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Compliance Updates

VNLOK Calls for Strict Action Against Illegal Providers and Balanced Approach to Gambling Regulation

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The latest impact assessment by the Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) shows that players on the legal market are increasingly being protected. Since the introduction of new playing limits and duty of care rules on 1 October 2024, fewer players are setting high limits and losing smaller amounts.

The number of accounts losing €1000 or more has dropped by over 75% to 0.9%. At the same time, the number of accounts per player remains stable (an average of 2.4 accounts per player). The so-called “hopping” behaviour between legal providers is therefore absent.

There are, however, worrying signals about a further growing illegal market. The previous report of the KSA already showed that for every euro gambled online, Dutch people spend €0.50 on illegal gambling sites. Now it appears that since the introduction of the new rules, the average monthly search volumes for illegal gambling sites have increased by 23% to almost 1 million. VNLOK warns: the control and protection of vulnerable players will be lost in this way. While the legal market is strictly regulated, the illegal supply remains too easily accessible for vulnerable players.

Björn Fuchs, chairman of VNLOKs, said: “It is good that the new rules for players who gamble legally are effective. At the same time, we cannot close our eyes to the other half: the illegal market. It is precisely the players who wager the most money and vulnerable groups, such as minors and young adults, who seem to continue to find their way to the illegal supply. That is precisely the group that is most at risk.”

VNLOK emphasized that an excess of new regulations will have undesirable effects. Fuchs added: “If well-intentioned regulation is piled on top of regulation, this will drive more players to the illegal supply. That is where – without any form of supervision or protection – major problems arise.”

VNLOK has called for strict action against illegal providers and for a balanced approach to regulation: effective where necessary, but without unnecessarily hindering the player and the legal supply. VNLOK urges that all findings from the latest impact assessment must be taken into account when creating new rules.

The post VNLOK Calls for Strict Action Against Illegal Providers and Balanced Approach to Gambling Regulation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Compliance Updates

Cyprus National Betting Authority Warns Public About Illegal Online Gambling and Misinformation

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The National Betting Authority (NBA) has urged the public to exercise caution and to verify the legitimacy of betting service providers exclusively through the official website: www.nba.gov.cy.

In recent weeks, the NBA has observed a rise in misinformation and the spread of false claims regarding the legality of certain websites offering online gambling services. Of particular concern is the sharp increase in advertisements for illegal online casinos on popular social media platforms. These operators have not obtained a licence to operate within the Republic of Cyprus. Equally troubling is the unauthorised use of images and videos of well-known individuals in such advertisements, without their consent.

The public is reminded that, under Cyprus’ gambling legislation, the operation of online casinos is strictly prohibited. Participation in these illegal activities poses serious risks, including threats to personal and banking data security, as well as potential harm to players’ financial stability and mental well-being.

According to Article 79 of the Betting Law 37(I)/2019:

• Players participating in illegal gambling or online casinos face up to 1 year in prison and/or a fine of up to €50,000.

• Individuals or companies providing illegal gambling services face up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to €300,000.

The NBA urges the public to verify information received through websites, apps, social media posts, or other advertisements before engaging with any gambling services. The official list of licensed online betting providers is available on the NBA’s website.

The post Cyprus National Betting Authority Warns Public About Illegal Online Gambling and Misinformation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Compliance Updates

CT Interactive Expands Presence with MGA-certified Game Portfolio

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CT Interactive has announced the certification of 20 new games under the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) regulatory framework, marking an important step in its ongoing expansion across regulated European markets. This certification empowers CT Interactive to offer its premium gaming portfolio to licensed operators throughout Malta and beyond.

The newly certified titles include several standout Buy Bonus games such as Doctor Winstein Buy Bonus, Duck of Luck Buy Bonus, Fruits & Sweets Buy Bonus, Hyper Cuber Buy Bonus, Nanook the White Ghost Buy Bonus, 100x Crypto Magic, 100x Fresh and 100x Coffee Hot. These games have demonstrated strong performance internationally and now bring their dynamic bonus features to an even wider audience.

