European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA)’s Post

With the digital transition, our relationship with digital technology has changed the way we consume online (Shein, Zalando, eBanking, Booking, etc.). This phenomenon affects all Belgian sectors and represents billions of euros for our economy. The gambling sector is also affected by this digital challenge, and specifically with regard to the unprecedented growth of illegal operators. Illegal operators do not have a Belgian gaming licence and therefore escape the rules and protection measures in force. On the eve of a major sporting momentum (EURO, Olympic Games, Tour de France), the sector is sounding the alarm on this crucial issue. #DigitalTransition #ResponsibleGaming #regulation #bago 

https://lnkd.in/dHvM-3Wb This is overdue, really. A lot of #gambling is done #online today. #France is right to remove the monopoly for "physical casinos". Fuck them. #competitionlaw #gamblinglaw #gaminglaw

On June 11 and 12, 2024, we, the Austrian, French, German, Portuguese (Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos), Spanish and British gambling regulators, met in Vienna to discuss several issues related to gambling regulation. In particular, we discussed scratchcards and jurisprudence of The European Court of Justice (ECJ). -       With regard to preliminary ruling from the ECJ running in various countries, we want to recall that, while the European Union guarantees the freedom to provide services and the freedom of establishment, including for gambling companies, the European Court of Justice has recognized that Member States may impose proportionate restrictions on these freedoms to regulate gambling, and especially to protect gamblers through national laws. However, many of us have seen more and more challenges to these principles in our various jurisdictions, notably through some preliminary ruling procedures. We now wish to cooperate, or even intervene, in these proceedings to ensure that the Court's case law protecting players is respected. -       As regard to scratch card games, we, the Austrian, French, Spanish and British regulators noted in our jurisdictions a significant size of this type of game. They may appear as harmless to the public, often shared between parents and minors, but they are a gambling product which carries risk. Considering these considerations, we commit ourselves today to working together in order to ensure effective implementation of our national regulations for players’ protection, especially for minors that should not be introduced to gambling through this type of offer.

Illegal operators dominate the online gaming market in Belgium. This week, the newspaper L’Echo released new data revealing the significant share of illegal online gambling in the country. BAGO is calling for greater awareness of this hidden issue and urging for stricter measures against these illegal platforms working together with the legal and licensed sector. 📈 Recent research shows that 60% of gambling websites visited in Belgium are operating illegally without a license. ❌ These platforms bypass strict Belgian regulations, including the minimum age of 21 (effective September 1 for sports betting and casino games), weekly deposit limits of 200 euros, advertising bans, and restrictions on bonuses. 📲 Illegal operators also exploit social media, targeting ads to audiences as young as 18 and sometimes even impersonating public figures or Belgian gambling companies to evade the rules. This situation poses significant risks to player safety and threatens the integrity of the Belgian gambling market. The persistent presence of illegal providers undermines regulatory efforts, hinders prevention measures, and leads to substantial losses in tax revenue. It is crucial for both the public and authorities to recognize this hidden issue and enforce stricter measures against these illegal platforms. Currently, for two players on a legal site, about 3 players are exposed to unregulated gambling practices. Greater vigilance and stricter enforcement are needed to clean up the illegal market and protect Belgian consumers.

💣 We have an interesting development from France as the French government has announced its decision to postpone its plan to regulate online casino operators in the country. 🇫🇷 However, shortly after the proposal was officially submitted, the government did a 360 and reversed its initial decision due to the fierce criticism from land-based casinos who threatened with closures and job losses. 📉 🎙Laurent Saint-Martin, the Budget and Public Accounts Minister of France commented on the situation: "I am being very vigilant about this issue. We must make no mistakes. We must ensure that it doesn’t harm certain stakeholders, especially land-based casinos." Read more by following this link: https://lnkd.in/dR-Ym-Mj #igaming #france #government #gaming

Belgium's gambling market is on the rise! The Commission des Jeux de Hasard (CJH) reported a 16.7% increase in gross gaming revenue (GGR), reaching an impressive €1.7 billion. Online GGR surged by 18% to €944.6 million. Offline GGR rose by 15.2% to €758 million. Casino GGR climbed 18.7% to €594.9 million. Online casinos are leading the charge, with the segment growing by 20.2%. Meanwhile, sports betting saw a slower yet steady growth of 8.4%, with football dominating the market. Belgium's gambling industry continues to thrive, reflecting strong consumer engagement and market expansion. #GamblingIndustry #Belgium #iGaming #RevenueGrowth #SportsBetting

