Regulations in the Gambling Industry - September 2023

Realizing the immense harm that could result from the lack of responsible gambling measures, online casino regulators all over the globe started putting more focus on this field. North America, South America, and Europe have taken it very seriously, which resulted in numerous new proposals regarding advertising, deposit limits, and so on.

As for the United States, sports betting continues to conquer one by one state. Kentucky was one of the most recent regions to the list, as its sports wagering market was rolled out at the beginning of this month.

Regulatory Updates from North and South America

Brazil: The Chamber of Deputies greenlighted the amended version of sports betting bill PL 3626/2023. If the Senate approves it. Brazil will get both sports betting and online casinos. Aside from the license with a validity period of 3 years, and fees amounting to R$ 30 million, the activity will be taxed at 18% GGR on net revenue. Bonus bets are not permitted. It’s important to note that only companies incorporated under Brazilian legislation, and headquartered in Brazil will be eligible to apply for a license.

Chile: The legal complaint filed against telecommunications company Mundo Pacífico was ruled in Polla Chilena de Beneficencia’s favor, resulting in the ban on transmission and promotion of any form of gambling. Unless a special authorization is granted, Mundo Pacífico is not permitted to transmit or promote any form of gambling. Both those who facilitated gambling and those who participated in such activities risk being sanctioned.

Ecuador: As per Executive Decree 853 signed on August 23, 2023, the advertising of sports betting is strictly prohibited. This measure is part of the country’s wider regulations involving advertising and communications unveiled near the end of 2022.

Mexico: A draft reform to The Betting and Raffles Law of 1947 law that proposes a ban on slot machines was put forward by the Ministry of the Interior (Segob). Although the legal status of slot machine gambling is not precisely defined, the ruling by Mexico’s Supreme Court of Justice in 2016 approved their operation.

Regulations in the United States

Delaware: Upon inking a five-year agreement with Delaware Lottery, Rush Street Interactive got the opportunity to power its online casino platform with iGaming solutions.

Kentucky: Sports betting market in the state went live on September 7, 2023.

North Carolina: A proposal for enlarging the market with four new casinos was presented. Three of the establishments should be set in underdeveloped areas, whereas the fourth venue should be run by the Lumbee Tribe.

Virginia : Betr rolled out its online sportsbook on September 6, 2023.

Europe-Wide Gambling Updates

Norway: Several offshore gambling operators will withdraw from the market, following a large legal dispute which ended in the Gaming Authority’s favor. In case companies refuse to stop offering services in Norway, they risk being blocked by the ISPs in 2024.

Spain: The Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) in Spain launched a public consultation suggesting the implementation of new deposit limits. This measure should be applied across all operators.

UK: As per the new online advertising code presented by the Betting and Gaming Council, 20% of online advertising should be dedicated to responsible gambling. Also, it was suggested that the age filter should be adjusted to 25+ for all sites where applicable.

Source:

H2 Gambling Capital, September 2023.