is a “highly important customer” and it continues to maintain an open dialogue to discuss a path forward. 

Introduced in April, House Bill 365 is seeking to open up the Delaware online market to more operators. This comes just months after the Delaware Lottery launched its first online sportsbook with Rush Street Interactive and BetRivers.

The Lottery’s sportsbook went live in January and has already had a marked improvement on the Delaware sports betting market. Monthly handle and revenue totals are higher, with this trend continuing into April.

Against this background of early success, lawmakers are already looking at ways to grow the market further. 

At the centre of this is HB 365, which this week was assigned to the House Appropriations Committee. The bill had been assigned to the House Administration Committee upon its introduction in mid-April, but no further action was taken. 

What is in the new Delaware sports betting bill?

The bill takes recommendations from a legislative study group, which was approved last year and posted its finding shortly before the Delaware Lottery’s online sportsbook went live.

The main takeaway from the group was that state tax revenue would increase more if the online market were to expand and become competitive. Estimates for the current market suggest handle will top $186.1m (£146.6m/€171.9m) in FY25 and $223.5m in FY26, then 5.0% growth in 2027. 

To put this into context, handle for FY23, which includes just four months of one online operator, was $65.3m. In FY22, prior to any online betting, player spending amounted to just $19.5m.

The bill aims to improve on these estimates by opening up the market to additional online brands. Each Delaware racetrack would be allowed to partner with up to two betting operators, which means as many as six online operators could join the current market.

Licences would cost $500,000 each and run for five years. As for tax, those successful in securing a licence would pay at a rate of 18% of sports betting revenue in Delaware.

Other aspects of the bill include an additional 1.5% charge on revenue. Funds from this would be sent to the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission or Delaware Harness Racing Commission to support the state’s horse racing industry.

There is currently no date set for when the bill would come into effect if it is approved.

Revenue and handle up in April

Focusing now on Delaware in April, total spending on sports betting hit $15.5m. This is some 400.0% higher than in April last year, with the state following a similar growth trajectory since the turn of the year. However, total spend in April was down 18.0% from $18.9m in March.

January saw Delaware Lottery roll out the new online sportsbook, powered by Rush Street Interactive and BetRivers. This has had a marked improvement on the state’s sports betting market over the past few months, including April. However, total spend in April was down 18.0% from $18.9m in March.

In terms of revenue, this amounted to $1.0m in April, up 171.0% year-on-year and level with March’s total. 

Delaware Park remains the runaway leader in the market, posting $622,160 in revenue from $10.7m in total bets.

Harrington Raceway placed second with $114,792 off $2.9m, then Bally’s Dover on $77,115 from $1.3m. An additional $86,049 in revenue came from $715,036 bets placed with retailers across the state.

Delaware igaming revenue tops $4.4m in April

Looking now to the igaming sector, total revenue in this market hit $4.4m in April. This is up 238.5% from the same month last year and only slightly behind March’s $4.6m.

Of this total, some $3.3m came from online slots, while the other $1.1m was generated by table games.

As for spending, players wagered $134.5m on igaming in April, up 240.5% from $39.5m last year and just 1.1% lower than $136.0m in March this year.

Consumers placed $85.7m in online slots wagers during the month and also spent $48.8m on internet table games.

As was the case with sports betting, Delaware Park again claimed top spot, reporting $2.0m in total revenue. Harrington Raceway took second with $1.4m in igaming revenue, ahead of Bally’s Dover on $1.0m.

Each of operator rolled out new online casino platforms in January, around the same time that the Delaware Lottery’s internet sportsbook launched.

PA, MA issue fines

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board on 22 May announced that it had fined Wind Creek Bethlehem $125,000 (£98,089/€115,156) for 10 times allowing minors onto the gaming floor. The regulator wrote in a press release that the incidents occurred over a 20-month period and involved 11 people.

