In a stunning development, Tony Bloom, owner of Brighton & Hove Albion, faces serious allegations regarding his involvement in a secretive £600 million gambling syndicate. This syndicate purportedly places bets on football matches using accounts linked to notable figures, including George Cottrell, a former chief of staff to Nigel Farage.
Bloom, a billionaire businessman and seasoned gambler, has been under scrutiny following a court filing by Ryan Dudfield, a former employee of Starlizard, a betting advisory firm owned by Bloom. Dudfield claims he is owed £17.5 million in profits from the betting activities that utilized Cottrell’s offshore accounts. The documents outline that the syndicate employed “exotic accounts” on behalf of Bloom, with Cottrell acting as a high-stakes gambler, often referred to as a “whale.”
Cottrell, who has a controversial history, was sentenced to eight months in prison in 2016 for money laundering, having attempted to assist undercover agents in laundering funds through the dark web. He is currently linked to a cryptocurrency-based betting business named “tether.bet.” Although Bloom has never met Cottrell, Dudfield claims he introduced them through a Starlizard employee in 2022.
The legal claim, accepted at London’s High Court, cites that Dudfield was asked to assess the identity of individuals placing substantial bets via the tether.bet platform, suspecting Bloom’s involvement. A subsequent meeting involving Cottrell, Dudfield, and a Starlizard representative supposedly solidified a profit-sharing agreement where 60% would go to Bloom, 33% to Cottrell, and the remainder to Dudfield.
Dudfield asserts that the syndicate engaged high-profile betting accounts, including those of well-known footballers and businessmen, although it’s believed no ex-footballers are direct members of the syndicate. He detailed a series of bets suspected to be tied to Bloom’s syndicate, particularly in Premier League matches, which raises further questions given Bloom’s previous exemptions from betting on such games due to an agreement with the Football Association.
Bloom’s involvement in the betting industry has been well-documented, particularly his ownership of Starlizard, which has operated with special permissions since 2014. These permissions allow him to conduct betting activities, provided he does not wager on Brighton or any Premier League matches involving knockout competitions. Importantly, all his betting activities are reportedly audited by a reputable accounting firm and the FA yearly, and he has yet to be cited for any violations.
Despite Dudfield’s claims, it’s expected that Bloom’s legal representation will firmly deny any allegations of improperly placing bets on Premier League matches. They are poised to challenge the assertions made in Dudfield’s claim set for court next month.
December 03, 2025
November 05, 2025
Poland Set to Raise Tax on Gambling Winnings to 15% in 2026
Poland is set to implement a significant change in its gambling tax structure, with plans to increase the tax on gambling winnings to 15% starting in January 2026. This adjustment will apply to both land-based and online gambling platforms, covering a wide range of activities including slot machines, card games, and lotteries.
The new tax rate will specifically target winnings that exceed 2,280 zloty, which includes payouts from jackpots and tournament prizes. The Ministry of Finance estimates that this change could generate an additional 500 million zloty annually for the government. This move aligns Poland with a broader trend observed in several European nations, where gambling taxes have been on the rise.
Key Details of the Tax Structure
> Effective Date: January 2026
> New Tax Rate: 15% on winnings over 2,280 zloty
> Types of Gambling Affected: Slot machines, card games, lotteries, and online gambling services
Despite the tax increase, promotional offers such as free spins will remain unchanged, allowing players to engage in risk-free gameplay. This aspect is particularly appealing, as research indicates that nearly half of online gamblers in Poland utilised free spins in the past year.
Impact on Players
The introduction of the 15% tax is expected to have a profound effect on the behaviour of players, particularly those who participate in high-stakes tournaments. Under the current tax regime of 10%, players retain 90% of their winnings. However, with the new tax structure, net winnings will decrease significantly. For instance, a player winning 10,000 zloty will now take home only 8,500 zloty after tax.
Poland’s gambling tax has seen several changes over the years. Since 2018, a uniform tax rate of 10% has been in place, which replaced a previous tiered system that taxed winnings above 1,000 zloty at 12%.
The Polish gambling tax revenue has shown a steady increase, rising from 1.7 billion zloty in 2020 to an estimated 2.3 billion zloty in 2024. With the new tax structure, projections suggest that revenue could exceed 2.8 billion zloty by 2026.
The new tax rate will specifically target winnings that exceed 2,280 zloty, which includes payouts from jackpots and tournament prizes. The Ministry of Finance estimates that this change could generate an additional 500 million zloty annually for the government. This move aligns Poland with a broader trend observed in several European nations, where gambling taxes have been on the rise.
Key Details of the Tax Structure
> Effective Date: January 2026
> New Tax Rate: 15% on winnings over 2,280 zloty
> Types of Gambling Affected: Slot machines, card games, lotteries, and online gambling services
Despite the tax increase, promotional offers such as free spins will remain unchanged, allowing players to engage in risk-free gameplay. This aspect is particularly appealing, as research indicates that nearly half of online gamblers in Poland utilised free spins in the past year.
Impact on Players
The introduction of the 15% tax is expected to have a profound effect on the behaviour of players, particularly those who participate in high-stakes tournaments. Under the current tax regime of 10%, players retain 90% of their winnings. However, with the new tax structure, net winnings will decrease significantly. For instance, a player winning 10,000 zloty will now take home only 8,500 zloty after tax.
Poland’s gambling tax has seen several changes over the years. Since 2018, a uniform tax rate of 10% has been in place, which replaced a previous tiered system that taxed winnings above 1,000 zloty at 12%.
The Polish gambling tax revenue has shown a steady increase, rising from 1.7 billion zloty in 2020 to an estimated 2.3 billion zloty in 2024. With the new tax structure, projections suggest that revenue could exceed 2.8 billion zloty by 2026.
October 27, 2025
Hundreds of Turkish referees found to place bets, says football federation head
Hundreds of referees officiating in professional leagues have been involved in betting activities, Turkish Football Federation (TFF) President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu has revealed in what he described as a sign of “corruption” in Turkish football.
Speaking at a press conference on Oct. 27, Hacıosmanoğlu said that an internal investigation, supported by data from state institutions, found that 371 of 571 active referees had betting accounts, while 152 were actively placing bets.
“Among them are seven top-tier referees, 15 assistant referees in the same category, 36 lower-division referees and 64 assistant referees,” he said.
According to the findings, 10 referees placed more than 10,000 bets each, with one individual wagering 18,227 times.
A total of 42 referees were found to have bet on over 1,000 football matches, while some made only a single wager.
Hacıosmanoğlu noted that the disciplinary board would immediately begin proceedings in line with federation regulations. He said the federation had also shared its findings with FIFA and UEFA, signaling that the clean-up process would continue in cooperation with international football bodies.
The president said the federation’s review began by examining not only referees but also the TFF administration itself.
“We started with the referees, including myself and my board members,” he said, calling on clubs to follow the federation’s example.
“Just as we are cleaning our own doorstep, club presidents should start with themselves, their boards and their players and share the results transparently with the public,” he said. “If not, we will continue working with the relevant state bodies and release our findings regardless.”
While sports betting is legal in Türkiye under only one state-run system, referees, players and officials are prohibited from betting on any matches. Turkish football has previously faced allegations of match-fixing and illegal betting rings, particularly in lower leagues.
