Reshaping the Digital Landscape
Italy is revolutionizing its online gambling sector through comprehensive reforms centered on a nine-year licensing system. This ambitious overhaul aims to attract established operators while generating substantial revenue streams. At its core is a €7 million licensing fee, positioning Italy to become a major player in Europe’s regulated gambling market.
Financial Framework and Timeline
The licensing structure combines a substantial entry fee with ongoing operational costs. Each operator must make an initial €4 million payment upon license approval, followed by €3 million before launch. The government anticipates collecting €350 million in licensing fees, plus €100 million yearly from concession charges. Operators have until May 30, 2025, to submit applications, with a nine-month review period and six months to commence operations.
Market Entry Requirements
To maintain high industry standards, Italy has established stringent eligibility criteria. Operators must be based in the European Economic Area and demonstrate consistent financial performance, including €3 million in annual revenue over two years. The framework includes mandatory financial guarantees: a €750,000 provisional deposit and a €3.7 million final guarantee. Individual operators are limited to five licenses, ensuring market diversity.
Beyond Digital: Broader Reform Vision
The initiative extends to land-based gambling in 2025, addressing key industry challenges. A critical focus is reassessing the 2019 Dignity Decree, which banned gambling advertisements and sponsorships. Roberto Alesse, leading the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM), advocates for alignment with European standards to foster sustainable growth while maintaining effective oversight.
Regional Harmonization and Future Outlook
The reform’s second phase targets standardization across Italy’s regions to combat illegal gambling and enhance consumer safety. Despite facing challenges, including recent tax revenue decline, Italy aims to establish itself as a pioneer in European gambling regulation. The ADM emphasizes the importance of balanced regulation that protects consumers while supporting industry growth.
Building a Sustainable Future
This comprehensive reform represents Italy’s commitment to creating a robust, regulated gambling market. By implementing strict standards while maintaining industry viability, Italy is positioning itself at the forefront of European gambling innovation. The success of these reforms will depend on their effective implementation and the industry’s ability to adapt to these new parameters.
Bet365, a global leader in sports betting, has released its 2025 Annual Sports Betting Report, offering valuable insights into emerging trends, rising markets, and its ambitious expansion strategy. The report highlights significant growth in women’s sports, player-focused betting, and activity across regulated markets.
Women’s Sports Betting Sees Remarkable Growth
Women’s sports betting has gained tremendous traction in recent years. According to the report, global wagers on the WNBA increased by an impressive 67%, showcasing the growing interest in women’s sports. This surge can be attributed to rising stars, expanded media coverage, and increased attention to women’s college basketball, which has drawn a broader and more engaged audience.
The Shift to Player-Centric Betting
A key trend highlighted in the report is the growing focus on individual player performances. Bettors are increasingly seeking personalized betting options, driving demand for player props. Athletes such as Nikola Jokić in the NBA and Saquon Barkley in the NFL have become fan favourites in these markets. The Kansas City Chiefs led NFL betting activity, fuelled by their on-field success and the media spotlight on Travis Kelce. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics topped NBA wagers, with the Oklahoma City Thunder following closely, underscoring a shift toward analytical, player-driven markets.
Global Expansion and Strategic Partnerships
Bet365 has made significant strides in its global expansion efforts. In 2024, the company entered Pennsylvania and Peru and is awaiting regulatory approval for operations in Brazil. Strategic partnerships have played a crucial role in strengthening its offerings. Collaborations with Inspired and Playtech in Pennsylvania and Betmakers for fixed-odds horse racing in New Jersey and Colorado reflect its commitment to diversifying and enhancing its betting options. New features, such as early payout options and flash betting, have also improved user engagement and received widespread praise.
Bet365’s Entry into the Illinois Market
Illinois represents a major milestone in Bet365’s U.S. expansion strategy. The Illinois Gaming Board recently approved its partnership with Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort, granting Bet365 a Management Services Provider License. This allows the company to offer both in-person and mobile sports betting in one of the country’s most lucrative markets. Illinois sportsbooks handled $11 billion in bets through October 2024, a 23% year-over-year increase, and set a record $1.45 billion betting handle in October. However, Illinois’ new progressive tax structure poses challenges, with rates ranging from 20% to 40%, depending on revenue. Despite this, Bet365 is unlikely to hit the top tier due to current revenue projections.
