U.K. Publishes Land-Based Reforms, Operators to Expand Machines
The U.K. government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport sent its draft Casinos (Gaming Machines and Mandatory Conditions) Regulations to the U.K. Parliament on May 12.
Its reforms outline an opportunity for operators to expand gaming machine counts, while also outlining limitations on gambling floor space in casinos. Casinos would be able to increase machine numbers, subject to floor space, from July 22 if passed by both parliamentary houses.
On the back of the reforms, Rank Group said it would add 882 gaming machines to its U.K. Grosvenor estate in the coming months.
Nederlandse Loterij and Holland Casino Will Not be Privatized
The Dutch government has announced that the country’s national lottery, Nederlandse Loterij, will not be privatized and instead remain under state control.
The Netherlands’ authorities were considering relinquishing control of Nederlandse Loterij and handing it to a private party.
However, in an update published May 13, it said privatization of Nederlandse Loterij is not currently “feasible and proportionate,” with the current setup to continue.
Gambling Commission Issues £2 Million Fine to Spreadex
The U.K. Gambling Commission has hit Spreadex with a fine of £2.0 million ($2.6 million) after ruling that the operator breached several anti-money laundering and social responsibility regulations.
The regulator said Spreadex, which offers casino and fixed odds betting in the U.K., had failed a compliance assessment in July 2023.
Spreadex has faced enforcement action previously in the U.K. In August 2022, it was ordered to pay a £1.4 million regulatory settlement for social responsibility and AML failures.
U.K. Betting Levy Contributions to Hit Record £108 Million in 2024-25
The Horserace Betting Levy Board has said it expects to receive £108 million ($144 million) in levy payments during 2024-25, despite betting turnover decreasing during the year.
The Horserace Betting Levy is a mandatory fund paid by bookmakers with annual gross profits on British horse racing over £500,000, at a rate of 10 percent.
The board agreed to approximately £11 million worth of new grants to projects and initiatives, given its higher levy.
In addition, it has pledged £93 million towards prize money and the sport’s regulation and integrity.
