SBC News - Player Protection Hub

Brazil’s betting shake-up: SINAPO redefines licensing

Steve HoareAugust 15, 20250155 views

Brazil is gearing up for a major regulatory shift as the Ministry of Finance finalises the National Betting System (SINAPO) – a new central hub designed to bring all betting operators under one roof.

Built by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), the platform looks to unify oversight at both federal and state levels, giving regulators and consumers a clearer picture of which firms are playing by the rules.

The creation of a public register of licensed companies remains at the heart of the reform. Published on the SPA’s website, the list will make it easier for punters to see which operators are legitimate, while giving approved brands valuable benefits.

From smoother bank account openings to legal advertising and app store inclusion, the move is designed to make life easier for compliant operators, but harder for those outside the system.

More than just a name on the list
Perhaps the biggest lure for operators is the opportunity to use a bet.br domain – a digital stamp that signals full SINAPO approval. Securing it means going through NIC.br, clearing legal checks with state or district authorities, and getting the green light from the SPA.

To get through the door, operators have to meet every requirement in Law No. 14,790/2023. They must also plug into Brazil’s anti-money laundering network, Siscoaf, use geolocation to keep betting inside authorised borders, and have all systems approved by testing labs.

Tightening the net on ownership
The SPA has also detailed plans to dig deeper into who really owns Brazil’s betting brands. Under SINAPO, operators will need to disclose their entire corporate chain, from holding companies to individual shareholders.

This is aimed at stopping the same group from picking up multiple concessions across different states – a restriction rooted in Law No. 13,756/2018.

Ongoing shifts
Since Brazil’s regulated betting market officially launched on 1 January 2025, the scene has been moving fast. Lawmakers are already looking at additional measures that would affect both operators and players.

Last week, Senator Humberto Costa proposed raising the legal betting age from 18 to 21 and capping monthly deposits to the equivalent of one minimum wage, while allowing the Ministry of Finance to set extra daily or weekly limits.

The proposal also targets advertising, aiming to restrict betting promotions between 6am and 10pm, ban sponsorship of public sports, cultural or festival events, and stop all marketing aimed at under-21s.

Costa says these measures are intended to protect vulnerable players, citing cases where gambling has caused serious social harm and even diverted funds from essentials like tuition and daily living.

These steps build on earlier rules introduced since the market rollout, including bans on influencer or athlete endorsements, in-stadium ads and live sports betting promotions.

Brazil’s betting scene is expanding quickly, but regulators seem to be acting just as fast to make sure growth happens responsibly.

Oklahoma QB denies allegations of betting on college football

SBC AmericasAugust 13, 20250177 views

A college quarterback is responding to allegations of impermissible sports wagering.

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is facing backlash after screenshots of his personal Venmo account were shared with several transactions mentioning sports gambling.

The two transactions were both made in November 2022 while Mateer was a student-athlete at Washington State. One of the transactions had a description mentioning a game between USC and UCLA. In a statement, Mateer denied any wrongdoing as the NCAA bans wagering by players, coaches and team officials on all competitions sponsored by the organization. NCAA guidelines stipulate student-athletes who place bets on their teams or on any sport at their institution could face permanent loss of eligibility.

“The allegations that I once participated in sports gambling are false,” said Mateer in the statement. “My previous Venmo descriptions did not accurately portray the transactions in question, but were instead inside jokes between me and my fr..

Newsletter: Is microbetting the next battleground?

Steve HoareAugust 13, 20250166 views

Ohio lawmakers are studying whether to ban or introduce restrictions on micro-betting, according to ESPN. While the proposed rules are mainly a response to the baseball betting scandal involving Cleveland Guardians, our interest here is not just sporting integrity but responsible gambling. A question of definition: It has been argued that micro-betting is just in-play…

KSA warns TonyBet over prohibited Ballon d’Or offer as enforcement drive continues

Steve HoareAugust 13, 20250170 views

TonyBet has received a warning from the Netherlands Gambling Authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), after the operator listed betting markets on the winner of the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA Club World Cup Golden Boot.

Under Dutch law, such wagers are prohibited because they are decided by votes or jury verdicts rather than by measurable sporting performance during official competitions.

