Month: June 2024

The restrictions stem from joint action between KRAIL and the Security Service of Ukraine. Order No 451/2256 was issued to block the domain names of the illegal gambling sites.

The order instructs electronic communication service providers to block websites using their Domain Name System (DNS) servers.

Between April and May, over 1,000 orders were issued to limit access to domain names and subdomains on DNS servers after work between KRAIL and the Security Service.

Uncertainty over KRAIL’s future

KRAIL’s action against the illegal sites comes amid uncertainty over how much longer the regulator will be in charge of governing gambling in Ukraine.

The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, voted in April to liquidate KRAIL. The vote occurred after over a year of opposition as to how Ukrainian gambling is regulated. The opposition stemmed from frustration over KRAIL’s ability to carry out regulatory work, such as issuing licences.

KRAIL is made up of a collegial body involving a chairman and six members, with meetings only valid if five members are present. With some commission members mobilised into military service following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, there were lengthy delays to licence applications.

Other measures on the bill included increasing restrictions on gambling advertising, as well as further control measures.

The bill will now face a second reading. Should it pass, the bill would become law when signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

If KRAIL is dissolved, gambling regulation will come under the powers of the digital transformation ministry. Alina Plyushch, a partner at Kyiv-based law firm Sayenko Kharenko, explained to iGB that it’s unclear how long the digital transformation ministry would retain those powers.

“This is pending a further government decision on the creation of a new regulator under the digital transformation ministry’s umbrella,” Plyushch said.

“Another possibility is that the digital transformation ministry keeps the functions of the industry’s regulator.”

Gordon Moody’s first women-only residential programme opened in 2021. Following a pilot period, the programme was moved to the West Midlands in June 2023 and fully rolled out.

Currently, treatment consists of six weeks in residential treatment, as well as support before and after. One week centres on assessment, four focus on treatment and one is a “wind-down” week. This also includes recovery housing as a step before returning to independent life.

The study followed 68 women who attended the female residential programme between November 2021 and November 2023. It was co-authored by Dr Rosalind Baker-Frampton, evaluation and research lead at Gordon Moody, as well as representatives from the University of Nottingham, the University of Lincoln and the National Addiction Centre.

Upon entering the programme, 64 women completed the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), a tool to measure at-risk gambling behaviour. A total of 54 women completed the PGSI at the end of treatment, 31 women completed it three months post-treatment and 23 women completed it six months post-treatment.

All the women who completed the PGSI at the start of the programme scored >8, which is the high-risk category.

However, six months after treatment, almost half – 47.8% – of the women who completed the PGSI showed no gambling behaviours. A total of 13.0% in this category were classed as low risk, while 17.4% were classed as high risk. Meanwhile, 21.7% remained in the high-risk category.

Rates of depression and anxiety lowered

The study also looked at rates of depression and anxiety in participants before and after treatment.

All 68 women completed the Core-10 assessment at the beginning of their treatment, while 23 women completed it six months post-treatment. The Core-10 is an assessment that measures psychological distress.

The majority – 67.3% – of women entering the programme presented with symptoms of depression. This is compared to 39.1% who presented with depression six months after treatment ended. A total of 60.9% of women reported no depression symptoms or psychological distress in the six months post-treatment.

A total of 65 women completed the Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) assessment upon entering treatment and 55 completed it at the end. In this instance, rates of anxiety were also found to have fallen – 35.3% of women presented with severe anxiety at the start of treatment, while none presented with severe anxiety at the end.

In addition, 19.5% were not found to experience any clinical anxiety at the start of treatment. This amount rose to 55.6% at the end of the programme.

The study outlined that women might experience more benefits from residential treatment.

“Women in particular may benefit from residential treatment as the encompassing nature of residential treatment, away from caregiving and other responsibilities, allows them the time and space to address trauma and learn coping strategies,” it read.