Speaking at a press conference on Oct. 27, Hacıosmanoğlu said that an internal investigation, supported by data from state institutions, found that 371 of 571 active referees had betting accounts, while 152 were actively placing bets.
“Among them are seven top-tier referees, 15 assistant referees in the same category, 36 lower-division referees and 64 assistant referees,” he said.
According to the findings, 10 referees placed more than 10,000 bets each, with one individual wagering 18,227 times.
A total of 42 referees were found to have bet on over 1,000 football matches, while some made only a single wager.
Hacıosmanoğlu noted that the disciplinary board would immediately begin proceedings in line with federation regulations. He said the federation had also shared its findings with FIFA and UEFA, signaling that the clean-up process would continue in cooperation with international football bodies.
The president said the federation’s review began by examining not only referees but also the TFF administration itself.
“We started with the referees, including myself and my board members,” he said, calling on clubs to follow the federation’s example.
“Just as we are cleaning our own doorstep, club presidents should start with themselves, their boards and their players and share the results transparently with the public,” he said. “If not, we will continue working with the relevant state bodies and release our findings regardless.”
While sports betting is legal in Türkiye under only one state-run system, referees, players and officials are prohibited from betting on any matches. Turkish football has previously faced allegations of match-fixing and illegal betting rings, particularly in lower leagues.
Teddy Sagi’s Ambitious Move: Listing Winvia Entertainment in the UK
Teddy Sagi, the multi-millionaire entrepreneur behind Playtech, is making headlines once again with his latest venture. This time, he is set to list Winvia Entertainment, a prize draw company, in the UK. Teddy Sagi is a name synonymous with success in the gaming industry. Born in 1972 in Israel, Sagi founded Playtech in 1999, which has since become one of the largest online gaming software suppliers globally.
Sagi’s journey is marked by several key milestones, including the successful IPO of Playtech on the London Stock Exchange in 2006. His ability to identify and capitalise on emerging trends has been pivotal in his career, and his latest venture with Winvia Entertainment is no exception.
The Vision Behind Winvia Entertainment
Winvia Entertainment aims to revolutionise the prize draw sector by offering a unique platform that combines entertainment with the thrill of winning. The company focuses on providing a transparent and engaging experience for users, ensuring that every participant feels valued.
Sagi’s vision for Winvia is to create a community where players can enjoy the excitement of prize draws while also having the opportunity to win substantial rewards. This aligns with the growing demand for interactive and engaging online experiences, particularly among younger audiences.
The UK has a robust regulatory framework governing online draws, which provides a level of security and trust for players. The UK Gambling Commission oversees the industry, ensuring that operators adhere to strict guidelines. This regulatory environment is conducive for new companies like Winvia, as it fosters consumer confidence and encourages responsible practices.
Winvia’s Unique Selling Proposition
Winvia Entertainment differentiates itself from traditional prize draw companies through its innovative model. The platform offers a variety of prize draws, ranging from cash prizes to luxury items, all designed to appeal to a broad audience.
Moreover, Winvia employs a transparent system that allows participants to track their entries and understand the odds of winning. This level of transparency is crucial in building trust with users the company says, especially in an industry often scrutinised for its fairness.
Community Engagement
Another key aspect of Winvia’s strategy is its focus on community engagement. The company plans to implement features that allow users to interact with one another, share experiences, and celebrate wins together. This sense of community is expected to enhance user loyalty and encourage repeat participation.
As Winvia Entertainment prepares for its listing in the UK, the company is undergoing a thorough evaluation of its operations and financials. This process is essential to ensure that it meets the stringent requirements set by the London Stock Exchange.
The listing of Winvia Entertainment is expected to have a considerable impact on the prize draw market in the UK. It will not only introduce a new player into the sector but also stimulate competition among existing operators. Looking ahead, Winvia Entertainment has ambitious plans for expansion. The company aims to diversify its offerings and explore international markets.
Sagi’s journey is marked by several key milestones, including the successful IPO of Playtech on the London Stock Exchange in 2006. His ability to identify and capitalise on emerging trends has been pivotal in his career, and his latest venture with Winvia Entertainment is no exception.
The Vision Behind Winvia Entertainment
Winvia Entertainment aims to revolutionise the prize draw sector by offering a unique platform that combines entertainment with the thrill of winning. The company focuses on providing a transparent and engaging experience for users, ensuring that every participant feels valued.
Sagi’s vision for Winvia is to create a community where players can enjoy the excitement of prize draws while also having the opportunity to win substantial rewards. This aligns with the growing demand for interactive and engaging online experiences, particularly among younger audiences.
The UK has a robust regulatory framework governing online draws, which provides a level of security and trust for players. The UK Gambling Commission oversees the industry, ensuring that operators adhere to strict guidelines. This regulatory environment is conducive for new companies like Winvia, as it fosters consumer confidence and encourages responsible practices.
Winvia’s Unique Selling Proposition
Winvia Entertainment differentiates itself from traditional prize draw companies through its innovative model. The platform offers a variety of prize draws, ranging from cash prizes to luxury items, all designed to appeal to a broad audience.
Moreover, Winvia employs a transparent system that allows participants to track their entries and understand the odds of winning. This level of transparency is crucial in building trust with users the company says, especially in an industry often scrutinised for its fairness.
Community Engagement
Another key aspect of Winvia’s strategy is its focus on community engagement. The company plans to implement features that allow users to interact with one another, share experiences, and celebrate wins together. This sense of community is expected to enhance user loyalty and encourage repeat participation.
As Winvia Entertainment prepares for its listing in the UK, the company is undergoing a thorough evaluation of its operations and financials. This process is essential to ensure that it meets the stringent requirements set by the London Stock Exchange.
The listing of Winvia Entertainment is expected to have a considerable impact on the prize draw market in the UK. It will not only introduce a new player into the sector but also stimulate competition among existing operators. Looking ahead, Winvia Entertainment has ambitious plans for expansion. The company aims to diversify its offerings and explore international markets.
Inside info on LeBron James’ health part of NBA gambling charges
Ex-player Damon Jones allegedly shared inside information about the health of James with gamblers seeking to profit.
Shortly after the first tip of the NBA regular season, a federal probe of illegal gambling rocked the sport on Thursday morning, including allegations that inside information about LeBron James was used for illicit profit.
Federal authorities arrested Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier early Thursday as part of a multi-year sports betting investigation. Rozier, a veteran guard, did not play in Wednesday’s Heat-Magic opener due to a coach’s decision.
Rozier’s arrest came after authorities probed an uptick in suspicious activity related to his performance in a March 2023 game against New Orleans. Then a member of the Charlotte Hornets, Rozier left the game prematurely with an apparent foot injury.
Separately, authorities also arrested Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups in Oregon. Billups’ arrest is tied to alleged involvement in an illegal poker game operated by organised crime figures. The investigation into the illegal poker games ensnared several members of New York criminal groups, including the infamous La Cosa Nostra network.
In total, federal prosecutors in Brooklyn indicted 31 defendants on Thursday across 11 states. The indictments centred on two major operations: an enterprise to rig illicit poker games at various locations throughout the nation and a sports betting scheme that allegedly used material non-public information to benefit from Rozier’s statistical outcomes.
