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Wynn Resorts Secures UAE’s First Commercial Gaming License

UAE-issues-first-commercial-gaming-licence-to-Wynn-ResortsWynn Resorts has made history by becoming the first company to receive a commercial gaming license in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On October 4, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) granted Wynn the license for its ongoing project on Al Marjan Island, located in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK).

The license will allow Wynn to operate a land-based casino as part of the massive Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort, which is expected to open in 2027. This luxury development is a joint venture between Wynn Resorts, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding.

In a statement, Wynn Resorts expressed gratitude to the GCGRA, saying, “We are under way with the construction of our resort in Ras Al Khaimah and look forward to being a key partner in the development of its tourism economy.” The company also thanked the GCGRA for the confidence and trust placed in them with the approval of this license.

A Major Milestone for Gaming in the Middle East

Wynn’s Al Marjan Island project will be the first integrated gaming resort in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Spanning over 62 hectares on a man-made island, the project is located just 15 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and 45 minutes from Dubai. It will offer more than just gaming, with plans for over 1,000 hotel rooms, convention facilities, luxury shopping, and high-end dining options.

Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts, described Al Marjan Island as an ideal location for this landmark development, calling it a “pristine setting” for Wynn to deliver its signature luxurious guest experiences.

The project is set to boost Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism industry, with Abdulla Al Abdooli, CEO of Marjan, emphasizing that Wynn’s reputation for creating world-class resorts will help attract visitors to the region. Al Abdooli said, “We are partnering with Wynn Resorts, one of the world’s most renowned integrated resort companies, which has a strong track record of developing luxury destinations with exceptional accommodation, dining, entertainment concepts, and gaming facilities.”

Other Operators Eyeing Opportunities

Wynn’s milestone comes just weeks after MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle announced that his company had filed for a license to develop a gaming project in Abu Dhabi https://news.worldcasinodirectory.com/mgm-resorts-leads-the-charge-for-casino-licensing-in-the-uae-application-confirmed-115267. Speaking at the Skift Global Forum in New York City, Hornbuckle revealed that MGM applied for the license on September 19.

With the UAE’s commercial gaming landscape expanding, more global gaming giants may soon enter the market. For now, Wynn Resorts is leading the charge, with its Al Marjan Island resort expected to set a new standard for luxury hospitality in the region.

A First for UAE’s Gaming Sector

The GCGRA defines commercial gaming as games that involve a combination of skill and chance, where players wager money or equivalents to win cash or prizes. Wynn’s license is the first to be awarded for a land-based gaming facility in the UAE. However, the GCGRA previously issued a license for the country’s first authorized lottery earlier this year.

Wynn Al Marjan Island’s non-gaming amenities are also set to impress, featuring over 1,500 rooms and suites, a collection of 22 dining and lounge experiences, a sprawling pool complex, luxury shopping, and state-of-the-art meeting spaces. The resort will be topped off by 2025, with full operations expected to begin by 2027.

Source:

Wynn Resorts Announces Receipt of Gaming Operator License for Wynn Al Marjan Island, press.wynnalmarjan.com, October 5, 2024.

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New Online Gambling Deposit Rules in the Netherlands Starting October 2024

Online-deposit-limits-come-into-force-in-NetherlandsAs of October 1, 2024, Dutch online gamblers are subject to a new set of stringent deposit rules to promote responsible gambling. The measures are part of the Netherlands’ ongoing efforts to ensure player protection, particularly focusing on deposit limits and encouraging self-awareness among players about their gambling behavior.

The newly introduced rules include strict thresholds on monthly deposits, particularly limiting the net deposit amounts players can make. For adults, the limit is set at €700 per calendar month, while for young adults aged 18 to 25, this threshold is significantly lower at €300. Once a player reaches these limits, they are temporarily barred from making further deposits until the start of the next calendar month. These automatic resets aim to prevent overspending and reduce gambling-related risks.

New Rules on Setting Personal Deposit Limits

In addition to the mandatory deposit thresholds, the new regulations require that players set personal deposit limits when registering with an online casino. If a player attempts to set a limit higher than €350 per month (or €150 for young adults), they must engage in a mandatory contact moment with the operator. This interaction, conducted via phone or chat, serves to inform players about the risks of excessive gambling and to direct them to available resources for support, such as the national self-exclusion system, Crucks.

Players who exceed their deposit limits will also encounter pop-up notifications that provide real-time feedback on their gambling behavior. These messages, appearing every 30 minutes during gameplay, remind them how long they have been playing and indicate when they are halfway to their pre-set limit. The regulations are designed to raise awareness of responsible gaming practices and promote safer gambling experiences for all users.