Timothy McCormack and Mahmud Mollah were both released on $50,000 bond on Thursday morning. They were questioned by federal investigators as early as 30 May, according to the complaint.

Both allegedly bet on games in which then-Toronto Raptor Jontay Porter removed himself early so certain prop bets would pay. Porter is not directly named in the complaint, but the complaint refers to an NBA player who was banned for life. NBA commissioner Adam Silver issued Porter with a lifetime ban in April. He is the only player in the league to have been banned for betting thus far.

Porter was found to have bet on Raptors games and shared personal health information with his co-conspirators.

Two suspects won more than $1m total

On Monday (3 June), the lead character in the scandal, Long Phi Pham, was arrested at JFK airport boarding a plane to Australia. Pham was released on $750,000 bond. All three defendants appeared in US District Court for the Eastern District of New York this week.

According to the complaint, four people besides Porter were involved in the NBA betting scandal, and federal agents continue to pursue the fourth suspect. All of the betting took place on games either on 26 January or 20 March in which Porter removed himself early. Per the complaint, McCormack allegedly cashed a $7,000 bet on the 26 January game, making a $33,250 profit. He allegedly placed an $8,000 bet on Porter’s “under” on the 20 March game, making a $36,000 profit.

Mollah, according to the complaint, made five “under” bets on the 20 March game, winning $1.13m.

DraftKings, FanDuel reported to IBIA

The suspects allegedly wagered with legal operators referred to as “co-official sports betting partners of the NBA”. DraftKings and FanDuel are the co-official sportsbooks with the league. It was previously reported that DraftKings reported suspicious activity to the NBA after the 20 March game.

According the complaint, DraftKings and FanDuel both reported suspicious activity to the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), which passed the information to the FBI.

Mollah’s account was suspended by either DraftKings or FanDuel after the 20 March bet, per the complaint. On 10 April Mollah sent a text to one of the suspects that read “I really need you to hound [Betting Company 1]. At least get me back my principle $.”

Thursday’s arrests continued a difficult week for the sports betting industry. In addition to the NBA betting scandal, news broke on Monday that five Major League Baseball players were being investigated for violating league betting rules. By Tuesday (4 June), San Diego Padres shortstop Tucupita Marcano was banned for life.

Also on Tuesday, Ippei Mizuhara pled guilty to stealing nearly $17m from baseball star Shohei Ohtani to pay off illegal gambling debts. Mizuhara, Ohtani’s ex-interpreter, faces up to 33 years in prison and a $1.5m fine. Immediately after the plea was entered, MLB exonerated Ohtani of any involvement.

Last month, SkyCity agreed with Austrac that it would pay a total civil penalty of AU$67.0m (£35.0m/€41.1m/US$44.7m). This is in relation to historical anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) failings at its land-based casino in Adelaide. 

SkyCity and Austrac put forward separate submissions for approval at a hearing that took place earlier today (7 June). Here, the court approved the agreed penalty fee and also ordered SkyCity to pay Austrac’s costs of $3.0m.

Austrac’s acting CEO, Peter Soros, welcomed the decision. He said casinos, like all businesses, must take their AML obligations seriously.

“Criminals will always seek to take advantage of the gambling sector to clean their dirty money,” Soros said. “If casinos and other gambling entities have weak AML systems and controls, they leave themselves vulnerable to criminal exploitation.

“Today’s result shows Austrac is prepared to take action when businesses, including casinos, fail to comply with the legislation. Businesses who ignore their obligations are affecting the Australian community by leaving the door open to criminal activity.

“Money laundering is not a victimless crime. It happens because criminals are trying to clean their dirty money obtained by lucrative illegal activities like trafficking drugs or humans and it is often reinvested to further criminal enterprises and amplify these harms.”

What failings were identified at SkyCity?

The penalty refers to a case that came to light in December 2022. At the time, Austrac said SkyCity Adelaide demonstrated a pattern of “serious and systemic non-compliance” with national AML and CTF laws.

