Weekly iGaming News

Hello iGaming Enthusiasts,

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Welcome to the latest edition of our iGaming newsletter, bringing you the most important developments and trends shaping the gaming and lottery sectors worldwide.

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??GamCare Reports 25% Rise in Gambling Helpline Contacts in 2023-24

GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline recorded a 25% increase in contacts, totaling 55,228 calls and online chats in the 2023-24 period. The surge underscores the growing demand for gambling harm prevention services amid ongoing discussions around regulatory reforms.

1. ●?74% of interactions resulted in supportive interventions, including referrals for structured treatment programs, leading to over 9,100 free treatment sessions.
2. ●?GamCare’s prevention efforts trained 10,344 professionals and educated 53,324 young people, parents, and children.
3. ●?Partnerships with organizations like Refuge focused on women’s gambling-related harm, training 3,813 professionals.

Margot Daly, Executive Chair of GamCare, emphasized: “Despite heightened demand, our team continues to prevent and treat gambling harm effectively.”

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??GGL Highlights Progress and Challenges in 2024

Germany’s gambling regulator (GGL) released its annual review, showcasing achievements in combating illegal gambling and future plans for enhanced digitization and international cooperation.

1. ●?Measures implemented include payment blocking, geo-blocking, and advertising restrictions.
2. ●?October 2024 saw the introduction of public warnings to increase transparency regarding licensed operator violations.
3. ●?Educational resources were expanded, including an FAQ section for players.

Challenges remain in addressing black market activities. Studies to provide reliable market data are underway, with findings expected in 2025.

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??European Casino Association’s Manifesto: Tackling Illegal Gambling

The European Casino Association (ECA) launched a manifesto focusing on consumer protection, combating illegal gambling, and promoting economic growth within the regulated casino sector.

1. ●?Illegal gambling activities generate an estimated €42bn annually, depriving governments of €10bn in tax revenue.
2. ●?The manifesto advocates for stricter enforcement against unlicensed operators and enhanced anti-money laundering regulations.
3. ●?ECA members contribute significantly to national GDPs, local economies, and cultural sponsorships.

ECA Chair Erwin van Lambaart urged collaboration with policymakers to uphold a regulated and responsible casino industry.

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??Malta Gaming Authority Releases H1 2024 Performance Report

The Malta Gaming Authority’s Interim Performance Report for H1 2024 highlighted key achievements in licensing, compliance, and player protection.

1. ●?Conducted 611 probity screenings and issued 8 new licenses.
2. ●?Assisted 1,625 individuals in player protection efforts and conducted nearly 5,000 gaming premises inspections.
3. ●?Processed 162 suspicious betting reports and engaged in 57 international collaborations.

The MGA will release a comprehensive industry performance report for 2024 in late 2025, offering further insights into market trends.

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??Stay Ahead in iGaming

We’re committed to keeping you informed of the latest trends and challenges in iGaming. Whether it’s regulatory reforms, advancements in player protection, or emerging risks, Crunch Equation is your trusted resource.

For more updates, visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn.

Best regards,

CrunchEquation’s Team