In the Netherlands, the law states licensed sportsbooks can only offer bets on official sports events organised by trusted national or international groups, and only when the results are based on a clear and checkable performance.

The authority made it clear in its statement that awards off the field fall outside of these parameters.

The response
TonyBet confirmed that no bets had been placed on the offending markets before they were removed, and has promised to tighten controls over its sportsbook content to prevent similar breaches in the future.

While the KSA has decided to issue a warning on this occasion, it reiterated that licensees are fully responsible for every betting option available on their platforms, even when those markets are supplied by third-party providers.

The warning to TonyBet comes amid a sustained period of heightened enforcement from the KSA.

Starting 1 January 2025, the organisation implemented a new ‘General Policy of Fines’ to govern Dutch gambling licences. The fine structure was organised into five categories, with basic penalties ranging from €500 (£430) for Category 1 violations up to €2m (£1.7m) for the most serious offences in Category Five.

As the KSA explained: “The New General Policy of Fines aims to ensure penalties are appropriate and serve as punitive and preventive measures. It seeks to deter violations and promote compliance with gambling regulations.”

KSA flags gambling tax concerns
The latest enforcement work is unfolding against the backdrop of mounting financial pressure on the regulated Dutch betting market. The regulator has just warned that January’s rise in gambling tax from 30.5% to 34.2% is hurting the country.

A new impact assessment shows gross gaming revenue falling across both online and land-based sectors, leading to lower tax receipts instead of the expected boost.

KSA Chair Michel Groothuizen cautioned that weakening the financial position of licensed operators undermines long-term player protection. With another hike to 37.8% due next year, the authority is looking for a rethink on certain policies.

New beginnings
In other news, this week the KSA has appointed Marjolein Hoogland, Chief Attorney General of the Dutch Court of Appeal, and Erasmus University Professor Ingmar Franken to its Objections Advisory Committee – which reviews licensee appeals.

They join President Anita Vegter, two existing members, and three independent Chairs at a time when the panel’s workload is expected to grow as new KOA reforms, tighter marketing rules and player protection measures reshape the Dutch market.

Victoria Commission fines QuestBet over lacking due diligence

Steve HoareAugust 13, 20250147 views

Online bookmaker QuestBet has been fined AU$80,000 (£39k) in the state of Victoria for accepting bets from a “distressed customer”.

Suzy Neilan, CEO of the Victoria Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), personally addressed the operator, calling the culture it exhibits of non-compliance with safer gambling standards “concerning”.

“Our investigation of QuestBet’s practices found the bookmaker failed to have in place adequate systems to protect individuals identifiably at risk of gambling harm.

“Minimising gambling harm is an obligation every operator holds – including bookmakers – who must monitor customer wellbeing and intervene if they observe signs of distress.

“This substantial penalty demonstrates the seriousness of the bookmaker’s failure to meet its legal and moral obligations.”

The investigation was launched after the customer themselves submitted a signal to the VGCCC, complaining about the operator allowing them to bet even after suffering significant losses.

“We found that between April and June 2023, the customer contacted QuestBet more than 20 times to request additional credits and bonus bets. On six occasions, they mentioned having experienced several large losses,” Neilan added.

“This was a clear sign that the customer was struggling. A sign that QuestBet chose to ignore, instead encouraging and enabling the customer to keep gambling with the aid of bonus bets in five of the six occasions.

“Consequently, the customer lost about $15k over two months.”

Staff of gambling operators must provide assistance to customers facing negative consequences from gambling.

Australia law mandates that when there are signs of gambling harm, operators are obligated to inform players of the various problem gambling prevention tools available to them. In QuestBet’s case, the VGCCC said this was not done.

“QuestBet suggested none of these, thereby breaching the Victorian Bookmakers’ Association Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct and causing further distress to the customer.

“Nor did the bookmaker formally respond to our request for an explanation for its lack of care or a reason not to be sanctioned, despite requesting, and being granted, several extensions to do so.”

The topic of problem gambling is usually very sensitive, particularly right now in Australia where reports come out one after another about the cost that the problem incurs on the economy.

In 2023, the Victoria government estimated that gambling had cost the state $14.1bn in social harm in the year prior.

