Compliance Updates
MGCB Continues to Combat Casino-style Machines Used for Illegal Gambling
In a concerted effort to uphold the integrity of Michigan’s gaming industry and protect consumers from unregulated and illegal activities, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) continued to identify and remove casino-style gaming machines last year from businesses and dismantle illicit gambling operations.
Michigan law broadly prohibits any kind of gambling unless specifically authorized under state law, such as gambling machines operated within licensed casinos. Gaming machines have become a pressing concern with the potential to undermine the significant investments made by legitimate gaming establishments. Moreover, these unlawful operations often lack the necessary consumer safeguards that licensed and regulated establishments provide, leaving vulnerable individuals susceptible to unfair practices.
“Thanks to the vigilant supervision of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, last year agency personnel were able to target and disrupt several instances of illegal gambling activities that undermined the integrity of our legitimate, regulated gaming industry. With a commitment to maintaining fairness, transparency, and public trust, these proactive efforts were undertaken — thanks to many tips from concerned Michigan citizens — to ensure safe, regulated gambling environments. I encourage the public to please keep the tips coming, as we take each one very seriously,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said.
The MGCB hopes that by raising awareness about how they are acting on information and removing such machines, citizens and business owners will take note of the consequences of illegal gambling in Michigan. In 2023, 64 Michigan businesses received letters to cease illegal gambling, which led to 167 illegal gambling machines being removed and/or taken out of operation.
Substantial progress was also made in confiscating and liquidating assets connected to illegal gambling operations. These seizures not only cripple the financial networks sustaining illegal activities, but also serve as a deterrent for those considering engaging in such unlawful practices. As a result of MGCB investigations, and in partnership with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, 79 machines used for illegal gambling were seized last year. Nine individuals received criminal gambling convictions and 24 individuals were arraigned on illegal gambling charges.
The MGCB’s success last year in combating slot-style gambling machines, and holding the individuals involved responsible, serves as a stark reminder that illegal gambling activities will not be tolerated in Michigan.
Brais Pena Chief Strategy Officer at Easygo
Stake Goes Live in Denmark Following Five-Year Licence Approval
Stake, the largest online casino and sportsbook globally, today proclaims its official entry into Denmark after obtaining a five-year online casino and sports betting license. The shift reinforces Stake’s enduring dedication to enhancing its global growth strategy.
Denmark is often seen as a regulatory success within the European online gambling scene, and Stake has now introduced its flagship, internationally recognized product to the Danish market. Players will unlock access to Stake’s top-tier casino and sportsbook, showcasing exceptional games, cutting-edge technology, and an exceptional user experience, all provided with a strong local emphasis.
Starting 1 March 2026, Stake Denmark will set up its new headquarters at Parken Stadium, the national football stadium of Denmark and the home ground for FC Copenhagen.
Peter Eugen Clausen, Managing Director at Stake Denmark, said: “Denmark has one of the most well-regulated and competitive gaming markets in Europe, and that’s exactly what makes it so exciting. With Stake’s arrival, Danish players can expect a fresh, world-class experience backed by global scale and strong local focus. We’re raising the bar in terms of product, transparency, and entertainment, and I believe increased competition from brands like Stake will only drive the market forward in a positive way.”
Brais Pena, Chief Strategy Officer at Easygo, the technology company behind Stake, said: “Denmark marks our entry into the Nordics and represents a clear win in one of Europe’s most mature and high-value markets. With each new market, our momentum continues to build as we deliver on our global expansion strategy.”
Since its inception in 2017, Stake has positioned itself as the top betting and gaming brand globally by continually presenting advanced technology and novel gaming experiences for players around the globe. Upon entering Denmark, Stake maintains its dedication to player safety and responsible gaming, guaranteeing that gambling stays enjoyable, secure, and entertaining by providing extensive tools and resources that assist customers in comprehending and monitoring their gambling behavior.
The post Stake Goes Live in Denmark Following Five-Year Licence Approval appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Big Daddy Gaming
Big Daddy Gaming® Expands European Footprint After MGA Licence Approval
New achievement bolsters regulatory framework as studio speeds up European expansion.
