Compliance Updates
Ensuring Integrity: The Role of Assurance in the Gambling Industry
By Salvador Garcia-Noblejas, Senior Regulatory Assurance Services at ComplianceOne Group
The gambling industry has its origins in the ancient period, and different types of games are found in almost every culture and civilization.
Over the last few years, we have witnessed an immense transformation, clearly boosted by technological developments. Among these changes, online gambling has grown rapidly, and with this new non-face-to-face reality, regulation and regulators have also embraced new ways to protect players, businesses, and the overall economy. Regulators have the responsibility to set the framework of common rules that define what is right and wrong, the means to protect all parties, and the tools that must be used when anyone does not behave as expected.
Assurance in a world of global risks
It would be inaccurate to assume that regulatory assurance’s only goal is to ensure that operators operate in a fair and transparent manner and meet their legal obligations. On the contrary, assurance also includes helping businesses understand the risks involved in the industry where they operate, analysing their strengths and weaknesses, and setting measures to mitigate those risks.
Assurance’s starting point consists of an interview phase where tailor-made questionnaires serve better understanding the reality to each operator and its actual circumstances. Once the assurance assessment is complete, a detailed action plan assists the operator in fixing any identified gaps, improving policies and procedures, and obtaining the maximum financial gain from refining their processes, products, and operations.
As part of the fast transformation of the gambling industry, with competitive new products, platforms, advertisements, and market expansion, we must not forget that bad actors and illegal practices also develop. This is the moment to ask ourselves if we are ready to face whatever can harm our operations. The most efficient way to know is carrying out a thorough audit of policies, procedures, and processes. This approach will certainly save operators from potential harm to their clients, products, brands, and finances.
Audit readiness
Regulators focus on legislation, supervision, and enforcement. All stakeholders must comply with gambling regulations if they want to offer products and services or provide a safe environment to their clients. An important part of the gambling legal system is the fact that the industry is continuously overseen to ensure that all actors adhere to the established rules. At this point, operators need to ask themselves how ready they are to show sufficient evidence that their operations adhere to the law.
Smart operators will choose to comply with as many rules and regulations as their business is capable of, and they will ensure that records are properly kept. Company leadership is essential in ensuring compliance as it contributes to collaboration between departments and having policies and procedures that make the business run within the parameters of the legislation.
Lessons learned
In recent years, some highly publicized enforcement actions, including fines and penalties, license suspension, and revocation, have alerted the whole gambling industry. From such cases, there have been increasing efforts in reviewing processes, improving systems, and growing compliance departments.
Experience in the gambling industry has taught us that it is crucial to have a detailed understanding of the regulations that govern the relationship between operators and players. Where knowledge has been insufficient, inaccurate, or out of date, some business decisions have led to unwanted consequences, sometimes catastrophic ones.
Knowledge, a solid compliance culture, strong procedures, and willingness are the formula to be ready for a regulatory audit.
The Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS) proudly announces that Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) will once again return as a sponsor of the highly anticipated Regulators’ Roundtable at EEGS 2025, taking place on 27–28 November at Inter Expo Center, Sofia.
As the global leader in testing, certification, and professional services for the gaming industry, GLI has supported regulators, suppliers, and operators across more than 480 jurisdictions worldwide for decades. With a strong mission to ensure integrity, fairness, and transparency, GLI plays a pivotal role in shaping a trusted and sustainable global gaming environment.
The continued sponsorship of the Regulators’ Roundtable underscores GLI’s dedication to fostering dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange between regulators and industry stakeholders. As one of the flagship sessions of EEGS, the Roundtable offers an exclusive platform to address pressing regulatory challenges, explore innovative solutions, and discuss strategies that will define the future of the sector.
EEGS 2025 will once again unite regulators, operators, suppliers, and thought leaders for two days of high-level discussions, networking, and knowledge sharing, reinforcing its position as the leading forum for gaming innovation and regulation in Eastern Europe and beyond.
Learn more & register here: https://eegamingsummit.com/register-for-super-early-bird-ticket/
For any sponsorship availabilities, see here: https://eegamingsummit.com/sponsorship-2025/
Together with partners like GLI, EEGS continues to be the meeting point for innovation, regulation, and collaboration in the gaming industry.