France elevates match-fixing to organised crime status

Steve HoareAugust 13, 20250140 views

French authorities will adopt new enforcement tools to fight corruption in sports, as new legislation classifies match fixing as an organised crime…

The government of France has classified match-fixing in sports as seriously as organised crime under new amendments included in its law to fight drug trafficking and corruption activities undertaken with proceeds linked or related to drug dealing.

An amendment added in January as part of a bill targeting drug trafficking reclassified match-fixing from a minor offense to a serious crime. The law was approved on 13 June and cases will now be handled by specialised inter-jurisdictional courts (JIRS) that deal with complex criminal matters to enable deeper investigations into corruption in sport.

The law also grants investigators new enforcement tools such as wiretaps, hidden microphones, surveillance, undercover operations and prolonged detention periods. These were previously reserved for cases like drug trafficking, human trafficking and large-scale fraud.

Those convicted of match-fixing in France can now face up to 10 years in prison and fines reaching €1m.

The new measures cover corrupt activities undertaken by private citizens in a context of “passive bribery committed by a participant in a sporting event or horserace where bets are taken, and active bribery committed by a private individual in the direction of such a person”.

They are supported by the regulator Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) systems that record all wagering data to detect atypical bets and unusual odds. As part of the framework, ANJ can decide to ban betting on a competition if there are major indications of manipulation.

ANJ’s anti-match fixing monitoring and training teams meet every six weeks and its teams also train young athletes, magistrates and civil servants to assist them in identifying and detecting cases of sporting fraud linked to betting.

GamCare HQ relocation marks turning point for gambling harms charity

Steve HoareAugust 12, 20250146 views

GamCare is preparing to leave its long-standing Holborn base for a new London headquarters later this month, signalling both a physical and strategic shift for the UK’s leading gambling harm support charity.

On 26 August, the charity will open at Salisbury House, Finsbury Circus. The current Saffron Hill site will operate until 22 August, with GamCare confirming no change to contact details and no disruption to services.

A spokesperson said that the relocation will provide “a vibrant, collaborative hub” to support its evolving way of working.

“We’re excited about this new chapter. The new office will give us the space and flexibility to continue innovating and supporting those who need us.”

Strategic shifts
The move coincides with a reconfiguration of GamCare’s programme portfolio.

For example, in July, the charity announced the wind-down of its Young People’s Programme by October 2025, an initiative that has delivered gambling harm education to under 18s.

GamCare did however confirm a new focus towards its Youth Advisory Board “to ensure young people’s voices continue to inform our work”.

Meanwhile, the charity has also launched an external review of its Women’s Pathway Programme, which began in 2024 to improve access to help for women going through negative effects of gambling.

“Fundamental to our approach is understanding the role that building women’s self-confidence/self-esteem, de-stigmatising gambling harm and improving health literacy plays in enabling women to access the services and support that they need,” the firm asserted.

Funding future
The relocation comes as GamCare awaits details on how the new statutory problem gambling levy will be distributed. Introduced on 6 April 2025, the levy replaces the voluntary funding system overseen by GambleAware, which will close by March 2026.

In response to GambleAware’s exit, GamCare stated: “GamCare thanks GambleAware for their leadership and contribution to the sector over many years.

“Under the voluntary funding system, their work has enabled the development and delivery of critical services – including GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline and the National Gambling Support Network.”

The charity said it will soon meet with NHS England, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) and regional governments to make sure funding changes happen smoothly and services keep running.

North Macedonia moves ahead with unloved gambling law

Steve HoareAugust 12, 20250155 views

North Macedonian ministers and political parties are preparing for a parliamentary battle over the terms and adoption of a new Gambling Law.

Changes will radically reshape the sector, introducing long restrictions sought by Prime Minister Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova but drawing fierce opposition from industry groups and opposition parties warning of an ‘economic fallout’ for Europe’s youngest economy.

Last year, the newly empowered ‘nationalist coalition’, led by Davkova following her election in 2024, pledged to overhaul the Gambling Act as part of a broader anti-corruption and EU accession strategy. For the nationalist coalition, gambling reform is positioned as both a public health imperative and a political statement on transparency.

