Watch: Betssons Dario Evangelista on disputes, contracts & regulation
In the latest episode of SiGMA Podcasts Decoding Gaming Law, Dario Evangelista, Deputy General Counsel at Betsson Group, joins gaming lawyer Dr. Franklin Cachia to unpack the major legal trends reshaping global gaming law. From evolving licensing regimes and advertising restrictions to litigation strategy and future-facing technologies, their conversation offers essential legal guidance for todays gaming operators.
Licensing, advertising and taxation
Evangelista points to the global rise of local licensing regimes as a transformative shift in gaming law and regualtion. Ten to fifteen years ago, very few countries were regulated, he explained. Now, were seeing more and more jurisdictions requiring operators to invest in compliance and technology to qualify for licenses.
He highlighted Sweden, Germany, Peru and Brazil as examples where new regulation has opened opportunities but also increased the burden of compliance.
Evangelista also flagged growing restrictions on gambling advertising, including outright bans in Italy and tighter controls in Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium. These restrictions often harm licensed operators more than protect players, he argued. Sometimes they drive players towards the black market.
Taxation is another critical and unpredictable challenge. Citing recent cases in Peru and Colombia, Evangelista warned that unexpected new taxes, such as the selective consumption tax or a 19% VAT on turnover, can severely impact financial forecasts, Companies make investments based on a known framework, only to have that change overnight.
Gaming law and dispute avoidance
The conversation shifted to contract law, with Evangelista emphasising the importance of clearly drafted terms and conditions for players and third-party partners alike. These terms govern everything from payments to responsible gaming tools. 바카라ers need to know what rights and obligations theyre agreeing to., he said
On the B2B side, jurisdiction and governing law clauses are often overlooked, but crucial. They can seem like boilerplate, Evangelista warned, but they determine which countrys courts or arbitrators will interpret the agreement. That choice can change everything.
He advised aligning governing gaming law with the chosen jurisdiction and being specific, Dont just say US courts or UK law, you need to specify the state or legal system.
Evangelista also recommended a preemptive legal strategy to avoid disputes altogether. Large, licensed operators want to avoid litigation, its not just about cost, its about reputation and regulatory reporting. Being part of a dispute in one jurisdiction can affect licensing in others., he explained.
AI, crypto and responsible gaming
Looking ahead, Evangelista named three trends gaming companies cannot afford to ignore which are responsible gaming, cryptocurrency integration and AI.
Regulators are increasingly requiring operators to detect signs of gambling harm. AI is becoming a tool not just for operations but for consumer protection, he noted, citing Italys recent regulation that explicitly references AI for harm detection.
Crypto also looms large. Virtual financial assets will likely be used more in gaming, said Evangelista. And regulators will move to address this soon.
Join top legal experts, operators and regulators at the SiGMA EuroMed summit in Malta from 01-03 September 2025. Gain insights into navigating global gaming law, regulatory change and contract strategy in the evolving iGaming industry. Stay compliant, informed and ahead of the curve.
