Connect with us

Latest News

Stanleybet Pays Taxes in Bid to End Block on Entering Italian Betting Tenders

Published

on

Stanleybet Pays Taxes in Bid to End Block on Entering Italian Betting Tenders
Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

Stanleybet Malta Ltd., the Maltese subsidiary of the Liverpool based Stanleybet Group, has announced its decision to pay Italian retail betting tax to the Italian regulator, Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM), for the first time ever in Italy. The first payment, made on 2nd January 2023, with the “F24” form under the same rules that apply to Italian licensed operators, refers to the revenue made by Stanleybet in its Italian retail shops for the period 1st to 31st December 2022, which by law is due for payment by 31st January 2023. ADM was informed of this decision on the same day of the payment, via letter sent to its General Manager and to the 2 top officials responsible for gaming and betting at ADM.

Four sentences of the European Court of Justice, later confirmed by the Italian Court of Cassation and, recently, by the Italian Council of State, ruled that Stanleybet had been discriminated against with respect to free access to the Italian retail licensing system: both in the initial experimental phase (1998), and with regards to subsequent public tenders: in 2000, 2006 – with the “Bersani” tender – and, lastly, in 2012, with the “Monti” tender.

In addition, ADM prevented Stanleybet from entering the 2015 and 2016 “amnesty” proceedings. In fact, with multiple trials initiated by the Italian Regulator between 2014 and 2017 against senior Stanleybet executives and against Stanleybet shop owners (CTDs), ADM effectively made Stanleybet’s participation in those proceedings impossible, due to a lack of fair and objective entry conditions. Those proceedings ended in December 2017, when the deadline for seeking participation in the “amnesty” expired.

It should be noted that Stanleybet has never actually filed a complaint against ADM – despite all the crime reports that have been filed against its business in Italy and yet were ultimately concluded in Stanleybet’s favour.

The company has always favoured the path of dialogue. In fact, around the time of the expiry of the Italian retail betting licensing system, on 30th June 2016, Stanleybet, which by then was officially recognised as a lawful operator by the Italian courts, formally asked ADM to allow it to start paying the Italian retail betting tax in the same way as the Italian licensed operators do, by being linked to the “national totaliser” (the centralised data control system for licensed operators). ADM ignored the letter for 3 long years, and then only responded when forced to do so by the Italian Ministry of the Economy, whom Stanleybet urged to intervene as a last resort.

ADM’s historical aversion to Stanleybet should come as no surprise. After all, how could ADM, the organisation which itself was responsible for the discrimination suffered by Stanleybet, then turn around and admit that Stanleybet’s activity was always lawful? In addition, as ADM is a government body should the Italian Government not share some of the responsibility?

With the 2011 Stability Law and subsequent amendments, the Italian legislator provided for payment of the retail betting tax, not only by operators licensed in Italy but also by operators that were not licensed by the Italian authorities. However, in the latter case the betting tax payable could instead be calculated by reference to shop revenue based on tripling the average betting shop revenue for the relevant province. ADM then chose to apply these “tripling” provisions to Stanleybet, thereby effectively admitting that it still considered Stanleybet to be an illegal operator. The result of ADM’s actions was a large and unnecessary tax dispute, which remains ongoing.

During 2022, Stanleybet proposed to ADM that it was prepared to immediately start paying the retail betting tax as a licensed operator, subject to a formal settlement agreement to deal with alleged historic liabilities, with the intention of drawing a line under the issue, once and for all. Although various meetings were held in “Piazza Mastai”, ADM’s headquarters, even with the initial participation of the ADM Director himself, ADM’s position remained totally against this proposal. Even numerous settlement proposals put forward to ADM in individual tax proceedings, often with the support of the relevant Judge, were met with an absolute refusal by ADM to reconsider the calculations and Stanleybet’s position as an Italian licensed operator.