How LeBron James is referenced in gambling case
A third NBA figure, former guard Damon Jones, was named in indictments connected to both the sports betting and poker investigations.
Jones, a former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate of James who remained close to him afterwards, allegedly attempted to profit from inside information about the NBA star in 2023. According to the indictment, Jones had knowledge that James was suffering from an injury and might not play for the Los Angeles Lakers in an upcoming game. That game took place in February 2023, two days after James broke the NBA all-time scoring record.
Joseph Nocella, US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, stated at a Brooklyn news conference that several defendants turned professional basketball into a “criminal betting operation” by using private locker room and medical information to “cheat legitimate sportsbooks”.
Gambling allegations against Rozier do not involve James
Before Rozier signed a multi-year contract with the Heat, he played just 10 minutes in the aforementioned game against the Pelicans on 23 March 2023. At least six sportsbooks in multiple states flagged suspicious activity related to Rozier’s performance, ESPN reported.
One sportsbook took 30 bets in a period of 46 minutes, all of which resulted in wins for the bettor. While the NBA conducted an investigation of the activity, the league did not determine at the time that league betting rules were violated.
Prior to the game, Deniro Laster, another defendant, sold information on Rozier’s plan to leave the game early to multiple co-conspirators, prosecutors stated. Rozier, a close friend of Laster, has known the defendant since childhood, according to the indictment.
Before the game started, Rozier informed Laster of his plans to leave the game prematurely in the first quarter due to a “supposed” injury, prosecutors allege. Based on the information provided by Rozier, the defendants wagered “more than $200,000 on his under statistics”, according to New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
The information was allegedly transmitted to Marves Fairley, another defendant in the case. Fairley, a professional sports betting tout, has been mentioned previously in various media reports for his alleged involvement in the federal sports betting investigation. In exchange for the information, Fairley and another co-conspirator agreed to pay Laster approximately $100,000 from their expected fraudulent gambling winnings, according to the indictment.
“As the NBA tips off, [Rozier’s] career is already benched, not for injury, but for integrity,” Tisch stated.
Patel not mincing words on gravity of allegations
Around 29 March 2023, Fairley allegedly gave Laster tens of thousands of dollars in cash in exchange for the tip on Rozier, according to the indictment. From there, Laster apparently drove from Philadelphia to North Carolina for a meeting with Rozier at his Charlotte home. During the early morning hours of 1 April 2023, the two counted the money that Laster obtained from Fairley, prosecutors allege.
“Let’s not mince words, this is the insider trading saga for the NBA,” said FBI Director Kash Patel at the news conference.
Rozier is not alleged to have any relation to the gambling allegations that involve information about the health of LeBron James.
Jim Trusty, Rozier’s attorney, told USA Today Sports on Thursday that investigators previously told Rozier that he was a “subject, not a target” of the probe.
“Terry is not a gambler, but he is not afraid of a fight, and he looks forward to winning this fight,” Trusty wrote in a statement.
Poker investigation of Billups separate from betting
Billups, a five-time All-Star as a player who was the 2004 NBA Finals MVP, is facing charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy in connection with his arrest. The charges centre on his participation in an April 2019 poker game that prosecutors alleged was rigged.
In an attempt to attract unsuspecting victims into the rigged game, Billups and Jones acted as so-called “face cards” by using their celebrity status to bring players to the table, according to the indictments. The pair each received a portion of the ill-gotten proceeds for their participation in the scheme, prosecutors stated.
Four other defendants – Robert Stroud, Eric Earnest, Jamie Gilet and Sophia Wei – organised and participated in the rigged Las Vegas poker game, according to the indictment. As part of the scheme, the defendants defrauded the victims of at least $50,000. Stroud allegedly supplied a rigged shuffling machine that was used in the game.
NBA statement on gambling scandal
Thursday’s arrests come one day after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called for enhanced regulation of sports betting. During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on ESPN, Silver advocated for restrictions on player props involving reserve players off the bench.
“We’ve asked some of our partners to pull back some of the prop bets, especially when they’re on two-way players, guys who don’t have the same stake in the competition, where it’s too easy to manipulate something, which seems otherwise small and inconsequential to the overall score,” Silver said. “We’re trying to put in place – learning as we go and working with the betting companies – some additional control to prevent some of that manipulation.”
Shortly after Thursday’s news conference in Brooklyn, the NBA issued a statement on the arrests. The league placed Billups and Rozier on immediate leave. The NBA has cooperated with federal authorities on the comprehensive probe.
“We are in the process of reviewing the federal indictments announced today,” the league said in the statement. “We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities, we take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.”
Last week, ESPN reported that the FBI has interviewed college athletes regarding an ongoing probe into suspicious betting activity in college basketball. ESPN cited documents that linked Fairley to a pattern of irregular activity on first-half college wagers. When reached by ESPN, Fairley denied the allegations. Nocella noted on Thursday that his office’s investigation does not pertain to college hoops.
Ongoing investigation involving Porter
Well prior to Thursday’s indictments, former Toronto Raptors centre Jontay Porter was convicted on federal wire fraud charges related to illicit sports betting and is scheduled to be sentenced in December. Porter conspired with a gambling syndicate to defraud a sports betting company by deliberately underperforming on a bevy of statistical categories in a March 2024 game.
The NBA later banned Porter for life. At least two of Porter’s co-conspirators, Ammar Awawdeh and Shane Hennen, were named in Thursday’s indictments. The investigation is ongoing, Nocella stressed.
Four Mafia organised crime groups, the Lucchese, Bonanno, Gambino and Genovese families, played a role in the poker scheme, federal officials said Thursday. In using sophisticated manipulation technology, the Mafia-backed poker scheme defrauded individuals of at least $7 million, according to prosecutors.
“The FBI will never turn a blind eye to any insider betting scheme within sporting industries – regardless of title or professional affiliation – to protect its integrity,” said Christopher Raia, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York field office.
Shortly after the first tip of the NBA regular season, a federal probe of illegal gambling rocked the sport on Thursday morning, including allegations that inside information about LeBron James was used for illicit profit.
Federal authorities arrested Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier early Thursday as part of a multi-year sports betting investigation. Rozier, a veteran guard, did not play in Wednesday’s Heat-Magic opener due to a coach’s decision.
Rozier’s arrest came after authorities probed an uptick in suspicious activity related to his performance in a March 2023 game against New Orleans. Then a member of the Charlotte Hornets, Rozier left the game prematurely with an apparent foot injury.
Separately, authorities also arrested Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups in Oregon. Billups’ arrest is tied to alleged involvement in an illegal poker game operated by organised crime figures. The investigation into the illegal poker games ensnared several members of New York criminal groups, including the infamous La Cosa Nostra network.
In total, federal prosecutors in Brooklyn indicted 31 defendants on Thursday across 11 states. The indictments centred on two major operations: an enterprise to rig illicit poker games at various locations throughout the nation and a sports betting scheme that allegedly used material non-public information to benefit from Rozier’s statistical outcomes.
How LeBron James is referenced in gambling case
A third NBA figure, former guard Damon Jones, was named in indictments connected to both the sports betting and poker investigations.