However, the case dates back several years prior to Austrac taking action. An industry-wide compliance campaign launched in September of 2019, with SkyCity notified of the alleged wrongdoing in June 2021.

Key issues include SkyCity’s AML/CTF programmes failing to meet the requirements of the AML/CTF Act. Austrac also said that the group failed to carry out appropriate ongoing customer due diligence.

Austrac also highlighted how failure to comply with the Act over many years allowed high-risk customers to move millions of dollars through the casino, in ways that made the source and ownership of the funds unclear.

SkyCity was also found to have provided services through high-risk channels and to high-risk customers without appropriate risk-based controls. Austrac noted how it failed to carry out required checks on 121 customers, including where SkyCity knew these players were subject of law enforcement interest, or where there were indications some posed a higher risk of money laundering.

In response, SkyCity admitted its contraventions made it vulnerable to criminal exploitation. It also accepted it exposed both the Australian community and financial system to money laundering and terrorism financing risk.

Addressing concerns raised by Austrac

Since Austrac raised the matter, SkyCity has taken steps to address the issues identified in these proceedings. This remediation remains ongoing.

So far, SkyCity has appointed an independent expert to review its AML/CTF programme at the Adelaide casino and broader functions to identify areas for improvement. This took place in July 2021 and has led to changes at the venue.

On the back of this, SkyCity developed a AML enhancement programme for the Adelaide casino. This takes into account failings listed in the initial case raised against the casino.

SkyCity Adelaide has also made numerous governance changes and expanded its financial crime and legal and compliance teams. In addition, the group committed to new investment in internal AML and CTF resourcing and capability, as well as strengthening relationships with law enforcement agencies.

Austrac continues to clamp down on rule-breakers

Today’s settlement marks the second civil penalty Austrac has secured against Australian casinos. Last year, the Federal Court ordered Crown’s Melbourne and Perth casinos to pay a $450.0m penalty over AML/CTF Act breaches.

Crown’s agreement to enforcement action marks the conclusion of a process that began in 2022. Breaches discovered include failing to appropriately assess the money laundering and terrorism financing risks.

The Federal Court gave its approval to the fine, which will be paid over a period of two years, last July.

“Our continued efforts in this space will act as a strong deterrent for all casino operators in Australia who think they can avoid their AML/CTF obligations,” Austrac’s Soros said.

SkyCity also set for penalty in New Zealand

SkyCity last month reached a settlement with New Zealand’s secretary of the department of internal affairs (DIA) over AML/CFT breaches.

Earlier this year the DIA announced it would file high court proceedings against SkyCity and its SkyCity Casino Management Limited (SCML). subsidiary. This relates to non-compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009.

The operator said these breaches mainly refer to historical matters, with some previously self-reported to the DIA. The operator added it has taken a series of steps to prevent issues in the future.

Settling the case with the DIA, SkyCity agreed a penalty of NZ$4.16m, with the court having the final say on this.

SkyCity reduces full-year guidance

Against this backdrop of regulatory uncertainty, SkyCity has this week reduced guidance on certain full-year figures. Both underlying group EBITDA and net profit after tax for the 2024 financial year are set to be lower than expected.

For the 12 months to 30 June, underlying group EBITDA is forecast at between NZ$280m and NZ$285m. This is lower than its initial guidance of $290m to $310m. As for net profit, this is set to range from $120m to $125m, behind earlier guidance of $125m to $135m.

Several factors are impacting SkyCity, including a challenging economic environment hitting customer spend. However, the group notes visitor numbers across all sites remain strong.

SkyCity also references a further delay in the opening of its Horizon Hotel in Auckland in New Zealand. In addition, it notes a potential increase in Adelaide casino duty expense in Australia during the 2024 financial year.

The group said that some of these issues will continue to impact performance in the 2025 financial year. SkyCity will enter the next year under the leadership of Jason Walbridge, who takes over as CEO next month. Walbridge is replacing Michael Ahearne, who recently left the group.

