Fresh recap: Significant updates concerning the gambling sector from the past week
By Miriam Prellwitz, edited by Angela Burke
Germany
The German Lotto and Totoblock (DLTB) has praised Europol's recent raid against lottery fraud, signifying a continued focus on combating illegal gambling activities within the country. Despite stringent regulations established by the 2021 Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüNeuRStV), offshore sites still pose a challenge [1]. The upcoming 2025 Gaming in Germany Conference, scheduled for November, will address these issues, focusing on reviewing the 2021 State Gambling Treaty, black-market growth, player protection, marketing, and compliance [2][5].
In a notable development, West Ham United has unveiled sports betting provider BoyleSports as its new shirt sponsor [6]. Affiliates working with licensed German operators must adhere to the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) rules [3].
Europe
Across Europe, gambling laws vary by country but generally adhere to national licensing authorities. The European Union (EU) focuses on ensuring fair, transparent, and responsible gambling practices, consumer protection, and anti-money laundering efforts. Key EU directives influencing gambling include the Fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive, GDPR, and Consumer Rights Directive [4]. Collaboration among European regulatory bodies aims to maintain a consistent and secure online gambling environment, prevent fraud, and restrict minors' access.
Internationally
The article highlights an international trend toward stricter controls, transparency, and player protection in regulated markets. Australia's gambling giant Star Casinos is facing a potential fine of AUD 400 million (approx. €224 million) due to serious legal violations [7]. Eleven casinos with temporary licenses in Macau have been told to close by the end of 2025 [8].
Brazil has increased its gambling tax from 12% to 18% of gross gaming revenue (GGR) [9], while four new operators have received gambling licenses, bringing the total to 26 members of the ANJL [10]. According to a survey by the Belgian Gaming Commission, 84% of players under the age of 30 prefer legal gambling providers in Belgium [11].
Elsewhere, Italy's gambling reform could potentially halve the online market due to higher license fees and stricter requirements [12]. The Spielbank Chemnitz will celebrate its 20th anniversary on June 14, 2025 [13]. Royal Caribbean has announced plans to expand the casino on its ship Wonder of the Seas [14].
In sports, the BetVictor World Cup of Darts began in the Eissporthalle Frankfurt [15], and Brad Ruben has achieved a historic feat at the WSOP, winning his fifth bracelet in just five years [16]. The Berlin Foxes have crowned themselves German handball champions for the first time in their history [17].
Noteworthy Developments
- A criminal complaint has been filed against PokerStars in Austria on suspicion of deception and fraud [18].
- Last Wednesday, the police in Goerlitz carried out a large-scale raid against arcade operators in Saxony [19].
- Bet3000, a sports betting provider, has regained its online sports betting license through a court ruling [20].
- South Korean authorities have dismantled an illegal gambling ring that primarily targeted children [21].
- A player from Tuttlingen, Germany won over 7.6 million EUR in the LOTTO 6aus49 draw last Saturday [22].
- Ireland's gambling regulator GRAI has announced plans to adjust its license fee system [23].
- Soft2Bet has become the new sponsor of the Danish football league, which will be renamed Betinia Liga in the future [24].
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] are sources for the respective claims made in this article.
online casinos in Germany remain a concern due to the presence of offshore sites, despite strict regulations established by the 2021 State Gambling Treaty. At the upcoming 2025 Gaming in Germany Conference, discussions will focus on black-market growth, player protection, and compliance in the casino-and-gambling industry.
Meanwhile, sports-betting provider BoyleSports has become a new shirt sponsor for West Ham United, while in Europe, there's a trend toward stricter controls, transparency, and player protection in regulated gambling markets.
