Casino News Roundup for November 29: Global Gambling Industry Updates

Two councils in West Sussex, Adur and Worthing, are advocating for tighter gambling rules aimed at promoting responsible gaming in land-based and online casinos. 

Key measures include: 

• Implementing the Challenge 25 policy.
• Enforcing age verification practices at gambling establishments. 
• Prohibiting credit options in casinos and bingo halls. 
• Allowing councils to conduct surprise checks to ensure compliance with age restrictions. 

These policies are expected to align with new guidelines from the Gambling Commission, effective February 2025. GamCare has positively acknowledged these measures, emphasising the need for enhanced training programs for staff to recognise signs of gambling-related harm. Full council approvals are pending, with meetings set for December.

In a significant law enforcement operation, 240 Chinese citizens suspected of cross-border gambling and fraud have been repatriated from Cambodia. This follows a crackdown on illegal gambling operations in Phnom Penh.

Chinese authorities affirmed a commitment to international cooperation to dismantle such criminal networks, urging citizens to avoid engaging in overseas gambling activities. 

France is set to explore the possibility of regulating online casinos with its first working group meeting on December 2. The discussions will evaluate potential regulations focused on addiction prevention, consumer protection, and the impact on existing land-based casinos.  

Political influences are anticipated to play a significant role in the outcome, with conflicting interests among various ministries. The group will consider multiple regulatory models, including a competitive framework and a possible monopoly for Française des Jeux.

The African gambling sector is experiencing significant growth, propelled by increased mobile technology and internet access. 

Evolution has led to heightened competition among gaming operators, catering to localised preferences and needs.  

Countries like South Africa have emerged as key markets, while nations such as Nigeria are grappling with gambling addiction challenges. Governments are also drafting regulatory frameworks to streamline operations and enhance revenue collection.

Google faces renewed scrutiny from the Indian Competition Commission regarding its gaming app policies after allegations of discrimination from WinZO, a platform for real-money casino gaming. 

The investigation will assess whether Google’s policies favour certain developers while disadvantaging others.

This inquiry adds to Google’s existing legal challenges in various jurisdictions over anti-competitive practices.

Marcus Boyle, chair of the UK Gambling Commission, will resign effective January 31, 2025. During his three-year tenure, Boyle oversaw significant advancements, including the fourth National Lottery license and the ongoing Gambling Act Review.

His leadership has steered the Commission toward a more transparent and data-driven future. 

The Minister for Gambling, Baroness Twycross, said: “The past three years have been very significant for the Commission, as it takes forward measures set out in the Gambling Act Review and the start of the fourth National Lottery license.

“I am grateful for Marcus’s hard work and commitment to the Gambling Commission and public service over his tenure and wish him the best for his future endeavours.” 

Germany's gambling regulator, GGL, has reported a notable drop in illegal gambling advertisements following Google’s updated policy, which requires operators to be licensed in Germany to run ads.  

The change has effectively halted non-compliant advertising and demonstrates a commitment to curbing visibility of black-market operators. The GGL aims to continue monitoring and limiting illegal advertising tactics, including organic SEO manipulations.