A day later, on 23 May, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission issued a $10,000 fine to Fanatics Sportsbook for allowing a bet to be placed on a Boston College team. A consumer placed a $50 futures bet on the Golden Eagles bowl game against SMU 5 December 2023. Fanatics discovered the bet a day later and cancelled it. Betting on in-state college teams is not permitted in most cases in Massachusetts.

SI to exit Michigan by end of 2024

Michigan’s SI Sportsbook will exit the state by the end of the year, according to a report from PlayMichigan. The SI Sportsbook platform, now owned by Evoke, was the worst performing iGaming operator in Michigan for the first quarter of 2024. In addition, its sportsbook was in the bottom tier for revenue during the same period. SI Sportsbook launched in September 2022 and is partnered with Island Resort & Casino.

It appears likely that Hard Rock Bet will replace SI Sportsbook. Evoke, formerly 888 Holdings, bought 888’s US assets earlier this year. The Michigan Gaming Control Board would have to vet and approve a new operator.

SI Sportsbook is one of two operators leaving the state in 2024. WynnBET is winding down its business and exiting multiple states. Caesars Sportsbook bought the WynnBET license earlier this year. Digital platforms in Michigan must be partnered with one of the three commercial casinos in Detroit or a tribal casino. SI Sportsbook is partnered with Hannahville Indian Community on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

More credit?

A pair of bills making their way through the Rhode Island legislature would allow Bally’s to extend $100,000 in credit at its casinos. The senate bill is backed by President Dominick Ruggerio, author of the state’s legal sports betting bill.

The Providence Journal reported that Bally’s reason for increasing credit is to stay competitive. Neighbouring Massachusetts does not have a limit on how much credit a patron could be offered. And Connecticut’s two tribal casinos can choose their own credit limits.

Nevada: Made a bet? Keep your ticket

The Nevada Gaming Control Board Thursday (23 May) said no to the idea of allowed bettors with wagering tickets to cash out early by selling them. PropSwap, which operates in other states but not Nevada, made the proposal, according to SBC Americas. The NCGB determined that PropSwap’s business model is illegal, in part because Nevada does not licence such businesses. The proposal included creating a licensing category.

Illinois Dave & Busters could get a vote

The Illinois bill that would ban Dave & Buster’s from “facilitating” gaming Wednesday (22 May) was folded into a horse-racing bill. The amended bill, HB 394, got approval from the rules and gaming committees Thursday (23 May) and is on the House floor. The language would prevent amusement centres from offering customers the opportunity to bet against each other. Dave & Buster’s is proposing such betting through its loyalty app, and multiple states have voiced concern. Illinois is the first state to have a bill about the issue.

Illinois’ legislative session is scheduled to end today, but since the budget bill — which includes a wagering-tax increase hasn’t passed — it will be extended into the weekend.

Big money

Circa Sportsbook announced Thursday (23 May) a $16m payout in its Circa Million VI and Survivor NFL contests. The Survivor contest will have a $10m guaranteed prize and Million VI will have a $6m gaurantee. In-person signups begin today (24 May) at any Circa Sports Nevada location, and open until 7 September at 2 p.m. local time.

The contests have no rake, and will have mini contests throughout the year. The Survivor contest requires bettors to pick one winner, straight up, each week of the season, and a team cannot be reused. The Million VI requires five picks against the spread weekly. Entry fees for both contests at $1,000 and players can submit multiple entries.

Worth the read

Are sports betting companies targeting Blacks? James Trumm of the Toledo Blade took a deep dive into the question, and found conflicting opinions.

In other news …

Beth Bresnahan, the former Massachusetts Lottery and DC Office of Lottery and Gaming executive director, was introduced Monday (21 May) as SciGames’ chief communications and brand officer. She was previously the company’s vice president of strategic communications.

BetMGM announced Thursday (23 May) that it’s now the official odds provider for the Associated Press. BetMGM odds will be in AP’s daily sports odds fixtures and other sports stories.

The Maryland Lottery Thursday (23 May) granted Betr initial license approval. When Betr, currently live in Ohio and Virginia, will launch was not revealed. The company exited the Massachusetts market earlier this year.

