Around half of Belgian males up to the age of 21 have already played in an illegal online casino. This is the result of a recent study by the Belgian gambling association BAGO. But why is it that so many young Belgians resort to illegal gambling and what consequences are now planned based on the new findings?
Christian_1994
In China, members of the military were recently officially warned against participating in online gambling. Online gambling is strictly prohibited in the People's Republic, which has a population of around 1.4 billion. Nevertheless, illegal gambling providers are constantly vying for the favour of Chinese players. But why does the military now have to warn its own soldiers about online casinos?
Christian_1994
In France, there have recently been clear signals pointing towards the legalisation of online casinos in the near future. However, the responsible budget minister announced a few weeks ago that the amendment to the 2025 draft budget has been withdrawn. This included the legalisation of online casinos. But what are the reasons why France is now distancing itself from liberalisation again?
Christian_1994
Gambling has traditionally not been easy in the Arab world. Although they are popular in society, they are considered taboo under Islamic law. The United Arab Emirates has been positioning itself as a pioneer with a new, more pragmatic and business-orientated approach to this sensitive issue for several years now. In the summer of this year, the local regulatory authority finally granted a lottery licence to a local company. Another milestone followed at the end of October: Aristocrat Gaming became the first legal slot and gaming technology provider in the country to be granted a licence.
Chris_W
One of the declared main objectives of any gambling licence system is to encourage as many users as possible to use precisely those casinos, betting providers, lotteries, etc. that are licensed in the respective country. The so-called channelling rate, which shows how high this proportion is, is therefore one of the most important indicators of the success or failure of a regulatory project. This is also the case in the Netherlands, where new figures have recently been published showing that more than a respectable 87 per cent of players gamble legally.
Chris_W
US gambling companies are known for making a grand entrance - especially when they come from Las Vegas. BetMGM, a digital bookmaker and online casino whose platform belongs to the legendary MGM Resorts International with dozens of entertainment hotels in the USA and worldwide, is undoubtedly a prime example of this genre. For some time now, the company has also been focussing on European markets. The brand recently went live in Sweden with a wide range of innovative offers. But that is not the end of the story. In fact, the company is also active in Germany in a slightly different form.
Chris_W
Whether online or offline - the Irish like to gamble a lot. This makes it all the more astonishing that the island's gambling laws are inadequate and outdated in many respects. The last comprehensive revision actually took place in 1956, and a new direction has been debated for years, which should then also include digital offerings. Now it seems that the time has finally come: In mid-October, the Gambling Regulation Bill was passed by the lower house of the Irish parliament Dáil Éireann and is set to come into force in 2024. The regulations are among the strictest in Europe.
Chris_W
In hardly any other country are so many people affected by gambling addiction as in Australia. The aim now is to fight the new ‘widespread disease’ and work on the gambling behaviour of Australians. But how precarious is the situation with problem gambling behaviour in the faraway Down Under?
Christian_1994
The English Premier League is undoubtedly one of the best and most economically attractive soccer leagues in the world: the clubs and their stars are known around the globe and offer huge advertising potential for companies. Sponsorships are correspondingly lucrative. Gambling companies in particular have often benefited from the huge reach and positive appeal. However, as such companies will no longer be allowed to act as main sponsors in the Premier League from the start of the 2026/27 season, many clubs have had to look for alternatives, which they have obviously found in the crypto industry.
Chris_W
Norway is one of the few countries in Europe that still has a state monopoly on gambling. Regulation is enforced very restrictively and with all possible force. This includes network blocks, payment blocking, strict control of possible winnings and other measures. The Norwegian supervisory authority Lotteritilsynet and the governing party still consider the system to be the best and safest solution. However, industry representatives, players, experts and politicians in the country are increasingly calling for the market to be opened up.
Chris_W
In Switzerland, it is possible to do what we have been talking about for some time but have not yet practised: The responsible gambling authority there keeps illegal online casinos off the market with the help of network blocking or IP blocking technologies. However, as Thomas Fritschi, Head of the Secretariat of the Federal Gaming Board, recently told Swiss Radio and Television (SRF), the process is quite complex. Nevertheless, the blocking list now has almost 2,000 entries - and it continues to grow.
Chris_W
The gaming industry is fundamentally innovation-orientated and does try things out. However, it is still relatively rare for something completely new to be launched specifically for the gaming community. The platform called ‘YesOrNo’, which went live in France at the end of September, is once again a real novelty after a long time: it combines simple and user-generated bets that can be placed quickly by saying yes or no, with social media and community elements. ‘A mixture of TikTok and Tinder,’ says the provider itself in a promotional video.
Chris_W
In Germany, the deposit limit for online casinos and digital sports betting providers of 1,000 euros per month is a constant source of debate and a great deal of resentment: too low, too inflexible, too strict and ultimately a good reason to prefer illegal providers - according to critics. In contrast to our neighbors in Holland, however, we have comparatively much freedom for our gambling spending. Even stricter restrictions have been in place there since October 1.
Chris_W
Thailand is slowly but surely opening up to gambling, but there are still severe legal restrictions in place, which are among the strictest in East Asia. Thai boxer Sutthiwat, who is a real force to be reckoned with in the country, recently felt the full force of this fact. He was arrested for apparently wilfully promoting illegal gambling offers via his social media accounts. Following a large-scale investigation, he is now facing a hefty fine. He could face large fines or even a prison sentence.
Chris_W
Gambling is regulated and access is restricted in all countries around the world. Specific age limits are enforced in particular to protect young people from the psychological and financial risks of such offers. The minimum age of 18 is standard in Europe. However, Belgium has raised the age to 21 - despite the fact that fewer and fewer young people seem to be gambling there. At the same time, many Belgians are not even aware of the age restriction. And what about the access age in other countries?
Chris_W