Jones, a former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate of James who remained close to him afterwards, allegedly attempted to profit from inside information about the NBA star in 2023. According to the indictment, Jones had knowledge that James was suffering from an injury and might not play for the Los Angeles Lakers in an upcoming game. That game took place in February 2023, two days after James broke the NBA all-time scoring record.
Joseph Nocella, US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, stated at a Brooklyn news conference that several defendants turned professional basketball into a “criminal betting operation” by using private locker room and medical information to “cheat legitimate sportsbooks”.
Gambling allegations against Rozier do not involve James
Before Rozier signed a multi-year contract with the Heat, he played just 10 minutes in the aforementioned game against the Pelicans on 23 March 2023. At least six sportsbooks in multiple states flagged suspicious activity related to Rozier’s performance, ESPN reported.
One sportsbook took 30 bets in a period of 46 minutes, all of which resulted in wins for the bettor. While the NBA conducted an investigation of the activity, the league did not determine at the time that league betting rules were violated.
Prior to the game, Deniro Laster, another defendant, sold information on Rozier’s plan to leave the game early to multiple co-conspirators, prosecutors stated. Rozier, a close friend of Laster, has known the defendant since childhood, according to the indictment.
Before the game started, Rozier informed Laster of his plans to leave the game prematurely in the first quarter due to a “supposed” injury, prosecutors allege. Based on the information provided by Rozier, the defendants wagered “more than $200,000 on his under statistics”, according to New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
The information was allegedly transmitted to Marves Fairley, another defendant in the case. Fairley, a professional sports betting tout, has been mentioned previously in various media reports for his alleged involvement in the federal sports betting investigation. In exchange for the information, Fairley and another co-conspirator agreed to pay Laster approximately $100,000 from their expected fraudulent gambling winnings, according to the indictment.
“As the NBA tips off, [Rozier’s] career is already benched, not for injury, but for integrity,” Tisch stated.
Patel not mincing words on gravity of allegations
Around 29 March 2023, Fairley allegedly gave Laster tens of thousands of dollars in cash in exchange for the tip on Rozier, according to the indictment. From there, Laster apparently drove from Philadelphia to North Carolina for a meeting with Rozier at his Charlotte home. During the early morning hours of 1 April 2023, the two counted the money that Laster obtained from Fairley, prosecutors allege.
“Let’s not mince words, this is the insider trading saga for the NBA,” said FBI Director Kash Patel at the news conference.
Rozier is not alleged to have any relation to the gambling allegations that involve information about the health of LeBron James.
Jim Trusty, Rozier’s attorney, told USA Today Sports on Thursday that investigators previously told Rozier that he was a “subject, not a target” of the probe.
“Terry is not a gambler, but he is not afraid of a fight, and he looks forward to winning this fight,” Trusty wrote in a statement.
Poker investigation of Billups separate from betting
Billups, a five-time All-Star as a player who was the 2004 NBA Finals MVP, is facing charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy in connection with his arrest. The charges centre on his participation in an April 2019 poker game that prosecutors alleged was rigged.
In an attempt to attract unsuspecting victims into the rigged game, Billups and Jones acted as so-called “face cards” by using their celebrity status to bring players to the table, according to the indictments. The pair each received a portion of the ill-gotten proceeds for their participation in the scheme, prosecutors stated.
Four other defendants – Robert Stroud, Eric Earnest, Jamie Gilet and Sophia Wei – organised and participated in the rigged Las Vegas poker game, according to the indictment. As part of the scheme, the defendants defrauded the victims of at least $50,000. Stroud allegedly supplied a rigged shuffling machine that was used in the game.
NBA statement on gambling scandal
Thursday’s arrests come one day after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called for enhanced regulation of sports betting. During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on ESPN, Silver advocated for restrictions on player props involving reserve players off the bench.
“We’ve asked some of our partners to pull back some of the prop bets, especially when they’re on two-way players, guys who don’t have the same stake in the competition, where it’s too easy to manipulate something, which seems otherwise small and inconsequential to the overall score,” Silver said. “We’re trying to put in place – learning as we go and working with the betting companies – some additional control to prevent some of that manipulation.”
Shortly after Thursday’s news conference in Brooklyn, the NBA issued a statement on the arrests. The league placed Billups and Rozier on immediate leave. The NBA has cooperated with federal authorities on the comprehensive probe.
“We are in the process of reviewing the federal indictments announced today,” the league said in the statement. “We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities, we take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.”
Last week, ESPN reported that the FBI has interviewed college athletes regarding an ongoing probe into suspicious betting activity in college basketball. ESPN cited documents that linked Fairley to a pattern of irregular activity on first-half college wagers. When reached by ESPN, Fairley denied the allegations. Nocella noted on Thursday that his office’s investigation does not pertain to college hoops.
Ongoing investigation involving Porter
Well prior to Thursday’s indictments, former Toronto Raptors centre Jontay Porter was convicted on federal wire fraud charges related to illicit sports betting and is scheduled to be sentenced in December. Porter conspired with a gambling syndicate to defraud a sports betting company by deliberately underperforming on a bevy of statistical categories in a March 2024 game.
The NBA later banned Porter for life. At least two of Porter’s co-conspirators, Ammar Awawdeh and Shane Hennen, were named in Thursday’s indictments. The investigation is ongoing, Nocella stressed.
Four Mafia organised crime groups, the Lucchese, Bonanno, Gambino and Genovese families, played a role in the poker scheme, federal officials said Thursday. In using sophisticated manipulation technology, the Mafia-backed poker scheme defrauded individuals of at least $7 million, according to prosecutors.
“The FBI will never turn a blind eye to any insider betting scheme within sporting industries – regardless of title or professional affiliation – to protect its integrity,” said Christopher Raia, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York field office.
October 26, 2025
Denmark passes extensive restrictions package including on live sports ads and FTP bonuses
The ban on gambling ads during live sports broadcasts will start 10 minutes before games kick off and finish 10 minutes after they end.
The Denmark government has reached an agreement to ban gambling ads during live sports broadcasts and introduced a host of other marketing restrictions for the sector.
The measures are expected to be implemented no later than 1 January 2027.
On Friday, the Danish parliament passed its ‘Gaming Package 1’, aimed at preventing gambling addiction and strengthening the protection of children against gambling harms.
The package will introduce a whistle-to-whistle ban on gambling ads during live sports broadcasts, starting 10 minutes before the event and ending 10 minutes after the games conclude.
This will include bans on live odds being displayed across banners in stadiums and a restriction on the use of celebrities and influencers in gambling ads.
Package prohibits gambling ads near schools
Additionally, the package prohibits the use of “free money games” as welcome bonuses.
Gambling ads on public transport and within 200 metres of schools or other educational institutions will also be prohibited under new rules, while persons aged under 25 will not be allowed to feature in any gambling marketing.
Denmark’s Gambling Act will be amended to mandate age filters on social media ads to ensure content isn’t targeted at those aged under 18, while gambling addiction treatment centres will receive an additional DKK8 million ($1.2 million) in funding next year.
These centres will receive further funding of DKK3 million in 2027, DKK5 million in 2028, DKK2 million in 2029 and DKK3 million in 2030.
Denmark’s Tax Minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen said the measures should prove effective in curbing gambling addiction in the country.
