Connect with us

Press Releases

Sweden urged to rethink restrictions as searches for ‘unlicensed casino’ surges 700%

Published

on

Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

New BonusFinder data shows 54 unlicensed operators already targeting Sweden and warns new proposals will put players at greater risk

 BonusFinder.com has urged the Swedish government to reconsider its proposals to introduce further restrictions on online gambling as a result of the pandemic or risk long-term consequences of a sharp increase in black market activity.

In a formal response to a consultation on the government’s proposals, BonusFinder warned that introducing stricter measures would lead to a long-lasting diversion of players to unlicensed sites and pose a greater risk to Swedish consumers, legal licensees and the licensed market in the future.  

BonusFinder has identified more than 54 unlicensed sites targeting Sweden compared to the 65 licensed operators, with the majority offering online casino. The research conducted by using Google Trends also found the number of searches for unlicensed casino brands targeting Sweden to have risen by 305% in the last 12 months.

The study also discovered that in the last 12 months searches for ‘casino utan licens’ (and other similar terms), saw a 710% growth compared to a 173% increase in ‘online casino’.

In March this year, initial BonusFinder research found that almost a third of Swedish online casino players are searching online for ‘unlicensed casinos’, with growing numbers turning to black-market brands due to the market’s restrictive gaming regulations, introduced in January 2019.

The Swedish government’s new plans include the introduction of stricter bonus limits of SEK100 (€8), as well as mandatory weekly deposit limits of SEK5,000 (€458) that would be in place for an initial six-month period from June 1.

Fintan Costello, Managing Director, Bonusfinder.com, said: “We understand the Swedish government has put forward its proposals with the best intentions to protect its citizens, but as our research has shown, the existing restrictive measures have resulted in a large number of players turning to unlicensed operators outside of the legal framework and without any protection. Channelisation rates are falling and unlicensed brands are booming.

“Our message to the government is to seriously reconsider its proposals. More stringent measures would only serve to further fuel the existing black market. The consequences of these actions would be felt for a long period of time as players lost to the illegal offering would not easily return to regulated sites once measures are lifted.”

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Brazil

WA. Technology Receives GLI Certification in Brazil for Casino Aggregator Product

Published

on

wa.-technology-receives-gli-certification-in-brazil-for-casino-aggregator-product
Global iGaming solutions provider, WA. Technology has earned Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) certification in Brazil for its casino aggregator product as it looks to expand its presence in South America.

Certification for its standalone casino aggregator product allows WA Technology to increase its range of integrated iGaming content supplied to operators in the Brazilian market.

This ever-expanding catalogue of content includes tens of thousands of games, cementing it as a more trusted partner for operators seeking to thrive in this market, with the added assurance that it fully complies with Brazilian regulatory requirements.

Meeting the necessary requirements for the casino product builds on WA Technology’s strong record in the region, where it already has an established presence and certified platform, with an experienced team of professionals based out of an office in Recife. This gives the business a unique understanding of the players in the country and the team to simplify any complexities that may arise for operators.

By making the aggregator a standalone product, the team can provide content to operators who are not already on the WA Technology platform, joining the likes of F12 Bet, which already uses the full turnkey sportsbook, casino and player account management.

The certification follows on from recent launches such as its Pick’Em player products for stats-led gameplay and Sportsbook Managed Service, to provide operators with more services and opportunities to grow.

Commenting on the certification, Phyllyp Sedicias, WA. Technology’s
Country Director for Brazil said: “This is a significant milestone for the business and signals our intent to expand further into the Brazilian market. I’m proud of the team’s hard work to secure this certificate and allow us to meet the market demands for casino games within this region.
“GLI certification for our casino aggregator product means we can now provide operators with additional opportunities to enhance their content through an experienced team with a proven track record in the region, which we look forward to growing our partnerships even further.”

