Strict gambling laws apply in most European countries. In some countries, such as Austria, there is even a state monopoly on online gambling to this day. Private companies have no chance of applying for a licence and operating legally on the market. But how up-to-date and, above all, sensible is such an online gambling monopoly in practice?
Christian_1994
According to a recent study on the development of the Dutch online gambling market, 19 out of 20 players play in legal online casinos. The Dutch government has set itself the target of having "only" 16 out of 20 players in the legal online gambling market. So can the government now put all canalisation plans on ice, as the target has already been exceeded?
Christian_1994
Twice in the space of just a few days, a Swedish court has cancelled the fine imposed by the Swedish Gambling Authority. The two gambling companies affected are Kindred and Mr Green. But why did the court reduce the penalty in both cases and what impact will the judgements have on the future work of the Swedish Gambling Authority?
Christian_1994
It's no secret that the British are gambling enthusiasts: they have a long tradition of betting on sports and horses in particular. But other offers are also popular. Data from the latest Gambling Survey for Great Britain was recently published, shedding light on the market and the preferences of the British. Lotteries are at the forefront of players' favourites.
Chris_W
The upcoming European Football Championship is an event of international significance. Millions of fans are expecting exciting matches between the world's best teams in the sport and are only too happy to cheer them on. This presents sports betting providers with a wide range of business opportunities, which is why they are beating the advertising and marketing drum. But how does it actually work? An insider from Sportradar reveals.
Chris_W
The German Gambling Research Foundation was only established in March 2024 and recently issued a press statement outlining its objectives. Broadly speaking, the aim is to deepen understanding of gambling behaviour, promote consumer protection and, last but not least, support preventive measures against gambling addiction. The central means for this are prizes that are awarded for research that is particularly useful in terms of the objectives.
Chris_W
The small town of Lübbecke in North Rhine-Westphalia can look forward to a windfall from an entrepreneur worth millions. To be more precise, Paul Gauselmann and the Paul and Karin Gauselmann Foundation have signed a donation agreement totalling five million euros in favour of the town of Lübbecke. But what prompted the German entrepreneur and CEO of the Merkur Group to make such a generous gesture?
Christian_1994
As a city inspector, Walter P. was actually responsible for ensuring that the city of Braunschweig received the amusement tax it was entitled to when gambling machines were used. However, the now 69-year-old decided to allow himself to be bribed by amusement arcade operators so that they would ultimately pay significantly less tax. The elderly gentleman has now had to answer for his actions at Braunschweig Regional Court.
Christian_1994
Las Vegas is a city of superlatives that has produced numerous icons in the past and present. The Mirage is one of the things that are firmly associated with the gambling metropolis: the mega hotel with its tropical theme and volcano was one of the first of its kind - it symbolises an entire era of the city and was home to the famous predator show "Siegfried & Roy" with the white tigers. Now, after more than 30 years, it is to be closed once and for all.
Chris_W
A few days ago, 1. FC Kaiserslautern introduced its new main sponsor, the gambling provider Novoline. The licensed online casino, which is operated by BluBet Operations Limited, is part of the renowned gaming company Löwen Entertainment, based in nearby Bingen am Rhein. But how much money will the second division club receive from its new main sponsor and how long will the contract run for?
Christian_1994
In Austria, the results of the first major study on in-game purchases were published a few weeks ago. The results showed that more than 50 per cent of young people have already used such features and invested considerable sums of money in the process. There are often strong parallels with typical games of chance. The debate on loot boxes and the like is likely to be fuelled once again.
Chris_W
Studies that look at gambling in Germany are anything but easy these days: the Gambling Survey in particular was heavily criticised at the end of last year and again at the beginning of 2024 due to possible methodological errors. Now the survey and those responsible for it are once again being criticised - and the gambling atlas is also being criticised. The Bremen FDP doubts that the surveys fulfil their actual claim to independence, as money from the gambling industry has apparently been used.
Chris_W
A few weeks ago, CDU MP Gitta Connemann asked the German government an interesting question regarding gaming machines in Germany. Specifically, the politician, who was born in Leer/Ostfriesland, wanted to know how the number of legally and illegally operated gaming machines has developed since 2012. The federal government's answer to this seemingly simple question was surprising.
Christian_1994
Since the introduction of the State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV) in summer 2021, strict conditions and restrictions have applied to online gambling in Germany. Among other things, gambling enthusiasts must accept a minimum playing time, a maximum stake of one euro per spin, a ban on autospin and a ban on progressive jackpots. But what do players miss most in German online casinos?
Christian_1994
According to the recently published turnover figures for 2023, online casinos in Switzerland enjoyed a significant increase in turnover. Land-based casinos, on the other hand, suffered a decline in turnover. But will this trend continue in the coming years, meaning that land-based casinos could even face extinction in the long term?
Christian_1994