Given that any attempt to get ADM to accept a reasonable solution to the dispute seemed futile, Stanleybet proposed during a Group Board Meeting of its Executive Directors in Liverpool, held on 15th December 2022, to start paying the Italian retail betting tax, exercising the right to pay taxes in Italy like any other licensed operator. The decision was formally approved, after further deliberation and planning, at a further extraordinary Group Board Meeting of its Executive Directors held on 28th December 2022. Stanleybet hopes that ADM will consider this proactive decision not as a challenge, but as an act of common sense made in good faith and in the best interests of the Italian State. The Maltese gambling regulator (MGA), which is well aware of Stanleybet’s history in Italy, fully understands Stanleybet’s decision and the reasons behind it, and was officially informed at the same time as ADM. Whilst Stanleybet Malta Ltd.’s aim is for full participation in the Italian regulated system, it remains and wishes to remain, a licensee of the MGA – which it thanks officially, and with deep gratitude, for its continued support.

Latest News

Week 50/2024 slot games releases

Published

on

Week 50/2024 slot games releases
Reading Time: 5 minutes

 

Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming

ELA Games is proud to announce its latest release, Flame Fruits Frenzy. This new title is a fresh and modern take on classic fruit slot machines found in pubs and casinos across the world. The studio emphasises the importance of art and design with this new 5-reel, 3-row game with enticing animations and eye-catching graphics. Flame Fruits Frenzy’s core gameplay is simple, featuring 5 paylines, with players taking home the highest win per line. Scatter symbols add to the excitement, offering a payout whenever they land on the reels.

Fruity Action: ELA Games Reveals Modern Take on a Slot Classic With “Flame Fruits Frenzy”

 

GAMOMAT has released its fruity hit, Juicy Joker. This vibrant title sits within a 3×3 framework and offers players a classic fruity experience with radiant traditional fruit, bar, and bell symbols. A refreshing twist on the reels comes from the star of the show, the Joker – which serves as a Wild symbol that – if shown – substitutes for all symbols.

GAMOMAT unveils Juicy Joker

 

Think you can handle the heat of some super-hot Wasabi? Then Silverback Gaming’s latest slot, Wasabi Wilds, is just the game for you. Players come face to face with an expert sushi chef whose delectable delights pack a flavoursome punch thanks to plenty of glowing green wasabi. Players take a seat at the chef’s table and watch as the magic of consecutive cluster explosions unravels a world of tasty treats and rewards.

Can you handle the heat of Wasabi Wilds from Silverback Gaming?

 

Evoplay has launched Hot Triple Sevens Hold and Win, the latest addition to its popular flaming sevens series. The game features a traditional 5×3 reel layout enhanced with dynamic visuals and a light board that tracks every win, creating an interactive and visually appealing experience. Its standout Bonus Game, triggered by six or more Bonus symbols, allows players to win four jackpots, including the Grand Jackpot worth 3,000x the bet.

Evoplay reignites excitement with Hot Triple Sevens Hold and Win

 

Red Rake Gaming is pleased to announce the launch of Million Christmas 2, the latest Christmas-themed release to bring big wins and magic to players all over the world. With a series of innovative features and a very Christmassy feel, Million Christmas 2 promises to bring fun and happiness throughout the holiday season. The greatest new feature of Million Christmas 2 is the “Santa’s Gifts & Wins Minigame,” triggered when players obtain three or more Santa’s Bag symbols.

Red Rake Gaming is bringing the magic of Christmas to players with Million Christmas 2

 

Thunderkick has launched Ways of Athena, a Greek mythology-themed title where matching mystery symbols reveal up to 43,923 ways to win. The goddess of wisdom and warfare reigns supreme in the 3×5 slot, where helmets, shields, amphoras, and lyres line the reels. Matching mystery symbols land on reels two to five and enhance base game action, transforming into double symbols and mirroring an icon on reel one to increase the number of pay ways and boost wins.

Thunderkick diversifies ancient mythology game collection with Ways of Athena

 

Push Gaming’s latest release, 10 Flaming Bisons, brings the American Frontier to life, featuring the provider’s innovative Push-up mechanic and thrilling jackpots that enhance excitement. Played initially across 5×3 reels, various native American characters must form a matched combination across 20 paylines to award a win.

