Compliance Updates
W2 Identifies Key Statistics from Financial Risk Checks to Support Gambling Operators
Regtech orchestration platform provider, W2, has identified key statistics within their financial risk check solution to help operators understand the affordability of their customers and support player protection initiatives.
W2, the provider of leading regulatory compliance services to the gambling industry, has identified keys statistics relating to High-Cost Short-Term loans within its financial risk affordability solution. With the release of the gambling industry white paper last week, gambling operators must now prepare to implement financial risk checks when customers hit certain net loss limits.
The solution combines data assets from multiple sources at the individual, demographic, and geographic levels on a ‘where available’ basis and has been built to provide as clear a picture as possible in a way that is not intrusive to the player. Operators can customise data consumption either through API integration at onboarding, or trigger based on various markers of harm (MOH).
One of the 50+ data indicators included in the solution analyses data on High-Cost Short-Term loans. This is key data for operators to have access to as consumers who are considering using loans to pay for critical costs such as bills and debt may not have the means to gamble.
When comparing a batch trial completed in 2023 vs. 2022, the results of High-Cost Short-Term or payday loans were staggering. W2 has identified the following statistics:
- High Interest Short Term loan enquiries to pay for bills increased by 1700%.
- High Interest Short Term loan enquiries to pay for debt increased by 1000%.
- High Interest Short Term loan enquiries for short term cash increased by 1050%
Warren Russell, CEO & Founder at W2 commented “The results of this batch trial when compared to data from 2022 is clear evidence that the cost-of-living crisis is hurting. The sheer number of consumers needing loans to pay for day-to-day costs is certainly the type of data which can be helpful to operators when implementing their player protection initiatives.
We are pleased that the long-awaited gambling white paper has now been released to give operators guidance on how best to comply with updated regulation. It is also promising that financial risk checks are going to play a key part in a safer gambling industry. W2’s financial risk solution has been specifically developed with the needs of gambling operators in mind, and we are looking forward to being able to provide this to the industry.”
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The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist letters to four unlicensed online casinos—Betty Wins, Orbit Spins, Pacific Spins Casino, and Yabby Casino—all operated by Tech Zone Inc., a company registered offshore in the Union of Comoros.
The enforcement action is part of the MGCB’s ongoing commitment to protect Michigan residents from illegal gambling platforms that lack oversight, player safeguards, and responsible gaming protections.
“These offshore operators lure players with flashy ads and promises of big winnings, but in reality, they put consumers at serious financial and personal risk. We will continue to take strong action against unlicensed sites to ensure gambling in Michigan is legal, fair, and secure,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of MGCB.
Under Michigan law, only MGCB-licensed operators are authorized to offer internet gaming and sports betting. Tech Zone’s four brands were found to be illegally targeting Michigan residents, violating the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and sections of the Michigan Penal Code.
“Illegal operators may use familiar branding or social media ads to appear trustworthy. But if the site isn’t licensed by the MGCB, it isn’t safe. We encourage all players to check before they bet,” Williams said.
The post MGCB Orders Four Offshore Online Casinos to Cease Operations in Michigan appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
CT Interactive is strengthening its presence in Romania’s regulated iGaming market by certifying 20 new games, bringing its total portfolio in the country to 101 titles. This is a significant achievement in the company’s European growth strategy.
Among the new certified releases are fan favorites such as Lucky Clover 10, the latest addition to the beloved Clover series featuring vintage-inspired graphics and nostalgic design elements, and 20 Mega Star, a classic fruit-themed slot that combines familiar gameplay with modern visuals to keep players engaged. Both titles have already proven their success across multiple international markets with strong player engagement.
Additionally, CT Interactive is launching its new Buy Bonus product line in the Romanian market. This exciting lineup includes Doctor Winstein Buy Bonus, Duck of Luck Buy Bonus, Fruits & Sweets Buy Bonus, Nanook the White Ghost Buy Bonus, and Hyper Cuber Buy Bonus — all offering thrilling bonus features and enhanced gameplay tailored to local player preferences.
“Certification in Romania is an important part of our European growth strategy,” said Martin Ivanov, COO of CT Interactive. “This expansion not only strengthens our presence but also enables us to offer a diverse and premium range of content to the regulated Romanian market.”
With these new certifications, CT Interactive continues to be a trusted provider of engaging gaming content, offering Romanian operators a broad range of advanced titles fully aligned with local regulatory standards.
The post CT Interactive grows its certified portfolio in Romania appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
American Gaming Association
MDC Issues Commentary as U.S. Gambling Enters “Regulatory Reset” Following $148 Billion Wagered
Minimum Deposit Casinos (MDC) has issued an expert commentary on what it calls a “regulatory reset” in the U.S. gambling sector, as lawmakers and regulators respond to explosive growth in consumer betting behavior. According to the American Gaming Association, Americans wagered a record $148 billion on sports in 2024. This surge has sparked new scrutiny from both federal and state-level authorities.
Recent legislative efforts in New York, Louisiana, and Montana have targeted sweepstakes-based casinos and skill-based betting formats. Proposed changes include tighter bet size limits, stricter advertising rules, and licensing reforms aimed at reducing player harm and increasing transparency.
“The regulatory environment is catching up with consumer behavior. There’s growing concern over how online gambling is marketed, accessed, and governed. Areas like responsible gaming, ad targeting, and instant deposits are now being looked at much more critically,” said a spokesperson at MDC.
According to the latest figures from the American Gaming Association, U.S. commercial gaming revenue reached $19.44 billion in Q2 2025, marking a 9.8% increase compared to the same period last year. Online casino gaming accounted for $2.6 billion of that total, reflecting a 32.3% year-over-year jump. The numbers underscore continued momentum for digital platforms even as regulations tighten.
MDC’s commentary urges both players and operators to stay ahead of the curve. As laws evolve, demand is rising for licensed platforms that offer low-deposit access, better responsible gambling tools, and full regulatory compliance.
The post MDC Issues Commentary as U.S. Gambling Enters “Regulatory Reset” Following $148 Billion Wagered appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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