“With Gaming Package 1: A More Responsible Gaming Market, the government, together with a broad majority in the Danish parliament, is taking an important step towards a more responsible gaming market,” Halsboe-Jørgensen said.
“The work does not stop here.”
Government’s ‘showdown’ with Danish gambling sector
Upon revealing the package of restrictions, the government said Denmark had faced issues with rising gambling addiction in the country.
It claimed nearly 500,000 Danish adults had experienced some extent of gambling problems in 2021, a figure that has doubled since 2016, with almost 30,000 experiencing serious gambling problems.
The government also stated 25,000 Danish children and young people have experienced some degree of gambling harm, with 2,600 having a serious gambling problem.
Halsboe-Jørgensen explained the agreement marked a shift in mentality in Denmark, with closer attention paid to restricting the gambling sector and the harms that can come from it.
“This is the beginning of a showdown with a gaming industry that has been allowed to take up too much space for far too long, so that entertainment does not turn into addiction,” Halsboe-Jørgensen said.
“This requires both responsible providers, stronger rules and a sustained political effort.”
Denmark regulator to be strengthened
The agreement will also seek to further empower Spillemyndigheden, the country’s gambling regulator.
Spillemyndigheden will be given the authority to block illegal gambling sites, with clearer principles and criteria for calculating fines and sanctions.
Certain administrative burdens will also be eased, such as the need for gaming providers to send a copy of decisions on closing gambling accounts to Spillemyndigheden.
Denmark gambling revenue on the increase
In August, Denmark achieved gambling revenue of DKK714 million, both a year-on-year and month-on-month increase.
Denmark’s sports betting and iGaming markets both posted double-digit growth when compared to the same month last year.
The nation’s self-exclusion scheme ROFUS reached 63,488 users by the end of August, with 41,362 of those having permanently excluded themselves from gambling.
The Denmark government has reached an agreement to ban gambling ads during live sports broadcasts and introduced a host of other marketing restrictions for the sector.
The measures are expected to be implemented no later than 1 January 2027.
On Friday, the Danish parliament passed its ‘Gaming Package 1’, aimed at preventing gambling addiction and strengthening the protection of children against gambling harms.
The package will introduce a whistle-to-whistle ban on gambling ads during live sports broadcasts, starting 10 minutes before the event and ending 10 minutes after the games conclude.
This will include bans on live odds being displayed across banners in stadiums and a restriction on the use of celebrities and influencers in gambling ads.
Package prohibits gambling ads near schools
Additionally, the package prohibits the use of “free money games” as welcome bonuses.
Gambling ads on public transport and within 200 metres of schools or other educational institutions will also be prohibited under new rules, while persons aged under 25 will not be allowed to feature in any gambling marketing.
Denmark’s Gambling Act will be amended to mandate age filters on social media ads to ensure content isn’t targeted at those aged under 18, while gambling addiction treatment centres will receive an additional DKK8 million ($1.2 million) in funding next year.
These centres will receive further funding of DKK3 million in 2027, DKK5 million in 2028, DKK2 million in 2029 and DKK3 million in 2030.
Denmark’s Tax Minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen said the measures should prove effective in curbing gambling addiction in the country.
“With Gaming Package 1: A More Responsible Gaming Market, the government, together with a broad majority in the Danish parliament, is taking an important step towards a more responsible gaming market,” Halsboe-Jørgensen said.
“The work does not stop here.”
Government’s ‘showdown’ with Danish gambling sector
Upon revealing the package of restrictions, the government said Denmark had faced issues with rising gambling addiction in the country.
It claimed nearly 500,000 Danish adults had experienced some extent of gambling problems in 2021, a figure that has doubled since 2016, with almost 30,000 experiencing serious gambling problems.
The government also stated 25,000 Danish children and young people have experienced some degree of gambling harm, with 2,600 having a serious gambling problem.
Halsboe-Jørgensen explained the agreement marked a shift in mentality in Denmark, with closer attention paid to restricting the gambling sector and the harms that can come from it.
“This is the beginning of a showdown with a gaming industry that has been allowed to take up too much space for far too long, so that entertainment does not turn into addiction,” Halsboe-Jørgensen said.
“This requires both responsible providers, stronger rules and a sustained political effort.”
Denmark regulator to be strengthened
The agreement will also seek to further empower Spillemyndigheden, the country’s gambling regulator.
Spillemyndigheden will be given the authority to block illegal gambling sites, with clearer principles and criteria for calculating fines and sanctions.
Certain administrative burdens will also be eased, such as the need for gaming providers to send a copy of decisions on closing gambling accounts to Spillemyndigheden.
Denmark gambling revenue on the increase
In August, Denmark achieved gambling revenue of DKK714 million, both a year-on-year and month-on-month increase.
Denmark’s sports betting and iGaming markets both posted double-digit growth when compared to the same month last year.
The nation’s self-exclusion scheme ROFUS reached 63,488 users by the end of August, with 41,362 of those having permanently excluded themselves from gambling.
Feds reveal mafia-linked gambling probe that led to arrests of Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups and NBA star Terry Rozier
Winning is typically a good thing for the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers.
But six years ago, the scammers allegedly using Chauncey Billups as part of a sprawling criminal scheme to lure unsuspecting poker players to rigged tables believed he was winning far too much.
Billups was a “Face Card,” prosecutors said, a high-profile person who could help attract big-fish gamblers to ritzy card games in Manhattan, Las Vegas, Miami and the Hamptons. Billups, aided by equipment like a manipulated shuffling machine and an X-ray table, played on the “Cheating Team.”
In the middle of a game in Vegas in April 2019, the orchestrators of the plot realized they had a problem: Billups was winning too many improbable hands. The streak would surely draw suspicion, they said in text messages included in court documents unsealed Thursday. Billups needed to do something very few professional athletes enjoy: lose on purpose. That’s the only way the criminal enterprise could keep raking in cash.
It ultimately netted more than $7 million over six years.
Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and dozens of others were charged Thursday as part of two sweeping investigations: one into illegal sports gambling and the other into poker rigging schemes allegedly backed by the Mafia.
The extraordinary federal takedown led to the arrests of more than 30 people across 11 states on charges including wire fraud, money laundering, extortion, robbery and illegal gambling, FBI Director Kash Patel said at a news conference.
“The fraud is mind-boggling,” Patel told reporters, referring to the alleged wrongdoing as a “criminal enterprise that envelops both the NBA and La Cosa Nostra.” He said the schemes involved “tens of millions of dollars” in ill-gotten gains.
The web of alleged criminal activity was laid out in two federal indictments that read like plot summaries for Martin Scorsese crime epics. Officials say key roles were played in one case by members of the notorious Bonanno, Gambino, Genovese and Lucchese crime “families” — as well as defendants with nicknames like “The Wrestler,” “Juice,” “Big Bruce” and “Pookie.”
The indictments threaten to create a reputational headache for both the NBA, one of the marquee professional sports leagues in the country, and the booming but increasingly scrutinized sports gambling industry. In a statement, the NBA said Billups and Rozier would be placed on “immediate leave.”
In the first case, dubbed “Operation Nothing But Bet” by federal agents, prosecutors accuse six defendants of participating in an insider sports betting scheme that “exploited confidential information” about basketball players and teams, U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. of the Eastern District of New York told reporters at the news conference.