Push Gaming ignites the reels with 10 Flaming Bisons

 

Amusnet has released Extra Crown Deluxe, a new addition to its online casino portfolio. This online video slot will take players to a world of art-inspired luxury, where every spin is a masterpiece. The game features 5 reels and 20 fixed paylines hosting 11 symbols – an abundance of fruits, bells and sevens.

 

 

Burgers, because who doesn’t love them? In Big Time Gaming’s latest slot creation, players are invited for a tasty treat as they fire up the reels on the 4×4 gameboard in search of multiplier-boosted wins amongst the patties and buns. The game is set against a Route 66 backdrop with a classic burger joint to the left-hand side of the reels. Visually striking, packed with flavour and innovation, Burgers is set to satisfy your hunger for big wins and bigger thrills.

 

Reel Reindeer, a seasonal entry into the Reel franchise and right in time for the Christmas holidays, featuring the red-nosed character himself. This 25 payline game offers an insane Free Spins round where all winnings are multiplied by 50x and expanding wilds activate on the reels. Plus, the game also offers a Hold & Win round where filling the reels will trigger the top payout of 10,000x. That is quite the Christmas treat!

HÖLLE GAMES LET IT REIN

 

Play’n GO invites players to join an adorable crew of canines in Hot Dog Heist, a 5×3 slot with 40 paylines. Set against the charming backdrop of suburban BBQs, this fun-filled adventure delivers sizzling gameplay and delectable rewards. Hot Dog Heist takes players to a sunny, picture-perfect neighbourhood where a pack of mischievous dogs has its eyes set on a delicious prize – hot dogs fresh off the grill.

Play’n GO’s Hot Dog Heist serves up tasty slot treats

 

Players can adventure deep into the heart of the ancient Aztec empire when they spin the reels on Stakelogic’s latest title, Fire and Gold Cluster Breaker. Each exciting spin presents the chance to trigger explosive bonuses and reward monumental wins, with players able to win up to 10,000x their stakes. This captivating slot uses a 5×4 game grid with a cluster-pay system, with the game granting players wins when they hit clusters of five or more on the grid.

Land Earth Shattering Wins in Stakelogic’s Fire and Gold Cluster Breaker

 

Relax Gaming, the iGaming aggregator and provider of unique content, has launched The Great Pigsby Dream Drop, a jackpot infused take on the much-loved classic. The game preserves the elegance and charm of the 1930s-inspired original while adding the Dream Drop Jackpot, giving players the chance to win one of five progressive jackpots: Rapid, Midi, Maxi, Major, or Mega. At the core of the experience is the Dream Drop feature, which triggers randomly and transports players into a jackpot bonus round.

 

Relax Gaming adds Dream Drop excitement to The Great Pigsby

 

 

For this festive season, Booming Games is bringing a little bit of warmth this winter with the brand-new Burning Classics: Royal Edition. The Burning Classics series has proved to be a firm favourite among online casino players, and the latest instalment, the Royal Edition, is undoubtedly going to follow suit. As with its predecessors, this 5×3 reel, 20-payline slot is filled with fruit – which are joined this time around by three high-paying, colorful crowns. All pay symbols land stacked in classic slot game fashion.

 

 

Continue Reading

Latest News

Veikkaus signs partnership agreement with the Finnish Ice Hockey Association

Published

on

Veikkaus signs partnership agreement with the Finnish Ice Hockey Association
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

Veikkaus continues its long-term partnership with Finnish ice hockey. The Finnish Ice Hockey Association and Veikkaus have agreed on a comprehensive partnership that will continue until 2030.

“Ice hockey is a major Finnish spectator sport that strongly resonates with and moves people. At Veikkaus, we have a long-standing and successful cooperation with Finnish ice hockey and Leijonat, of which we are proud. It’s very important to us that this long and successful journey continues for many years to come”, rejoices Reija Laaksonen, Veikkaus’ EVP, People, Culture and Communications.

Ice hockey is an important sport for Veikkaus from the perspectives of betting offerings and the company’s brand. The Finnish national Lions teams are a source of pride for Finns, and Leijonat matches are top offerings in Veikkaus’ betting.

