Publication date: 03 Sep 2024
It’s been a hot summer for gambling and betting. August 2025 brought many new developments in gambling regulation around the world. 3S.INFO has gathered a fresh selection of news, new laws and bills, changes in online casino and bookmaker advertising regulations!
- Autumn 2024 is here: The hottest trends, GEOs and sources from 3SNET experts and advertisers.
Gambling and betting in August: new laws and advertising regulations
Bulgaria has allowed gambling advertising on social networks. In August, Bulgaria’s National Revenue Agency (NRA) clarified its position on gambling advertising, stating that social networks are not considered media. On social networks, users voluntarily register and sign up, thereby giving implicit consent to view content. Now “influencers” (bloggers) can once again promote online casinos on their Facebook*, Instagram*, TikTok and YouTube channels.
More interesting news from Brazil. A unique experience in dealing with blocked social networks and websites! The country’s Supreme Court has ruled: all individuals and companies that continue to use “technological tricks” to enter the banned network X will pay a daily fine. The amount is 50.000 BRL (about 9.000 $). Incidentally, the application process for obtaining Brazilian gaming licenses was completed in August. A total of 43 operators submitted their documents.
Ghana bans betting on football …. The ban applies only to matches in Ghana’s top football league. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has issued a statement to all bookmakers. The main reason is an attempt to fight against “match-fixing”.
Indonesia is stepping up its fight against illegal gambling. More than 18 thousand Indonesian e-services providers signed a document to combat online gambling. The obligations apply, among others, to Google, all Meta services (recognized as extremist and blocked in Russia), TikTok and the X network. In case of violation, the providers can be deprived of registration. Another measure to combat illegal gambling was a ban on free VPN services.
The tough tax policy in Kenya has had its disappointing results. To date, 10 more legal bookmakers have left the market.
Curaçao is clarifying the rules of regulation and obtaining licenses. According to the new regulatory body – the Gambling Control Board – if there are complaints from regulators in other countries, the operator’s license can be revoked. There will be no specific list of prohibited countries. Instead, the operators themselves must control the work in the countries where it is prohibited. To date, 700 applications have been submitted for a gaming license in Curaçao.
Latvia has raised the minimum age for players. Now it is possible to participate in gambling from the age of 21. In addition, players will be required to have a “personalized smart card” (card / technological solution / smartphone app), which will make it possible to personalize the player and collect information about his game (time, amount of deposit and winnings).
Thailand wants to legalize gambling and betting. The new draft law, published in August, proposes to issue licenses to operators for 30 years. The main condition is the registration of a legal entity in the country and an authorized capital of 10 billion baht (about $283 million).
Montenegrin authorities are ready to deal another blow to the gambling sector. The Ministry of Finance has proposed to introduce a 15 percent tax on customer winnings. However, the Montenegrin Association of Gambling Operators has opposed the proposal. It argues that similar tax measures in other countries have been unproductive and resulted in lower revenues. It states that the tax could lead to a 30% drop in payments.
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