🇧🇪 A state of uncertainty: the ramifications of incoming gambling restrictions in Belgium As stricter rules surrounding player protection take effect in Belgium from 1 September, operators and the country’s trade association have been clear in their concerns on certain aspects of the measures, with fears raised over the continued growth of the black market as a result. Our Partner and Head of Eastern Europe Desk (as well as our responsible gambling star 🌟), Ivan Kurochkin, has shared his insights on the situation with Melanie Dayasena-Lowe in a new EGR Global article ⬇️ 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ed_XdUf6 Additionally, such esteemed industry figures as Emmanuel Mewissen, CEO of GAMING1 and vice-president of BAGO - Belgian Association of Gaming Operators, and Massimo Menegalli, CEO of Golden Palace Casino Sports, have also contributed their valuable comments and perspectives to this insightful article. Swipe through the file attached to the post for more information and stay tuned for more industry insights and updates! #4HAgency #4H #Gambling #GamblingIndustry #iGaming #GamblingNews #IndustryInsights #ExpertOpinions #Regulations #betting #sportsbetting #ResponsibleGaming #ResponsibleGambling #Belgium

The Coalition reiterates that a transparent and robust regulatory model for online gaming in Québec, and the creation of an independent regulatory body, would allow the government to establish standardized responsible gaming measures across the sector, particularly to strengthen controls that restrict access to minors.   An independent regulatory body is the norm in most jurisdictions in Canada and around the world. In Québec, however, Loto-Québec is the only one responsible for both the promotion of the gaming offer and the application of responsible gaming measures. A conflict of interest that must change in Québec.   In Ontario, where online gaming has been regulated for over two years, private operators are subject to numerous requirements for customer age verification, responsible gaming and social responsibility in order to obtain and maintain an operating license.    With over 86% of Ontario players using regulated platforms since the model was launched, it is clear that the model works, and it is the best way to ensure that responsible gaming regulations are respected across the entire gaming sector.

Question: As a player from Kazakhstan, if I face injustice from an online casino, can I expect a fair resolution of my complaint by the regulators? What are the chances of achieving justice through platforms like Guru Casino and AskGamblers, which offer opportunities to dispute casino decisions and help players protect their rights? Answer: Unfortunately, the chances of obtaining a fair resolution from casino regulators for a player from Kazakhstan are indeed quite slim. There is an opinion that the AskGamblers platform, which at first glance seems to be intended to protect the interests of players, sometimes might shield dishonest operators and give them high ratings. For instance, in the case of BetPlays Casino, AskGamblers refused to assist with resolving my issues and continues to give this operator a high rating despite its questionable behavior. Now, my last hope is with Guru Casino. Let’s see what verdict they will deliver. I would like to remind you that BetPlays Casino has treated me with disregard as a player, creating various difficulties both in receiving winnings and during the gaming process. Case Summary: A player from Kazakhstan reports the disappearance of 5,000 comp points and tournament winnings from his account at BetPlays Casino, asserting that he did not make any transactions related to their loss. The player requests an investigation to recover the stolen points and winnings. Written by: Nick, Complaints Specialist Recently, I won a tournament and secured first place with a prize of 20,000 coins. However, shortly after, I encountered a serious problem: all my rewards suddenly disappeared, and I was removed from the loyalty program. It’s important to note that registration in this program was required to participate in the tournament, and if I had been excluded before winning, I wouldn’t have been able to enter. It seems clear that after my victory, the casino found the prize amount too high and decided not to pay out my winnings. I believe this is unfair, as the prize was won fairly and in full compliance with the tournament rules. My exclusion from the loyalty program appears to be an attempt to avoid paying the legitimate winnings. I request that you review this situation and take the necessary steps to restore my rights. I also hope to regain access to the loyalty program and receive all the rewards that rightfully belong to me.

🎰 ANJ (Autorité Nationale des Jeux)’s initiatives to safeguard gamblers' rights 🎰 In a decisive move to safeguard consumer interests, France’s gambling watchdog, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has taken a firm stance against the practice of arbitrarily limiting player bets by operators. 📄 Read the full article here: https://hubs.la/Q02r0V_c0 #ConsumerProtection #FranceGambling #ANJInitiatives #PlayerRights #FairGambling #RegulatoryWatchdog