ICYMI on iGB

Tax-rate increase coming in Illinois? We’ll find out over the weekend

West Flagler files response to federal government in US Supreme Court

Massachusetts operators jilt gaming commission

FanDuel’s first 30 days in DC nearly 900% better than GambetDC in same period last year

DraftKings-Jackpocket integration underway

The latest order from Brazil’s SPA – Interministerial Ordinance No.28 – was published on 22 May in the country’s Official Gazette. The SPA was established in April as part of an ordinance outlining the first steps for implementing betting regulation.

Ordinance No.28 gives a set of responsibilities to the ministry of sport – including a 45-day period to comment on applications. Earlier this week, the ministry of finance published Ordinance No.827. This outlined that the SPA would receive 150 days to assess applications for licences. The SPA must also notify the applicants of their acceptance or rejection within this timeline.

Ordinance No.827 set a deadline of 31 December for operators to comply with the regulated market. From 1 January 2025, operators will be subject to penalties. The 45 days allotted to the ministry of sport could delay the licensing process further, according to Fabio Kujawski, partner at Mattos Filho.

Will Brazil’s regulated market launch on schedule?

Kujawski also points out delays could effect how operators advertise in Brazil. From 1 January onwards, it will be illegal for unlicensed operators to advertise.

“As of Jan 1, 2025, all operators that have not secured a license will be deemed as operating illegally and may have its URLs blocked by determination from the ministry of finance,” he says.

“So, the problem is actually bigger than simply receiving the license later, but to be no longer authorised to operate or to advertise – note that advertising from unlicensed operators will also be deemed unlawful as of 2025.”

Brazil sports betting timeline is ‘daunting’ but MoF confident

Andre Santa Ritta, associate lawyer at Pinheiro Neto Advogados says that on a general level, the timeline was “well-received”. But he admits that the industry will have to put in the work to make it happen – a pressure that will surely increase with this new 45-day allottment.

“Indeed, the timeline is daunting to say the least, but the ministry is confident they should be able to achieve it,” Santa Ritta says.

“My expectation is to see significant increase in the workforce at the authority in the upcoming weeks to meet the deadline. This happened before in other industries, such as finance.”

Further steps to Brazil’s betting and gaming licensing process

The latest ordinance also outlines that applications will be registered with SIGAP, Brazil’s betting management system. Applications will then be passed on electronically to the ministry of sport.

Applications will also be submitted to the Attorney General of the Union. This is to prevent discrepancies between the SPA and the ministry of sport.

Both the SPA and the ministry of sport will be responsible for monitoring betting integrity in Brazil. The ministry of sport must communicate all suspected instances of match fixing to the SPA.

“The Prizes and Bets Secretariat of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Sports are responsible for ensuring, within the scope of their powers, the integrity of the unpredictability of events and sporting results, which are the subject of fixed-odd bets,” Ordinance No.28 reads.

The ministry of sport is separately charged with keeping and updating a list of sports entities that can be the subject of bets during sports events.

Ordinance No.28 will be enacted on 3 June.

Nearing the end of a long journey for Brazil regulation

If the ministry’s timeline is followed, Brazil’s igaming and sports betting market should be regulated by the end of July. The roll-out is set to take place in four stages, and is already almost halfway through.

Stages one dealt with technical, payment and security requirements that operators must follow. Stage two – which concludes at the end of May – will see the SPA publish anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing policies.

Stages three and four will see the SPA publish rules on security requirements for online gaming and how the industry will contribute to socially responsible causes, respectively.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva approved Bill 3,626/2023 in December. The bill officially permitted a regulatory framework for gaming in Brazil. It officially brought an end to a long road for the industry in one of LatAm’s most thriving sporting nations.

Normative Ordinance 827 was published in Brazil’s Official Diary of the Union on Tuesday (21 May), sets out the requirements for those hoping to secure sports betting and gaming licences in Brazil. 

