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Key Moments: Serbia’s domestic gaming operators have established the Association of Game of Chance Organisers (SPIS) The inaugural project, “One is many,” has begun, focusing on educating teens about addiction prevention Igor Rakočević has been announced as the ambassador for the association Industry Collaboration Takes Shape A group of gambling operators in Serbia have formally introduced the Association of Game of Chance Organisers, known locally as Udruženje Priređivača Igara na Sreću (SPIS), during a launch event at Belgrade’s Sava Center. The new association aims to uphold responsibility, transparency, and collaborative…

Key Moments: Bernardo Heynemann has been named Chief Technology Officer of Flutter Brazil following his leadership at Betnacional as Vice President of Engineering. Flutter Brazil has announced new executive appointments: Rafael Moraes as Vice President of Foundations and Matheus Zaqueu as Vice President of Engineering at Betnacional. The company continues to focus on technology, innovation, and sustainable gaming through strategic leadership and industry partnerships. Executive Changes Empower Technology Agenda Flutter Brazil, home to leading brands Betnacional and Betfair, has appointed Bernardo Heynemann as its new Chief Technology Officer. In this…

Key Moments: Sanae Takaichi has been selected as Japan’s first female prime minister, securing 237 votes in the lower parliament. Takaichi pioneered the integrated resort (IR) bill back in 2013, laying the groundwork for casino legalization in Japan. The Japanese government is preparing to open a second IR license application window, with up to two additional licenses possible by 2027. Historic Leadership Change in Japan Sanae Takaichi has made history by becoming Japan’s first female prime minister, following a parliamentary decision that appointed her as the country’s 104th leader. Often…

Key Moments: Industry experts have advocated for a single regulatory agency to streamline casino oversight in South Korea. Current fragmented oversight is seen as an obstacle to long-term integrated resort development and effective tourism policy integration. Despite increased visitor numbers in 2024, South Korea’s tourism revenue has stabilized, underscoring the need for cohesive regulation. Fragmented Regulation Hampers Growth South Korea’s casino industry operates under a multi-agency regulatory structure, with responsibilities divided among several public bodies. Industry stakeholders have highlighted that establishing a centralized regulatory body would enable more effective integration…

Key Moments: A lawsuit alleges BetMGM altered a promotional contest mid-way to favor a VIP player The plaintiff claims he wagered around US$1.5 million, but did not win the top prize The legal action seeks at least $600,000 in damages under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act Contest Structure and Player Participation A lawsuit has been filed against BetMGM and its casino partners by a New Jersey resident who claims the company changed the rules of a promotional event while it was underway, allegedly benefiting a high-tier competitor and depriving…

Key Moments: Swedish prosecutors have charged an influencer from Östergötland with promoting unlicensed online casino gambling and concealing significant funds from authorities. This marks the first prosecution in Sweden for illegal gambling promotion by a public figure, with the investigation tracing offenses back to 2021. The trial at Linköping District Court begins on 17 November and is scheduled to last seven days. Landmark Prosecution Targets Streaming Promotion of Unlicensed Gambling A prominent influencer from Östergötland is set to become the first person in Sweden prosecuted for promoting unlicensed casino gambling,…

Key Moments: Veikkaus has forecast up to 31 layoffs as Finland prepares for a multi-license market in 2027. The company plans to create between 22 and 28 new positions to strengthen its competitiveness. The National Police Board is investigating Veikkaus’ recent advertising activity on Meta platforms. Transition to a Competitive Gambling Landscape Veikkaus, Finland’s state-owned gambling operator, will begin several organizational changes ahead of major gambling reforms planned for 2027. This reform will end Veikkaus’ monopoly. As a result, private operators will soon be able to apply for Finnish gambling…

Key Moments: The Japanese government has maintained its timeline to open the IR licensing process by April. Only three integrated resort licenses are intended to be selected within a year, though the final number may be lower. Ongoing uncertainties among prefectures, especially after developments in Yokohama, could affect how many licenses are ultimately granted. Shifting Landscape of Integrated Resort Applications The Japanese government’s plan to kick off the integrated resort (IR) licensing process by April has experienced repeated delays, but remains on track. Authorities intend to choose three licensees within…

Key Moments: Prediction markets like Kalshi could shift from federal oversight to navigating fifty separate state gambling commissions if reclassified as gambling. Markets focused on topics such as inflation, employment, or Federal Reserve decisions would likely disappear under gambling regulations. Reclassification would fundamentally alter user access, tax treatment, and the structure of available markets. Potential Regulatory Overhaul Prediction markets have long operated in a unique space, functioning as financial platforms where users can trade on questions resembling wagers. Operators such as Kalshi present themselves as venues for trading contracts tied…

Key Moments: Playtech has been identified as the company that funded Black Cube’s “prohibited markets” report against Evolution. Court proceedings confirmed Playtech paid approximately £1.8 million for the covert investigation and report. Evolution intends to add Playtech as a defendant in its ongoing defamation lawsuit, which may continue into 2026. Legal Pursuit Unveils Source Behind 2021 Report After years of speculation, it has been disclosed that Playtech orchestrated the 2021 report accusing Evolution of operating in restricted markets. This revelation ends a prolonged period of industry rumors and legal challenges…