Expanding Presence Across North America
Beyond Illinois, Bet365 continues to solidify its footprint across the U.S. market. In Pennsylvania, its partnership with Presque Isle Casino has generated nearly $100 million in bets and $10 million in revenue. The company also opened a new Denver office in September 2024, facilitating a partnership with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche. This expansion aligns with Bet365’s stated priority of driving growth in its live markets while exploring opportunities in new states.
FBC BV Faces €840,000 Penalty in Gambling Crackdown
The Netherlands Gaming Authority (KSA) has imposed a significant penalty on Curaçao-based operator FBC BV for offering unlicensed games of chance on its platform, FreeBitco.in. This decision highlights the Dutch regulator’s firm stance on protecting players and maintaining the integrity of its gambling market.
Investigations Expose Illegal Operations
The KSA’s investigations, conducted between January 2023 and November 2024, uncovered that FreeBitco.in allowed Dutch players to create accounts, deposit funds, and gamble on its platform without the required permits. Despite FBC BV’s claims of compliance, including blocking Dutch IP addresses, the KSA found no evidence of effective measures to prevent local participation.
A KSA inspector successfully registered, deposited bitcoin, and placed a bet, further confirming the platform’s accessibility to Dutch users. In response to these findings, the KSA issued a penalty payment order of €280,000 per week for continued violations, capped at €840,000.
FBC BV’s Defence Falls Short
FBC BV argued that FreeBitco.in primarily serves as a giveaway platform, but the KSA countered this by demonstrating ongoing gambling activities accessible to Dutch residents. Despite requests for extensions and claims of technical difficulties, the company failed to implement effective compliance measures.
The penalties remain in force despite FBC BV’s legal objections. Moreover, the company’s troubles extend beyond the Netherlands, with Australian regulators also issuing warnings over its unlicensed operations targeting Australian players.
KSA’s Commitment to Player Protection
The penalty against FBC BV is part of a broader campaign by the KSA to curtail unauthorised gambling operations. In recent months, the regulator has imposed similar penalties on operators such as Techno Offshore, Novatech Solutions, and BlockDance.
Michel Groothuizen, chair of the KSA, emphasised the authority’s determination to tackle the black market, stating, “We will send out warning letters more often and deliver short, quick blows, such as with an order subject to a penalty.”
Promoting Responsible Gambling
In parallel with its enforcement efforts, the KSA has launched a campaign encouraging responsible gambling. The initiative, titled “Pick up your life again, take a gambling stop,” promotes the Cruks self-exclusion register and aims to support individuals struggling with gambling-related challenges.
With its dual approach of punitive measures and player support, the KSA is sending a clear message: the Dutch gambling market prioritises transparency, compliance, and player protection.
As Brazil prepares for the launch of its regulated betting market on January 1, 2025, the government has implemented pivotal measures to transform the gambling landscape. The approval of 71 federal licenses for online betting operators and the establishment of a dedicated task force to address gambling-related issues demonstrate a focus on economic development alongside social responsibility.
Licensing Milestones in Brazil’s Gambling Sector
The approval of federal licenses marks a key step forward for the Brazilian betting industry. Out of 114 applications, 71 companies have progressed to the next phase, with 16 operators already fulfilling the R$30 million (US$5 million) concession fee requirement. This initial round of fees has generated R$480 million (US$80 million) for the Ministry of Finance.
According to Regis Dudena, head of the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), stringent standards have been applied throughout the licensing process. “Starting January 1, all companies operating within Brazil must be incorporated under national law,” Dudena noted. “This will ensure full transparency about company ownership, beneficiaries, and leadership.”
Launched in May, the licensing process requires operators to verify their financial standing, provide clean criminal records, and comply with sports integrity standards. Only after obtaining certifications for betting systems and paying the concession fee are operators fully authorised to operate. Industry leaders like Superbet have already secured critical certifications, solidifying their compliance with cybersecurity, fairness, and anti-money laundering standards.
Despite the enthusiasm, not all operators are on board. Prominent names such as Betway and Vera&John have exited the process, citing concerns over the market’s profitability. Meanwhile, global players like Flutter Entertainment view Brazil as a strategic growth market, with analysts predicting its market share could expand significantly in the coming years.
Efforts to Eliminate Unauthorised Operators
The SPA has aggressively targeted illegal betting operations, shutting down over 5,000 unauthorised websites since the October 1 licensing deadline. In collaboration with law enforcement and telecommunications regulators, further action is planned to enforce compliance and protect the nascent market.
However, the transition to a fully regulated market is not without challenges. Some operators have exploited regulatory loopholes by exceeding permitted domain limits or submitting fraudulent taxpayer documentation. The SPA has pledged to remain vigilant in addressing such issues to uphold the integrity of the market.