It kicks off an “adjustment period” in which gaming operators active in Brazil have until 31 December 2024 to comply with the regulatory framework for sports betting and igaming. Companies’ applications submitted within 90 days of Ordinance 827’s release will be prioritised for assessment.

Authorised operators will be granted a licence lasting five years, once a BRL30m (£4.6m/€5.4m/$5.9m) fee is paid, and able to offer gambling via three skins.

Those that fail to secure a licence by that cutoff date will face penalties from 1 January, 2025.

Is the timeline for Brazil sports betting achievable?

The ordinance comes as the Ministry of Finance works its way through the process to finalise regulations, with a four-stage process underway.

While some sources suggested the government aimed to issue licences in the fourth quarter of the year with a plan to launch in January 2025, others argued this timeline was far too ambitious, expecting delays. The ordinance setting out how operators must apply was originally expected in April.

Following the Ordinance, one lawyer admitted the timeline was “daunting”. However the Ministry believes it is achievable, they added, supported by a higher headcount at the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA). 

“My expectation is to see significant increase in the workforce at the authority in the upcoming weeks to meet the deadline,” they explained. “This happened before in other industries such as finance.”

Who is eligible for Brazil sports betting and igaming licences?

Licence applicants must be headquartered on Brazilian soil. Foreign companies will still be eligible, but with a local subsidiary in which a Brazilian owns at least 20% of the share capital. 

What this actually means for operators remains up for discussion with experts unclear on how these arrangements will work in practice. The lack of new information on this requirement is disappointing, one lawyer said, and hoped for additional guidance from the Ministry.

This setup would need to be established before the operator applies for its licence, as any merger, split or change in corporate control would prompt a review of a licence by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA).

What must operators prove to secure a Brazil gaming licence?

As with regulations in many other countries, companies must provide documentation proving they are legally qualified to operate in Brazil, including identification and registration forms for controlling entities. They must also submit a declaration of compliance with payments regulations, supported by certification from the Central Bank of Brazil. 

The businesses will also have to provide a joint certificate from the Special Secretariat of Federal Revenue and the Attorney General’s Office of the National Treasury to show they are registered to pay tax in the country.

All key personnel and financial beneficiaries must also have a clean criminal record, with no bankruptcies, tax evasion or embezzlement convictions. 

How will Brazil gaming licence applicants prove their financial health?

In addition to paying the BRL30m licence fee, successful applicants must provide evidence of a financial reserve of at least BRL5m. The Ministry asks for a projected cash flow for the next two financial years signed by a finance director or equivalent to show how the business expects to grow in the market. 

Those that launch will pay a 12% gross revenue tax and a monthly inspection fee on a sliding scale from equivalent to $10,000 to $390,000. 

What are the technical specifications for Brazil gaming licence applicants?

Technical certification of operators’ betting systems are required, as outlined in Ordinance 722, issued earlier this month.

This ordinance set out provisions for datacentres hosted offshore. The Ministry aims to ensure the SPA has easy access to data so centres located in a country with a legal cooperation agreement with Brazil, covering civil and criminal matters, are acceptable. 

The testing centre requirement is included in this ordinance, though this may result in another bottleneck for the regulatory process. While the likes of Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) are certified for testing, the sheer volume of applicants could slow down the process. A call for expressions of interest in January prompted 134 responses from local and international operators.

What comes next in Brazil’s gambling licensing process?

According to the four-step process outlined by the Ministry of Finance in April, the SPA is due to announce technical and security requirements by the end of June, alongside processes for monitoring industry advertising. 

Final rules on how industry contributions will be distributed to socially responsible causes will follow by the end of July. This is likely to involve funds being paid into a central account then distributed to a range of different government agencies and charities.

The country already has a ban on licensed operators offering or providing credit under the Gambling Act. However, under plans set out by the ministry of finance in February, the expanded ban would be more in-depth.

Proposals outline that neither state operators nor gambling agents would be able to process deposits or bets financed by credit. This is regardless of how and when credit is provided, including credit cards.

