The state gambling monopoly is now set to disappear from the next EU member state. Just a fortnight ago, the Finnish government announced that the gambling monopoly is to expire at the end of 2026. But what goals are politicians in Finland pursuing with this and are they perhaps even taking Germany as a role model?
Christian_1994
On 1 July 2024, the state of Baden-Württemberg took over the chairmanship of the Administrative Board of the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL). In order to ensure a balanced distribution of responsibility, each federal state takes over the leadership once for a period of one year. But is the annual change in leadership really necessary and sensible? And what tasks does the Administrative Board actually fulfil?
Christian_1994
Gambling in Austria, which is actually so strictly regulated, is currently being shaken by reports of possible involvement of state-owned companies in illegal online casinos. The gaming manufacturer Rabcat and its parent company, Österreichische Lotterien GmbH, are accused of having played a double game for years. On the one hand, it was explained how harmful unregulated providers are, but on the other hand, it was allegedly making a lot of money from them.
Chris_W
The Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV) is the central legal instrument for regulating gambling in Germany. However, the legislation is regularly criticised by players, authorities, politicians, lawyers and industry associations. The Greens also recently addressed the issue at their annual conference at the end of June 2024. In a position paper, the party calls for some significant changes to advertising, limits, OASIS, a designated blacklist and more.
Chris_W
Austrians are quite active in claiming gambling losses from online casinos that are not licensed in the country. Together with Germany, the majority of such judgements are handed down in Austria compared to the rest of Europe. However, enforcement is made much more difficult by the Maltese gambling protection shield. This is also the reason why the Supreme Court has now given the green light for a hitherto unique measure: A claimant can seize Mr Green's AT domains and, if necessary, sell them in order to recover their stakes.
Chris_W
A new customer at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City has won a million-dollar jackpot on his first visit. The casino resort announced this in a post on X a few weeks ago. But on which slot machine and at what stake did the player's luck strike?
Christian_1994
The popular online slots from Swintt are now available in the online casinos JackpotPiraten and BingBong. Swintt is a comparatively new star in the iGaming industry. The company was only founded in 2019. But what attractive slot machines does the provider offer?
Christian_1994
There is no doubt that artificial intelligence (AI) can bring many advantages, and not just in everyday life. However, the disadvantages of this branch of computer science are often neglected. For example, the online gambling industry is also concerned with protecting itself and other players from AI-supported fraud. But to what extent are online casinos at risk in this respect?
Christian_1994
At the end of June, the Brazilian Justice Committee approved a bill that has been under discussion for several years. The approval of Decree 2.234/2022 regulates the legal establishment and operation of casinos throughout the country. It has been a long road, but it is still not quite over.
Chris_W
Just a few years ago, we reported on a veritable ‘casino boom’ in Liechtenstein. In the meantime, there were nine casinos in the sixth smallest country in the world. This number has since been reduced to six. And more casinos could soon follow and have to close their doors permanently.
Christian_1994
Novomatic AG is the second most valuable company in Austria. At least that is the result of the Austrian Brand Value Study 2024 conducted by the European Brand Institute (EBI). But which Austrian company is worth more than the billion-euro gambling group based in Gumpoldskirchen?
Christian_1994
FC Barcelona has extended its partnership with the gambling company 1xBet by several years. The gambling provider, which has a licence from Curacao, has been a sponsoring partner of the record Spanish cup winners since 2019. But how much money is 1xBet paying for the multi-year sponsorship agreement and what do critics have to say about the deal?
Christian_1994
The Federal Ministry of Finance publishes the tax revenues of the federal and state governments at regular intervals. It is interesting to note that the revenue from the virtual vending machine tax in May 2024 is disappointingly low compared to the same period last year. Some time ago, a considerable tax increase was forecast in this area.
Christian_1994
The fight against illegal gambling activities is a rather costly affair. The final report by the State Office of Criminal Investigation in North Rhine-Westphalia, which is available to the Rheinische Post, reveals that the authorities lack "equipment and technical expertise" in this matter. According to the report, unauthorised gaming machines cost the state millions every year. The record for a single illegally installed machine is a turnover of 423,000 euros per year. Well-organised clans are often the string-pullers.
Chris_W
The Munich-based sports channel SPORT1 has been a partner of the Italian betting provider HAPPYBET for several weeks now. This also marks the launch of what is officially called the "newly designed gambling offer 'HAPPYBET - Partner of SPORT1'". What is this all about and what can we expect from the collaboration?
Chris_W