A highlight of the new portfolio is Lucky Clover 10, a refreshed edition of CT Interactive’s most popular slot, Lucky Clover. Featuring vintage-inspired graphics and nostalgic gameplay elements, Lucky Clover 10 delivers a captivating experience that combines classic charm with modern vision.

“Providing new game titles certified under the MGA framework marks a key step in our regional growth strategy. This market demands high-quality, fully compliant content. Our portfolio of Buy Bonus games and refreshed classics like Lucky Clover 10 are ideally suited to meet the local preferences and deliver premium gaming experiences,” said Martin Ivanov, COO of CT Interactive.

This certification reinforces CT Interactive’s position as a trusted provider of regulation-ready gaming content, enabling operators to offer a diverse and engaging portfolio fully aligned with MGA requirements.

The post CT Interactive Expands Presence with MGA-certified Game Portfolio appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Arizona Department of Gaming

Arizona Department of Gaming Launches First-Ever Statewide Campaign to Empower and Protect Consumers

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The Arizona Department of Gaming has launched its first-ever statewide Public Education Campaign focused on protecting consumers, promoting public awareness, and reducing the harms associated with unregulated gambling. This is a significant milestone in the Department’s ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure a safe and responsible gaming environment.

Arizona offers a variety of legal, regulated gaming options throughout the state, including tribal casinos, event wagering, fantasy sports, and parimutuel wagering. For 30 years, ADG has safeguarded the integrity of Arizona’s gaming industry through rigorous oversight, licensing, and enforcement in accordance with the Tribal-State Gaming Compacts. This new campaign expands on that mission by educating Arizonans on how to avoid illegal gambling and access support services when needed.

The campaign is designed to inform and empower the public by emphasizing the risks of engaging with unlicensed operators and providing them with tools to identify legal, regulated options. It aims to reduce consumer vulnerability, prevent exploitation, and help individuals make informed decisions if they choose to participate in gaming activities.

The campaign kicks off with a series of Public Service Announcements (PSAs), developed in collaboration with the Arizona Media Association, which will be aired across TV, radio, print, and digital platforms. Available in both English and Spanish, the PSAs will:

• Educate the public on how to identify legal, regulated gaming operators in Arizona

• Emphasize consumer protection and the safeguards provided by regulated gaming environments

• Highlight the role regulated gaming plays in supporting Arizona communities and essential services

• Promote the 1-800-NEXT STEP helpline, which connects individuals to confidential, 24/7 support for problem gambling.

To complement the PSAs, ADG has launched the Check Your Bet webpage, which serves as a centralized resource to verify regulated gaming and access consumer protection tools. The webpage includes:

• A searchable list and interactive map of authorized Tribal Casinos in Arizona

• A searchable list and interactive map of licensed Event Wagering and Fantasy Sports Operators and their retail locations

• Information on Advanced Deposit Wagering Providers (ADWPs), Off-Track Betting (OTB) locations, and permitted horse racing tracks in Arizona

• How to access the Division of Problem Gambling’s Helpline, a confidential Problem Gambling Self-Screening Quiz, and additional supportive resources

• How to request Self-Exclusion, a voluntary program to prohibit oneself from Tribal Casinos and Event Wagering and Fantasy Sports Contests

• Guidance on submitting tips about suspected illegal gambling to the Department and filing consumer complaints with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

“We are proud to celebrate 30 years of providing world-class gaming regulation and consumer protection. This campaign is about empowering Arizonans who choose to participate in gaming with the knowledge to make informed, responsible decisions. As illegal and unregulated options on the market increase, the Check Your Bet webpage serves as a key resource for the public to verify licensed operators and access support. By directing viewers from our PSAs to this tool, we’re helping ensure people not only play safely, but also know where to turn if they or a loved one are struggling with problem gambling,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming.

Since its founding in 1995, the Department has worked tirelessly to ensure that Arizona’s gaming industry operates with transparency, integrity, and responsibility. The campaign will run through the end of March 2026 and reflects ADG’s commitment to a safe, transparent, and well-regulated gaming landscape in Arizona.

The post Arizona Department of Gaming Launches First-Ever Statewide Campaign to Empower and Protect Consumers appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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