Casino News Roundup on 29.10: The Latest From The Casino & Gambling Industry

Gambling.com is a familiar name in the gambling industry circles. No surprise then that the company has announced how pleased they are to have won Casino Affiliate of the Year at the EGR Global Operator Awards. 

A spokesperson for the company said: “This honour reflects our commitment to reshaping the online casino space and delivering value to our partners and players. A heartfelt thank you to our talented team and partners who helped make this achievement possible. 

"Together, we’ll keep driving innovation and setting new benchmarks for excellence!” 

The company has also made a record revenue in Q2 up 18% to $30.5 million. 

In "Rolling the Dice: Lessons from 40 Years in the Casino Industry," Russell G. recounts his unforgettable first night as a craps dealer at the Tropicana in Atlantic City.

Over the past four decades, Russell has witnessed the evolution of the casino landscape, transitioning from the chaotic, smoke-filled floors of the '80s to an era increasingly dominated by technology. 

While innovations like AI-driven surveillance, cashless gaming, and predictive analytics are reshaping operations, Russell emphasizes the enduring importance of personal connections and team spirit. 

As competition from online casinos grows, brick-and-mortar casinos face the challenge of creating unique experiences that foster loyalty—something only human interaction can achieve. 

Russell says that adaptation is crucial for survival, and urges newcomers to embrace both traditional practices and modern advancements.

The dice are still rolling, presenting endless opportunities for those willing to embrace change and maintain a people-first approach. It is a great read. 

The 2024 International Regulatory Awards were presented at the Gala Dinner during the IAGR and IMGL joint conference in Rome. This year, the awards celebrate innovative regulatory initiatives from three countries: Denmark, the Netherlands, and Australia. 

Regulatory Excellence Award

Winner: Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) 

ACMA received this award for the launch of BetStop, Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register, significantly enhancing consumer safeguards for gamblers. Matthew Anderson of ACMA accepted the award.

ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin praised ACMA staff who worked on the initiative and the success of the register in helping people make considered decisions.

“BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register represents a significant enhancement of consumer safeguards available to Australians who gamble,” Ms O’Loughlin said.

“The IAGR award for regulatory excellence is a recognition of the dedication and collaboration of ACMA staff in delivering this important safeguard, which has supported the more than 30,000 Australians registered to date.” 

Regulatory Innovation Award 

Winner: Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa), Netherlands 

KSA was honoured for its advanced use of data to boost consumer protection through the “Markers of Risk” initiative. Chairman Michel Groothuizen expressed gratitude for the international recognition and acknowledged the hard work of his dedicated team and research partners in this impactful project.

Best Regulatory Campaign Award 

Winner: Danish Gambling Authority Spillemyndigheden

The Danish Gambling Authority’s innovative 'One Armed Bandit' campaign, aimed at preventing underage gambling, earned this award. Director Anders Dorph emphasized the importance of using unconventional approaches to reach younger audiences and expressed pride in the campaign’s recognition.

Brent Council is urging the government to implement immediate changes to gambling legislation following the approval of a new adult gaming centre in Harlesden, London area that has now become home to seven gambling establishments within a 600-meter radius. 

The council previously blocked two applications for the same site due to existing policies restricting the number of such venues, but the closure of a nearby business allowed the new proposal to meet national guidelines.  

Despite concerns raised by council members about the increasing concentration of gambling outlets, the Planning Committee approved Silvertime Amusements Ltd's application based on current regulations, noting that a refusal could be overturned on appeal.  

Councillor Mili Patel, the Deputy Leader of Brent Council, highlighted the adverse effects of gambling on the community, particularly in Harlesden, which faces significant poverty and public health challenges. 

The council has sent a letter to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, suggesting reforms that would empower local authorities to reject applications that could harm community welfare, consider local household debt in application reviews, and implement a ban on gambling advertising. 

Local councillors echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for greater decision-making power to protect vulnerable residents from the negative impacts of gambling proliferation. Silvertime Amusements Ltd stated that the new centre would enhance the local evening economy without adversely affecting retail activities.

Proposed amendments to the 2025 budget of the French Government, which would have legislated and launched an online casino market, have been withdrawn.  

Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin made the announcement on Sunday and said that further consultations were needed to avoid the negative impacts and job losses warned by regional stakeholders.  

Speaking to Radio J this weekend, the Minister said: “There was talk that the government would submit an amendment. This is no longer the case. I believe we need to work among ourselves first.  

“I am very vigilant about this issue. We must not make mistakes. We must ensure that it doesn’t harm certain stakeholders, especially land-based casinos.” 

Investors in online casinos in France will have to wait as the country will retain its 2010 gambling laws.  

There were voices of dissent from a large number of mayors and the President of Casinos de France, who saw the legalising of online casinos as akin to “opening a Pandora’s box’.  

Grégory Rabuel, President of Casinos de France, issued a statement stating, “We are relieved that the government has heard our concerns. We remain vigilant to ensure that the commitment made by the Budget Minister is upheld: any future legislative or regulatory changes should take place within a framework of consultation and constructive dialogue.” 

It is the last remaining bingo hall in Scunthorpe, and it could soon be turned into a storage facility if plans are given the go-ahead by the Council. Architects argue conversion to self-storage "will allow for several million pounds worth of investment" in the site.

The proposed conversion has been submitted by Zirconia Trading Ltd., based in London. Previous plans had been turned down and the company claims that there is no longer any bingo taking place at the venue. Buzz Bingo claim they have a lease on the building until 2027.  

Planning documents detail a lack of interest in the site from bingo operators claiming there is ‘no demand’ for bingo. Documents also reveal that Buzz Bingo is the site tenant and that the landlord has viewed it as unviable since a change in lease. 

It is stated: "The bingo hall is currently let to Buzz Bingo on a flexible basis further to their termination of the lease in 2022. This informed the landlord that their business was unviable in Scunthorpe."

A Buzz Bingo spokesperson said: "We have a lease in place for our Scunthorpe club until 2027. We are pleased to play our part in the local community, welcoming our valued customers and providing a vibrant, friendly space for everyone to enjoy."