There is also a focus on a requirement for licensees having duty of care measures to help discourage excessive gambling. The ministry proposed that Spelinspektionen be authorised to set requirements for what these action plans should contain.

Sticking points for Spelinspektionen on potential ban

Publishing its official response, Spelinspektionen says it is largely supportive of the ban. This follows the regulator calling for a full ban on gambling by credit card in November last year.

However, Spelinspektionen did highlight several concerns it has with the current proposals and called on these to be addressed in order to offer greater clarity over the plans.

Firstly, it flags how the memorandum states certain parties, such as non-profit associations that sell bingo games or lotteries, do not accept payments by bank card. This means they are not impacted by the ban.

However, Spelinspektionen states public lotteries also sell tickets on digital sales channels. As such, it calls for measures to be put in place to ensure payment is not made by credit card or financed with a credit provided by a third party for such tickets.

“The memorandum lacks an analysis regarding the consequences that this situation may entail for the public benefit lotteries,” it said.

“Ambiguity” concerns for Swedish regulator 

The regulator also noted an issue over “ambiguity” in relation to the proposed rules. This, it says, largely relates to clarity as to how the term “credit” can be interpreted.

Current proposals refer to an extended credit ban on consumers using account credits to gamble. By definition, Spelinspektionen said, credit linked to a bank account is also account credit.

As such, the regulator says this may be interpreted as meaning licence holders and gambling agents have to ensure a credit space is not used for payments with debit cards. However, the proposals do not include investigative duties for licensees or agents. This, the regulator says, means the planned rules do not go far enough to ensure payees must check if a debit card has a credit limit with every purchase.

Furthermore, Spelinspektionen says proposals do not detail whether licensees and agents must introduce technical solutions or enter agreements with payment service providers to ensure payment does not take place through a credit facility linked to a debit card. 

“Spelinspektionen instead interprets the proposal as meaning licence holders and agents may not allow such a payment if it is possible for the payee to discover without special investigative measures that the payment is made with a credit,” it said. “That is, if the payee knows for some other reason that the gambling bet is financed with such credit.

“The scope of the proposed credit ban regarding debit cards could, for the reasons stated, be specified more clearly.”

Sweden set to follow the crowd with credit ban

Should Sweden press ahead with the planned ban, it would follow other major markets in doing so.

The UK announced a ban on using credit cards to gamble in 2020, with the ban introduced that April. The Gambling Commission determined the implementation of the ban had been smooth and did not lead to “unintended consequences”.

In September 2023, Australia’s government tabled the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2023. The main focus of this was to ban the use of credit cards. 

Norway, one of Sweden’s Nordic cousins, has a similar credit gambling ban in place. In addition, further afield, Brazil has banned gambling with credit cards and cryptocurrency. 

ACMA said each of the sites is operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. As such, it is requesting internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to the illegal sites.

Domains flagged include Jogi Casino, Dundee Slots, Lucky Hunter, Lucky Wins, Lukki Casino, Spin Fever, Clubhouse Casino and Winport Casino.

Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, some 975 gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. In addition, over 220 illegal services have pulled out of Australia since the ACMA started enforcing illegal offshore gambling rules.

ACMA committed to protecting players

Website blocking is one several enforcement options to protect consumers against illegal gambling services. 

ACMA says it can take such action if a site offers games not covered by Australian law such as online casino, online slots and in-play online sports betting. Blocking can also be requested if a site is operating online gambling without a valid licence.

Blocking orders are not limited to gambling websites. ACMA can also make similar requests against sites that publish adverts for prohibited gambling services or unlicensed operations.

“ACMA is reminding consumers that even if a service looks legitimate, its unlikely to have important consumer protections,” ACMA said. “This means our laws can’t help if something goes wrong, like if the service provider withholds winnings. 

“Australians can check if a wagering service is licensed to operate in Australia on our register.”

Blocking requests continue to mount up

So far this year, ACMA has requested blocking orders against a total of 28 websites, including the latest round.

