Good news from Belarus, where President Alexander Lukashenko has stated publicly his want for a regulated gambling industry. Whilst it's not clear this definitely covers the online industry as well as land-based operators, we're certainly pleased with the noises coming our way.
The catalyst seems to be the need to find a much-needed boost for the economy and a regulated gambling industry with EU operators paying tax locally an obvious move to take.
The President also pointed to the fact that a regualted offline industry will create jobs, boost tourism and bring much-needed foreign investment in the country.
Perhaps the most pleasing part of Lukashenko's statement is his belief that prohibition produces "nothing but harm", and that forcing gambling underground in this way makes it open to criminal influences.
Great to see a politician seeing the light and not being afraid to say it. In an open and regulated betting market, consumers get the choice, value and protection they need. In countries with a state-sanctioned monopoly, consumers are forced to look for these benefits with unregulated offshore operators, offering no protections whatsoever.
Just look at the right2bet betting challenge. After 17 weeks of betting, you would have made 132% more money with the best-priced private operator than the French FDJ, or 130% more than De Lotto in The Netherlands. Why? Odds are vastly reduced and consumers are not getting the value the private sector offers.
It's baffling not more politicians look at this simple fact and see why the current situation in so many territories around the EU is unsustainable and good for nobody. Maybe a move by the Belarusians will spark the revolt? We can but hope.
The catalyst seems to be the need to find a much-needed boost for the economy and a regulated gambling industry with EU operators paying tax locally an obvious move to take.
The President also pointed to the fact that a regualted offline industry will create jobs, boost tourism and bring much-needed foreign investment in the country.
Perhaps the most pleasing part of Lukashenko's statement is his belief that prohibition produces "nothing but harm", and that forcing gambling underground in this way makes it open to criminal influences.
Great to see a politician seeing the light and not being afraid to say it. In an open and regulated betting market, consumers get the choice, value and protection they need. In countries with a state-sanctioned monopoly, consumers are forced to look for these benefits with unregulated offshore operators, offering no protections whatsoever.
Just look at the right2bet betting challenge. After 17 weeks of betting, you would have made 132% more money with the best-priced private operator than the French FDJ, or 130% more than De Lotto in The Netherlands. Why? Odds are vastly reduced and consumers are not getting the value the private sector offers.
It's baffling not more politicians look at this simple fact and see why the current situation in so many territories around the EU is unsustainable and good for nobody. Maybe a move by the Belarusians will spark the revolt? We can but hope.
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