Other senior-level changes include Julie Amey resigning as chief financial officer. In addition, SkyCity has named Andrew McPherson as chief information officer on a full-time basis.

Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas owner Textor’s accusations of Palmeiras being involved in a game that was manipulated led to a CPI being set up to counter match-fixing in Brazil.

Textor said he had evidence São Paulo players were bribed in a 5-0 defeat against Palmeiras. The Botafogo owner also said he had a recording of a referee who had been bribed.

Textor reaffirmed those allegations in an April CPI. Senator Jorge Kajuru, president of the CPI, called for Pereira to appear before the commission.

Pereira strongly refuted Textor’s allegations, stating he should be banned from Brazilian football if he doesn’t provide sufficient evidence.

“Objectively, I have seen absolutely no evidence,” Pereira said.

“I have no doubt whatsoever that John Textor would have to be banned from Brazilian football, because with these irresponsible, criminal allegations, he affects not only Palmeiras, he affects the entire credibility of this great product that is Brazilian football.”

Textor match-fixing claims

In his CPI appearance, Textor claimed technology he had hired to evaluate human behaviour found five São Paulo players acted abnormally. One player had eight abnormalities, almost three times more than the normal rate.

While Textor believes the game was fixed, he also stated his uncertainty over whether Palmeiras players were involved.

However, he also highlighted two other games involving Palmeiras. One match featured a Vasco da Gama goal being incorrectly disallowed due to a wrongly-placed video assistant referee (VAR) camera. The other was between Palmeiras and Textor’s Botafogo, where the latter had a man sent off before Palmeiras came from behind to win 4-3. Palmeiras would go on to win the league.

Pereira criticised Textor’s claims, saying they were having a negative impact on the perception of Brazilian football. Pereira also said if she knew of any Palmeiras wrongdoing, she would have informed the Brazilian Football Confederation (CFB).

“I can’t let a foreigner come here to Brazil and, because he lost a title… disqualify Palmeiras’ very important title,” Pereira declared.

“My observations are in relation to John Textor’s attitude, not Botafogo’s. His attitudes are a great harm to Brazilian football.”

Kajuru demands Textor evidence

Kajuru called upon the 20 Brasileiro Série A clubs to conduct a meeting at the CBF to come up with a deadline for Textor to support his claims.

Pereira, meanwhile, urged stronger punitive measures to be taken against those who manipulate matches to serve as a deterrent.

“Without punishment, we will get absolutely nowhere,” Pereira continued. “Impunity is the seed of the next crime.

“There’s no point in warning, there’s no point in a letter. If you participate in these schemes that harm credibility, harm the result, harm the serious work of other clubs, you will be banned from football.”

Revenue for the three months to 31 March hit €2.11bn (£1.80bn/$2.30bn). This is some way clear of the €1.65bn Allwyn posted in Q1 of the previous year – and in line with earlier issued guidance.

Gross gaming revenue – revenue from gaming activities – increased 27.1% to €2.02bn. Allwyn also reported a 16.0% rise in net revenue for the quarter to €940.9m. 

Analysing the performance, CEO Robert Chvatal says the main catalyst for growth was Allwyn taking over the National Lottery. The official handover took place on 1 February with Allwyn replacing Camelot, which had run the National Lottery since its launch in 1994.

Allwyn now holds responsibility for all National Lottery operations and products. This covers online and retail sales for the main Lotto draw as well as Set For Life, Thunderball and Hotpicks. It also includes scratchcards and UK access to the Europe-wide game EuroMillions.

Chvatal described the transition as a key milestone in Allwyn’s history. He also praised the first few months of operation, saying the group has seen a successful start to its tenure as licensee.

