Wire EMEA
BGC warns against new Treasury Measure
Te Government has confirmed it will consult on new proposals to bring remote betting into a single tax, replacing the current three-tax structure.
Te tax threat comes as revenues are already being stretched by affordability checks on customers and plans to replace a voluntary level with a statutory levy.
UK LEGISLATION
Belgium - Casinos record 30 per cent growth Belgium's land-based casinos made a spectacular comeback in 2022 with figures released by the Games of Chance Commission revealing that revenues surpassed €1.45bn in 2022, up 23.9 per cent compared to 2021.
Land-based games accounted for €658.15m, an increase of 65.74 per cent whilst online games generated and €800.3m, up 2.59 per cent. With regards to casinos, the report notes a renewed interest among players for physical establishments, post-pandemic. With the exception of Middelkerke, the other eight casinos achieved GGR growth.
Armenia - vbet integrates EGT Digital slots EGT Digital has announced a partnership with Armenian betting site, vbet, that sees customers access its Bell Link, High Cash, Clover Chance and Single Progressive Jackpot, containing more than 90 slot titles.
At players’ disposal is also multiplayer game xRide, in which winnings are generated by increasing multiplier and the participants can track in real-time the results of everyone else currently playing.
Romania - Superbet integrates Octoplay Octoplay has made its debut in the Romanian market via a direct integration with operator, Superbet. Direct integration has added a number of online slot titles to the operator’s game lobby including Pearly Shores and Star Kingdom. Superbet is a leading online gambling operator in Romania and is growing its presence in other European markets.
UK - Commission posts new consultations The Gambling Commission has launched a new set of consultations as part of its ongoing work to ensure effective regulation. The consultations, which will run for 13 weeks, will cover financial penalties and financial key event reporting. If operators breach regulatory rules one possible action following enforcement is the imposition of a financial penalty.
Consultation proposals seek to bring greater clarity and transparency to the way penalties following enforcement action are calculated. The consultation includes a proposal for determining the starting point for the penal element of the penalty by reference to the seriousness of the breach and a percentage of Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) or equivalent income generated during the period of the breach.
Kay Roberts, Commission executive director of operations, said: “These consultations are part of our continued drive to ensure Britain has the world’s most effectively regulated gambling sector. We would urge all our stakeholders to take the time out to have their say on these consultations as all views on proposed changes will be considered.”
P14 WIRE / PULSE / INSIGHT / REPORTS
Te Betting and Gaming Council has urged the Chancellor against using a proposed new gambling tax simplification measure to further raise taxes which will threaten sports including horse racing. In the Autumn Statement, the Government confirmed it will consult on new proposals to bring remote betting into a single tax, replacing the current three-tax structure.
General betting duty and pool betting duty are set at 15 per cent of operator profits, but remote gaming duty, levied on games of chance such as online casino, is set at 21 per cent. Any hike in betting duty would likely lead to lower margins on racing, fewer offers for punters and less funding to sponsor and promote the sport.
Te tax threat comes as revenues are already being stretched by so-called affordability checks on customers, plans to replace the current voluntary levy with a new statutory levy to fund Research, Education and Treatment to tackle gambling related harm and spiralling costs for betting operators to support horse racing.
Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “Any further new tax
rises could be a hammer blow for horse racing’s finances, which are already threatened thanks to measures proposed by the Government in the recent white paper. Tis is a sport which relies heavily on betting operators for its success and yet the Government appears determined to draft in measures which shrink the industry with huge ramifications for other sectors, like horse racing.
“What’s worse, the Treasury didn’t bother to consult or even inform DCMS, which is the department responsible for betting and racing. It seems they are high on tax but low on joined up government. Tere are genuine fears that any so-called simplification of the current tax structure will be nothing more than a Trojan Horse to further raise taxes on businesses... We were promised an Autumn Statement that would deliver growth – the only thing growing is the list of worries for the betting and horse racing industries”.
Te proposed new tax simplification plan comes soon after the Government’s White Paper, published in April, which included measures that will cost online operators in excess of £895m in Gross Gambling Yield.
Greece OKTO elevates security standard certification
OKTO has announced the renewal of its security standard certification, reaching the highest level with the attainment of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) 4.0 certification.
Te upgrade from PCI DSS 3.2 to the new certification not only reaffirms but also advances OKTO's unwavering commitment to security excellence. It reflects OKTO's proactive embrace of technologies and underscores its dedication to providing secure, and compliant services to its valued customers. As a Level 1 Service Provider, OKTO has successfully met and exceeded all stringent requirements outlined by PCI DSS, marking a significant milestone in ensuring the highest level of data security.
John Zacharakis, OKTO's Technology Director, commented: "Obtaining the PCI DSS 4.0 certification is a pivotal
milestone for OKTO. It underscores our dedication to providing a secure environment for our clients' financial transactions. We continuously invest in leading technologies to meet and exceed industry standards, and this certification is a clear demonstration of our commitment to security and compliance."
Te rigorous compliance validation process involved a thorough evaluation, confirming that OKTO's security controls and procedures align with the policies recommended by PCI DSS. As per the mandates of international payment systems, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and others, OKTO meets the standards required for entities that handle cardholder data.
PCI DSS compliance is not only a regulatory necessity but also a strategic advantage, substantial benefits which OKTO emphasised it recognises as a business.
UK
BetMGM and LeoVegas have launched branded versions of Pragmatic Play’s live casino hit, Auto Mega Roulette, which is played without a dealer and incorporates Mega Multipliers that can award wins of up to 500x.
In addition, LeoVegas is operating customised tables in the Netherlands, utilising advanced digital solutions from Pragmatic Play to provide a seamless and immersive branded experience for their players.
Irina Cornides, COO at Pragmatic Play, said: “Tis partnership with BetMGM and LeoVegas represents an exciting milestone for Pragmatic Play as we continue to deliver outstanding entertainment experiences in live casino. Our extensive suite of customisation options adds another dimension for our customers.”
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