Weekend Conversation Corner: April 24

(AsiaGameHub) –   Welcome to the latest edition of Focus Gaming News’ Weekend Conversation Corner, where we share a quick roundup of the past week’s top headlines that have drawn global attention. As we recap key stories that have shifted public discourse, shaped policy, and sparked widespread discussion, we cut through unnecessary clutter to bring you a concise summary of the week’s most meaningful developments. Stay informed, stay inspired, and keep gaming. We wish you a wonderful weekend ahead!

UK lawmakers join forces to renew push for gambling advertising reforms

Calls for reform of UK gambling advertising rules are growing, with supporters in both the House of Commons and House of Lords calling for stricter oversight. A joint report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Reform and Peers for Gambling Reform highlights that the industry has repeatedly violated voluntary codes, and caused significant harm to children and vulnerable groups. The report pushes back against the UK government’s focus solely on illegal operators, stressing that balanced regulation is also needed for the licensed gambling sector. It also questions industry-commissioned estimates of illegal market growth, arguing that prominent gambling advertising drives up demand for unlicensed platforms. The report calls for stronger regulation across the entire gambling ecosystem, and signals ongoing dissatisfaction with the current Gambling Act review process. Kane Purdy, the new chair of the BGC, will face major challenges in addressing these concerns.

EU online gambling levy idea is “unworkable”, EGBA says

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has rejected the proposal of an EU-wide levy on online gambling, calling the concept “unworkable”. The proposal, put forward by the European Parliament’s Budget Committee, would add an extra tax on top of existing national gambling taxes, a change that could ultimately benefit illegal operators. EGBA Secretary General Maarten Haijer stressed that there is no legal basis for such a levy, and warned it would damage consumer protection efforts and cut tax revenues for EU member states. EGBA also noted that the Committee’s opinion is not a concrete formal proposal, and any such plan would require unanimous approval from all 27 EU Member States to move forward. The European Parliament is scheduled to vote on the opinion soon, with formal negotiations expected to wrap up by the end of 2026. Separately, EGBA has submitted evidence to the European Commission’s call for action against fraudulent gambling sites.

Italy’s land-based gambling decree expected imminently

This piece covers upcoming reforms to Italy’s land-based gambling sector, which will introduce a new unified regulatory framework. Maurizio Leo, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, will present the Reorganisation Decree to the Council of Ministers in the coming days. The reforms aim to address concerns related to fiscal policy, public order, and anti-crime efforts, introducing stricter rules on operating hours and new minimum distance requirements for venues. The new concession model will require minimum bids for gaming machine operations, and mandatory licensing for all betting shops and bingo halls. Certified operators must follow strict oversight measures, including mandatory distance requirements from sensitive sites and rigorous anti-money laundering controls. Negotiations over the distribution of tax revenue have delayed the reforms, with stakeholders hoping for final approval by August 29. Additionally, gambling tax revenues have fallen in Italy, prompting growing calls to lift the country’s ban on gambling advertising and sponsorships.

Jamaica finalises new casino gaming regulations

Jamaica’s Senate has approved the Casino Gaming (General) Regulations 2025, clearing the way for the launch of the country’s first regulated land-based casino industry. The new framework includes licensing requirements, reporting obligations, and expanded enforcement powers to boost transparency and accountability across the sector. The regulations are designed to protect patrons and legitimate operations, aligning regulatory oversight with international standards for preventing financial crime. The first regulated casino is planned for the Princess Grand Jamaica resort, with a projected opening in early 2026. The Casino Gaming Commission has committed to upholding integrity and cooperating with the Financial Investigations Division to address financial crime risks. While the government plans to expand the sector to include online gambling in the future, regulations for online gambling are still incomplete.

Up to £100m wagered illegally during Grand National weekend, UK’s BGC estimates

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) estimates that up to £100 million was bet with illegal operators during the Aintree Festival, including £40 million wagered on the Grand National itself. The BGC highlighted the risks of illegal gambling and warned that proposed financial risk checks could accidentally push bettors into unregulated markets. The British Horseracing Authority also opposes the new checks proposed by the Gambling Commission. BGC CEO Grainne Hurst emphasised how important it is to keep bettors in the regulated market, where necessary consumer safeguards are in place, unlike unregulated illegal operators. The BGC stressed that prioritising action against the criminal gangs behind illegal gambling is critical to protecting the legitimate regulated sector.

Brazilian presidential decree to introduce new online gambling restrictions

A new presidential decree in Brazil is set to roll out new restrictions on online gambling, aiming to bar certain individuals from participating and enforce stricter advertising rules. The measure, which is expected to be less strict than a proposed full ban on online gambling, will target people enrolled in a new government debt refinancing program and crack down on misleading or irresponsible advertising practices. The Brazilian government believes the growth of online gambling has contributed to rising public debt, and aims to limit access to gambling, especially for vulnerable individuals. The decree, drafted by multiple government bodies, is scheduled to be published in May 2026. Details on how restrictions will be implemented and the criteria for identifying non-compliant advertising have not yet been released.