Category Archives: Betting

Tipwin lauds ‘perfect execution’ of Merkur Bets retail upgrade in Germany 

Tipwin has achieved a major commercial objective in 2025 modernising completing the modernisation of Merkur betting shops in Germany in record time and ahead of all corporate expectations. The partnership, launched at the start of 2025, saw Merkur Bets appoint Tipwin to overhaul and expand its nationwide network of betting shops. The objective was to bring …

Rank Group elects John H. Ott as new Chair for 2026 transformation 

Rank Group Plc has confirmed the appointment of John H. Ott as the new Chairman of the LSE-listed gambling group, effective 17 November 2025. Ott, currently Senior Advisory Partner at Bain & Company UK,  will succeed Karen Whitworth, who has served as interim chair since 15 October 2025. Whitworth will return to her roles as …

Live from Gaming in Germany 2025

Germany stands out as a double edged sword in European iGaming, being similarly one of the most high value and growth potential markets while also being one of the most challenging, particularly from a regulatory standpoint. Black market threats, the difficulty of competition, high taxes and strict regulatory requirements are likely on everyone’s agenda today …

Soft2Bet CFO: Innovation and talent are non-negotiable drivers of industry leadership

Facing intense competition, Soft2Bet maintains that the secret to its ongoing success and differentiation lies in constant innovation, according to the firm’s CFO, Max Portelli. He highlighted that this strategy is designed not only to secure its position but also to ensure client retention through continuously evolving product offerings. This insight was shared by Portelli …

Lottstift presses Norsk Rikstoto on AML compliance failures 

Norway’s monopoly regime is once again under fire from the state regulator, raising more questions about the future of the market. Lottstift, the Norwegian gambling authority, is considering the issue of a penalty for Norsk Rikstoto – the country’s exclusive horse betting provider – in relation to a number of AML deficiencies. An audit by …

1xBet takes aim at regulatory obstacles impacting player protection

International online betting firm 1xBet is attempting to shine light on the regulatory commitments betting firms uphold but also the challenges this undertaking faces. The company, sometimes described as the biggest betting firm in the world with presence across a huge range of markets, has been trying its hand at investigation and market analysis this …

Flamengo ‘defends historic colours’ against unsolicited betting parasite 

Rio giant CR Flamengo has won a decisive courtroom victory against the breach of its IP by an unlicensed online gambling brand. Ana Maria Menezes reports that while Flamengo may have defended its colours, Brazil’s state courts still lack oversight on how to judge disputes relating to advertising, sponsorship, and intellectual property In Rio de …

Can South Africa bookies and campaigners see a shared enemy in regulatory fragmentation?

The exponential growth of South Africa’s betting market is an active opportunity for both domestic and international firms, yet its proceedings are mounting scrutiny from political parties and campaign groups.  According to South African media outlet The Mercury, a new organisation has formed with the express intent of banning online betting in South Africa – …

Bulgaria ups gambling taxes to cover Budget blunders

Bulgaria will begin taxing the gambling sector’s GGR at a higher rate starting January next year. The decision was quietly introduced in the new Budget, with the Balkan country scrambling to fill a large fiscal deficit of minus €3.86bn. What’s the new rate? In the new amendments, operators of sports betting, lottery games, random events …

Entain refinances €800m to boost portfolio profitability

Entain Plc has unveiled plans to launch a bond offering that will place an equivalent of €800m of corporate notes for the purpose of refinancing existing euro-denominated debt facilities. The FTSE100 gambling group said the new issue will consist of fixed-rate senior secured notes, in euros and/or sterling, due in 2031 and carrying the same …