The gaming industry is fundamentally innovation-orientated and does try things out. However, it is still relatively rare for something completely new to be launched specifically for the gaming community. The platform called ‘YesOrNo’, which went live in France at the end of September, is once again a real novelty after a long time: it combines simple and user-generated bets that can be placed quickly by saying yes or no, with social media and community elements. ‘A mixture of TikTok and Tinder,’ says the provider itself in a promotional video.
In Germany, the deposit limit for online casinos and digital sports betting providers of 1,000 euros per month is a constant source of debate and a great deal of resentment: too low, too inflexible, too strict and ultimately a good reason to prefer illegal providers - according to critics. In contrast to our neighbors in Holland, however, we have comparatively much freedom for our gambling spending. Even stricter restrictions have been in place there since October 1.
Thailand is slowly but surely opening up to gambling, but there are still severe legal restrictions in place, which are among the strictest in East Asia. Thai boxer Sutthiwat, who is a real force to be reckoned with in the country, recently felt the full force of this fact. He was arrested for apparently wilfully promoting illegal gambling offers via his social media accounts. Following a large-scale investigation, he is now facing a hefty fine. He could face large fines or even a prison sentence.
Gambling is regulated and access is restricted in all countries around the world. Specific age limits are enforced in particular to protect young people from the psychological and financial risks of such offers. The minimum age of 18 is standard in Europe. However, Belgium has raised the age to 21 - despite the fact that fewer and fewer young people seem to be gambling there. At the same time, many Belgians are not even aware of the age restriction. And what about the access age in other countries?
The Swedish state gambling organisation Svenska Spel is considered one of the most progressive institutions in the industry in the whole of Europe. Founded in 1997, it is also one of the oldest organisations that has been dealing with modern (online) forms of gambling and new sources of danger since the late 1990s. Over the years, it has made a name for itself with a very liberal stance and innovative prevention measures, among other things. In 2024, a special campaign is once again attracting a lot of attention: the latest campaign against match-fixing aims to educate very young people about the importance of fairness and honest competition in sport.
Various changes in favour of player protection and government revenue have been underway in the Dutch gambling market for some time, hanging over the industry like swords of Damocles. New advertising guidelines and stricter deposit limits are on the horizon. Finally, the gambling tax is to be raised to more than 37 per cent. In view of the very good channelling rate in Holland, the industry is becoming increasingly concerned. The tax increase in particular is seen by many as a kind of nail in the coffin for the successes to date. Even the concession of a gradual adjustment is of little help.
In the gambling metropolis of Macau, there are obviously more and more high rollers in the land-based casinos. Such financially strong players are particularly popular both in the local gaming facilities and in the online casinos, as they generate high turnover for the operators. But how many high rollers are there currently in Macau and when do they count as such?
With around 6 million inhabitants, Singapore is the most populous dwarf state in the world. The country is considered the most important financial centre in Asia and has an ‘AAA’ credit rating. Singapore is now restricting the use of cryptocurrencies in casinos in order to promote responsible gambling practices. The city state in Southeast Asia is considered progressive and modern.
After a long back and forth, the bill to legalise casinos in Brazil was finally approved this summer. Now the plans of investors and other stakeholders are entering the hot phase. According to recent studies, the gambling industry in Brazil could create several hundred thousand jobs. But is this figure really realistic?
Even in Germany, politics and gambling are often linked - especially in the context of the regulation of such services - which often causes discussion and excitement. However, a connection like that in Sweden, where the local Social Democratic Party actually runs its own lottery, is hardly conceivable in this country. In the Scandinavian kingdom, such businesses have also long been the subject of criticism. However, the debate is currently at an all-time high, with accusations of manipulation and even links to gang crime.
Thailand wants to massively increase its state revenue by legalising gambling. The state in Southeast Asia is planning additional tax revenue totalling several hundred million dollars. But how sensible are the plans in view of the high costs that can arise from problem gambling behaviour, for example?
There is currently boundless optimism in the gambling metropolis of Las Vegas. The gambling market is booming and casinos are enjoying record-breaking turnover. Gambling is also becoming increasingly accepted by the population. But could the booming gambling market also be a warning sign?
Anyone who gambles on slot machines or places sports bets in Germany will almost certainly be familiar with the OASIS player blocking system. GamStop can be seen as the British counterpart to this - and it was here that impressive figures were recently reported. Apparently, as the international trade press put it, a historic milestone has been reached: GamStop recorded half a million registrations in September 2024 since its launch and let other interesting facts be known to boot.
In Australia, the population lost the equivalent of almost 20 billion euros on gambling last year. This means that each person in Australia lost an average of over 775 euros through gambling. But why is it that the population in Australia turns to gambling?
Scratch cards are also a perennial favorite among games of chance in Germany. Compared to the Czech Republic, however, the fan base in our latitudes is tiny. The small, colorful cards with the winning fields to scratch off are actually considered the most widespread game of chance among our neighbors. Scratch cards are practically ubiquitous - and this is precisely what has now brought gambling research onto the scene: It is suspected that there is an often overlooked potential for addiction here.
Chris_W
Christian_1994