Latest News
Stanleybet Pays Taxes in Bid to End Block on Entering Italian Betting Tenders
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.
Reading Time: < 1 minute
Tabcorp Holdings Limited (Tabcorp) announced the appointment of Vivian Stewart to the Tabcorp Board as a Non-Executive Director, subject to the receipt of the required regulatory approvals.
Mr Stewart is a leading telecommunications and technology Non-Executive Director with 17 years of experience on public company boards. He is a Non-Executive Director of ASX-listed technology company Superloop Limited where he is Chair of the Risk and Compliance Committee. Mr Stewart brings significant executive experience to Tabcorp, including most recently as Chief Operating Officer of global enterprise software company Bigtincan. Mr Stewart also founded corporate advisory firm Callafin where he advised on M&A transactions and capital raisings for both public and private companies.
Tabcorp Chair Brett Chenoweth said: “We’re pleased to welcome Vivian to the Tabcorp Board. He’s an experienced director with a deep knowledge of the telecommunications and technology sectors,which is critical as it underpins a large part of our business. His deep knowledge will be invaluable as we continue to evolve and innovate our product offerings.
“Vivian also brings substantial commercial experience to the business and we’re looking forward to adding his skillsets to the composition of our Board.”
Mr Stewart will be formally appointed as a Director following the receipt of necessary approvals. In the meantime, he will act as an Observer on the Board from 1 November 2025.
The post Tabcorp Appoints Vivian Stewart as Non-executive Director appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Following TaDa’s recent signing in Italy with Octavian Lab, a new agreement has been reached to enable content distribution though Eurobet. Part of global provider Entain, Eurobet is a state licenced operator with a significant presence online and through its substantial retail network.
This strategic collaboration will enable wider access across Italy to TaDa’s 200+ portfolio and see Eurobet clients enjoy leading games including Charge Buffalo-ASCENT, Devil Fire 2 and Jackpot Joker.
Already known in Italy as the No.1 provider for fish-shooting titles, including Ocean King Jackpot, Mega Fishing and Dinosaur Tycoon II, TaDa is building its name for originality to ensure operator differentiation in a crowded market.
With player engagement tools GiftCode and WIN CARD proven to increase retention, alongside creative streamer marketing campaigns, TaDa’s expertly localised content is shaping success for operators, aggregators and player experiences.
Facilitated by its latest licence from the UKGC and with ongoing certification for the Portuguese market, TaDa is focusing on extending brand awareness across Italy and all regulated European jurisdictions.
Headquartered in Rome, Eurobet has been driving sports betting and gaming innovation in Italy since 2007 following the introduction of local regulation. Subsequently, Eurobet has grown into one of the most recognised and trusted gaming brands in Italy.
Specialising in delivering high-quality, fully compliant gaming and betting content tailored to the Italian market, Eurobet operates an omnichannel strategy with strong performance across both online and retail.
Its continued focus on user experience, product innovation and partner-driven content development ensures it remains a preferred destination for exciting and secure gaming experiences.
Rome-based software provider Octavian Lab works with major brands including Eurobet, Snaitech, Sisal and Betfair, leading it to be named Best Aggregator of the Year at the 2024 EGR Italy Awards.
Ray Lee, Director of Business Development at TaDa Gaming, said: “The Italian market is a key destination for us. Working with a company of Eurobet’s scale and reputation is another milestone reached for our growth strategy in Europe. We are looking forward to working together.”
Claudia De Santis, Head of Gaming Integrations & Operations at Eurobet, said: “We are excited to partner with TaDa Gaming and to bring its innovative content to our players, further strengthening our commitment to a diverse and high-quality gaming offering.”
The post TaDa Gaming Deepens Italian Market Reach via Eurobet Deal appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
SYNOT Games has strengthened its position in the vibrant Portuguese iGaming market through a new partnership with Golden Park PT, bringing its signature energy, creativity and certified games to an audience eager for world-class entertainment.
With the first wave of games now live, including Realm of Lions, Money Vaults and the fiery fan-favourite Chilli Joker, Golden Park PT players can dive into an immersive game experience, powered by SYNOT’s engaging features, polished visuals and rock-solid performance. And that’s just the beginning.
This partnership marks another important milestone in SYNOT Games’ regulated market expansion strategy, aligning with one of Europe’s most promising iGaming regions. Portugal is home to a fast-growing community of players who know what they want: innovative titles, instant play, mobile-ready gameplay and the kind of quality that stands out.
Golden Park PT will progressively gain access to SYNOT’s full certified portfolio, over 200 titles designed to meet the highest technical and compliance standards of the Portuguese regulator. The rollout ensures seamless delivery and localised content for maximum impact from day one.
“We’re excited to bring our games to Portugal and to do it with a strong partner like Golden Park PT. This is a market full of energy and potential, and we’re confident that our titles will strike a chord with players looking for fresh, premium entertainment built on solid, regulated foundations,” said Martina Krajčí, Chief Commercial Officer at SYNOT Games.
Oriana, Operations Manager for Portugal, adds Golden Park’s perspective: “We are delighted to welcome SYNOT Games to our platform. Their content adds real variety and depth to our casino offer, and we’re excited to roll out their portfolio to our players in Portugal.”
As the SYNOT Games footprint continues to grow across Europe, partnerships like this one reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to quality, compliance and creating unforgettable gaming moments wherever players are.
The post SYNOT Games Partners with Golden Park PT appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Latest News2 months ago
Light & Wonder to Participate in the 2025 Australasian Gaming Expo
-
Latest News2 months ago
ReferOn Shortlisted for Acquisition & Retention Partner of the Year at SBC Lisbon 2025
-
Latest News2 months ago
Gavin Hamilton Joins Sports & Wellbeing Analytics as Chairman to Accelerate Global Expansion
-
Latest News2 months ago
Duels for Friends in Trophy Hunter. Invite your friends and create a shared space for fun and competition.
-
Latest News2 months ago
BC.GAME Launches “Nezha” Slot with Up to 46,656 Ways to Win and 10,000x Max Payout
-
Latest News3 months agoUzbekistan Introduces Penalties for Illegal Gambling Operations
-
Latest News4 weeks ago
Announcement: 25th September 2025
-
Latest News2 months ago
NODWIN Gaming Acquires Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Stake in Evo; Becomes Majority Holder
You must be logged in to post a comment Login