Compliance Updates
Merkur Group Granted a Manufactures and Distributors License in the State of Nevada

Merkur Gaming US, a subsidiary of the German-based Merkur Group, has been granted a license to manufacture and distribute its gaming products in the state of Nevada – thereby gaining access to one of the leading casino markets in the US.
In addition, the Nevada Gaming Commission has approved Merkur’s acquisition of Gaming Arts LLC, a licensed Nevada-based gaming operator headquartered in Las Vegas and a trusted strategic partner of the German gaming specialist. It is anticipated that the transaction will close in early Q3 2025.
“This license represents a key strategic lever for expanding our international business and lay the foundation for a stable and successful long-term future for the entire Group,” said Lars Felderhoff, Chairman of the Management Board of the Merkur Group.
Michael Gauselmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Merkur Group, said: “With approval from Nevada, this moment serves to highlight and underscore the Merkur Group’s legally compliant and forward-looking approach in all areas without exception.”
With the words “Welcome back to the industry,” the Nevada Gaming Commission sent off the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board – wishing them a successful future.
In addition to obtaining the license, the approval for the acquisition of Gaming Arts LLC represents another pivotal key element for the Merkur Group in officially re-entering the North American market as a certified manufacturer. The two companies have enjoyed a trusted strategic partnership that has already yielded mutually beneficial synergies. After thorough preparation, this collaboration will soon culminate in the acquisition by the Merkur Group.
“The close and constructive partnership with Gaming Arts LLC has significantly contributed over the past months to successfully establishing all necessary prerequisites for the licensing as well as the upcoming acquisition. We are deeply grateful for the excellent cooperation,” Felderhoff said.
Applying for the Nevada license was a logical step in the Merkur Group’s intensified international expansion strategy.
“Business conditions in our home market, Germany, have become increasingly challenging due to tightening regulatory frameworks. Nevertheless, together with the entire industry, we remain confident in the long-term prospects of the German gaming market,” Felderhoff said.
“Our many years of experience and our sustained success provide a solid foundation for intensifying our focus on international gaming markets and establishing the Merkur brand abroad.
“Our re-entry into the North American casino market will significantly accelerate the international growth of the Merkur Group and place it on an even more solid footing,” Felderhoff concluded.
David Colvin, owner of Gaming Arts LLC, said: “We congratulate Merkur for achieving this outstanding milestone and we welcome them to the state of Nevada.”
The post Merkur Group Granted a Manufactures and Distributors License in the State of Nevada appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Compliance Updates
Former Playtech Director of Internal Audit & Risk Joins eGaming Integrity

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eGaming Integrity is delighted to announce the appointment of Robert Penfold as Head of Internal Audit, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support Isle of Man licence holders in responding to increasing regulatory scrutiny and upholding the island’s reputation for integrity.
Robert brings with him more than two decades of high-level experience in governance, risk, audit, and compliance across global gaming and financial services organisations. Most notably, Robert spent over eight years as Director of Internal Audit & Risk at Playtech plc, the world’s largest online gaming software and services supplier listed on the London Stock Exchange. In this role, he was a member of Playtech’s Audit, Risk and Governance Committees, overseeing global audit programmes and supporting the business in meeting complex regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
Robert has also held senior positions at bwin.party digital entertainment plc, where he led global risk management across regulated markets including Spain, Denmark, Italy, Belgium, France, and Gibraltar. More recently, he was engaged as Governance, Risk & Compliance Manager at the Isle of Man Government’s Attorney General Chambers, where he implemented new risk frameworks and data governance processes across multiple divisions.
Emma Shilling, Director at eGaming Integrity, commented: “This is a landmark appointment for us. Robert’s depth of experience, particularly his years at the helm of audit and risk at Playtech, represents a real step change for eGaming Integrity and our clients. His appointment evidences our commitment to providing heavyweight, board-level expertise to Isle of Man licence holders at a time when regulatory scrutiny has never been higher.”
Robert Penfold added: “I’m thrilled to be joining eGaming Integrity at such a pivotal time for the sector. I’ve spent much of my career working to ensure organisations not only meet regulatory requirements but build strong, resilient frameworks that protect their businesses and customers. I look forward to working with Emma and the team to help our clients strengthen their compliance and governance cultures.”
Robert’s appointment adds further depth to eGaming Integrity’s team of industry experts and former regulators, reinforcing its position as the Isle of Man’s leading provider of mock audits, remediation, and internal audit services for the island’s eGaming licence holders.
The post Former Playtech Director of Internal Audit & Risk Joins eGaming Integrity appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
Dutch Gambling Authority Imposes Penalty on Three Gambling Influencers

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The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has imposed a penalty on three gambling influencers. These influencers are Stiefunspeelt, Turcos and Buurtwachtt. The penalty is a follow-up to previously announced steps by the KSA to take stricter action against influencers. Because influencers often appeal to a young and therefore vulnerable target group, it is crucial to combat this content.
Influencers Stiefunspeelt, Turcos, and Buurtwachtt posted videos on their social media platforms featuring gambling with illegal providers. They also actively promoted gambling by encouraging their followers to also gamble with these illegal providers. The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KSA) has previously explicitly reminded all three influencers that creating videos promoting illegal gambling is prohibited. Therefore, the KSA imposed a penalty on all three influencers. This requires them to remove existing content within 48 hours and prohibits them from creating new advertisements for illegal providers. If they do so, the influencer who committed the violation will receive a penalty of €25,000 per violation, with a maximum of €75,000.
The KSA continues to closely monitor these types of violations and emphasizes that young people must be protected from this type of content about illegal gambling.
The post Dutch Gambling Authority Imposes Penalty on Three Gambling Influencers appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Africa
DigiPlus Applies for South Africa License

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DigiPlus Interactive has filed its license applications with the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB) in South Africa. This move advances DigiPlus’ entry into one of the most promising regulated online gaming markets globally.
DigiPlus has applied for three operator licenses in South Africa: a National Manufacturer License, a Bookmaker License and a Bookmaker Premises License. The WCGRB is regarded as the preferred jurisdiction for international operators like DigiPlus due to its transparent regulatory processes and digital readiness.
“The filing of our online gaming license in South Africa marks another milestone in DigiPlus’ global growth journey, as we bring our proven track record of innovation, responsible gaming, and player protection, together with our strength in localizing games for diverse markets, to one of Africa’s most dynamic economies,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco.
This milestone shortly follows DigiPlus’ launch in Brazil on September 22 with its first international brand GamePlus.
The post DigiPlus Applies for South Africa License appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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