49 PUBLIC GAMING INTERNATIONAL • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024 follows concerns raised by operators regarding the clarity of the original wording of the new regulations. Greece: OPAP financial results for the six-month period ended June 30th, 2024: H1’24 Gross Gaming Revenues (GGR) landed at €1,082.5m vs €1,025.6m in H1’23, higher by 5.6% y-o-y, while Q2’24 GGR stood at €532.8m, higher by 7.0% y-o-y, benefiting from a notable performance in online, which contributed almost 30% of Group’s revenues, and a solid retail contribution, also aided by highprofile tournaments at the end of the quarter, driving customer engagement at higher levels. Shanghai's annual lottery ticket sales increase by 53% to 5.649 billion yuan (US$787 million) GERMANY: Glücksspielbehörde (GGL), the Federal Authority of German Gambling, has initiated a new strategy to coordinate with state authorities to combat gambling addiction Veikkaus Oy prepared for the overhaul of the gambling system while focusing on digital and international business Veikkaus took major steps in the development of digital gaming and international business in the period from January to June 2024. Fennica Gaming, subsidiary to the company, continued to grow, and Veikkaus doubled its’ investments in business development during the first half of the year. This way the company prepares for the partial multi-licence system that will be adopted in Finland in 2027, in accordance with the draft legislation on new gambling system. Fennica Gaming signed three major client agreements during the review period: one in Brazil, one in France, and one in the State of Virginia (USA). The subsidiary currently boasts fifteen signed agreements, ten of which were in production on three different continents at the end of the review period. The turnover prospects of Fennica Gaming are bright. SPORTS BETTING AND CASINO GAMBLING Regulated NFL Bets Could Reach $35B this year That’s a 30% jump from the trade group’s forecast of $26.7 billion at the start of the 2023 NFL season. Making that increase all the more notable is the point that just three states added mobile sports wagering since the conclusion of last season —Maine, North Carolina, and Vermont. Today, 38 states and Washington, DC allow some form of regulated sports betting. are moving beyond just responsible gaming to a broader concept of responsibility in gaming. This comprehensive approach addresses all facets of the business and helps lotteries stand out from other gambling operators. While not entirely new, this concept has yet to be fully integrated into our constitutional approach to lotteries. Historically, the seeds of this responsibility were evident as far back as 1441 with the first documented lottery in Bruges. The European Court of Justice has long recognized the significant societal role of lotteries, but it has also emphasized the need to respect the economic context. More recently, the Court has clarified this perspective further. It is certainly achievable to emphasize the societal role of lotteries in today’s technology-driven world. While the operating model, game content, and economic terms are crucial for remaining competitive and economically relevant, the values upheld by lotteries are equally important, if not more so. Lotteries can enhance their competitiveness by demonstrating that their entire model is value-driven. By ensuring that every aspect of their operations and stakeholder interactions reflects a commitment to societal responsibility, lotteries can offer a modern, innovative, and future-oriented service to their customers. This includes embracing new technologies, managing risks effectively, preventing problem gambling, and looking beyond traditional KPIs. Lotteries must actively contribute to creating a secure and welcoming society, distinguishing themselves from online gambling operators who focus solely on economic gains. As former EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy eloquently stated about the EU, his general statement, although not addressing lotteries in particular, proves us that in a changing European society, the societal role of lotteries is a defining factor that sets them apart. (extracts from the Charlemagne Prize speech by Herman Van Rompuy) To remain relevant in this rapidly evolving industry, we must adapt to the current reality. This adaptation may necessitate greater caution when sharing information within collaborative working groups. While this was less critical in traditional monopolistic markets, stringent competition laws are now crucial in a landscape where competition is unavoidable. To effectively adapt, stay relevant, and compete with new entrants in the lottery sector, we must think differently. We need to uphold our societal role while also being prepared to review, revise, and implement new strategies as swiftly as the world around us changes. n Order of the Court of 18 May 2021, Fluctus and Fluentum – case C-920/19 §53: A dual system for organising the gambling market in which the advertising practices of the (Austrian) lottery and casino monopoly holder are designed to encourage active participation in gambling, for example, by trivialising the game, by giving it a positive image through the use of the proceeds for PUBLIC INTEREST ACTIVITIES, or by increasing its appeal through eye-catching advertisements that promise big prizes, is compatible with EU law and the theory of controlled expansion as developed by the Court A place – ‘ein Ort’ – brings protection, stability and belonging A space – ‘ein Raum’ – opens up movement and possibilities. It is about direction, speed and time. WE NEED BOTH. (extracts from the Charlemagne Prize speech by Herman Van Rompuy) Protecting the societal role of Lotteries in a transforming world — continued from page 50
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