Publication date: 02 May 2024
It’s been an exciting April 2024 in the gambling market! The most important betting and gambling news during this time: Brazil is systematically moving towards clear and consistent regulation, things are interesting (but confusing) in Thailand, and Uzbekistan wants to become the new Curaçao…
What has changed in the laws and advertising of online casinos and bookmakers?
Bulgaria has restricted gambling advertising: the first reading adopted a ban on advertising on radio, television, print and electronic media, websites, in public places and on building facades.
Brazil continues to develop a regulatory framework to regulate gambling. In April 2024, the Brazilian Ministry of Finance published new regulations: a ban on incentives and certain payment methods. For all the details on the Brazilian betting market, check out the review on 3SNET!
A busy May lies ahead:
Spain has lifted some restrictions on gambling advertising. Following the decision of the Supreme Court, Royal Decree 958/2020 has been amended: some gambling operators are now allowed to use celebrities or athletes.
On the other hand, Spain is tightening control over winnings. In April, the Tax Agency sent 2.9 million notices to gamblers asking them to declare their winnings on their income tax returns. Recall that the tax rate on gambling winnings is set on a graduated system. Sports betting and online gambling winnings are taxed at 19% on the first €12,450, 24% on amounts up to €20,200, 30% on amounts up to €35,200, 37% on amounts up to €60,000, and 45% on all winnings above this amount.
Kazakhstan is introducing additional prohibitions on gambling: for civil servants, military personnel and employees of special state bodies. In addition, a draft law is currently being discussed that will require players to undergo video biometric identification when placing bets, withdrawing funds and making payments at bookmakers’ offices.
The Netherlands has introduced new restrictions:
- A ban on all forms of online advertising of “high-risk” games, including targeted advertising.
- A ban on gambling via online slot machines.
Peru’s updated Law No. 31557 went into effect on 1 April 2024:
- unlicensed operators may be fined and website owners may face criminal penalties;
- 145 national and international companies have applied for a Peruvian gaming license;
- a special gambling tax of 12% of online operators’ net profits.
Thailand has shown a commitment to economic and tourism development. Given the success of other Asian countries, the Cabinet, together with the Ministry of Finance, decided to conduct an “urgent” study on the possibility of opening a casino in the country. Within 30 days (expected by 27-28 May), 16 different agencies will conduct a comprehensive analysis to assess all the benefits and risks of bringing gambling into the Thai economy.
However, just earlier this month, the operation of gambling sites was declared a serious economic crime. Other data shows that the country’s shadow gambling market is successfully developing, with 25,571 gambling-related platforms blocked since October 2023.
From 1 January 2025, Uzbekistan will permit casinos and bookmakers to operate online! Licenses will be issued by the National Agency of Perspective Projects (NAPP), with a 4% tax rate on net profits. Read more about the new law and market development prospects in the report “How to promote online betting and gambling in Uzbekistan?”
In April 2024, Ukraine passed a law on the liquidation of the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL) and tightening control over the gambling business. After the liquidation, licenses for gambling and betting activities in Ukraine will be issued by online services. It is planned that this will eliminate the human factor in the application process and reduce the risk of corruption.
- Meanwhile, in the first quarter of 2024, the Gaming Authority of Ukraine (KRAIL) approved 152 out of 194 applications for gambling licenses.
- As of April 2024, the General Prosecutor’s Office is investigating 450 criminal cases related to illegal gambling activities.
We remind you that every month 3S.INFO publishes special collections with the most important news from the world of gambling and betting: what new laws have been adopted, what restrictions appeared on advertising of online casinos and bookmakers, what else important happened for effective promotion!
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