Innovative slots studio Big Daddy Gaming® has obtained a B2B supplier license from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), representing a significant advancement in the studio’s plan to establish a solid, regulation-focused presence in Europe’s leading markets.
This accreditation allows Big Daddy Gaming to provide its expanding range of slot titles to MGA-licensed operators, greatly increasing the studio’s potential market and aiding its continuous commercial rollout in regulated territories.
The endorsement comes after Big Daddy Gaming’s recent attainment of regulatory approval from the Swedish Gambling Authority. This occurs during a time of significant early progress for the newly established studio, with multiple partnerships already in place with well-known operators and aggregators, highlighting the provider’s dedication to fostering long-lasting relationships with top-tier brands.
As a vital element of Big Daddy Gaming’s strategy for market entry, the studio has made certain that its technology, games, and operational procedures comply with one of Europe’s most stringent regulators.
The license further aids the ongoing launch of Big Daddy Gaming’s initial games, which are centered on the studio’s fundamental creative principle of Reel Fun. Real Value., merging recognizable, player-friendly features with a comedic angle, aimed at achieving high engagement and evident commercial success for operators.
The MGA approval signifies a crucial point in Big Daddy Gaming’s early business path, solidifying its role as a new studio dedicated to regulation, dependability, and sustainable growth while it broadens its presence in Europe’s regulated markets.
Erland Hellström, CEO at Big Daddy Gaming®, said: “Securing our MGA licence is an important step for us as we continue to build Big Daddy Gaming® with regulation at the forefront. From day one, our focus has been on creating a studio that operators can trust, both creatively and operationally.
“Malta is one of the most respected regulatory environments in the industry, and achieving this approval reflects the work our team has put into building compliant, market-ready slots. Combined with our recent progress in Sweden, it gives us a strong platform to continue scaling our content with confidence.”
The post Big Daddy Gaming® Expands European Footprint After MGA Licence Approval appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Australia
NSW: Hospitality and Racing Strategy 2026-28 and Regulatory Priorities 2026
Liquor & Gaming NSW has published the Hospitality and Racing Strategy 2026-28, setting a clear path for reducing harm, supporting responsible industry growth and meeting evolving community expectations. The Strategy outlines Hospitality and Racing’s vision, regulatory posture and strategic objectives.
It outlines three strategic objectives which will guide the work to support communities, individuals and the industry. The first is targeted harm reduction, using better data, education and engagement to focus on the areas where we can make the biggest difference.
The second is outcome‑focused, responsive regulation, by making use of streamlined, place‑based and community‑informed approaches that deliver meaningful, real-world outcomes.
Third is promoting modern tools, skilled teams and smart decisions, investing in its capability, improving how it uses data and supporting consistent decision making across hospitality and racing.
Regulatory Priorities 2026
Alongside the new strategy, Liquor & Gaming NSW has also issued its Regulatory Priorities 2026. This sets out where the department will be focusing its regulatory attention over course of the year. It provides transparency on Liquor & Gaming’s forward regulatory agenda and gives the industry the opportunity to proactively engage about the issues they are concerned about.
The post NSW: Hospitality and Racing Strategy 2026-28 and Regulatory Priorities 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
-
Amusnet5 days agoWeek 7/2026 slot games releases
-
Aphrodite’s Kiss5 days agoLove on the Reels: Slotland Introduces “Aphrodite’s Kiss”
-
Denmark7 days agoRoyalCasino Partners with ScatterKings for Company’s Danish Launch
-
Brino Games6 days agoQTech Games integrates more creative content from Brino Games
-
Baltics7 days agoEstonia to Reinstate 5.5% Online Gambling Tax From March 1
-
Booming Games7 days agoTreasure Hunt Revival — Booming Games Launches Gold Gold Gold Hold and Win
-
Bet Rite6 days agoSpintec Expands into Canada with Bet Rite
-
ELA Games6 days agoELA Games Unveils Tea Party of Fortune — A Magical Multiplier Experience