Nocella called that alleged conspiracy “one of the most brazen sports corruption schemes since online sports betting became widely legalized in the United States.”
Rozier was charged in that indictment. The former Charlotte Hornets player was arrested Thursday morning in Orlando, Florida, and he appeared in the city’s federal courthouse later Thursday. The indictment says he was also known by the nicknames “Scary Terry” and “Chum.”
In the second case, dubbed “Operation Royal Flush,” prosecutors accuse 31 defendants of a plot to rig underground poker games. The suspects allegedly used high-tech cheating gadgets to steal millions of dollars from games backed by four of the “Five Families” that have long ruled organized crime in the New York area.
The high-tech equipment described by Nocella included poker chip trays that secretly read cards with a hidden camera, special contact lenses that can read pre-marked cards and an X-ray table that can read cards facing down.
Billups was charged in that indictment, along with former NBA player Damon Jones.
It was not immediately clear where Billups was arrested, but he appeared Thursday in court in Portland, Oregon, where he lives. He was released on conditions that include travel restrictions, no gambling activity, a no contact order and standard conditions regarding firearms, according to NBC affiliate KGW. Billups coached the Blazers on Wednesday night in Portland.
Jones was arrested in Las Vegas. It was not immediately clear whether Jones had an attorney; calls and text messages to a phone number believed to belong to him were not returned.
“Your winning streak has ended,” Nocella said at the news conference, addressing the defendants in the “Royal Flush” case and appearing to enjoy the wordplay. “Your luck has run out. Violating the law is a losing proposition, and you can bet on that.”
Three of the defendants were allegedly involved in both cases, according to Christopher Raia, assistant director in charge of the FBI’’s New York field office.
The betting ring
The Charlotte Hornets were preparing to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 23, 2023, and Terry Rozier had a plan. Rozier, at the time a starter for the Hornets, told Deniro Laster, a childhood friend, that he was going to “prematurely remove himself from the game in the first quarter due to a supposed injury and not return to play further,” prosecutors say.
Laster turned around and sold the tip about Rozier’s intentions to other defendants and co-conspirators, giving them a chance to “place fraudulent wagers based on the non-public information,” prosecutors say. Rozier was true to his word, they said, playing roughly nine minutes and 34 seconds before taking himself out of the game. The bets raked in thousands of dollars.
In their indictment, prosecutors accuse Rozier, Laster and four other defendants of participating in a “scheme to defraud” betting companies by “providing, obtaining and using non-public information relating to NBA games to place and cause others to place fraudulent sports wagers for profit, and to launder the proceeds thereof.”
The defendants and some of their co-conspirators had “access to private information known by NBA players or NBA coaches” that was likely to affect the outcomes of upcoming league games or certain players’ performances on the court, prosecutors said. Rozier’s choreographed exit from the Hornets’ March 2023 game against the Pelicans was just one example of that information-sharing system at work, they said.
Jones allegedly sold information on a prominent NBA player’s injury to bettors while he was an unofficial assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2023. He is said to have texted a co-conspirator that a certain player would be out when the Lakers faced the Milwaukee Bucks on Feb. 9, 2023. “Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out,” Jones said, according to the indictment.
When the game started that night, fans and viewers learned Lebron James was out with a sore left ankle and foot, according to a game recap from the time.
The poker games
The dozens of men (and one woman) accused of rigging poker games across the country over the last half-decade can’t be accused of using low-tech methods.
The defendants are said to have used “Rigged Shuffling Machines” that were secretly altered to read the cards in a deck, predict which player at the table had the best hand and relay that valuable information via interstate wires to an off-site operator. The operator then communicated that information by cellphone to one of the cheaters, referred to as the “Quarterback” or the “Driver,” who used “secret signaling” with other scammers at the table.
But that wasn’t the extent of the cheating system, according to prosecutors. The orchestrators also used electronic poker chip trays that could secretly read cards placed on the table, card analyzers with decoy cellphones that could surreptitiously detect which cards were on the table and playing cards with markers visible only to players wearing specifically designed contact lenses or sunglasses.
All that was in the service of what prosecutors characterized as a “complex fraud scheme to rig, or cheat at, illegal poker games in the Eastern District of New York and throughout the United States,” beginning in at least 2019. The suspects allegedly rigged card games at otherwise “straight tables” at locations across New York City, as well as Las Vegas, Miami and the Hamptons.
The defendants did that with the help of organized crime families, who “provided support and protection for the games and collected owed debts from the games in exchange for a portion of the illegal gambling proceeds,” according to the indictment. The victims, who were defrauded out of millions of dollars, had no idea they were playing against cheaters, it says.
Meanwhile, “members and associates of the Bonanno, Gambino and Genovese Crime Families used threats and intimidation to assure payment of debts from the Rigged Games and the ‘square’ illegal poker games organized” by the defendants, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors estimate that the defendants caused losses to victims totaling at least $7 million.
The players
Rozier’s attorney said in a statement that he had “reached out to these prosecutors to tell them we should have an open line of communication.”
“They characterized Terry as a subject, not a target, but at 6 a.m. this morning they called to tell me FBI agents were trying to arrest him in a hotel,” said the lawyer, Jim Trusty. “It is unfortunate that instead of allowing him to self-surrender, they opted for a photo-op.”
“They wanted the misplaced glory of embarrassing a professional athlete with a perp walk. That tells you a lot about the motivations in this case,” Trust added. “They appear to be taking the word of spectacularly in-credible sources rather than relying on actual evidence of wrongdoing. Terry was cleared by the NBA, and these prosecutors revived that non-case. Terry is not a gambler, but he is not afraid of a fight, and he looks forward to winning this fight.”
Billups' attorney, Chris Heywood, said Billups will fight the charges and is not guilty of any wrongdoing. "Anyone who knows Chauncey Billups knows he is a man of integrity; men of integrity do not cheat and defraud others," Heywood said.
"To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his hall-of-fame legacy, his reputation, and his freedom. He would not jeopardize those things for anything, let alone a card game," Heywood said.
"Furthermore, Chauncey Billups has never and would never gamble on basketball games, provide insider information, or sacrifice the trust of his team and the League, as it would tarnish the game he has devoted his entire life to," Heywood added.
The Miami Heat did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In a statement, the NBA said it was in the “process of reviewing the federal indictments announced today. Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups are being placed on immediate leave from their teams, and we will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities. We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.”
The Blazers said that the team was cooperating with the investigation and that Tiago Splitter will be the interim head coach.
Rozier, an Ohio native and 10-year NBA veteran, was picked 16th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2015 NBA draft after having played college basketball for the Louisville Cardinals.
Billups has coached since 2021, following a widely lauded 17-season playing career that culminated in the sport’s highest honor: enshrinement in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame last year.
He entered the NBA in 1997 as the third overall draft pick. By 2004, his clutch baskets and on-court leadership were vital to Detroit’s NBA championship over the Lakers. The title run earned him the nickname “Mr. Big Shot” and the honor of being named the NBA Finals MVP, and it transformed his career. From 2006 to 2010, Billups was voted an All-Star five times.
After he retired in 2014, Billups worked as an NBA analyst for ESPN. After one season as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers, he was hired by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2021.
