Global gambling fines plummet 73.3% in 2024; Spain, Australia, and Netherlands top the list
In 2024, regulators in the global gambling sector imposed financial penalties amounting to $184.4 million, according to a recent report from Gambling Industry News. This figure represents a decline of 73.3% compared to the record-high fines of $442.6 million imposed in 2023.
Spain's Ministry for Consumer Affairs has set a new record, imposing €65 million in fines last year. The regulator penalised 15 gambling operators, although the names of these operators remain undisclosed, with 13 of them found to be operating without the necessary local licences.
Australia follows closely behind, with the Australian Communications and Media Authority and state and territory regulators collectively issuing fines of $58.5 million in 2024. This figure marks a sharp decline from the staggering $311.4 million in fines recorded in 2023.
A significant penalty was imposed in June when the Federal Court of Australia hit SkyCity Adelaide, a ground-based casino, with a fine of $41.7 million due to a money laundering case.
In third place, Sweden has collected $11.5 million in fines, with its local regulator Spelinspektionen issuing a warning to Spooniker (part of Kindred Group) in December 2024 and ordering the company to pay $2.74 million in fines.
Top 9 financial penalties in the global gambling sector for 2024
1. Spain: $69.3 million
2. Australia: $58.5 million
3. Netherlands: $25.7 million
4. Sweden: $11.5 million
5. USA: $9.4 million
6. United Kingdom: $8.4 million
7. Finland: $3 million
8. Italy: $1.4 million
9. Canada (Ontario): $21,483
