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Kindred Group Intends to Appeal Fine from Norwegian Regulator

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The Kindred Group is going to appeal the fine imposed by Norway’s gambling regulator Lotteritilsynet.

The company is facing a fine of NOK 1.2m ($111,902) per day from 5 October for allegedly conducting unlicensed operations in Norway.

But Kindred has remained defiant. Earlier this year, Lotteritilsynet ordered the group to “cease and desist” or else face a fine.

Kindred’s Maltese subsidiary Trannel stands accused of allowing Norwegian customers to gamble, which according to Lotteritilsynet, violates Norway’s strict monopoly.

In response to the order, the group lodged an appeal, but this was rejected by the Oslo District Court. Nevertheless, Kindred has continued to operate as usual.

Events have now come to a head; Lotteritilsynet has followed through on its threat to impose a sanction fee, but the group intends to once again appeal.

“We will appeal the decision of Lotteritilsynet regarding the issuance of this sanction fee and will continue operating as usual, as long as the legal process is ongoing,” Henrik Tjärnström, CEO of Kindred, said.

Tjärnström went on to dispute the claim that Kindred even has operations in Norway, remarking: “We are licensed in Malta and believe that Norwegian customers under current European economic legislation have the right to play on foreign sites if they wish.”

Despite Kindred’s lack of success thus far in Norway’s legal system, Tjärnström is more optimistic regarding the group’s latest appeal.

“It is local courts in Norway that have ruled so far, and it is difficult to get the point across in the first points of call. But this is a bigger issue than just for those courts. It will show with the appeal where this ends up,” he said.

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Compliance Updates

MGCB Targets 11 Illegal Online Casinos Operating Without Licenses

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The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist orders to 11 illegal online gambling operators found to be targeting Michigan residents without proper state authorization. These unlicensed casinos—some based offshore, others operating from undisclosed or domestic locations—pose serious risks to consumers by skirting Michigan’s regulated gaming laws.

The casinos named in the enforcement action include the following:

Club Player Casino

7 Bets Casino

NinBet Casino

Cherry Jackpot Casino

PitBet

SlotsNBets

Bookmaker.eu

Wild Vegas Casino

VIP Slots Casino

Prism Casino

ABC Islands Casino

“These sites are operating illegally and without proper oversight, putting Michigan players at risk. We’re committed to shutting down unlicensed gambling operations and protecting the public from deceptive practices, unfair play, and financial harm,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

The named operators have been found to accept wagers from Michigan residents via a range of payment methods—including credit cards, digital wallets, and cryptocurrencies. Players may be subjected to questionable practices, such as the withholding of winnings, unrealistic wagering requirements, and denial of withdrawals.

In addition to financial concerns, these illegal operators are not required to follow the same rigorous data protection standards that are mandated in Michigan’s regulated market. As a result, players’ personal and financial information may be highly vulnerable when shared with these unlicensed platforms, increasing the risk of data breaches, identity theft, and other cybercrimes.

The MGCB has formally notified all 11 operators to immediately stop offering gambling services to Michigan residents. They have been given 14 days to comply. Continued violations may result in further enforcement, including collaboration with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to pursue legal action.

“This should serve as a strong warning to illegal operators: Michigan does not tolerate unauthorized gambling activity. We will continue our relentless pursuit of actively identifying and disrupting these operations,” Williams said.

“We want every patron in Michigan to have access to a fair and secure gambling experience. By eliminating illegal operators, we’re helping ensure the public can enjoy gaming without fear of fraud or abuse,” Williams added.

The post MGCB Targets 11 Illegal Online Casinos Operating Without Licenses appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Compliance Updates

Vlad-Cristian Soare Appointed as the New President of Romania’s Gambling Authority (ONJN)

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Mr. Vlad-Cristian Soare has been appointed as the new President of the National Office for Gambling (ONJN), replacing Mr. Gheorghe Gabriel Gheorghe, who stepped down from the position at his own request.

A lawyer by profession, Mr. Vlad-Cristian Soare has significant experience in the gambling sector, having served as the General Director of the Romanian National Lottery from 2021 to 2022. He has also held the position of President of FEDBET – the Federation of Gambling Organizers – since November 2022. In addition, Mr. Soare is a university lecturer at the University of Bucharest.

Given his extensive background in the gambling industry, it is expected that Mr. Soare will make impactful and beneficial decisions in his new role as President of ONJN.

The post Vlad-Cristian Soare Appointed as the New President of Romania’s Gambling Authority (ONJN) appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Anastasia Rimskaya

Aviatrix receives certifications in Brazil

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The award-winning crash game Aviatrix has received certification for Brazil’s online gaming market, ensuring full compliance in the market.

Aviatrix has been granted full Federal Certification to offer its games via licensed operators in the country. Meanwhile, Aviatrix has also acquired a dedicated certification for the state of Paraná.

This means Brazilian players can now enjoy the most innovative crash game on the market –  one that has already gained a loyal following across Latin America.

Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “This is a huge milestone for Aviatrix. Brazil is one of the most exciting, newly-regulated markets in the world. There is massive demand for high-quality content, and that’s why we know Aviatrix is going to thrive. We’re looking forward to bringing the game to the country via some world-class partners. Get ready for takeoff.”

Aviatrix has been rapidly expanding in Latin America over recent months, including in Peru and Colombia.

The company was also named ‘Rising Star in Casino’ at last year’s SBC Awards Latinoamérica.

The post Aviatrix receives certifications in Brazil appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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