Thursday’s high-profile arrests come four months after another NBA star, Gilbert Arenas, was arrested and indicted after the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California alleged he was involved in helping operate illegal, high-stakes poker games out of a Los Angeles-area home he owned. Arenas has pleaded not guilty.
Investigations into gambling have extended to active NBA players in recent seasons, as well. Jontay Porter of the Toronto Raptors pleaded guilty in federal court and was banned by the NBA for life last year for violating the league’s sports gambling rules, with the league alleging that he had bet on NBA games and disclosed confidential information about his own participation to bettors. He is set to be sentenced in December.
Unibet Owner Fined £10 Million Over AML Failings
The UK Gambling Commission has just announced a £10 million fine to Platinum Gaming Limited, see below for full announcement:
A gambling business will pay a £10 million penalty after a Gambling Commission investigation revealed Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and social responsibility failings.
Platinum Gaming Limited – which operates unibet.co.uk and uk.bingo.com – will also receive a warning and have to undergo a third-party audit to ensure it is effectively implementing its anti-money laundering and safer gambling policies, procedures and controls.
Social responsibility failures included:
- employing a customer interaction system which failed to identify a player as at risk of harm despite the player losing £5,000 within 24 hours of registration and going on to lose more than £16,000 in less than three months.
- not interacting with a consumer who lost over £31,000 within nine months, hit their monthly loss limit on six occasions, and demonstrated markers of harm associated with high velocity gambling.
- not identifying a consumer who exceeded their £2,500 loss limit within 16 minutes of registering their account as potentially being at risk of harm. The operator also failed to identify binge gambling.
- not interacting with a customer during a 23-day period in which they staked £73,000 and lost £4,100.
Anti-money laundering failures included:
- the Licensee’s money laundering/terrorist financing risk assessment failed to take into account customers whose account(s) had been closed by the Licensee due to money laundering or terrorist funding concerns prior to 2023. This enabled some customers whose accounts had been blocked to open new accounts and gamble.
- the AML policy in place at the time lacked clarity around the level of customer due-diligence and enhanced customer due-diligence measures conducted and how this was determined by the level of risk displayed by a customer.
- despite being covered in the Licensee’s risk assessment, there was no evidence that potential high-risk factors such as high-risk occupation, high levels of transactions through deposits and withdrawals and a high level of loss, had been considered when customer reviews were undertaken.
This is the second occasion Platinum Gaming have faced enforcement action – in 2023 they were fined £2.9m for social responsibility and anti-money laundering failures.
John Pierce, Commission Director of Enforcement, said: “While industry wide progress has been made in reducing unchecked high spending, the failings at Platinum Gaming are particularly disappointing. The case revealed serious shortcomings in customer interaction systems, including failures to identify and act on clear markers of harm. These included consumers losing thousands within hours or days of registration, repeatedly breaching loss limits, and exhibiting patterns of binge and high-velocity gambling without appropriate intervention.
“Significant anti-money laundering failures were also identified. These included gaps in the licensee’s risk assessment, which failed to account for previously blocked accounts linked to money laundering concerns, and a lack of clarity in the AML policy around due diligence thresholds. Customer reviews did not consistently consider high-risk factors, despite these being outlined in the licensee’s own framework.”
He continued: “Alongside the £10 million financial penalty this operator is required to conduct a follow-up independent audit and internal investigation – providing regular updates to the Commission. These added conditions are designed to drive meaningful change, reinforce accountability, and embed a culture of compliance.
“Senior leaders must take ownership of compliance outcomes and ensure lessons are embedded across the organisation, supported by structured reporting and board level oversight – and further regulatory activity will remain a possibility.”
A gambling business will pay a £10 million penalty after a Gambling Commission investigation revealed Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and social responsibility failings.
Platinum Gaming Limited – which operates unibet.co.uk and uk.bingo.com – will also receive a warning and have to undergo a third-party audit to ensure it is effectively implementing its anti-money laundering and safer gambling policies, procedures and controls.
Social responsibility failures included:
- employing a customer interaction system which failed to identify a player as at risk of harm despite the player losing £5,000 within 24 hours of registration and going on to lose more than £16,000 in less than three months.
- not interacting with a consumer who lost over £31,000 within nine months, hit their monthly loss limit on six occasions, and demonstrated markers of harm associated with high velocity gambling.
- not identifying a consumer who exceeded their £2,500 loss limit within 16 minutes of registering their account as potentially being at risk of harm. The operator also failed to identify binge gambling.
- not interacting with a customer during a 23-day period in which they staked £73,000 and lost £4,100.
Anti-money laundering failures included:
- the Licensee’s money laundering/terrorist financing risk assessment failed to take into account customers whose account(s) had been closed by the Licensee due to money laundering or terrorist funding concerns prior to 2023. This enabled some customers whose accounts had been blocked to open new accounts and gamble.
- the AML policy in place at the time lacked clarity around the level of customer due-diligence and enhanced customer due-diligence measures conducted and how this was determined by the level of risk displayed by a customer.
- despite being covered in the Licensee’s risk assessment, there was no evidence that potential high-risk factors such as high-risk occupation, high levels of transactions through deposits and withdrawals and a high level of loss, had been considered when customer reviews were undertaken.
This is the second occasion Platinum Gaming have faced enforcement action – in 2023 they were fined £2.9m for social responsibility and anti-money laundering failures.
John Pierce, Commission Director of Enforcement, said: “While industry wide progress has been made in reducing unchecked high spending, the failings at Platinum Gaming are particularly disappointing. The case revealed serious shortcomings in customer interaction systems, including failures to identify and act on clear markers of harm. These included consumers losing thousands within hours or days of registration, repeatedly breaching loss limits, and exhibiting patterns of binge and high-velocity gambling without appropriate intervention.
“Significant anti-money laundering failures were also identified. These included gaps in the licensee’s risk assessment, which failed to account for previously blocked accounts linked to money laundering concerns, and a lack of clarity in the AML policy around due diligence thresholds. Customer reviews did not consistently consider high-risk factors, despite these being outlined in the licensee’s own framework.”
He continued: “Alongside the £10 million financial penalty this operator is required to conduct a follow-up independent audit and internal investigation – providing regular updates to the Commission. These added conditions are designed to drive meaningful change, reinforce accountability, and embed a culture of compliance.
“Senior leaders must take ownership of compliance outcomes and ensure lessons are embedded across the organisation, supported by structured reporting and board level oversight – and further regulatory activity will remain a possibility.”
October 16, 2025
Paddy Power Plans To Close 57 Betting Shops
The high street betting business is facing another significant shake-up as Paddy Power, has announced plans to close 57 of its betting shops. The decision, which affects nearly 250 jobs, has raised concerns about the future of retail betting in the UK and Ireland.
On October 14, Paddy Power’s parent company, Flutter Entertainment, confirmed the closure of 57 shops, which constitutes approximately 10% of its total estate of 608 betting outlets across the UK and Ireland.
Job Losses and Economic Impact
The impending closures will put around 250 jobs at risk, a significant concern for the affected employees and their families. The announcement comes at a time when the high street is already grappling with numerous challenges, including changing consumer habits and increased competition from online betting platforms.