“Thanks to the cooperation, we can continue to offer Veikkaus’ customers the interesting domestic betting products, services and content they desire, and develop them even better”, Laaksonen says.

“Our comprehensive partnership with Finnish ice hockey allows Veikkaus’ channels to continue to be strongly involved in the most interesting moments and series of Finnish ice hockey.”

The multi-year partnership between Veikkaus and Finnish ice hockey covers the Finnish men’s national team, the Women’s national team, the U20 national team, and the Aurora League.

“We are very pleased that Veikkaus remains one of our main partners in the Leijonat family. We share Veikkaus’ values, and we believe that in the future’s changing business environment, Sustainability will play an even greater role”, says Lassi Rönkkönen , Sales and Marketing Director of the Ice Hockey Association.

“Together with Veikkaus, we have lived and experienced the success moments of different Leijonat teams and built impactful marketing campaigns. It is great to continue the cooperation far into the future.”

Continue Reading

Australia

Regulating the Game Announces its Latest Addition to its 2025 Masterclass Series in Sydney

Published

on

Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

The organisers of the Regulating the Game conference have announced the latest addition to its 2025 Masterclass Series in Sydney: “Beyond Compliance – Safer Gambling Training and Building a Culture of Customer Care,” presented by the renowned Jay Robinson, chief stakeholder relations officer at Focal Research Consultants.

With over 20 years of global experience in developing and delivering impactful training programs across jurisdictions—from pubs and clubs to casinos and online operators—Jay is a leading voice in creating safer gambling environments that transcend compliance. Jay’s approach focuses on building a culture of customer care that prioritises player protection and staff well-being while enhancing the overall gambling experience.

Why attend this masterclass?

Great training is more than ticking a compliance box—it is the foundation of cultural transformation and customer care. This masterclass will delve into:

How industry leaders, regulators, and frontline staff can embed a culture of safer gambling.

The critical role leadership plays in sustaining training initiatives.

Strategies to extend the reach and effectiveness of safer gambling programs, improving customer experiences, reducing staff burnout, and driving long-term benefits for operators and stakeholders alike.

“Effective gambling staff training must meet the real needs of both staff and customers, ensuring that safer gambling practices become second nature. This masterclass is about empowering organisations to go beyond compliance, fostering a culture of care and leadership that makes a lasting impact,” said Jay Robinson.

Who should attend?

This masterclass is essential for operational leaders, C-suite executives, regulators, and anyone committed to advancing safer gambling initiatives. Participants will leave with actionable insights and tools to lead cultural change, elevate training outcomes, and strengthen their organisation’s reputation.

Regulating the Game: A leading global event

The Regulating the Game conference has established itself as a flagship event, bridging the gap between regulators, industry professionals, and stakeholders. Now entering its fifth year, the conference continues to attract world-class speakers and attendees, driving innovation and inspiring meaningful discussions on policy, regulation, and sector challenges.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Alpha Affiliates
Advertisement

EveryMatrix

Advertisement

Launch your iGaming business swiftly and effortlessly with our comprehensive turnkey solutions

Trending (Top 7)

EuropeanGaming.eu is a premier online platform that serves as a leading information hub for the gaming and gambling industry. This industry-centric media outlet reaches over 200,000 readers monthly, providing them with compelling content, the latest news, and deep-dive insights.

Offering comprehensive coverage on all aspects of the gaming sector, EuropeanGaming.eu includes online and land-based gaming, betting, esports, regulatory and compliance updates, and technological advancements. Regular features encompass daily news articles, press releases, exclusive interviews, and insightful event reports.

The platform also hosts industry-relevant virtual meetups and conferences, and provides detailed reports, making it a one-stop resource for anyone seeking information about operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services in the European gaming market. The portal's primary goal is to keep its extensive reader base updated on the latest happenings, trends, and developments within the gaming and gambling sector, with an emphasis on the European market while also covering pertinent global news. It's an indispensable resource for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts alike.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 - European Gaming is part of HIPTHER. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania

We are constantly showing banners about important news regarding events and product launches. Please turn AdBlock off in order to see these areas.