For those who wish to increase their deposit limits beyond the established threshold, proof of financial stability is required. Players can share income statements with operators to verify their ability to manage higher spending limits, with a general guideline being that players can deposit up to 30% of their net income. However, this is not a mandatory process—players can wait until the start of the next month to reset their limits.

Industry Response and Impact on Operators

The Dutch gambling trade association, VNLOK, has voiced its support for the new measures, emphasizing their role in ensuring a safer gambling environment. “VNLOK members have already taken extra-legal measures to provide additional protection for players,” said VNLOK chair Helma Lodders, pointing to previous efforts such as the Online Gambling Advertising Code and stricter limits for young adults. According to Lodders, these measures align with VNLOK’s goal of maintaining a responsible and regulated market.

However, concerns have been raised by industry experts regarding the potential financial strain these regulations might place on operators. Gambling lawyer Alan Littler warned that the increased operational costs associated with implementing these rules, alongside the anticipated decline in consumer spending, could make it more challenging for companies to do business in the Dutch market.

Adding to this, the Dutch government has approved a series of tax hikes for gambling operators, with the gambling tax rate set to rise from 30.5% to 34.2% in 2025 and reaching 37.3% by January 2026. This additional financial burden, combined with tighter regulations, has raised fears that some players may turn to illegal gambling sites that do not adhere to such strict guidelines. VNLOK also acknowledged this concern, with Lodders stating, “Well-intentioned measures can thus have a counterproductive effect,” pointing out that over-regulation may lead to the unintended consequence of driving consumers to unlicensed platforms.

Future Regulatory Changes on the Horizon

Looking ahead, the current Dutch Remote Gambling Act is undergoing an evaluation by the country’s gaming regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), which is expected to conclude by the end of October. This review will assess the effectiveness of the existing laws and could lead to further amendments. Depending on the findings, additional regulatory changes may be introduced, raising concerns about their implications for both operators and players.

Meanwhile, several companies in the Netherlands gambling sector are developing solutions to help operators comply with these new rules. For example, I-Finance Services has introduced an Affordability Check tool to verify players’ income data, and Bluem launched its Budget Check system, which allows for income verification without giving casinos full access to players’ financial accounts. Trustly has also announced plans for a KYC solution to assist online casinos in adhering to the new regulations.

Source:
VNLOK, vnlok.nl, October 1, 2024.

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Thailand’s Casino Resorts to Open Doors for Global Investors Amid New Regulations

Thai-finance-minister-casino-industry-to-welcome-global-operatorsThailand is moving closer to legalizing casino resorts, as Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat pushes for a comprehensive plan to establish entertainment complexes in the country. The finance minister has called on the customs, revenues, and excise departments to devise a tax-collection system for the proposed industry, with a plan expected to be ready by mid-October.

This initiative aligns with the government’s broader efforts to modernize the gambling landscape, which currently only allows for the national lottery and state-regulated horse racing. The introduction of casino resorts aims to boost tourism, attract investment, and provide new employment opportunities, echoing similar efforts in Japan.

Government Opens Market to Global Players

Julapun’s stance diverges from suggestions made by MP Korrawee Prissanantakul, who advocated for government-run casinos. Korrawee argued that such an approach would ensure that the profits benefit the country directly. However, Julapun stressed that the industry should be left to experienced investors, confirming that all private companies meeting the established criteria will be welcome to participate.

Under the proposed regulations, interested operators must be limited or public companies registered in Thailand, with a paid-up capital of at least 10 billion baht. The licensing process will involve a 100,000-baht filing fee, an initial license fee of 5 billion baht, and an annual fee of 1 billion baht. Licenses will be valid for 30 years and renewable every 10 years, ensuring long-term involvement from global players.

Major international casino operators, including Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts, and Caesars Entertainment, have already expressed interest in joining the Thai market. Other potential contenders like Genting and Melco have also shown enthusiasm for entering this growing sector.

Strategic Plans for Casino Development

The current proposal outlines a vision for up to five casinos, with two located in Bangkok and others in popular tourist destinations such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, and the Eastern Economic Corridor. This strategy aims to spread the economic benefits of the casino industry across the country. According to industry expert Daniel Cheng, this could lead to “regional monopolies” unless multiple complexes are established in each location to foster competition.

In response, Korrawee Prissanantakul supported a wider industry structure that could distribute wealth more effectively, proposing that multiple casinos in each region might better share the economic gains.

