Casino News Roundup for December 3: Global Gambling Industry Updates

Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), has had a significant week, marked by her involvement in various important events. 

On LinkedIn, she shared her experience at a parliamentary reception hosted by Paddy Power in partnership with Prostate Cancer UK to raise awareness of this often silent disease. Hurst expressed her appreciation for the great turnout from parliamentarians in support of the BIG and BIGGER 180 initiatives aimed at driving change and saving lives.  

Hurst said, “It was also amusing to see the competitiveness among MPs during the darts competition.” 

Hurst also attended a charity ball organized by Flutter Entertainment in Leeds, which raised nearly £300,000 for Cure Leukaemia, highlighting the community spirit within the gaming industry. 

On the political front, Hurst addressed the new mandatory levy percentages announced by the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport. While the BGC supported the initiative in principle, concerns were raised about the strain these additional costs could place on small independent betting shops and land-based casinos. 

Hurst welcomed the Culture Secretary’s acknowledgment of the industry’s past support, having voluntarily donated over £170 million. 

Key legislative changes have been made in Sweden. Significant changes to the Gambling Act 2018 have been approved, granting license holders the authority to process personal data related to legal offenses. 

These amendments, effective from February 1, 2025, empower operators to detect criminal activities, monitor suspicious betting patterns, and enforce compliance—all while adhering to GDPR regulations. 

This move is part of the Conservative Coalition government’s broader efforts to combat match-fixing and sports corruption through enhanced regulatory oversight and collaboration among various authorities. 

There was some exciting news from 888Bets as they expand their operations into Malawi, marking their seventh market in Africa.

Christopher Coyne, Co-Founder and CEO of 888Africa, expressed his enthusiasm for this milestone on LinkedIn. 

He said:  “I am delighted to announce that 888Africa has now launched into our seventh African market with Malawi. We are live from today (Friday, November 29).” 

“I’m so proud of the work of the outstanding 888Africa teams, too many to mention in the run to get us live, but I will note Alex Rutherford for his work on licensing, and I’ll mention also Andrew Lee, Steven McIntosh, and Zeljka Perkovic for their massive contributions on the project side.” 

This expansion demonstrates 888's commitment to engaging with local communities and providing exciting gaming experiences. The company aims to make a positive impact while navigating the evolving challenges of the African market. 

The Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) has appointed Jérôme Gallot as the new Médiateur des Jeux, the consumer ombudsman for the French land based and online casinos.

Gallot, who has extensive experience in consumer and competition law, is tasked with enhancing the dispute resolution framework for complaints against gaming operators. 

This appointment signifies ANJ’s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and promoting fair practices in the gaming sector. 

Star Sports has named Sir Philip Davies as its new chairman, succeeding Russ Wiseman. 

After a 20-year tenure as a Conservative Party MP, Davies brings his advocacy for the gambling sector and extensive experience to the board. 

Davies said, “I am delighted to be joining Star Sports at such an exciting time in the company’s history. I have been fortunate to get to know Ben [Keith] over the last few years, and I hold great admiration for the business he has built.”  

Expressing his enthusiasm for joining Star Sports, he remarked on the company’s exciting future and his deep-rooted connections to the betting industry through his family’s history.   

He said, “Not many people know that I started my working life in my mother’s betting shop (Marilyn Davies Bookmakers), so the industry is very much in my blood. I’m looking forward to working closely with Ben and his management team to drive the group’s growth strategy and maintain its commitment to operating responsibly.” 

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has implemented several critical rule updates for the 2024 poker season, aimed at ensuring a fair and distraction-free tournament environment. 

Key updates include restricting electronic assistance and coaching, prohibiting electronic devices at tables during later tournament stages, and enhancing guidelines for spectator behaviour. 

These changes reflect WSOP's commitment to integrity and professionalism, particularly following the controversy surrounding the 2024 Main Event.  

The casino industry bids farewell to William George Allison, a respected former Clydebank bookmaker who passed away recently. 

His contributions to the betting community, particularly as the first recipient of the Racing Post Manager of the Year award in 1988, are remembered fondly by colleagues and customers alike. 

His dedication and impact on the industry will not be forgotten.