The iGaming landscape experienced significant shifts last week, marked by Brazil's Blask Index plummeting by 20.1% following a decisive ban on fixed-odds sports betting and online gambling issued by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
In stark contrast, Finland faced an unexpected downturn, plunging from a 29.3% rise in Eurojackpot to a worrisome 37% drop, even as the jackpot pool climbed to nearly €80 million. Uzbekistan, however, enjoyed a remarkable upswing, gaining 52.9% as a result of a successful match day in the Super League, which concluded with eight games producing a total of 25 goals.
**Top Gainers This Week**
– **Uzbekistan (+52.9%)**
On September 22, Uzbekistan's Super League concluded its 22nd match day, with Navbahor edging out Dinamo 3-2 and Nasaf dominating Andijon 4-1. This victory brought Nasaf to 51 points, as the league prepares for a break during the FIFA match window.
– **Laos (+47%)**
From September 21-22, the Ministry of Public Security in Laos executed raids in the Sisattanak District of Vientiane, resulting in the arrest of 33 Chinese nationals linked to online gambling and cybercrime. Authorities confiscated a number of computers and mobile phones in connection with the operation.
– **Lithuania (+19.9%)**
Lithuania's performance in the UEFA Nations League was highlighted by a 2-0 victory against Liechtenstein on September 24. The team subsequently drew 1-1 with Azerbaijan on September 27 in Kaunas, where Armandas Kučys scored from the penalty spot, followed by Mahir Emreli’s equalizer shortly after.
– **AU-Victoria (+16%)**
The AFL Grand Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 26 saw Brisbane clinch victory against Fremantle, finishing with a crowd of 100,023 watching the thrilling contest.
– **Vietnam (+8.8%)**
Công an Hà Nội achieved a solid 3-0 win over Đồng Nai on September 21, continuing their impressive run.
**Top Decliners This Week**
– **Finland (-37%)**
Finland, previously leading with a 29.3% gain, faced a setback with the Eurojackpot as the highest prize remained unpaid at €68.2 million by September 22. By September 25, the projected jackpot had swelled to around €80 million, with no first-class claims reported.
– **Haiti (-34.1%)**
Despite the national team's wins against Trinidad & Tobago (3-2) and Costa Rica (2-0) on September 24 and 27, respectively, Haiti's index suffered a decline.
– **Italy (-30.1%)**
Italy's Serie A is in the midst of an international break and faced a setback on September 25 with a 2-0 loss to Belgium in the Nations League A. About 47,000 spectators attended this match at the Olimpico Stadium, marking Roberto Mancini's first game back.
– **Nigeria (-29.8%)**
Nigeria's Blask Index declined despite a 2-1 win over Madagascar on September 25 in Uyo, indicating broader challenges in the region as local media awaited the commencement of Matchday 1.
– **Ghana (-29.7%)**
Ghana fell to Côte d’Ivoire 2-0 on September 24, with Malik Yalkueye and Franck Kessie contributing to the defeat.
**Market Spotlight: Brazil (-20.1%)**
Brazil's Blask Index reflects the consequences of President Lula da Silva’s new decree effectively banning fixed-odds sports betting and online gambling. The law prohibits both the advertising and offering of these betting formats, although legal lotteries will continue to operate.
Since the announcement, all deposits have been frozen, but withdrawals will be allowed until October 5 at 23:59. Online platforms will cease operational functions on October 6. Following an earlier surge of 41.45% on September 26, the index now indicates a retraction in player interest due to the ban.