Tax and Regulatory Challenges

One of the remaining challenges involves determining how tax collection will be handled. Julapun highlighted the need for precise regulations, suggesting that a new agency may be required to oversee tax matters. However, the State Fiscal and Financial Disciplines Act specifies that tax collection responsibilities fall under the Ministry of Finance’s customs, revenues, and excise departments.

Julapun reiterated that global entertainment companies like Walt Disney and Universal Studios could also establish a presence in Thailand, provided they adhere to transparency and regulatory processes.

As Thailand prepares to welcome these global operators, the government’s efforts to implement a robust regulatory framework will be key to ensuring a safe and profitable industry. With lawmakers finalizing their plans and international players eager to enter the market, Thailand is poised to become a major destination for integrated resort development in Southeast Asia.

Source:

“All Private Investors Welcome to Participate in Thailand’s IR Industry“, asgam.com, 2 October 2024.

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Sweden’s Online Gambling Channelization Rate Reaches 86% in 2023

Sweden-channelisation-rate-at-86_-according-to-Spelinspektionen-reportThe Swedish gambling regulator Spelinspektionen has announced that the country’s channelization rate for the online gambling market has reached 86% for 2023, reflecting an improvement over the 77% recorded the previous year. This figure exceeds the forecasts made by several operators, including Aktiebolaget Trav och Galopp (ATG), which had predicted the rate would fall between 69% and 82%.

Channelization: Progress and Challenges

Channelization refers to the percentage of players who participate in gambling through licensed, regulated operators. A high channelization rate indicates more players opting for legal platforms over unlicensed, offshore options. However, even with the rise to 86%, Spelinspektionen faces challenges from unregulated markets. The regulator estimates that unlicensed sites generated SEK2.5 billion (€220.2 million) in 2023 compared to SEK17.3 billion for licensed operators. This figure, however, assumes equal betting amounts on licensed and unlicensed platforms, a variable Spelinspektionen admits could differ.

Data gathered from surveys of 4,000 Swedish players between June and July 2023 was instrumental in determining the channelization rate. Among the respondents, 97% reported gambling with a licensed operator in their most recent session, while 83% of total wagers were placed on regulated websites.

Licensed platforms dominated the sports betting sector, attracting 99% of players and 97% of wagers. However, the online casino sector saw lower rates, with 96% of players using licensed websites and 79% of total wagers placed on these platforms.

Skin Betting and the Black Market

While overall channelization improved, the growing issue of skin betting—using in-game virtual items as currency for illegal gambling—remains a concern for Spelinspektionen. When including skin betting in the data, licensed gambling visits represented only 73%, a drop from 84% when excluding this form of betting. In fact, 49% of all visits to unlicensed websites involved skin betting.

Efforts to curb black market activity remain critical, as Spelinspektionen reported that 24% of visits to unlicensed gambling sites were tied to commercial online gaming, while 20% were related to online gambling. The regulator aims to further understand the factors driving players to these platforms.

Mixed Estimates from Operators and External Data

Other figures have also provided varying estimates of Sweden’s channelization. For instance, data from H2 Gambling Capital suggested a higher rate of 92% for 2023. H2 also reported that 93% of online betting turnover came from licensed platforms, with online casinos recording a slightly lower rate of 87%. This data offers a more optimistic outlook compared to the regulator’s figures, but it underscores the complexity of assessing channelization due to differing methodologies.

Meanwhile, reports from the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) have been critical of the country’s current regulatory framework, which they argue limits the competitiveness of licensed operators. According to BOS, channelization for the overall market stood at 77%, and even lower—at 72%—for the online gambling sector. Some operators, including ATG, believe the actual channelization rate may be even lower, suggesting it could be between 57% and 72% for certain segments of the market.

Regulatory Response and Looking Ahead

Despite the ongoing challenges, Spelinspektionen remains focused on ensuring that Sweden’s licensed gambling market continues to capture a larger share of activity. However, the regulator acknowledged that the 86% rate could potentially be lower, depending on differences in player spending on licensed versus unlicensed sites. If turnover per visit is significantly higher on unlicensed platforms, the rate could drop as low as 78%.

Camilla Rosenberg, Spelinspektionen’s director general, emphasized the importance of diverse methodologies in assessing channelization. In a translated statement, she noted, “The results show that the degree of channeling varies depending on the method and form of play. The SGA believes there are four different indicators that together can give a picture of the degree of channelization.”

Spelinspektionen continues to monitor the impact of unlicensed operators and hopes to study the black market further to understand its growing influence. As the regulator collects more data for 2024, it aims to solidify the progress made in channeling Sweden’s gambling market and reducing the reach of unregulated platforms.

