Face Off

What is Face Off?

The CGMC reviewed a draft of the new evaluation framework during a meeting chaired by Secretary General Yeth Vinel on 4 September. 

The proposed “integrity and quality” framework aims to establish minimum conditions that operators must meet to maintain or obtain a licence, signalling a strengthening of oversight in the sector. The details of the scoring criteria and an official implementation date remain unpublished.

The timing of regulatory tightening coincides with a vigorous government campaign against scams and illicit financial activities linked to casinos. 

How to play Face Off

Greg Abel took over as CEO of the $1 trillion organization in early 2026. While Buffett continued to visit the office daily, he indicated he is now ready for a slower pace.

“Recently, I celebrated my 96th birthday with family and friends, including one of my great-grandchildren, who had just turned one. He’s moving a bit faster than I am these days,” Buffett wrote in a letter to shareholders. The billionaire credited Abel with exceeding his “sky-high” expectations, giving him complete confidence in completing the transition.

“The timing is right. I will become chairman emeritus and remain a director. My son, Howard, will succeed me as chairman,” Buffett told investors. “The company is in excellent hands, and I look forward to remaining a shareholder alongside you.”

What is Face Off?

The second consultation, which ran from 15 July to 9 September, followed an initial review in February.

But Entain warned the current timeline, which would enforce the ban by August 2027, was not timely enough, allowing unlicensed operators to sponsor Premier League clubs for another full season.

Premier League clubs are prohibited from any form of gambling front-of-shirt sponsor, after a voluntary ban came in from the start of the 2026-27 campaign.