Deepfakes: journalists tricked into promoting scams

23 Apr 2025

Journalists from Sky News have fallen victim to deepfakes used to promote illegal online casinos, hidden behind applications presented as games for children on the App Store. Once downloaded, these applications redirect users to unauthorised gambling sites, putting their personal and financial data at risk. Corporate identities have also been stolen to legitimise these scams.

Sensation

840,000 penalty for Starscream Limited

Alex

23 Apr 2025

Starscream Limited has been fined by the Dutch Gaming Authority for illegally offering online gambling to Dutch players via several sites. The company faces a fine of €280,000 per week, up to a maximum of €840,000, if it does not cease its activities. This measure is intended to protect consumers and remind operators of the importance of complying with local legislation.

Legislation

The Dutch Lottery donates 4,8 million euros to the Dutch Football Association to support the growth of amateur football

Nathalie

23 Apr 2025

With a contribution of no less than 4,8 million euros (4 844 775 euros ), the Dutch Lottery supports amateur football so that even more people can find their way to the football field. This donation gives these organizations the opportunity to expand further.

Economy

Who will be the next Pope? Bookmakers are on fire

Caroline

22 Apr 2025

Following the death of Pope Francis at age 88 on April 21, 2025, betting markets quickly mobilized to speculate on his successor. International bookmakers are now offering detailed odds on the frontrunners to become the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church.

Sensation

Casino Middelkerke in investigation for social fraud: chilling testimony of a former croupier

Caroline

22 Apr 2025

An investigation has been launched in Belgium against Casino Middelkerke over potential social fraud and possible human trafficking. The case stems from the complaint of a former Filipino employee, hired without a valid work permit and dismissed without proper procedure. A case that shakes the image of a once-respected establishment.

Sensation

Playing at an online casino in Belgium: what’s changing on 1 May 2025

Maxime

22 Apr 2025

From 1 May 2025, Belgian players will have to verify their identity before they can deposit money or play at an online casino. This new measure, imposed by the Gaming Commission, aims to strengthen security, prevent fraud and encourage more responsible gambling.

Gaming Commission

The ANJ reaches a milestone with its e-learning module: 1,000 certificates issued

Alex

21 Apr 2025

The ANJ has launched an innovative e-learning module to train casino and gaming club professionals to identify and support excessive or pathological gamblers. This interactive tool, inspired by a guide published in January 2024, offers realistic 3D immersion and has already enabled more than 1,000 certificates to be issued in just a few months.

Sensation

Gambling advertising: Brazil says stop

Caroline

21 Apr 2025

Brazil is strengthening its legislation against illegal online gambling advertising, with a bill introduced by MP Kim Kataguiri providing for penalties of up to eight years’ imprisonment, particularly where minors or vulnerable people are targeted.

Legislation

Black market: a threat to the UK

Maxime

20 Apr 2025

The black market in UK gambling is growing at an alarming rate, with around £4.3 billion wagered each year on unregulated platforms. This parallel economy represents around 3% of the total gambling market and exposes 1.5 million gamblers, mainly young adults, to financial and addiction risks.

Economy

Gamusoft LP: illegal activities halted

Ron

19 Apr 2025

The Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) has fined Gamusoft LP for illegally offering games of chance to Dutch players via the csgofast.com website, without a licence and without geographical restrictions. A penalty payment of €280,000 per week, capped at €840,000, was imposed to force the company to cease its activities. This decision is part of the Ksa’s strategy to strictly regulate the online gaming market and protect consumers from the risks associated with unlicensed operators.

Legislation

Family dispute over winning lottery ticket

Alex

19 Apr 2025

In the Netherlands, a winning lottery ticket worth €3.2 million sparked a violent family dispute between a man from Rijswijk and his 80-year-old father-in-law. After buying several tickets and discovering that he had the winning number, the complainant claimed that his father-in-law had discreetly stolen the precious ticket from him.

Sensation

Minors targeted by 711 B.V.: Ksa alert

Caroline

18 Apr 2025

The Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) has sanctioned 711 B.V. after it broadcast gambling advertisements targeting minors. The incident revealed flaws in the company’s advertising practices, and it has acknowledged its responsibility and taken corrective action. Although the company did not receive an immediate financial penalty, the Ksa stressed the importance of strict supervision and transparency in gambling advertising, particularly to protect young audiences from the associated risks.

Legislation

DSWV calls for stricter measures

Alex

18 Apr 2025

In Germany, almost half of online gamblers are still using illegal gambling sites, despite the regulations due to be introduced in 2021. This black market deprives the State of significant revenue and exposes users to increased risks.

Legislation

SEGA SAMMY forced to complete Stakelogic acquisition

Caroline

18 Apr 2025

After signing an agreement to acquire Stakelogic for an estimated €130 million, Japanese giant SEGA SAMMY tried to pull out of the deal at the last minute, citing ‘contractual breaches’. The Amsterdam court categorically rejected this attempt.

Economy

2024 elections: betting based on confidential information

Ron

17 Apr 2025

A political scandal has rocked the United Kingdom after 15 leading figures, including former Conservative MPs, were charged with betting on the date of the 2024 general election using confidential information before it was officially announced.

Politics

Unibet shaken in the Netherlands

Maxime

17 Apr 2025

Unibet, a major online gaming operator, has seen its turnover in the Netherlands fall by 41% in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the previous year. This fall was due to tighter regulations, including a limit on monthly deposits and an increase in gaming tax to 34.2%.

Economy

€530,000 in losses repaid by Betsson

Alex

16 Apr 2025

The Rotterdam court has ordered Betsson to refund €530,000 to a Dutch player who lost money on its platforms between 2014 and 2019, even though the operator did not have a licence to operate legally in the Netherlands.

Sensation