Flutter Entertainment has stated that while the closures are not directly linked to the upcoming Autumn Budget, the potential for increased gambling taxes could further strain the industry. The company has expressed concerns that higher taxes may lead to job losses and reduced investment in the sector, ultimately pushing customers towards unregulated operators.
Betting Shop Closures
The announcement from Paddy Power is not an isolated incident. The betting industry has seen a dramatic decline in the number of retail outlets over the past decade. According to recent statistics, the total number of betting shops in the UK and Ireland has decreased by a third since 2017, falling from nearly 10,000 to just over 6,600.
Several factors contribute to this decline:
- Increased Online Competition: The rise of online betting platforms has significantly altered consumer behaviour, with many punters opting for the convenience of betting from home.
- Regulatory Changes: Stricter regulations and potential tax hikes have created an uncertain environment for betting operators, leading to a reassessment of their retail strategies.
- Changing Consumer Preferences: Younger generations are increasingly favouring digital experiences over traditional retail, prompting many companies to adapt their business models accordingly.
Flutter Entertainment’s Strategy Moving Forward
Despite the closures, Flutter Entertainment remains committed to its high street presence. A spokesperson for the company stated that they are continually reviewing their retail estate to ensure it meets the evolving needs of customers. The company aims to innovate and invest in areas that align with changing consumer trends.
Flutter has indicated that it will explore new ways to engage customers, potentially through enhanced in-store experiences or technology integration. This approach aims to attract foot traffic and retain customers who may otherwise turn to online alternatives.
The upcoming Autumn Budget, set to be announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, is expected to address the taxation of gambling operators, the fear is that a large tax hike would affect gambling operators to close more betting shops as a consequence.
There is growing pressure from various political factions to increase taxes on betting companies, with some Labour MPs advocating for rates as high as 50%. While the government argues that gambling companies should contribute their “fair share” to the economy, industry leaders warn that excessive taxation could have detrimental effects on jobs and investment especially on betting shops.
October 13, 2025
Flutter Faces New Court Case In Australia Over Sportsbet
The Australian gambling landscape is currently under intense scrutiny, with a new court case involving Flutter Entertainment’s Sportsbet. This legal battle, spearheaded by Kym Cavigan, a resident of Victoria, has raised critical questions about the responsibilities of gambling operators.
Kym Cavigan has initiated legal proceedings against Sportsbet, claiming that the company failed to prevent the use of stolen funds for gambling activities. The case stems from a scandal involving Andrew Marshall, an accountant who misappropriated approximately AU$280,000 from his clients, including Cavigan. Although Marshall has admitted guilt, Cavigan argues that Sportsbet had a duty to implement robust measures to verify the source of funds deposited by users.
This lawsuit highlights significant concerns regarding Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations within the Australian gambling sector. While Marshall’s actions did not constitute money laundering, the case underscores the necessity for gambling operators to conduct thorough checks on the origins of funds. The scrutiny surrounding Sportsbet is not isolated; earlier this year, Entain faced investigation for allegedly failing to meet AML requirements.
The ongoing legal challenges are occurring against a backdrop of increasing political pressure for reform in Australia’s gambling laws. It has been two years since the Murphy Report, which outlined 31 recommendations aimed at overhauling gambling regulations in the country. These recommendations included the establishment of a national gambling regulator, restrictions on advertising, and enhanced player protection measures.
Members of Parliament (MPs) are expressing growing impatience with the government’s slow response to the recommendations outlined in the Murphy Report. A particular focus has been placed on the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC), which is often viewed as the de facto national regulator for online gambling in Australia. Critics argue that the NTRWC’s close ties to the industry, including accepting hospitality gifts, compromise its ability to regulate effectively.
The public sentiment surrounding gambling regulation is increasingly vocal. Independent MP Andrew Wilkie has taken to social media to voice his frustration, stating that the government has ignored the Murphy Report and obstructed efforts to hold gambling companies accountable. His comments resonate with a broader community concern regarding the impact of gambling on Australian society.
Recent statistics from the Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC) reveal that a staggering 65.1% of Australians engaged in gambling activities in the year leading up to October 2024. While lotteries accounted for a significant portion of this figure, the rise of online gambling has raised alarms about the associated risks, including increased gambling frequency and psychological distress.
As calls for reform intensify, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces mounting pressure to act on the Murphy Report’s recommendations. However, he has shown reluctance to pursue certain measures, particularly a blanket ban on gambling advertising. This hesitance is believed to stem from a desire to avoid conflict with betting and media companies ahead of upcoming elections.
Despite the current challenges, there is a sense that reform may be on the horizon for Australia’s gambling industry. The market, valued at an estimated AU$244 billion, continues to attract new entrants, including companies like XBet and NextBet. The competitive landscape is further complicated by a bidding war between local brand Betr and Japanese tech firm MIXI for PointsBet.
Kym Cavigan has initiated legal proceedings against Sportsbet, claiming that the company failed to prevent the use of stolen funds for gambling activities. The case stems from a scandal involving Andrew Marshall, an accountant who misappropriated approximately AU$280,000 from his clients, including Cavigan. Although Marshall has admitted guilt, Cavigan argues that Sportsbet had a duty to implement robust measures to verify the source of funds deposited by users.
This lawsuit highlights significant concerns regarding Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations within the Australian gambling sector. While Marshall’s actions did not constitute money laundering, the case underscores the necessity for gambling operators to conduct thorough checks on the origins of funds. The scrutiny surrounding Sportsbet is not isolated; earlier this year, Entain faced investigation for allegedly failing to meet AML requirements.
The ongoing legal challenges are occurring against a backdrop of increasing political pressure for reform in Australia’s gambling laws. It has been two years since the Murphy Report, which outlined 31 recommendations aimed at overhauling gambling regulations in the country. These recommendations included the establishment of a national gambling regulator, restrictions on advertising, and enhanced player protection measures.
Members of Parliament (MPs) are expressing growing impatience with the government’s slow response to the recommendations outlined in the Murphy Report. A particular focus has been placed on the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC), which is often viewed as the de facto national regulator for online gambling in Australia. Critics argue that the NTRWC’s close ties to the industry, including accepting hospitality gifts, compromise its ability to regulate effectively.
The public sentiment surrounding gambling regulation is increasingly vocal. Independent MP Andrew Wilkie has taken to social media to voice his frustration, stating that the government has ignored the Murphy Report and obstructed efforts to hold gambling companies accountable. His comments resonate with a broader community concern regarding the impact of gambling on Australian society.
Recent statistics from the Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC) reveal that a staggering 65.1% of Australians engaged in gambling activities in the year leading up to October 2024. While lotteries accounted for a significant portion of this figure, the rise of online gambling has raised alarms about the associated risks, including increased gambling frequency and psychological distress.
As calls for reform intensify, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces mounting pressure to act on the Murphy Report’s recommendations. However, he has shown reluctance to pursue certain measures, particularly a blanket ban on gambling advertising. This hesitance is believed to stem from a desire to avoid conflict with betting and media companies ahead of upcoming elections.
Despite the current challenges, there is a sense that reform may be on the horizon for Australia’s gambling industry. The market, valued at an estimated AU$244 billion, continues to attract new entrants, including companies like XBet and NextBet. The competitive landscape is further complicated by a bidding war between local brand Betr and Japanese tech firm MIXI for PointsBet.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)