Hello and welcome to the SBC News 90, here’s today’s top stories:

The Dutch Gaming Authority, the KSA, has entered into a new partnership with Facebook to combat illegal gambling promotion or activities on the social media platform.

The KSA will report illegal online lotteries organised through the social media platform with both parties emphasising that they ‘did not wish to provide an opportunity for illegal activities’.

If the KSA reports such a lottery, Facebook can remove the group in question in accordance with published guidelines.

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Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers has completed the formal appointment of executives that will form the new ‘Ukrainian Gambling & Lottery Commission’.

The Commission will establish leadership structures as Ukraine prepares to launch the application and licensing process for the country’s new Gambling Law. It will be led by former Ukraine special forces general Ivan Rudyi, who will serve as Director-General.   

Rudyi will lead an executive team of six with diverse expertise and direct experience in law, policy, international relations, IT, enterprise management and criminal prosecution.   

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New data published by the UK Gambling Commission shows there was an increase in real-event betting activity during September, driven by the return of Premier League football.

Gross gaming yield from real-event betting increased by 15% compared with August, to nearly £190m. The number of bets placed on real events grew by 5%, while the number of active customers rose by 14%.

The Gambling Commission said it will remain vigilant as gambling behaviours continue to evolve and respond to varying levels of restrictions during and beyond the pandemic.

That’s all for today, I’ll be back tomorrow for your next SBC News 90.