- Belgium will prohibit gambling advertising across various platforms starting from July 1, with the aim of addressing addiction and debt issues. The ban will include TV, radio, cinemas, newspapers, magazines, and public spaces, as well as online advertising on social media and websites. The government also plans to ban ads in stadiums from January 1, 2025, and prohibit gambling companies from sponsoring professional sports clubs, such as soccer teams, from January 1, 2028. The government cited scientific research that shows advertising contributes to gambling addiction and debt as a reason for the ban. The President of Belgium’s Gambling Commission, Agali Clavie, has criticized the legislation, stating that there is a “double standard” as the ban will only affect private betting and gaming operators and not the National Lottery. Clavie argues that the focus should be on the type of game rather than who organizes it.
- The Kentucky House has voted to ban “skill games”, devices resembling slot machines that have proliferated in stores across the state. The measure had been tabled by the House last week but was put to the floor by House Speaker David Osborne, and the proposal won House passage with 64 votes in favor and 32 against. The debate has focused on whether the devices are legal “skill games” or unregulated casino-style gaming, and interest groups on both sides of the issue have lobbied intensely. The bill now moves to the Senate as the session nears its end.
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A bill has been introduced in Maryland that would require independent audits of sports betting operators, influencers, and content partners, which would result in a rating from the state. The sponsor of the bill, Sen. Craig Zucker, believes the added regulations are necessary to protect Marylanders and ensure they are betting with the right operators. Zucker has been working with Maryland-based sportsbook evaluator SharpLink to craft the bill, which could attract larger accounting firms like KPMG and PwC to enter the space. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency would identify and accredit companies to rate sports wagering content. The bill is still pending a first vote in its committee.