Recently, the Netherlands has made significant headlines. The latest report shows a slight decrease in the channelization rate, dropping to 91% from 95%. However, newly implemented player protection measures, effective October 1, 2024, have significantly reduced the industry's gross gaming revenue from high-loss accounts, bringing it down to 23% from a previous 73%. Meanwhile, the Netherlands Gambling Authority has imposed a €1.2 million fine on Techno Offshore Ltd. The penalty was for allegedly ignoring recommendations to block Dutch customers' access to two of the company's websites.
Business and finance
Marharyta Yerina has been named Managing Director of ELA Games, a leading studio in the iGaming industry known for developing dynamic and popular casino games. Yerina brings over a decade of extensive experience in various industries, making her a seasoned business leader. Star Entertainment has published its half-year financial results for the period ending December 31, 2024, revealing a decline in revenue alongside a substantial loss. SOFTSWISS confirmed this week that Rubens Barrichello will continue as a Non-Executive Director in Latin America. The globally renowned Formula 1 legend and SOFTSWISS first announced their partnership in April 2024.
Regulations and laws
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) has launched its own investigation into the General Election betting scandal. This action is separate from a previous inquiry by the Metropolitan Police, which was concluded with no charges filed against those involved. The UKGC is focusing on 15 individuals who may have had insider knowledge of the election date and placed bets against their success in the election. Most of these individuals are former members of the Conservative Party, along with some staffers and bodyguards. Meanwhile, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued another blocking order against unregulated gambling websites in Australia. This order affects four specific sites, bringing the total number of blocked illegal gambling and affiliate sites to 1,210. In Nevada, Kalshi secured a legal victory when US District Court Judge Anthony Gordon ruled that the company can continue offering its prediction markets on sports for now. At the same time, Michigan and its gambling regulator have announced that they will be investigating Kalshi’s event sports contracts.
Responsible gambling
The Netherlands has imposed its first-ever fine on an unnamed company within the regulated market for failing to adequately protect young adults. The operator was fined €734,000 but has received a temporary court injunction preventing the disclosure of its name. The penalty is still open to appeal. The German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) has welcomed the new German government’s pledge to tackle the illegal gambling market. In response, the DSWV issued five recommendations for the government to consider in order to enhance the gambling environment.
The voice of the industry
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