Compliance Updates

Minnesota Senate Committee Advances Sports Betting Bill

Published

2 years ago

March 19, 2024

minnesota-senate-committee-advances-sports-betting-bill

The Senate Tax Committee advanced legislation authored by Senator Matt Klein (DFL – Mendota Heights) to legalize Sports Betting in Minnesota. This was the second time the bill has been heard in Taxes, after making a stop last year. The hearing focused on changes to tax rates and revenue disbursements.

Senator Aric Putnam (DFL – St. Cloud) offered an amendment that made several major tax and revenue related changes, which were adopted by voice vote. The tax rate was changed to 20% on net revenues from sports betting. Revenues as a result of that change would then be dispersed to:

(1) 20% for tax relief for charitable gaming organizations,

(2) 10% for treatment and awareness programs for problem wagering,

(3) 15% for Explore Minnesota Tourism for large sporting events,

(4) 5% to the Minnesota Racing Commission for racetracks,

(5) 5% for the Minnesota State High School League for youth sports and activities,

(6) and the remainder to the general fund.

Senator Klein said: “The changes made in Senate Taxes Committee today have made this a better bill for Minnesotans. I am thankful for the committee’s thoughtful consideration of this legislation and willingness to work toward the best balance of needs and interests.

“As a result of this work, we are now able to support our allied charities who engage in gaming so they can continue the good work they do for our state. We are also able invest in the state high school league’s ability to foster participation in a wider array of activities, attract more large sporting events to Minnesota, and continue to focus efforts on problem wagering awareness.”

SF1949 passed the Senate Taxes Committee as amended and was referred to the Senate Finance Committee.

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Baltics

Expanse Studios Secures Certification for Estonia and Latvia Markets

Published

13 hours ago

March 12, 2026

Wladimir P.

expanse-studios-secures-certification-for-estonia-and-latvia-markets

Expanse Studios, a subsidiary of Meridian Holdings, announced that it has received certification enabling the commercial deployment of its content across Estonia and Latvia.

Gaming Associates, a UKAS-accredited testing laboratory (accreditation number 9263), certified Candy’s Bonanza and Leprechaun’s Wish as compliant with the technical standards established by Baltic regulatory authorities. This certification allows the games to be deployed on licensed gaming platforms operating within these jurisdictions.

The Baltic certifications advance Expanse Studios’ systematic expansion across regulated European markets where formal certification processes create entry barriers for B2B content providers. Estonia and Latvia operate structured regulatory frameworks requiring independent technical verification before content deployment on licensed platforms.

Regulatory certification processes in European markets typically require 8-12 months and substantial compliance investment, creating competitive advantages for studios maintaining multi-jurisdictional certification capabilities.

“This certification gives us a solid foundation for further growth in this part of Europe. The approvals in the Baltics allow operators to go live more quickly, and they reflect the way we approach regulated markets. We focus on building compliant, reliable distribution capabilities that create real long-term value,” said Damjan Stamenkovic, CEO of Expanse Studios.

The post Expanse Studios Secures Certification for Estonia and Latvia Markets appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Compliance Updates

NCPG Strongly Endorses Introduction of Bipartisan POINTS Act

Published

14 hours ago

March 12, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

ncpg-strongly-endorses-introduction-of-bipartisan-points-act

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) endorsed the introduction of the bipartisan Providing Opportunities for Individuals In Need of Treatment & Support (POINTS) Act, led by Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN), Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA), and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA). The POINTS Act is the first bipartisan legislation introduced in Congress in 15 years to address problem gambling among the general population.

The legislation would create the first dedicated federal funding stream to support prevention, screening, intervention, and treatment services for individuals at risk of or experiencing gambling addiction. If passed, the POINTS Act would reallocate one-third of the existing federal excise tax on sports wagers (0.25% of handle), generating an estimated $100 million annually without raising or creating new taxes. Federal excise tax revenue from sports wagering exceeded $150 million in FY2024 and reached an estimated $300 million in FY 2025.

“Gambling addiction can quietly devastate families. The financial damage and emotional strain often build over time and affect far more than the person placing the bet. I’ve seen how those consequences can impact loved ones and communities. As access to sports betting and online gambling grows, we have a responsibility to confront the addiction that can follow. The POINTS Act directs existing federal gaming revenue toward prevention, treatment, and recovery programs to help people get back on their feet,” said Rep. Erin Houchin.

“As sports betting and online gambling continue to expand across the country, we have a responsibility to ensure people struggling with addiction are not left behind. Gambling addiction can devastate individuals and families, yet too many communities still lack the resources needed to provide prevention, treatment, and recovery support. The POINTS Act helps close that gap by investing existing gambling excise tax revenue into programs that expand care, raise awareness, and connect people to the help they need,” said Rep. Andrea Salinas.

“The POINTS Act recognizes that gambling addiction is a public health issue requiring a coordinated national response. States and tribes need stable federal support to expand access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services. This legislation provides a responsible and sustainable funding mechanism to meet that need,” said Heather L. Maurer, Executive Director of NCPG.

The post NCPG Strongly Endorses Introduction of Bipartisan POINTS Act appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Arizona Department of Gaming

BETER Obtains Supplier License to Operate in Arizona

Published

15 hours ago

March 12, 2026

Wladimir P.

beter-obtains-supplier-license-to-operate-in-arizona

BETER, the acclaimed provider of live streaming, data, and odds for esports and sports, has expanded into a new US state following the receipt of the Event Wagering Supplier License from the Arizona Department of Gaming.

The supplier license enables BETER to provide its quick-betting content, featuring live streams and live data, to licensed operators in the state for the first time, which includes its exclusive ESportsBattle tournaments and Setka Cup table tennis series.

Both are currently active with the tier-one operator bet365, which has been a long-term partner of BETER. Arizona marks the seventh state where BETER is licensed as the company expands its presence in both the state and the broader US market. BETER holds certifications in North Carolina, New Jersey, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, and Colorado as well.

BETER provides round-the-clock live streaming, instantaneous data, and highly precise odds for over 700,000 rapid events each year, offering as many as 50 markets per event with an average operator margin exceeding 7.5%.

Its esports portfolio features ESportsBattle tournaments that showcase eFootball, eBasketball, eHockey, and eTennis, and its sports portfolio includes the Setka Cup series along with the BSKT Cup basketball league.

Gal Ehrlich, CEO of BETER, said: “Securing regulatory approval in Arizona is a pivotal moment in our ongoing US expansion strategy. This marks our seventh state, and we are incredibly proud to continue our trajectory of growth in one of the world’s most dynamic betting markets.

“Our mission has always been to provide operators with the most reliable, high-velocity content available, and receiving the green light from the regulator is a testament to the integrity and quality of our offering.

“We are thrilled to kick off this journey with bet365 and look forward to bringing our industry-leading esports and sports content to even more Arizona players in the near future.”

Valeriia Tarchynska, Chief Legal Officer at BETER, added: “We are proud to announce that we have successfully completed the process of obtaining the Event Wagering Supplier License in the state of Arizona.

The process took us a total of eight months and was one of the most challenging journeys for our team. However, thanks to the dedication and expertise of our legal and integrity teams, we successfully navigated it.

This milestone strengthens our commitment to delivering reliable, compliant, and transparent products to our clients.

“We continue to actively work on securing regulatory approvals in key jurisdictions, including Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois, among others.”

The post BETER Obtains Supplier License to Operate in Arizona appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.