The post WA. Technology Receives GLI Certification in Brazil for Casino Aggregator Product appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Continue Reading

Industry Awards

Awards Up For Grabs: ELA Games Shortlisted in Two Categories at SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025

Published

on

awards-up-for-grabs:-ela-games-shortlisted-in-two-categories-at-sigma-euro-med-awards-2025
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

The studio continues its momentum with two new nominations

ELA Games, a dynamic game development studio, is proud to announce its double nomination at the upcoming SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025 in the “Best Game Studio” and “Best Slot Game Provider” categories.

These nominations for two of the most prestigious categories at the event highlight a milestone year for ELA Games, marked by innovative developments, a growing portfolio, and key partnerships. Central to this recognition are standout titles including Shoot Happens, Juicy Crystal, and Joker Winpot. Each title has showcased the studio’s balance of creativity, visually rich design, and technical excellence.

Shoot Happens is a prime example of ELA Games’ progression as a game development studio. It’s a high-energy game that breaks from traditional game formats to give players more agency over their gameplay. Players face off against increasingly tougher and valuable opponents to fill up their “Winpot,” which they can then choose when to cash out. Shoot Happens reflects ELA Games’ ambitions to offer new experiences that connect with modern player preferences and provide high-performing content for operators.

Marharyta Yerina, ELA Games’ Managing Director, commented on the nominations, “The team has been in overdrive working on new titles and rethinking the online gaming landscape. Being nominated for two of the biggest categories at the SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025 is a testament to the entire team’s efforts to create engaging, visually rich content that’s genuinely fun to play. We look forward to the award ceremony results and continuing to push creative boundaries with new, exciting games!”

Voting is open for the SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025.

The post Awards Up For Grabs: ELA Games Shortlisted in Two Categories at SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Playzia secures strategic UK market deal with Midnite, bringing Love Island-themed games to players

Published

on

playzia-secures-strategic-uk-market-deal-with-midnite,-bringing-love-island-themed-games-to-players
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

Playzia, a rapidly growing force in the iGaming industry, is thrilled to announce a landmark partnership with Midnite, one of the UK’s fastest-growing operators. This agreement significantly expands Playzia’s presence in the UK’s highly competitive and regulated market while delivering a wave of new, engaging content to Midnite players, headlined by Playzia’s new Love Island games.

As part of this strategic deal, Midnite will offer its UK players access to Playzia’s full portfolio of in-house developed titles, including player-favorites such as Grand Ocean Megaways™, Zeus’s Thunderstrike, Billionaire Buffalo Hold ‘n Win, and Piggy Clusters.

The partnership will also introduce Midnite’s audience to Playzia’s much-anticipated Love Island-branded content, launching this summer to coincide with the 2025 season of the hit ITV Studios reality show. The recently launched flagship title, Love Island – Love in a Spin, is an exclusive online slot created under a three-year licensing agreement with Zoo 55, part of ITV Studios, which will produce a total of 10 Love Island Games.

Joe Caetano, Head of Commercials at Playzia, commented on the partnership: “Teaming up with Midnite is a significant milestone as we expand our footprint in regulated markets, particularly the UK. Midnite is known for delivering cutting-edge betting experiences to its players, making them an ideal partner for our games. We are especially excited to bring our new Love Island titles to their platform just in time for this summer’s series. It is the perfect moment for UK players to step into the villa and experience something truly unique.”

Midnite’s Senior Casino Manager, Chelsea Pinho, said: “We are constantly striving to enhance the Midnite casino experience for our players and this partnership adds to our rich offering of content. We are particularly excited to offer a selection of Love Island games – including Love in a Spin – and I am sure they will be a perfect match for our players. At Midnite, we are passionate about bringing fans closer to the games they love – or in this case a TV show they love.”

This latest agreement further cements Playzia’s reputation as an innovative, top-tier content supplier with a roadmap that spans slots, crash, instant win, table, and probability-based games. With its strong focus on localised, branded content and new gameplay mechanics, Playzia is poised to deliver unforgettable experiences to players in the UK and beyond.

The deal also follows Playzia’s recent industry recognition, with nominations in the Slot Supplier (Under 5 Years) and Software Rising Star categories at the prestigious EGR B2B Awards 2025.

The post Playzia secures strategic UK market deal with Midnite, bringing Love Island-themed games to players appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending