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Compliance Updates

Euroconsumers calls Nintendo to solve its “Joy-Con Drift” probl

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The new version of the Nintendo “Switch” console, the Switch OLED, expected on October 8th 2021, shows an unsolved technical problem with its controllers – an issue commonly called “Joy-Con Drift” –  that prevents players from playing the game properly. Nintendo is quite aware of this flaw. Yet it still plans to roll out the new Switch with the old problem. Euroconsumers calls Nintendo to account.

“Joy-Con Drift”

The flaw in the controllers manifests itself after a couple of months, falsely reading input from the controller stick, as if the user has their thumb pressed down on the controller, causing the game character to move without the player even touching the device. This prevents the player from playing the game as intended. This issue is not new: it was already denounced extensively by users of the current Nintendo Switch, IFixit and multiple consumer organisations.

Nintendo’s inaction

This flaw has previously been raised with Nintendo. Firstly in January 2020, Test Achats/Test Aankoop, Euroconsumers’ Belgian national organization, sent a letter of formal notice to Nintendo Europe GmbH calling on the company to repair all the defective products free of charge and to publicly communicate about the defect.

In January 2021, BEUC, the European umbrella group for 46 independent consumer organisations, launched an external alert to the CPC network about a widespread infringement with Union dimension of EU consumer law, related to the premature obsolescence of the Nintendo Switch.

On top of this EU action, two class actions have been launched in the US, and a Canadian firm has filed an application to begin a class action.

Nevertheless, Nintendo has taken no actions to remedy the flaw or alert consumers. It even issues a new Switch OLED with the exact same Joy-Con design, with the exact same inescapable defect. Meanwhile Nintendo keeps on putting a great deal of emphasis on the quality and versatility of the Joy-Con in its advertisements t.

This early obsolescence is not only unfair and harmful to consumers, but also affects the environment, creating a pile of unnecessary and extremely polluting electronic waste.

Euroconsumers’ call on Nintendo

In a letter Euroconsumers has confronted Nintendo with the above,  asking them to:

  1. Adequately inform consumers of the existence of the “Joy-Con Drift” and its impact on the expected lifespan of the Nintendo controllers on the packaging of the product.

  2. Fully respect provisions on the legal product guarantee, without imposing any burden of proof on consumers or charging them with any costs to repair or replace their Switch controllers.

  3. Provide clear contact details at Nintendo for consumers to report and resolve Joy-Con problems, and for Euroconsumers and its national organisations to address problems to that regard.

  4. Resolve the technical “Joy-Con Drift” flaw and ensure a more sustainable version of the controllers. Euroconsumers, and its national organizations stand ready to deploy decades of technical and testing experience to support finding solutions.

Euroconsumers is available and willing to launch a dialogue with Nintendo in order to establish the best way to satisfy the above requests.

“Nintendo has a duty to its customers to provide functioning devices,” said Marco Scialdone, Head of Litigation and Academic Outreach at Euroconsumers. “To knowingly continue selling these game consoles when they are defective is a breach of EU consumer law. We expect Nintendo to do the right thing and work with us to find a solution for consumers.”

“While on one hand Nintendo pretends to commit to the green transition and serve consumers, its continued distribution of faulty electronic devices shows it’s true lack of genuine commitment,” said Els Bruggeman, Head of Policy and Enforcement at Euroconsumers. “Early obsolescence results in more electronic waste, which is particularly difficult to dispose of. This shows a regrettable lack of respect for both the environment and  consumers.”

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Compliance Updates

St8 enters the United Kingdom after securing B2B licence

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Casino games aggregator St8 has secured a UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) remote gambling software licence, as the company continues its strategic expansion into key regulated markets worldwide.

The newly-granted licence means that St8 can now provide its market-leading casino aggregation platform to UK-licensed operators.

The platform has already won plaudits for streamlining integrations and delivering content with speed, simplicity and reliability.

Vladimir Negine, founder and CEO at St8, said: “Securing a UK licence is another major milestone for St8. The UK remains a benchmark for regulation and player protection, and we’re excited to bring our tech-led approach to this mature and competitive market. We’re absolutely committed to supporting our operator partners in regulated markets around the world, and we’re already working on securing additional licences.”

The UKGC licence adds to St8’s growing list of regulated market approvals, which already includes Romania, Malta, and the Isle of Man, with further jurisdictions in progress as part of its broader European and global growth strategy.

St8 partners in the UK and beyond enjoy the industry’s leading back office, built to offer real-time reporting, deeper insights and simple promo management.

The post St8 enters the United Kingdom after securing B2B licence appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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PrizePicks Secures Gaming Licenses in Puerto Rico and Maine

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PrizePicks, the largest daily fantasy sports operator in North America, announced it has secured gaming licenses in both Puerto Rico and Maine, marking a major milestone in the operator’s continued growth. With this expansion, PrizePicks becomes the first daily fantasy sports operator to obtain a gaming license in Puerto Rico.

PrizePicks players can now access Arena in Maine, with Puerto Rico set to go live in the coming months. Following the launch, PrizePicks will be operational with its fantasy contests in 47 jurisdictions across the US.

“We’re grateful to the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission and the Maine Gambling Control Unit for their partnership and support throughout the licensure process. We’ve seen tremendous engagement with Arena across the country, and we’re confident that momentum will carry into these new jurisdictions,” said Adam Packer, Senior Vice President of Legal & Compliance at PrizePicks.

The post PrizePicks Secures Gaming Licenses in Puerto Rico and Maine appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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AGLC Announces New Board Chair

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Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has announced the appointment of Larry Spagnolo as the new Board Chair, effective August 15, 2025. This announcement follows the official Order in Council issued by the Alberta Government and marks a new chapter in AGLC’s ongoing commitment to support communities, encourage responsible choices and position Alberta as the best place to do business.

Larry brings a wealth of experience in technology and business leadership to the AGLC Board and will play an integral role in guiding AGLC’s strategic direction. He is currently serving as VP and GM of Emerson’s SaaS SCADA business and has held senior roles at Zedi and Telus, driving innovation, growth, and global success.

A strong advocate for education and community, Larry serves as Vice Chair of Athabasca University’s Board of Governors and has held board roles with NAIT and Polytechnics Canada. He was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his community contributions.

AGLC and the Board of Directors extend their heartfelt thanks to Len Rhodes for his leadership and dedication as Board Chair since August 2019. He decided not to seek a third term and will continue to serve in this role until August 14, 2025. Len led AGLC through some significant milestones, including reducing red tape by 51%, growth of the emerging cannabis industry and ensuring AGLC delivered a balanced approach to business development, social responsibility, and regulatory oversight.

The post AGLC Announces New Board Chair appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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