Robert Fletcher Journalist Profile

Articles

Swedish gambling regulator denies reports of Spelpaus data breach

Jan 10, 2025 | isa-guide.de | Robert Fletcher

Spelinspektionen, the national gambling regulator in Sweden, has rejected claims of a data breach in its Spelpaus, insisting there is no evidence that information is “leaking” from the country’s self-exclusion register. Aired on Sveriges Radio channel P1 on 7 January, the ‘Kasinoläckan’ documentary series examines Europe’s casino industry. It features a six-month collaboration between investigative journalists across gambling markets in several countries, including Sweden.
French regulator orders top tier operators to reduce promotional spend in 2025

Jan 7, 2025 | isa-guide.de | Robert Fletcher

French gambling regulator l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) is calling on the online sector to review and reduce its plans for promotional spending in 2025 after revealing this is expected to rise by 11% in the coming year. Each year, licensed operators in France are required to submit their plans and budget for upcoming promotional spend for approval from the ANJ. The regulator then considers the plans in terms of whether they may encourage gambling harm or appeal to minors.
Ohio sports betting handle surpasses $1 billion in November

Jan 3, 2025 | igamingbusiness.com | Robert Fletcher

The November total is the second highest monthly amount on record. The amount is second to January 2023, when online betting became legal in Ohio, saw the highest ever state-wide handle at $1.11 million. The November handle also surpasses the $864.2 million wagered in the same month in 2023 by 18.5%. It is also 13.6% ahead of the $901.4 million bet in Ohio in October of 2024.
Portugal topples online gambling revenue record again in Q3

Jan 3, 2025 | igamingbusiness.com | Robert Fletcher

Online gambling revenue in Portugal hit an all-time-high for the eighth consecutive quarter in Q3, driven by a record performance from the nation's internet casino market. Gross online gambling revenue in Portugal hit €266.3 million (£220.9 million/$273.8 million) during Q3. This surpasses Q3 of 2023 by 23.7% and the previous quarterly record, set in Q2 2024, by 1.7%.
Fortunepanda operator Versus Odds banned in Sweden

Jan 3, 2025 | igamingbusiness.com | Robert Fletcher

Spelinspektionen said in a statement yesterday (2 January) that Versus Odds has been active in Sweden via its Fortunepanda.com website. Players in the country were able to access the site and play games despite the operator not being approved by the regulator. Detailing the case, Spelinspektionen said it conducted a hidden test purchase on the site. While this was not completed, the regulator uncovered several issues that resulted in it issuing the ban.
Allwyn acquires 51% stake in Novibet owner

Jan 2, 2025 | igamingbusiness.com | Robert Fletcher

Allwyn has agreed a deal to acquire a 51% majority stake in Logflex MT Holding Limited, the owner of online sports betting and gaming group Novibet. As part of the deal Allwyn will pay an initial €217 million (£180 million/$225 million) in cash to acquire the stake. Then an additional €110 million will be due in potential future earnouts based on Novibet’s performance.
Tabcorp reshuffles c-suite, creates new wagering and media roles

Dec 20, 2024 | igamingbusiness.com | Robert Fletcher

Tabcorp has announced a series of changes to its executive leadership team, including the creation of new chief wagering officer and chief commercial and media officer roles. Tabcorp said the role brings together the core wagering functions of digital, retail, trading, marketing and product, including Tote innovation. The search process to fill the position is “well advanced” and Tabcorp expects to announce an appointment in early 2025.
Golfer Penge charged over betting breach

Dec 20, 2024 | igamingbusiness.com | Robert Fletcher

Golf’s DP World Tour has sanctioned English player Marco Penge after he was ruled to have breached the PGA European Tour’s Integrity Programme. Penge, 26, was found to have placed bets on multiple golf events by an Independent Disciplinary Panel. This, the DP World Tour said, is in direct breach of Regulation 3(a)(i) of the Integrity Programme. The Tour said Penge did not bet on himself or the progress of tournaments during days when he was participating.
Australia excludes gambling activities from R&D tax benefit

Dec 18, 2024 | igamingbusiness.com | Robert Fletcher

The Australian government today (18 December) announced it will exclude gambling activities from Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentive eligibility from next year. Detailed in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, the change comes into effect from 1 July 2025. Gambling, as well as tobacco, will no longer be eligible for the R&D tax incentive in Australia. The R&D Tax Incentive offers a tax offset for companies in Australia conducting eligible R&D activities.
Dutch minister plans new gambling policy by March 2025

Dec 17, 2024 | igamingbusiness.com | Robert Fletcher

Teun Struycken, minister for legal protection in the Netherlands, has said the government is working on updated gambling policy and plans to present this to the country’s House of Representatives in March next year. Struycken made the comments while responding to questions from House member Michiel Van Nispen. He was asked about issues related to land-based gambling including whether current policy is fit for purpose.