Tackling Gambling Addiction Through Government Collaboration
To address the societal risks linked to gambling, Brazil’s federal government has established the Interministerial Working Group on Mental Health, Prevention, and Harm Reduction of Problem Gambling. This initiative brings together representatives from key ministries—including health, sports, and finance—to develop strategies for minimising gambling-related harm.
Key responsibilities of the group include:
- Creating educational campaigns to raise awareness about gambling addiction.
- Designing mental health support initiatives for affected individuals.
- Establishing regulatory guidelines to encourage responsible practices among operators.
- Strengthening prevention and treatment programmes to address the social and psychological impacts of gambling.
Over the next two months, the task force will meet biweekly to draft recommendations aimed at safeguarding vulnerable populations while fostering a healthier gambling environment. Experts warn that the rise of online betting, if left unchecked, could intensify addiction-related challenges.
Challenges and Future Goals
While Brazil has made significant strides in regulating online betting, the legislative framework for land-based casinos and bingo halls remains in limbo. A critical bill addressing these sectors has been postponed, with discussions pushed into 2024.
Despite these delays, recent government actions signal a strong commitment to establishing a fair and transparent gambling market. Licensing rules now mandate that operators implement measures to prevent problem gambling and operate with greater accountability. Revenue generated from betting taxes is being earmarked to fund mental health services and social welfare programmes.
Public education will be crucial to sustain this progress. Continued awareness campaigns are needed to inform bettors about the risks of gambling while ensuring operators adhere to the highest standards of compliance.
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Gambling.com Group has announced its agreement to acquire Odds Holdings, the parent company of the sports betting odds comparison site OddsJam, in a deal worth up to $160 million. The acquisition, which marks a significant milestone for Gambling.com Group, aims to expand its reach in the sports betting and online gambling markets.
Deal Structure and Financials
The agreement involves an initial payment of $80 million, with the possibility of an additional $80 million based on Odds Holdings’ performance through 2026. The transaction includes $70 million in cash and $10 million in Gambling.com Group shares as part of the initial payment.
To facilitate the deal, Gambling.com Group secured $100 million in debt financing from Wells Fargo, boosting its credit facility. The performance-based contingent payments require Odds Holdings to double its adjusted EBITDA by 2026, with the option to pay up to 50% of this amount in company shares.
A Technological Edge
OddsJam, the flagship brand of Odds Holdings, delivers real-time sports betting odds through its consumer-facing platform and app. The platform is also a leader in providing low-latency odds data to enterprise clients, making it a highly sought-after tool for sportsbooks and developers.
Gambling.com Group highlighted OddsJam’s advanced technology, which processes over one million requests per second and handles multiple terabytes of data daily across nearly 300 sportsbooks. This acquisition will enable Gambling.com Group to offer innovative enterprise products while diversifying its revenue streams.
Expanding Global Reach
Gambling.com Group plans to leverage its existing partnerships and expertise to scale the OddsJam platform, extending its reach to new markets beyond North America. This move aligns with the company’s goal to achieve $100 million in annual adjusted EBITDA.
In 2024, Odds Holdings is projected to generate $26 million in revenue and $12 million in adjusted EBITDA. Gambling.com Group expects this acquisition to accelerate growth by at least 20% in 2025 under its management.
Team and Integration
The Odds Holdings team, including founders Ankit Goyal and Alex Monahan, along with CEO Matt Restivo, will join Gambling.com Group. This integration aims to combine OddsJam’s cutting-edge technology with Gambling.com’s industry expertise and global network.
“We’re excited to welcome the talented team from Odds Holdings to our group,” said Charles Gillespie, co-founder and CEO of Gambling.com Group. “Their advanced technology and products bring tremendous value, allowing us to expand into new revenue streams and strengthen our leadership in the online gambling industry.”
Matt Restivo, CEO of Odds Holdings, echoed the sentiment: “By joining forces with Gambling.com Group, we’re poised to scale our technology and data-driven solutions, reaching an even broader audience of online bettors globally.”
Looking Ahead
This acquisition represents Gambling.com Group’s latest strategic move in expanding its industry presence, following recent purchases of RotoWire, BonusFinder, and Freebets.com.
The deal is expected to close on 1st January 2025, pending customary regulatory approvals, and will immediately contribute to the company’s financial performance.
Gambling.com Group’s strategic acquisition of Odds Holdings is not only a testament to its growth ambitions but also a bold step toward reshaping the landscape of sports betting technology and affiliate marketing.
