Compliance Updates
Melco Cyprus becomes first European operator to receive RG Check accreditation

Melco Cyprus, operator of Cyprus Casinos (C2) and the upcoming integrated resort, City of Dreams Mediterranean, announces C2 has been accredited with the esteemed third-party accreditation for Responsible Gaming — RG Check, establishing C2 as the first in Europe to receive the endorsement. The achievement further establishes Melco as the first and only integrated resort operator in the world to be recognized by RG Check in all its jurisdictions of operations. The accreditation has been awarded to all four C2 venues, namely Limassol, Nicosia, Ayia Napa and Paphos. Tied to Melco’s commitment to safeguarding the community’s wellbeing is its effort to promote Responsible Gaming. Melco surpasses mandated regulatory requirements in all its jurisdictions of operation, and seeks continuous improvement to ensure a fair and safe experience for all guests.
C2’s RG Check accreditation is a demonstration of Melco’s commitment to Responsible Gaming across its global operations. As announced earlier, the Company was the first in Macau and the Philippines to attain RG Check certifications. Melco’s entire global portfolio, including Altira Macau, City of Dreams Macau, Studio City, City of Dreams Manila, and now Cyprus’ C2, are accredited by RG Check, making Melco the only operator to receive RG Check certifications for its entire portfolio in Macau, the Philippines and Cyprus.
Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman & CEO of Melco, said, “Melco is dedicated to being the industry’s leader in the promotion of Responsible Gaming. Providing a safe and fair gaming experience for guests continues to be at the core of the Company’s commitment to society. The sustainable development and continued implementation of a Responsible Gaming culture is prioritized within every jurisdiction that we operate. We wish to thank the RG Check organizers for the honor, and our colleagues in Cyprus for making this achievement possible.”
Ms. Shelley White, CEO of Responsible Gambling Council (RGC), said, “RGC is thrilled that Melco has once again demonstrated its commitment to responsible gaming by achieving the RG Check accreditation in Cyprus for each of its four operating Cyprus Casinos properties. This is the third jurisdiction in which Melco has successfully completed the RG Check Accreditation. Throughout this process, Melco has demonstrated its transparency as an operator and has made duty of care a priority in its operations. In particular, we commend Melco on a best in class score in the Standard Areas of RG Policy, Strategy and Culture which recognizes Melco’s strong responsible gaming leadership and its comprehensive and integrated approach to building a responsible gaming culture that demonstrates awareness of the potential harms caused by gambling, as well as prevention and mitigation measures. RG Check is an invaluable tool for managing risk and increasing the effectiveness of RG programming. RGC is proud to provide continuous support to Melco’s harm minimization efforts throughout their properties around the world.”
RG Check is the world’s most comprehensive and rigorous responsible gaming accreditation program. It is designed to meet or exceed all existing responsible gaming regulatory requirements and is valid for three years. Accreditation is reviewed by a prestigious and independent panel of responsible gaming specialists.
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Australia
ACMA Blocks More llegal Online Gambling Websites

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested the Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block more illegal online gambling sites, after investigations found these services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
The latest sites blocked include Casiny, CoinPoker, Crown Play, Fafabet9, SlotFred, Smart 93 and Vigor Spin.
Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling. Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 1251 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. Around 220 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal online gambling rules in 2017.
The post ACMA Blocks More llegal Online Gambling Websites appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
Norway Progress Party Renew Calls to End Gambling Monopoly

Norway’s state-run gambling model could soon face a major change. With the next general election scheduled for September 8, the Progress Party is renewing calls to end the national gambling monopoly.
Speaking at a May conference hosted by the Norwegian Online Gaming Association (Norsk Bransjeforening for Onlinespill), MP Silje Hjemdal reiterated her party’s long-standing position that Norway must move towards a liberalised market. The call echoes the Progress Party’s 2021 election manifesto and gains momentum as similar reforms unfold in neighbouring Finland.
Hjemdal, a member of the Storting’s family and culture committee, highlighted successful remote gambling frameworks in Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. While she stopped short of endorsing a specific model, she expressed admiration for Denmark’s regulatory setup.
“I haven’t landed on a concrete model, but what’s happening in Denmark is very exciting. I’d gladly take a study trip there to learn more,” she said.
She also pointed to the broader risks of maintaining the monopoly, noting that large sums of money continue to flow out of the country through unlicensed platforms.
“We are one of the very few countries left using this model. There’s a clear need for better regulation—under the current system, Norwegian sports and culture lose out as money is spent offshore,” Hjemdal added.
The Progress Party isn’t alone in pushing for change. The Conservative Party also supports opening Norway’s gambling market and included the proposal in its latest manifesto, released in September 2023.
Carl Stenstrøm, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Online Gaming Association, believes the upcoming election could prove decisive. In a previous interview, he described the current level of cross-party support as the strongest yet for ending the monopoly, with liberalisation potentially arriving by 2028.
The post Norway Progress Party Renew Calls to End Gambling Monopoly appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
MGCB Showcases National Leadership on Illegal Gaming Enforcement at 2025 NAGRA Conference

Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) Criminal Investigations Section Manager John Lessnau recently represented the agency at the 2025 North American Gaming Regulators Association (NAGRA) Annual Training and Education Conference, held June 2-5 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Lessnau presented a featured session titled “Case Study: Tackling the Illegal/Offshore Gaming Market” and facilitated a discussion on how Michigan is setting the standard nationwide in combatting illegal and unregulated gaming operations. His presentation outlined Michigan’s strategic enforcement model and collaborative approach to removing illegal gambling from the state and deterring bad actors from targeting Michigan consumers.
“Michigan is at the forefront of the national conversation on illegal gambling, and we were proud to share how our efforts are making a real impact. We’re leveraging every tool available—from anonymous tip lines and interagency partnerships to direct enforcement and public awareness—to crack down on illegal gaming operations that threaten consumer protection and undermine legal businesses,” MGCB Criminal Investigations Section Manager John Lessnau said.
To date, the MGCB has issued nearly 100 cease-and-desist letters to unauthorized gambling operators—including high-profile offshore websites—and continues to pursue new cases with more enforcement actions expected in the months ahead. These efforts underscore the agency’s commitment to upholding integrity in Michigan’s legal, regulated gaming market.
The MGCB’s aggressive stance on illegal and offshore gambling has drawn national recognition and strengthened its partnerships with regulatory peers across the US.
As part of the NAGRA conference, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams was honored with the 2025 Excellence in Gaming – Individual Award, recognizing his leadership in expanding responsible gaming outreach and fortifying criminal enforcement efforts. The award reflects the continued success of the MGCB under Williams’ direction and the agency’s role as a model for effective, transparent regulation.
The post MGCB Showcases National Leadership on Illegal Gaming Enforcement at 2025 NAGRA Conference appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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