Solid number of states in the US have opened their doors for retail and online sports betting throughout 2022, and it seems that the trend will continue in 2023. Ohio has already launched the market, while Mississippi and Oklahoma are likely to join in months to come.
As for Europe, Belgium and Spain tightened up the rules for advertising, while Finland is looking for ways to end Veikkaus’ monopoly and switch it with a multi-licensed system. In Asia, Thailand approved proposals to legalize gambling in the country.
United States of America Highlights
Kentucky: If the bill is passed in the House, the state could soon welcome retail/online sports betting, online poker, and daily fantasy sports. The suggested tax rate depends on the category and would be charged as follows:
- 25% for online sports betting
- 75% retail sports betting
- 75% online poker
Mississippi: Legislation to authorize online sports betting HB606 was introduced by Representative Casey Eure. This bill matches the one presented a year ago, HB184, and it is compatible with the current land-based regime. As far as stated in the bill, each of the 28 casinos in Mississippi would get permission to enter a deal with one sports betting company.
New York: Senator Pete Harckham suggested regulation should be developed to ban “predatory bonuses”, which encompasses deposit matches, all sorts of deposit-based bonuses, free bets, profit boosts, and site credits. Assemblyman Gary Pretlow came up with a proposal to categorize poker as a skill game and tax it 15% of the gross win.
The land-based sector could grow as well, as the Gaming Facility Location Board opened the Request for Applications process for one of three “downstate” casinos. The successful bidders would be required to invest at least $500m and pay a license fee of $500m.
North Dakota: Both online and retail sports wagering could be launched in the state, as the constitutional amendment bill which aims to legalize those progressed to the Senate for consideration. It is expected to be placed on the ballot for the 2024 referendum.
Ohio: On January 1, 2023, the state launched a retail and online sports betting market. BetMGM, Barstool, DraftKings, Hard Rock, FanDuel, Tipico and Caesars are just some of the many operators that went live immediately, with 8 more receiving conditional approval to start operating in the upcoming period.
Oklahoma: Representative Ken Luttrell introduced sports betting legislation that will enable the state’s tribes to offer retail and online sports wagering. At least four tribes would have to amend their compacts so that they could start offering the said services. They would also be charged a monthly exclusivity rate depending on the gross win amount.
Pennsylvania: The application process for the remaining 12 iGaming certificates (3 for slots, 3 for banked table games, and 6 for non-banked table games) is open. The approved companies have to be attached to land-based licensees.
Updates from European Countries
Belgium: Following the approval of the Royal Decree, gambling advertisements will be banned in public places, social media, radio, TV, and newspapers. Also, operators are prohibited from entering sponsorships for sports and sending personalized e-mails or text messages to clients. These regulations become effective on July 1, 2023.
Finland: Veikkaus is likely to end its monopoly, as the country is looking for ways to implement a commercial multi-licensed system. The investigation should be concluded in April 2023, before the elections.
Germany: Glücksspielbehörde (GGL), the federal gambling regulatory authority started with its duties on January 1, 2023. Approximately 50 casino and poker license applications were granted approvals up to date.
Hungary: EveryMatrix expanded its presence by inking a 5-year contract to operate its online sports wagering platform.
Spain: Lottery products are most likely to be encompassed by the country’s advertising regulations if DGOJ’s proposal is accepted. According to the current regulations, it is prohibited to use promotional bonuses, while advertising of gambling products on radio and TV is permitted between 01:00 and 05:00.
Sweden: According to the newly-presented regulations, payment providers are required to provide info regarding transactions involving foreign gambling operators that operate without a license.
Turbulent Month for Brazil’s iGaming Sector
Despite having the set deadline (December 12, 2022) President Jair Bolsonaro failed to sign the sports betting regulatory bill (Bill 846/2018) on time. Just to remind, the deadline was set in Law No. 13,756, which originally legalized the said activity.
However, progress has been made with regard to gambling legislation, as Senator Angelo Coronel confirmed it would be discussed in the Senate this year. One of the main focuses would be tax rate, so to find the best ways to increase the budget revenues. If Law No. 2234/2022 is passed, the country could get integrated resorts, casino riverboats, and bingo halls.
Meanwhile, Wanderlei Barbosa, the Governor of Tocantins, sanctioned Law nº 4.136/2023. As a consequence, the State Executive Branch won’t be able to operate its own state lottery. Instead, the operator will be selected via the bidding process.
Finally, the Governor of Paraíba approved the regulation of retail and online sports wagering, granting the state lottery organization LOTEP the power to regulate the market. The licenses would have a validity period of 10 years with the possibility to be renewed.
Regulatory Updates from Asia
India: According to the most recent amendments, online gambling games are defined as “games where a player makes a deposit with the expectation of earning winnings”. Therefore, such games will still be prohibited in the states where online gambling is not allowed. The proposals were submitted for a public consultation period.
Thailand: The proposals to legalize land-based and online casino gambling in the country submitted in July 2022 were granted initial approval by the House. As far as the local media expect, it may take between two to three years for the final decision on legalization to be made.
SOURCE:
H2 Gambling Capital, January 2023
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