“This represented the coming to fruition of many years of dedication by a team from across our geographies,” Chvatal said. “We’re excited to have already started work on transforming The UK National Lottery for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

Allwyn hails M&A impact

Chvatal also highlighted recent M&A activity and the impact this had on performance during Q1.

The group purchased Camelot UK, former operator of the National Lottery, in February 2023. It also acquired Camelot Lottery Solutions (Camelot LS) earlier in 2023. The US-facing business is now known as Allwyn LS Group. 

This allowed Allwyn to fully prepare for taking control of the National Lottery. The Camelot UK acquisition in particular proved useful, granting Allwyn insight into lottery operations ahead of it taking control.

Excluding the impact of UK operations and the Allwyn LS acquisition, revenue would have only been 3.0% higher in Q1.

In addition, Q1 saw Allwyn build on this by agreeing to purchase a 70% stake in Instant Win Gaming. The deal with the online content developer is focused on global growth, with Chvatal backing the purchase to further extend Allwyn’s reach.

“Through our inorganic growth strategy, we continue to expand our footprint and capabilities.”

Digital dreaming in Q1

Looking at the bigger picture in Q1, Chvatal picked out other factors that also helped drive growth. These include further expansion within its digital business across various markets.

Other highlights include ongoing product development and innovation, as well as the launch of Eurojackpot in Greece. This, Chvatal says, brings a multi-national jackpot game to Greek players for the first time.

In addition, Chvatal said Allwyn continued to show progress in customer loyalty schemes and the digitalisation of retail.

Coupled with UK developments and the Allwyn LS acquisition, this pushed both revenue and adjusted EBITDA up year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDA was 141.6% higher at €41.8m, with a margin of 38.0%.

In addition, Allwyn was able to strengthen its financing in Q1, signing €500.0m of accordion facilities under its senior facilities agreement. These efforts continued after quarter end, with the recent syndication of a $450.0m term loan B facility. 

“This was our debut term loan B transaction, further diversifying our access to capital,” Chvatal said. “I am very pleased that both transactions were well supported by existing and new lenders.

“Overall, I am pleased with the start to the year. I believe that we are well-placed for the remainder of 2024 and the next chapters of our growth story.”

The indictment was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Richmond.

According to the indictment, members of the alleged criminal enterprise include members of the Gambino crime family, one of five “traditional” organised crime families operating in New York and through the US.

“The other four families are the Bonanno crime family, Colombo crime family, Genovese crime family and Lucchese crime family,” reads the indictment. “The families are part of a criminal network variously known as “the Mafia”, “the Mob” and “La Cosa Nostra”.”

It is alleged that three of the defendants – John J LaForte, Anthony J Cinque Jr and John Matera – delegated the monitoring of illegal loansharking and illegal gambling to Edward A LaForte, an associate of the group. Edward was assisted by other Gambino associates, as well a Colombo associate and other participants.

The indictment states that between 15 September 2022 and 29 March 2023, the criminal enterprise amassed 70 bettors who placed an estimated $22.7m (£17.7m/€20.8m) in illegal bets through Edward A LaForte’s master agent betting account. These bets were placed through www.ubet1288.com, an illegal gambling site.

The indictment also lists a number of dates throughout 2022 and 2023 where several of the defendants are named as committing the crime of Promoting Gambling in the First Degree. On these dates, the defendants are alleged to have accepted or received more than five bets totalling over $5,000.

How was the illegal gambling scheme operated?

Edward LaForte is accused of having a managerial role in the criminal enterprise, particularly in relation to the illegal gambling activities.

“In this role, Edward A LaForte managed sheetholders and bettors, including providing each with their own combination of account username and password,” the indictment continues. “Edward A LaForte also paid the illegal gambling website to allow his bettors and sheetholders to continually use the platform.”

In total, ten people were listed as sheetholders in the indictment. A sheetholder manages bets and collections for individual players.

These people reported to Edward LaForte with any issues related to the bettors. They also collected losses and provided winnings to players. He was also responsible for ensuring the proceeds of the scheme were transferred to John LaForte and Cinque Jr.

