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Compliance Updates

EGBA Concern at Reported Size of Online Gambling Black Market in Italy

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Italy’s black market for online gambling is estimated to be worth nearly €1 billion per year: equivalent to the combined regulated online gambling revenue of 8 other EU countries. The country’s ban on gambling advertising is clearly favouring the black market and should be revised.

According to a recent report, the value of bets placed by Italian gamblers on the black market is estimated to be a staggering €25 billion per year, with €18.5 billion of this amount, or 75%, spent on unlicensed gambling websites.

Based on these figures, EGBA estimates that nearly €1 billion in online gross gaming revenue in Italy is lost to black market websites annually, equivalent to the combined regulated online gambling revenue of 8 other EU countries. What is concerning is that it means many Italian players will be betting on websites that are based outside of the EU, which do not offer them even a basic level of consumer protection.

Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) has already taken action by blocking over 9800 unlicensed gambling websites this year alone. This number is already 400 more than the total blocked in 2022, highlighting the increasing scale of the problem.

The protection of customers is a key priority for EGBA and it stands against gambling websites that target the EU market but operate outside EU law and fail to provide necessary consumer safeguards for Europeans. It is crucial that the Italian authorities do more to raise awareness among Italian gamblers about the risks associated with using unlicensed platforms based outside the EU, and to signpost the licensed operators who adhere to the regulated responsible gambling practices and regulations in the country.

“The significant size of Italy’s online black market is concerning, yet it is not surprising given that Italy has one of Europe’s strictest advertising regimes for its licensed gambling companies. The country’s ban on advertising for licensed gambling operators is clearly favouring the black market. Without a sufficient level of advertising, there is no real way for Italians to tell the difference between a gambling website which is licensed in Italy – and applies the country’s consumer protection rules – and one that is not. It is evident that enforcement action against black market operators is not sufficient, and that the government needs to revise its advertising rules for gambling to ensure Italian citizens can be well-informed about the licensed websites in the country,” Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, said.

Compliance Updates

Playtech Enters Connecticut iGaming Market

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Playtech has expanded into Connecticut, marking its entry into the sixth regulated iGaming state, continuing the company’s strong upward trajectory in the US.

Having been granted an Online Gaming Service Provider licence by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, expansion into the state further accelerates Playtech’s U.S. growth, strengthening multi‑state partnerships with licensed operators in the process.

After launching in Delaware late last year, this latest step reflects Playtech’s commitment to scaling in all regulated markets as demand continues to build across the US’ iGaming landscape.

With this launch, players in Connecticut will now have access to Playtech’s portfolio of high-quality award-winning iGaming content, including a combination of bespoke and exclusive titles that have deeply resonated with audiences in other regulated U.S. markets.

Jonathan Doubilet, General Manager, USA at Playtech, said: “We are thrilled to expand our presence into a sixth U.S. state. Connecticut is a well-established iGaming market with a vast player-base that we anticipate will engage strongly with our first-class offering. It’s a source of pride that our most valued partners continue to place trust in us to reach the high standards the U.S. iGaming market demands.”

The post Playtech Enters Connecticut iGaming Market appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

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GLI Becomes the First Company Accredited by PAGCOR to Test and Certify iGaming Platforms in the Philippines

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Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has been named an Independent Testing Laboratory (ITL) by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). GLI is the first gaming testing company to achieve the accreditation and is now authorised to test and certify iGaming platforms in the Philippines.

GLI will bring its global and unsurpassed expertise to the Philippines, helping to ensure PAGCOR meets its policy and regulatory objectives as set out in its rules. GLI’s presence and its GLI-19 Standard will also help suppliers who wish to successfully and compliantly enter the marketplace.

Submissions will be tested against “GLI Standard Series GLI-19: Standards for Interactive Gaming Systems,” which has been widely accepted and adopted by jurisdictions around the world.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said: “Regulated gaming markets ensure a safer and more sustainable gaming industry for all to participate in. A regulated market enables compliance to responsible gaming standards and the provision of tax revenue for reinvestment back into the community. PAGCOR now requires all iGaming B2B suppliers operating in the Philippines to be accredited to ensure they comply to the rigorous requirements needed to protect iGaming players. We are pleased to acknowledge GLI as the first testing and game certification provider to be accredited in the Philippines under this new framework. GLI is a global leader in regulatory advisory, iGaming and EGM testing / certification, and data security.”

GLI President and CEO James R. Maida said: “We are grateful to PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco and to the entire PAGCOR team for the trust they continue to place in GLI. Under the Chairman’s skillful leadership, the market in the Philippines has improved steadily, and we are honored to be the first company to be accredited for iGaming testing and certification, and we look forward to working side- by-side with PAGCOR to meet their policy objectives.”

The post GLI Becomes the First Company Accredited by PAGCOR to Test and Certify iGaming Platforms in the Philippines appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Digitain Secures Manufacturer and Importer Licences in Bulgaria

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Digitain has successfully obtained both Manufacturer and Importer Licences in Bulgaria, marking a significant milestone in its continued expansion across regulated markets.

This dual licensing strengthens Digitain’s position in the Bulgarian market, enabling the delivery of a broader, fully compliant product portfolio to its partners.

With the Manufacturer Licence, Digitain can provide its in-house developed solutions, fully certified and tailored to local market requirements. The Importer Licence further extends this capability, allowing the distribution of certified third-party products and enhancing the overall flexibility of the offering.

Arshak Muradyan, Group Chief Compliance Officer at Digitain, said: “Securing both licences in Bulgaria is an important step in strengthening our presence in regulated markets. It allows us to deliver both our in-house solutions and a wide range of certified third-party products in full compliance with local requirements. This dual capability ensures that our partners can confidently operate and scale in the Bulgarian market with a reliable and fully compliant product offering.”

By securing both licences, Digitain reinforces its commitment to regulatory excellence and partner-focused growth. Operators targeting Bulgaria can now access a comprehensive suite of compliant, high-quality solutions designed for long-term success.

This milestone reflects Digitain’s strategic focus on global expansion, combining local compliance with scalable, future-ready technology.

The post Digitain Secures Manufacturer and Importer Licences in Bulgaria appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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