Playtech Sells German B2C Business HappyBet
Playtech has sold its German gambling brand HappyBet to Pferdewetten AG subsidiary NetX Betting.
The new owner is being given the opportunity to contract with franchise partners for the HappyBet shops. These would then operate under Pferdewetten’s Sportwetten.de brand.
The acquisition includes approximately 600 hardware units, including betting terminals and POS systems, according to Frankfurt-listed Pferdewetten.
“We expect a mid-double-digit number of shops to be integrated into our network in the next three months,” said Pierre Hofer, chief executive of Pferdewetten.
Norwegian Authority Investigates Norsk Tipping Minor Funds Transfer
The Norwegian Gambling Authority has requested information from Norsk Tipping following a tip-off that a minor transferred money to the platform.
An underage person reportedly transferred a large sum of money to the platform from their bank account.
“The information so far indicates that there are customers who lend or share their customer account with persons under the age of 18 and that it is not the case that minors have been able to establish customer relationships with Norsk Tipping,” the Norwegian Lottery Authority stated in a release.
The watchdog has warned that the violation in this case could extend to the Gambling Act and Norway’s Money Laundering Act.
Spelinspektionen Fines Political Associations for Lack of Control
Spelinspektionen has fined a number of charity and political organisations in Sweden that operate lotteries for a failure to control contractors.
The regulator fined the Swedish Social Democratic Workers’ Party, the Swedish Social Democratic Youth League and the Swedish Social Democratic Women’s League SEK3 million ($313,615).
An investigation by the Swedish Consumer Agency found that the companies contracted by the licensees had used aggressive business methods while carrying out telephone sales of lottery tickets.
“It is the licensees who have full responsibility for the gaming operations, including the operations entrusted to contractors. The Swedish Consumer Agency’s assessment that the licensees have used aggressive business methods and thereby violated the Marketing Act remains unchanged, despite the licensees having taken corrective measures,” the Swedish gambling authority stated.
Greek Regulator Partners with Health Authority to Tackle Addiction
Greece’s gambling regulator has established a partnership with one of the country’s healthcare authorities in a bid to promote joint action.
A Memorandum of Cooperation has been signed between the Gaming Supervision and Control Committee and the Health Quality Assurance Organisation.
Both agencies said the collaboration is a response to the growing need to address the social and economic impacts of addiction.
They stated they would work together to ensure timely interventions, support treatments and give assistance to individuals or families that are dealing with gambling harm.
Gregory Petts Named Isle of Man GSC Chair
Gregory Petts has been appointed chairman of the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission.
The appointment comes from the Isle of Man Treasury. Petts, a chartered accountant and auditor with experience in the gambling, finance and life assurance sectors, has been part of the GSC for five years.
Petts replaces longstanding predecessor Jon Allen, who held the role for 15 years until November 2024. David Butterworth has filled the role on an acting basis since Allen’s departure.
“It is essential to strike a balance, maintaining responsible growth of the sector and continuing to uphold a strong regulatory framework,” Petts said. “Maintaining the Isle of Man’s international reputation as a trusted and respected jurisdiction is of the utmost importance.”