Downstate casino project faces uncertain future

Elsewhere in New York state, plans for a downstate New York casino project were thrown into jeopardy last month after Senator Jessica Ramos spoke out against plans outlined by Steve Cohen, a hedge-fund billionaire.

Cohen’s plans would see an $8bn development – named Metropolitan Park – built at Citi Field, stadium of the New York Mets in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, in partnership with Hard Rock International.

Ramos said she would not introduce legislation that would downgrade the existing parkland in Corona. This is needed to allow its renovation into the casino.

“We want investment and opportunity, we are desperate for green space and recreation for the whole family,” Ramos said. “We disagree on the premise that we have to accept a casino in our backyard as the trade-off.”

If it comes to fruition, the casino would feature an entertainment complex, a Hard Rock hotel and gaming facilities, as well as a live music venue.

Last week, the Illinois house of representatives passed a progressive wagering tax rate. This will see the state’s most prolific sports betting operators pay tax at 40%, a sharp rise from the current rate of 15%.

The new-look structure sets rates at between 20% and 40%, depending on each operator’s adjusted gaming revenue (AGR). Operators posting more than $200m (£157m/€184m) face the highest rate of 40% – the second-highest tax rate in the US behind New York at 51%.

Other boundaries include a 20% tax rate for operators with an AGR of under $30m, 25% for between 30m and $50m, 30% for AGR ranging from $50m to $100m and 35% for AGR of $100m to $200m.

The proposal, which forms part of the FY2025 budget in Illinois, is now with Illinois’ governor, JB Pritzker, for sign-off. Should Pritzker decide to pass the law, the new rates will come into effect from 1 July.

Potential knock-on effect of betting tax increase

Brendan Bussmann of B Global, a consultancy serving the gaming, sports and hospitality industries, has now tabled further concerns through a note from Truist. These primarily relate to the knock-on effect the increase could have, saying further states could follow suit with similar increases.

“With Illinois the second state to increase its tax rate [after Ohio raised its rate from 10% to 20% in 2023], investors have an increased concern around contagion,” Bussmann said.

Singling out other states, Bussmann highlights recent activity elsewhere that could signal a move to higher taxes. Massachusetts considered a hike this year, although it was quickly rejected, with Bussmann saying this is unlikely to pass in the future. 

Bussmann said there has also been talk about a hike in New Jersey. However, he believes this is unlikely given how seasoned the state is with governing gaming policy. In addition, he referenced Pennsylvania as a possible candidate, but said attention here is more likely to be on the proliferation of skill-based games. 

Higher taxes punish largest contributors in Illinois

Bussmann, himself a proponent of lower tax operating environments, also criticised Illinois for going after the most lucrative operators. He noted how the higher tax rates will hit the operators that already contribute the most tax revenue in the state. 

He also warned that pushing up taxes could have a negative impact on the overall market in Illinois. With operators facing higher costs, this may see them withdraw promotions, cut back on their offering and offer worse odds.

DraftKings and FanDuel Group’s parent company Flutter Entertainment both saw their stock price decline when the plans were announced. DraftKings and Flutter would be facing the highest rate of tax, with both having AGR in excess of $200m.

In addition, Bussmann went as far as to say that the rise would be most beneficial for offshore betting operators. As these brands do not pay tax, any potential exit of licensed operators from the market would push more traffic their way.

What is happening elsewhere?

Longer term, Bussmann worries states yet to legalise betting will institute higher tax rates at conception without understanding industry dynamics.

Among the states yet to legalise wagering are Minnesota, which ran out of time in the latest legislative session, and Georgia, and Missouri, where a ballot initiative aimed at this November’s ballot will likely face strong opposition from land-based casinos.