Source:

Redovisning Av Uppdrag Fi2023_03130: Den Offentliga Kontrollen Over Spelmarknaden, Spelinspektionen [pdf], October 2024.

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Loterj Operators Secured by Court Ruling Amid Federal Betting Regulations

Brazil-court-confirms-Rio-Loterj-licensees-can-remain-active-without-a-federal-licenceIn response to new federal betting regulations, the Brazilian government implemented significant changes in September with the introduction of Normative Ordinance No 1,475. This ordinance allowed only operators who had already applied for a federal betting license and were actively operating to continue doing so until the official launch of the regulated market on January 1, 2025. The deadline for submitting license applications passed on September 30, prompting a wave of last-minute submissions from businesses hoping to remain compliant.

A total of 182 applications were submitted via Brazil’s Sigap betting management system by the deadline. However, one submission, from Tecnologia e Desenvolvimento Ltda, was entered after the deadline, leaving it potentially vulnerable to the upcoming regulations.

Concerns Raised by State Lottery-Licensed Brands

The new federal rules sparked concerns among operators licensed under state lotteries like Loterj, the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery. These brands worried about their ability to continue operating beyond the October 1 deadline without a federal license. Fortunately for them, a ruling from Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) on October 1 provided a crucial exemption, protecting Loterj operators from the consequences of missing the federal deadline.

Federal judge Antônio Cláudio Macedo da Silva criticized the federal regulations for conflicting with Loterj’s Accreditation Notice 001/2023. This notice, which permits accredited entities to operate public lottery services for up to five years, was deemed incompatible with the federal ordinances regarding the advertisement and banning of unlicensed betting websites.

Loterj Operators Exempt from Federal Regulations

According to the court’s injunction, Loterj license holders retain “broad and unrestricted rights” to continue offering fixed-odds online betting. This exemption applies as long as their bettors are in Rio de Janeiro. The court found that the federal ordinances extended beyond the scope of federal jurisdiction and interfered with the regulatory authority of Brazil’s states. In his ruling, Judge Macedo da Silva stated that the ordinances violate Law No 13,756/2018, which supports the legality of previous legal acts, thus protecting Loterj operators from federal restrictions.

This decision was largely influenced by a previous ruling in 2020 that declared the federal monopoly on lotteries unconstitutional. The ruling permitted individual states and federal districts to establish their own lotteries, subsequently allowing operators in states like Rio de Janeiro to run sports betting under state licenses.

Previous Court Decisions Shape the Current Landscape

The STF’s 2020 ruling had already set a precedent for state-run lotteries like Loterj, deeming the federal lottery monopoly unconstitutional. Sports betting, which falls under the broader category of lottery games in Federal Law No 13,756/2018, has since been allowed under Loterj state licenses. This gave operators within Rio de Janeiro and other regions like Paraná the ability to offer sports betting under local jurisdiction.

Local legal experts, including Eduardo Carvalhaes and Karen Coutinho from Lefosse, expressed confidence that state-licensed operators would remain unaffected by the new federal restrictions. They explained that operators authorized under state licenses, such as Loterj, should continue their operations unhindered, even as unlicensed betting sites face new federal limitations.

Federal Injunction Secures Loterj’s Rights

In the days leading up to October 1, Loterj filed a lawsuit in federal court to prevent the blocking or banning of sportsbooks authorized within Rio de Janeiro. This legal challenge, aimed at the Ministry of Finance’s Prizes and Betting Secretariat, sought to overturn federal Ordinances No 1,225, 1,231, and 1,475, which imposed strict rules on advertising and site operation for unlicensed operators.

Loterj argued that these ordinances interfered with its regulatory authority by blocking sportsbooks that had not applied for federal licenses. In its writ of mandamus, Loterj emphasized the legality and regularity of its licensees’ operations within Rio de Janeiro, asserting that the federal government lacked the authority to prevent these operators from advertising or continuing to offer services.

Judge Macedo da Silva sided with Loterj, issuing an injunction that suspended the effects of the federal ordinances within Rio de Janeiro. His ruling ensured that Loterj operators could continue offering fixed-odds betting online without the need for dual accreditation from the federal government.

The court’s decision also clarified that bettors must declare that all wagers are placed within the state of Rio de Janeiro for taxation and legal purposes. With this ruling, Loterj operators can continue advertising their services and sponsoring events across Brazil, free from the penalties imposed by federal regulations.

Source:

“Loterj gets injunction in defense of ‘Bets’ operating in Rio without requesting a federal license“, gamesbras.com, October 1, 2024.

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