The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), expressed concerns about illegal operators targeting self-excluded users by using the KSA logo and Google Maps ads to reach players through the national self-exclusion register Cruks. This raises serious issues about the boundaries of legality in the Netherlands, as stated by KSA chairman Michel Groothuizen. Illegal operators seem to be pushing the limits of what is considered acceptable, which is alarming for the industry.
Evoke Plc, the parent company of 888, William Hill, and Mr Green, missed its H1 2024 adjusted EBITDA target by a significant margin due to high marketing costs and lower revenue than anticipated. However, the company aims to recover in the second half of the year by implementing cost-saving measures and focusing on meeting its full-year earnings expectations. A change in leadership and operational strategies are expected to drive cost efficiencies and overall performance improvements.
In France, the illegal gambling sector has surpassed the regulated market in terms of player numbers, with l’Association Française des Jeux En Ligne (AFJEL) reporting four million illegal players compared to the regulated sector’s 3.6 million. This poses a significant challenge for the French gambling regulator l’Autorite Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) in ensuring a level playing field and protecting consumers from unauthorized operators.
Ukraine continues its efforts to combat illegal gambling by blocking additional unlicensed casino sites and witnessing a surge in registrations to the national self-exclusion register. The increase in self-excluded players indicates a growing awareness of responsible gambling practices among Ukrainian citizens. The regulator’s proactive approach to monitoring and regulating the gambling market is crucial in maintaining integrity and player protection.
The Deutscher Online Casinoverband (DOCV) in Germany disputes the official figures provided by the GGL regarding the size of the black market, emphasizing that the actual numbers could be much higher than reported. This discrepancy underscores the need for a comprehensive review of the State Treaty on Gambling to address regulatory gaps and combat illicit gambling activities effectively.
Despite experiencing declines in revenue and net profit in the first half of the year, Svenska Spel remains optimistic about its long-term growth prospects. The company’s CEO, Anna Johnson, believes that recent strategic actions taken by the operator will pave the way for future success and expansion in the gaming market. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to resilience and adaptability in a competitive industry landscape.