Bussmann said California and Texas continue to be key states to watch, given their size and the potential impact on the overall legal gambling picture in the US. According to Bussmann, California is having productive conversations around sports betting being on the ballot in 2026. However, he adds that a 2028 move is more likely, given ongoing tribal opposition.

As for Texas, opposition from Governor Greg Abbott to legal gambling means any move is unlikely for several years, perhaps until as far ahead as 2027.

Elsewhere, Bussmann notes the decision by the DC Office of Lottery and Gaming to switch from Gambet DC to FanDuel. This, he says, has seen an immediate pickup in traction – to the point where there is now talk of opening up the market to other operators.

Could we see more legal igaming?

Away from sports betting, Bussmann acknowledges an effort by Arkansas to consider legal igaming earlier this year. However, this ultimately came to nothing, with Bussmann saying legalisation is not likely to be imminent,

Maryland also failed to get igaming across the line during the last session, although the state continues to face budget constraints potentially driving the conversation.

In addition, Illinois itself remains a candidate for legalising igaming, with Bussmann expecting the state to make a move at some point. However, he recognises how other legal activity in the state could slow progress.

Alongside the higher sports betting tax, Illinois faces expanding video gaming terminals into Chicago and Bally’s building a land-based casino in the downtown region. 

Euro 2024 gets under way in Germany on 14 June and the ANJ says close to €1bn (£851.4m/$1.1bn) could be staked in France on the tournament. The ANJ did note the stake amounts will depend on how France, among the favourites to lift the trophy, fare in the competition.

The €1bn figure would surpass the 2022 World Cup’s stakes total of €900m, when France reached the final. The last European Championships, held in 2021, generated €700m in bets.

However, amid the expected increase in betting activity, the ANJ is urging players – particularly younger people – to take notice of legal notices featured on gambling advertising.

The ANJ’s new prevention campaign aims to raise awareness of betting addiction and the resulting problems. The messages highlight a “deliberately disproportionate” section on addiction risks in yellow to tell the “real stories” of problem gambling.

Messages will also refer to the Evalujeu website, which allows players to evaluate their gambling and receive advice. ANJ president Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin emphasised the importance of raising awareness of such options.

“The ANJ wishes to make an impact with its campaign which aims to make people understand that legal notices on advertisements are not only a legal obligation but that they contain stories of players’ lives, testimonials on the risks linked to excessive gambling such as those we receive every day at the ANJ,” Falque-Pierrotin said.

Over half of France expected to follow Euro 2024

Prior to the tournament, the ANJ requested consumer insights provider Toluna-Harris Interactive to conduct research on the French population’s betting intentions. An online survey was carried out in May with 1,070 respondents.

The study found 55% of France’s population plan on following Euro 2024. A total of 82% of respondents identified addiction risks.

In addition, 35% of French people plan to place wagers on Euro 2024 games. That figure jumps to 44% for those aged between 18 and 34, highlighting the need to raise awareness of addiction risks among younger people.

The ANJ stated over €4bn in online sports bets was placed in 2023, with football attributed to 52% of such stakes. A total of 64% of sports bettors were found to be aged between 18 and 34.

ANJ: Room for improvement despite RG progress

In 2019, the Games Observatory approximated there were 1.4 million at-risk gamblers in France. Close to 400,000 were vulnerable at the pathological level. The research also identified sports betting to provide the biggest risk.

The same year, a new ordinance mandated operators should submit an annual plan to the ANJ to prevent excessive gambling.

In April 2024, the ANJ revealed “significant progress” had been made to limit problem gambling, especially in raising awareness. However, the ANJ still noted problem gambling rates were still too high in France. It pointed to its 2024-2026 strategic plan which prioritised the aim of helping problem and underage gamblers. The regulator urged operators to further improve their responsible gambling efforts to increase player protection.

In announcing the Euro 2024 prevention campaign, Falque-Pierrotin praised operators for their work and called for it to continue.

“Since the excesses of the Euro in 2021, gambling operators have become aware of their responsibilities in the fight against excessive gambling and have adjusted their practices,” she said.