The draft legislation, approved by the cabinet in July and presented to the National Congress by Deputy Prime Minister Izet Mejhiti, is billed as a decisive step to curb the influence of the so-called “gambling mafia,” protect minors, and tighten market oversight.

Key provisions include relocating casinos, slot machine clubs, and betting shops with gambling machines at least 500 metres from schools, banning gambling advertising, raising operator taxes and fees, and ending the practice of opening unlimited outlets under a single licence.

Supporters argue the reforms could cut gambling’s physical presence by as much as 70%, reduce youth exposure, and consolidate regulatory control in a market that has expanded steadily for over a decade.

Of significance to stakeholders, North Macedonia’s gambling sector is the country’s largest private-sector employer and hosts over 1,000 land-based venues—casinos, gaming halls, and sportsbooks — operating under a relatively accessible licensing regime with moderate fees. Between 2018 and 2022, state revenue from gambling rose from around €61m to €88m.

Yet the proposal has triggered a sharp backlash from industry associations, including ASOM and APIS, who warn of severe economic fallout. Critics say the bill embeds loopholes that allow certain betting shops to remain near schools, institutionalises exemptions for favoured operators, and most controversially creates a state monopoly over online gambling – viewed as a direct competition block against licensed businesses.

4H Agency, who have been following the Gambling Law’s progression since its inception, warn caution on proceedings: “This legislation is a double-edged sword. While it addresses legitimate concerns about problem gambling and organised crime, the creation of a state monopoly online risks driving players to unregulated platforms and undoing the law’s intended safeguards.

North Macedonia’s gambling regime is already one of the most complex in Europe, marked by fragmented authority, overlapping jurisdictions, and deep ethnic and political conflicts.

Industry leaders fear the new law could exacerbate these problems while wiping out over 10,000 direct jobs, jeopardising another 50,000 in supporting industries, and stripping €280m in annual tax revenue from the state budget.

The 4H Agency further cautioned: “Without a proper transition plan for affected workers and a robust enforcement framework, the law may inflict economic damage without delivering the promised social protections.”

Stakeholders have condemned what they describe as a rushed process with no formal public consultation or economic impact study. “This is not regulation; this is consolidation of control into the hands of a few,” ASOM said in a statement, calling for a full stakeholder review before the bill advances.

Observers warn that beyond the immediate compliance burden, the government will face a test of its ability to both enforce the new regime and safeguard state revenues.

In 2024 the previous parliament passed amendments to the Gambling Act, only for then-President Stevo Pendarovski to refuse his signature, demanding revisions. Now the balance of power has shifted, and the Davkova government has the political capital to push the changes through — though not without a fight.

If enacted in its present form, the legislation would mark the most radical restructuring of the country’s gambling sector in decades. It would also test whether the government can navigate the trade-offs between social policy, fiscal prudence and the realities of criminal enforcement in one of the Balkans’ most politically fragmented states.

Trinidad and Tobago PM seeks +25 age for gambling

iGamingExpertAugust 12, 20250182 views

A Bill proposing sweeping social reforms is set to be presented to Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament, as new Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar delivers on key campaign pledges targeting youth welfare and broader public health objectives.

“As promised by Kamla” the UNC Party is committed to raising the legal drinking age to 21, while gambling and cannabis use would be restricted to those aged 25. The reforms mark a major policy shift, to position Trinidad and Tobago as the strictest Caribbean state on adult activities.

Persad-Bissessar unveiled the measures during her first official address since her general election victory on 28 April, reaffirming the UNC Party’s ambitions and promising “tough decisions” to bring long-term stability and fairness.

The reforms are being bundled into a wider legislative manifest that also includes a review of pension tax laws. The Prime Minister pledged to exempt retirement benefits from taxation for individuals over 60, arguing that taxing pensions after decades of contribution amounts to double taxation and imposes undue strain on seniors with fixed incomes.

“These changes are about fairness, safety, and building a healthier future. You don’t want the next five years to be as terrible as the last ten,” she told supporters during a UNC meeting in Penal.

