Compliance Updates

Spanish Gambling Regulator Launches Consultation on Loot Box Ban

Published

5 years ago

February 23, 2021

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Spanish gambling regulator the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) has opened a consultation asking whether loot boxes should require new regulation, be regulated as gambling products or prohibited entirely.

The DGOJ pointed out that loot boxes have “quickly become a very relevant business model” in both paid and free-to-play games.

It said around half of the mobile games and 35% of computer games contain the mechanic. Loot boxes are “blind-boxed” items that players purchase for a fee, for the chance to obtain valuable in-game items.

It also said that loot boxes share many features with gambling products, including “near misses” and “losses disguised as wins.”

The regulator explained that under Spain’s Gambling Act, gambling involves payment for participation, chance in determining the result and a prize transferred to the winner.

The DGOJ, therefore, said loot boxes could clearly be considered gambling. This depended on whether the purchase of the box was an action distinct from purchase of the game, if the prize depended on chance and if the prize could be exchanged – inside or outside of the game – for money.

“This legal definition, known and assimilated by all entities with activity related to gambling and betting, is also applicable to loot boxes. It is irrelevant if that reward is a cosmetic improvement in the video game or competitive advantage for the player who obtains it,” DGOJ said.

The consultation lasts until March 31, with the regulator accepting submissions by email.

Compliance

The Mill Adventure wins GLI-19 certification ahead of Ontario market entry

Published

4 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Wladimir P.

the-mill-adventure-wins-gli-19-certification-ahead-of-ontario-market-entry

The Mill Adventure has obtained GLI-19 certification as it prepares to enter regulated online gaming in Ontario, a key step in the platform provider’s North American expansion plans.

The company said the certification supports technical compliance requirements common across regulated North American markets, including platform functionality, reporting processes, KYC measures and geolocation. GLI-19 is a technical standard used for interactive gaming systems.

The milestone comes ahead of The Mill Adventure’s planned launch with its first client in Ontario. The company said it will build on experience in multiple European regulated jurisdictions as it targets further growth in North America.

The Mill Adventure also pointed to recent developments including the launch of Dutch operator Winz.nl and a wider integration with Optimove’s CRM suite.

Bjørnar Heggernes, Chief Commercial Officer at The Mill Adventure, said: “Achieving GLI-19 certification reinforces that our platform and compliance framework are built to support the complexity regulated operators face in markets like Ontario, without compromising performance or scalability.

“Our focus is not simply on entering North America, but on becoming a long-term technical partner for operators looking to scale efficiently across regulated jurisdictions.”

The post The Mill Adventure wins GLI-19 certification ahead of Ontario market entry appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Alberta

EveryMatrix gets conditional AGLC approval ahead of Alberta iGaming launch

Published

4 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Wladimir P.

everymatrix-gets-conditional-aglc-approval-ahead-of-alberta-igaming-launch

EveryMatrix has received conditional licensing approval from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) to offer its iGaming technology in Alberta.

The approval allows the supplier to provide casino and sports platform technologies to licensed operators in the province, which is expected to launch a regulated iGaming market in July. Alberta would become Canada’s second regulated iGaming territory after Ontario.

At launch, EveryMatrix said it will offer titles from its in-house studio Fantasma Games and aggregated content, with plans to expand its portfolio over time.

The company said the Alberta approval adds to its North American licensing footprint, which includes Ontario (since 2022) and US states New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. EveryMatrix also said it has signed agreements to deliver platform and in-house gaming content in Alberta.

Rani Axon, Market Manager, North America, EveryMatrix, said: “Entering Alberta marks an exciting step for the Group as we expand further into one of North America’s most attractive regulated markets. This approval shows the strength of our compliance team and our readiness to meet regulatory requirements in any market.”

The post EveryMatrix gets conditional AGLC approval ahead of Alberta iGaming launch appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

AGLC

EveryMatrix secures licensing approval in Alberta Canada

Published

5 hours ago

May 19, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

everymatrix-secures-licensing-approval-in-alberta-canada

EveryMatrix has received conditional licensing approval from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) to offer its iGaming technology in the Canadian province, marking another step in the company’s expansion across North America.

The approval enables the Group to provide its award-winning casino and sports platform technologies to licensed operators in Alberta, soon to become Canada’s second regulated iGaming territory following Ontario.

Alberta’s regulated iGaming market is expected to launch in July this year, opening the door for licensed operators to enter the province under its new framework.

At launch EveryMatrix will offer premium titles from its in-house studio, Fantasma Games, as well as aggregated content with further opportunities to expand its portfolio.

The approval further strengthens EveryMatrix’s position as a tier-1 provider in North America, where it already holds licences in multiple North American jurisdictions, including Ontario since 2022, New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.

With a population of approximately five million, high digital adoption, and one of the strongest GDP per capita profiles in North America, Alberta is a high-potential iGaming jurisdiction.

EveryMatrix has already secured commercial opportunities in the province, with agreements in place to deliver both platform and in-house gaming content.

The post EveryMatrix secures licensing approval in Alberta Canada appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.