“This positive dynamic must continue during the Euro and the Olympic Games and the ANJ will be vigilant on the actual practices of each.”

Strong 2023 for French gambling

In April, the ANJ reported record gross gambling revenue of €13.4bn across France in 2023.

That turnover was 3.5% higher than 2022 despite the presence of a World Cup in that year. All market segments reported increased GGR.

Online gambling GGR hit €2.3n in 2023, a 7.2% year-on-year increase. The year prior saw just a 0.8% increase.

Falque-Pierrotin stated: “This good health of the market demonstrates that demanding regulation is not an obstacle to development.

“This growth makes all the more relevant the objective of reducing the number of excessive gamblers that the ANJ has placed at the centre of its action for the years to come.”

The World Series of Politics is back after some technical hitches and we’ve got a lot to catch up on.

We begin in Minnesota. Hopes were high for the state to legalise sports betting before the close of the legislative session, but it inevitably ended without sports betting being considered. Minnesota had been one of four US states that stakeholders thought might pass sports betting legislation, alongside Alabama, Georgia and Missouri. None of them did.

A number of elements factored into Minnesota falling at the final hurdle, Bussmann highlights, one being the arrest of state senator Nicole Mitchell for burglary.

“In the end, one of the downfalls off of this was just, you had, you know, a bunch of people, some are some Ds that just didn’t want to get along at the end,” he says. And although a result was achieved in the form of a package – a compromise agreed in the chamber by both parties and from both houses – this was not advanced because it didn’t appear on the agenda.

“We got killed by the process this year.”

Market ramps up in DC

We hurtle over to Washington DC, which has kicked off its budgeting process. Iden takes us through a bill from Councilmember Kenyan R McDuffie, which would authorise a mobile market in the district.

“The language that McDuffie has crafted calling for an open competitive sports betting market in the district is now inserted into the budget,” Iden explains. “That process will unfold over the course of the next three weeks or so while council debates the overall budget package.

“At which point in time, the budget package will eventually be passed with certain language in it.”

The next step is for the budget package to be sent to congress and be approved there within 30 days. Whether this language – which would permit an open and competitive sports market – stays in the budget, or is removed to be a standalone piece of legislation, remains to be seen.

Iden adds that commissioners and council members are in opposition to the model put forward by Intralot, which chose FanDuel as its new subcontractor in March following middling results with GamBetDC.

“This DC sole-sourced lottery-run contract has failed the district,” he continues. “Just simply putting a band-aid on this with a new operator in the market simply coming in and taking over for the last failed programme of Intralot in the past… isn’t going to solve the problem.”

Last but not least, Delaware and Illinois

Third in the lineup is Delaware, which is facing a similar situation. Like DC, Delaware has a sole source operator through the lottery and operators are sniffing around for a competitive market. But Delaware also has igaming, which DC does not.

Bussmann says Delaware’s model has always been fractured. But House Bill 365 is aiming to fix that.

And, at the end of the day, an open and competitive market would duly challenge the illegal market.

Speaking of the illegal market, we make our final stop in Illinois – the state on everybody’s mind. Last week the state’s house of representatives passed a controversial heightened tax rate. The new rate would see certain operators be taxed at 40%, a far cry from the original 15%.

“Bad tax policy should never be followed,” Bussmann implores. “It’s one of the challenges, as we’ve talked about before, that I saw with the report in Maryland that the state did, that they layer on more bad tax policy and what that should end up with.

“Let’s look at the economics of the market, let’s look at the economics of operators.”

But we don’t quite end there. Iden gives a shoutout to his home state, Michigan, and the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s (MGCB) decision to give Curaçao-based Bovada the boot. The MGCB alleges that Harp Media BV – which operates Bovada – allowed Bovada.com and Bovada.lv to be accessible to Michiganders. This was despite Harp Media BV not having the appropriate licence.