Around the iGaming world in November
Understanding the latest developments in the global betting industry is key to Altenar’s success and ensures we remain a leader in sportsbook technology.
To make things easier for our readers we’ve compiled the following list of all the biggest updates in complaints and legislation for the past month.
BRAZIL
Online fixed-odds betting registration rules clarified
Brazil's Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) has updated its FAQ Page to clarify the requirements for bettor registration and authentication for fixed-odds betting. The update provides information on the following topics:
- Multi-jurisdictional/international progressive jackpots.
- Registration of bettors on the platform.
- Login and withdrawals.
- Multi-factor authentication.
- Bets placed outside Brazil.
Additional information:
Regulations promote integrity of sport
MESP Ordinance No. 109/2024 came into effect on November 12 with the aim of regulating the measures to promote the integrity of sports results and the mechanisms used to monitor competitions to combat the manipulation of results in relation to sports betting.
The ordinance also allows the Ministry of Sport to gather information and form partnerships with sports betting operators to collect details on suspected manipulation of results.
Order to ban advertising gambling bonuses published
Brazil's Department of Consumer Protection and Defence of the National Consumer Secretariat (SENACON) has published Order No. 2.344/2024 to suspend any advertising of rewards related to advance payment, anticipation, bonus or prior advantage.
It also proposes the suspension of any advertising of fixed-odds online betting games to children and adolescents.
Operators have been ordered to present a transparency report on the measures they have adopted to comply with the order within 20 days of receiving it or face a R$50,000 fine.
Regulator Publishes Ordinance For The Transfer Of Bettor Data And Funds
Brazil's Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) has published Ordinance No. 1.857/2024 in relation to the regulation of the transfer of data and funds of bettors between legal entities of the same economic group.
Legal entities have until December 13 to formalise their request for approval by the SPA. This request must be sent electronically via the SPA's electronic information system.
By the end of the year, operators who have not received approval to transfer player data and funds must:
- Close open bets on the platform that has been operating in the transitional period.
- Transfer the funds available in the bettors' accounts in favour of a deposit or payment account previously registered by the player.
UNITED KINGDOM
Gambling code handbook launched
The first 'Code Handbook' has been published by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).
Published on the council's fifth anniversary, the handbook includes 20 codes covering 100 different measures that all members must adhere to as part of the industry's commitment to raise standards.
Additional information:
Statutory levy and online slot stake limits to be introduced
The UK government has confirmed its plans to introduce a statutory levy on gambling profits and online slot stake limits to help tackle the issue of gambling addiction.
The sector and nature of the gambling activity will determine the rates which will range from 0.1 to 1.1% of the gross gambling yield or equivalent.
The government has also confirmed online slot stake limits of £5 for over 25s and £2 for young adults aged 18 to 24.
Additional information:
FRANCE
A government consultation on the possibility of opening online casinos was officially opened on November 6. Three working groups will assess various issues and present their initial conclusions early in the new year.
The topics to be considered are:
- The prevention of addictions and public health
- The protection of individuals and the prevention of the risks of breach of public order
- The economic impacts, for the sector and the territories hosting physical casinos
LITHUANIA
Parliament approves changes to gambling laws
The Law on Gambling XIVP-3843 (2) had amendments approved on November 7. These include:
- Raising the gambling age limit to 21 years old.
- Operators will require a certified platform that will record players' identities and monitor their gambling behaviour, including the amount of money and time they spend.
- Operators’ platforms will also record the actions taken to implement responsible gambling measures.
Changes to gambling licensing rules published
The Lithuanian government published changes to gambling licensing rules on November 15, which came into effect the next day.
Under Decision No. 740/2001, the new rules detail the issuance or refusal of a licence as well as the procedure for issuing a warning in case of a possible licence suspension or revocation.
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SPAIN
Regulator publishes technical requirements for online player verification
The Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) has published technical requirements for the web service used by online gambling operators in relation to player verification.
Along with the new technical requirements, the DGOJ also provided a test environment, test games and a registration form required for the web service.
FINLAND
New draft will accelerate market opening
Finland notified the European Commission of the draft proposal for a new Gambling Act on November 1. The draft law includes:
- Pari-mutuel betting on horse racing.
- Online betting.
- Online casino and slot machine games.
License validity has been set at five years. Lottery games, instant lotteries, gambling machines and casino games come under a 10-year licence that will be granted to al state-controlled limited company. Gambling software suppliers will also require a licence which will be valid for five years.
The proposed gambling tax is set at 22% of gross gambling revenue (GGR), and website blocking will be introduced for unlicensed operators.
If approved by parliament the above is scheduled to come into force at the beginning of 2026.
Additional information:
IRELAND
Regulator outlines next steps
The GRAI (Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland) has invited operators interested in applying for a licence in Ireland to register their interest by completing an online form.
The commencement of a new licensing regime will be rolled out on a phased basis, but there is no fixed timeline for when new licence applications will open.
Additional information:
NEW JERSEY
Ban on college prop bets advances
An Assembly committee has approved a ban on prop bets on college athletes in New Jersey.
The bill must now be approved by the House and Senate and then signed into law by Democrat Governor Phil Murphy.
Betting policy on combat sports updated
Effective immediately, the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board (SACB) has updated its sports betting policy for all licensees, officials and employees. The new policy prohibits athletes or any other participants betting on combat sports in an effort to prohibit unethical betting practices.
CURAÇAO
New gambling bill nears final vote
Hopes are growing that the long-awaited National Ordinance on Gambling (LOK) could be passed before the end of the year.
The LOK was sent to the Core Committee for the final time on November 11. The complete draft has not been available for public viewing but once it is presented to lawmakers again, it will be published in full.
SOUTH AFRICA
Remote Gambling Bill 'revived'
South African MP Roger William Chance issued a notice to introduce a private members bill and invited comments on the draft Remote Gambling Bill 2024.
The main objectives of the bill are:
- To regulate the issuance of licences to be controlled by the provincial licensing authorities
(PLAs).
- To provide for procedures relating to objections from issuing of licenses.
- To regulate advertising of interactive/online gambling entities.
- To provide for the protection of minors and vulnerable persons.
- To ensure compliance with the Financial Intelligence Centre Act.
ITALY
Italy dismisses Malta's objections to licensing law
Italy has dismissed Malta’s concerns over a new gambling law and is going ahead with plans to issue concessions. The government dismissed claims of restrictive measures, asserting that monetary and session limits for young players apply equally to new and existing accounts. It also confirmed that future updates to player identification procedures might be introduced.
In response to claims about technological neutrality, Italy stated that the law treats websites and apps equally, ensuring compliance with this principle. The government described Malta’s concerns as unfounded and pledged to move forward without altering the bill.
The Italian government stated the draft law aligns with EU principles and imposes no restrictions on the freedom to provide services.
CANADA
A bill which proposed a national framework for regulating advertising on sports betting has been approved by the Senate.
Bill S-269 would require the federal government in Ottawa to impose limits on advertising and will now move forward to the House of Commons for further consideration. It has been opposed by the Canadian Gaming Association.
DENMARK
New regulations around land-based bingo came into effect on November 21 and licences are now available.
Applications received by December 10 are guaranteed a licence valid from January 1, 2025, if the application has been completed correctly. More information on submitting an application can be found on the land-based bingo page of the DGA website.