In March, ACMA flagged eight sites for beaching national law. These include Lucky7even, 50 Crowns, Rockwin, Bitdreams, Mr Pacho, Casino Infinity, Zota Bet and Spicyjackpots.

Meanwhile, in February, ACMA singled out 12 other websites. Playzilla, Wazamba, Zet Casino, Slots Palace, Nomini, Casinia, SG Casino, Fez Bet, Buran Casino, Spin Better, Golden Bet and Clash.gg were all deemed to be operating illegally.

This followed ACMA clamping down on four major operators for breaching in-play betting rules. Late last year, ACMA flagged Entain-owned Ladbrokes and Neds, as well as Hillside’s Bet365 and Sportsbet. 

ACMA said the operators breached interactive gambling rules by using Fast/Quick codes to facilitate in-play betting on sports. The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits in-play betting on sports matches, with only limited exceptions.

However, ACMA later conceded the brands eventually complied with rules. As such, it is not taking any further action over the matter.

FanDuel has officially been operating in partnership with the OLG since 15 April. This came after the OLG completed its transition from Intralot-run GambetDC, its long-term partner for sports betting in DC.

For the period from the launch day to 14 May, FanDuel’s online sportsbook reported $5.0m in gross gaming revenue. This is some 887% higher than in the corresponding period in the previous year.

There is also a significant improvement in handle. For the same period, players in DC spent approximately $30m betting on sports, up 673% year-on-year.

The OLG also noted that, as a result of higher revenue, it was able to generate more funds for the district. FanDuel gives 40% of revenue to DC, equating to $1.9m for the 30-day opening period – up 690% on last year.

Bright outlook for sports betting in DC

Looking ahead, the OLG says the launch of FanDuel will also likely improve DC’s per capita sports wagering revenue. 

Between September 2023 and February 2024, DC’s per capita sports wagering revenue – tax and GambetDC revenue – was $2.71. However, based on the early figures from FanDuel, this is now likely to exceed $19, which the OLG says will place DC among the highest revenue generating markets in the US on a per capita basis. 

“The transition to FanDuel, the market leader in mobile sports wagering, ensures the long-term viability of mobile sports wagering in the district,” OLG executive director Frank Suarez, said. 

“In addition to a 40% share of GGR and a guarantee of $5.0m in revenue in its first year, the FanDuel partnership brings the benefits of a respected brand, commitment to responsible gaming, an established user base and a superior sports wagering experience for District residents and visitors. 

“FanDuel’s first 30 days have not only met, but exceeded, expectations.”

GambetDC falls by the wayside as FanDuel takes charge

The decision to drop GambetDC came as no great surprise, given the issues the brand has faced in DC. Intralot, which was contracted with DC, struggled to put out a competitive product. In fact, the platform lost $4.0m in 2021.

As such, the OLG approved a request from Intralot to subcontract online sports betting to FanDuel. This allowed FanDuel to go live in DC just a few days later,

Partnering with FanDuel also offers additional benefits to the district. These include the OLG no longer having to pay operating expenses, which were previously between $2.0m and $4.0m a year. Instead, FanDuel now handles payment processing, promotions, marketing and retailer commissions.

While the focus is on FanDuel’s online sportsbook, the new partnership also led to changes in the retail market. FanDuel is replacing betting kiosks at 63 lottery retailers across DC.

The GambetDC app remains accessible to players, but they can no longer use it to place bets on sports. Existing customers have until 15 October to withdraw any remaining funds from the platform.

Mixed market in April

As for the wider DC market, there were somewhat mixed results in April. Revenue fell 59.5% year-on-year to $526,689, with this also 62.4% lower than $1.4m in March of this year.

Spending-wise, players wagered a total of $14.5m during April. This is level with the same month last year but 5.7% behind $15.7m in March.

GambetDC led the way despite the brand ceasing operations in mid-April. Players spent $6.9m which, after taking off $6.5m in winnings, suggests revenue of $394,224. 

For the full month, FanDuel reported $194,236 in revenue off a $550,751 handle.