Cautious Support from Business Community

The proposal has received early backing from three major business chambers, including the Greater San Fernando Area Chamber of Commerce (GSFCC), whose president Kiran Singh praised the government’s focus on addiction prevention and urged it to go further by restricting vaping among minors.

Singh downplayed concerns about potential losses to nightlife and gaming industries, stating that the societal benefits would outweigh economic costs, and noted that most youth spending in these sectors is marginal or reliant on borrowed money.

However, Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC) president Baldath Maharaj urged greater consultation, warning that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in tourism, hospitality, and entertainment could face setbacks during an already fragile post-pandemic recovery. He recommended a phased implementation strategy, backed by education campaigns and support measures for affected businesses.

The Fyzabad Chamber of Commerce also welcomed the intent but called for a balanced approach, citing concerns that the age increase may inadvertently hurt local businesses that cater to younger demographics. Its president, Anjie Jairam, emphasised the need for evidence-based policymaking and engagement with both the private sector and youth groups.

In Parliament Opposition to Kamla plans, have cautioned that stringent age restrictions—particularly if applied to nightlife, casinos, and recreational venues—could deter western visitors, opting for neighbouring Caribbean destinations perceived as more permissive

Unfinished Oversight of Gambling

While the government seeks to raise the legal gambling age, Trinidad and Tobago has yet to fully implement its 2021 Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Act. Though passed and partially proclaimed, the Act’s full regulatory framework including licensing, inspections, and enforcement remains inactive, in need of a final proclamation.

The law would establish a dedicated Gambling Control Commission to oversee five casino venues and 80 gambling/betting establishments (public and private) operating in Trinidad and Tobago

In parallel, the Financial Intelligence Unit of Trinidad and Tobago (FIUTT) has stepped up enforcement in the gambling sector to combat money laundering and financial crime. In 2024, it held multiple stakeholder engagement sessions and public consultations, and collaborated with the EU Global Facility on AML/CFT to align the sector with international standards.

The FIUTT has become a key actor in bridging the regulatory vacuum while the 2021 Act awaits full implementation, with increased scrutiny on unregulated gambling environments and risk-based supervision.

The proposed social reform Bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament in the upcoming session, yet the new government has made no statement on the proclamation of the Gambling Control Act.

Brazil senator tables bill to raise betting age to 21 and cap spending

Steve HoareAugust 8, 20250173 views

Brazil’s betting sector could soon face fresh restrictions after Senator Humberto Costa proposes a bill to raise the legal betting age to 21 and cap player spending.

Bill 3754/2025, filed this week in the Senate, would lift the age limit from 18 and restrict monthly deposits to the value of one minimum wage. The Ministry of Finance would also be able to set extra daily and weekly limits.

Meanwhile, the proposal takes aim at betting promotion too. Humberto seeks to ban adverts between 6am-10pm and block operator sponsorship of public sports, cultural, artistic or festival events, regardless of whether they receive state funding.

On the other hand, ads aimed at under-21s would be banned entirely. Costa said such measures are needed to tackle the social harm linked to Brazil’s still young betting market, overseen by the ‘Bets’ regulatory regime.

He said, as reported by SBC Noticias – Brasil: “In July, a son killed his own mother in Minas Gerais over debts from Bet. Money meant for groceries, local markets, and small businesses is being drained into Bets.

“Many young people of university age are either delaying enrolment or dropping out of college because their tuition money is being spent on gambling, even with the support of Fies (Student Financing Fund).”

The senator added that “Bets should not even exist,” citing the societal impact of the new regulated betting market.

Brazil’s market has expanded rapidly since the market was launched on 1 January 2025 – but growth has brought tighter rules.

Earlier this year, the Senate passed a ban on influencer and athlete endorsements, in-stadium ads and betting spots during live sports, for example.

Could new rules slow things down?
Brazil’s betting market is booming – valued at around BRL 5bn (£680m) in 2025 and, as stated above, it is growing fast.

Industry insiders warn that raising the legal age to 21 and capping monthly spending might push some players towards unregulated or illegal sites, which already make up 20-30% of the market.

On the other hand, consumer advocates back the move, saying it is needed to protect vulnerable groups. Around 10% of young Brazilians aged 18-24 already bet regularly, and problem gambling rates have been climbing.