The post GLI Returns as Sponsor of the Regulators’ Roundtable at EEGS 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
California Gambling Control Commission Reviews Licensing and Ownership Transfers at September 18 Meeting
The California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened for its scheduled public meeting to deliberate on a wide range of licensing and regulatory matters related to cardrooms, third-party providers, tribal gaming, and key individuals in the gambling industry. The Commission addressed ownership transfers, license renewals, regulatory compliance, and findings of suitability for tribal gaming employees and suppliers.
Highlights from the Meeting
Cardroom Licensing and Ownership Transfers
Commerce Casino (California Commerce Club, Inc.)
- Initial License Approval: The Commission recommended approving an initial cardroom owner license for James Murray, Director of the Commerce Casino, through March 31, 2027.
- Ownership Transfer: The Commission approved a share transfer from Marsha Gold to the Marsha L. Gold Revocable Trust, subject to the transaction closing within 180 days and written confirmation of compliance with imposed conditions.
- Successor Trustee Licensing: The license for Jill Anter Wieder, Successor Trustee of the trust, was also approved through March 31, 2027, pending the completion of the ownership transaction.
- Additional Conditions: The Commission imposed a detailed list of conditions on the license, including certification requirements, written transaction confirmations, and mandatory legends on stock certificates to ensure regulatory compliance.
Napa Valley Casino (BVK Gaming, Inc.)
- Ownership Transfer: Similar to Commerce, the transfer of shares from Von Altizer to the Von Altizer 2017 Revocable Trust was conditionally approved.
- Successor Trustee Licensing: Applications from Christopher and Bobby Huang, successor trustees and contingent beneficiaries, were approved through May 31, 2026, contingent upon the transaction’s completion.
- Interim License Conditions: The Commission imposed a set of conditions mirroring those required for Commerce Casino, ensuring the integrity of ownership transitions.
Renewal and Interim Licenses
Seven Mile Casino (Stones South Bay Corp.)
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A new interim renewal license was approved through September 30, 2027, with prior licensing conditions officially removed.
Commerce Casino Directors
- Rick Contrucci: The Commission opted to abandon the renewal application.
- Lysa Grigorian: The application was referred to an evidentiary hearing, and an interim license was issued through March 31, 2027.
Other Cardrooms
- Limelight Card Room: License renewed through March 31, 2027.
- Lucky Chances Casino: A 90-day extension was granted through December 31, 2025, with strict restrictions on property access and communications for Rene Medina, tied to a 36-month probationary period.
- North Coast Casino and The River Card Room: Both granted 60-day extensions with multiple compliance conditions required prior to opening or continuing operations.
Third-Party Proposition Player Services
Renewals and Initial Licenses Approved
- Owner-Type Licenses for Global Player Services and Players Edge Services were renewed through 2027.
- Employee-Type Licenses: Dozens of third-party proposition player service employees were approved or renewed, including workers from Knighted Ventures, Blackstone Gaming, and Acme Player Services.
- Conditions on some licensees, such as Glenn Kaboua, included proof of fine resolution every 90 days.
Tribal-State Compact Licensing
Gaming Resource Suppliers
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Everi Games Inc. and LNW Gaming, Inc. received approval for initial and renewal suitability findings, with licenses valid through early 2026.
Key Tribal Employee Licensing
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A significant number of tribal casino employees across the state received initial or renewed findings of suitability. These included employees from:
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Chumash Casino Resort
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Thunder Valley Casino Resort
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Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
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Graton Resort & Casino
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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento, among many others.
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The Commission emphasized continuous monitoring of suitability, especially for applicants under conditional approval like Tatianna Wren, who must provide quarterly updates on efforts to resolve outstanding fines.
Key Individual Decisions
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Huy Dang: The Commission approved the renewal of Dang’s Key Employee License through September 30, 2027, removing prior conditions related to court-mandated classes and debt resolution.
Consent Calendar Items
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Items 15 through 21 included approvals for initial and renewal licenses for various employees, work permits, and tribal key employees. All items were approved per staff recommendations.
Conclusion
The September 18, 2025, meeting of the California Gambling Control Commission underscored the Commission’s ongoing role in maintaining transparency, accountability, and integrity in the state’s gambling industry. With careful review of ownership changes, key personnel, and operational compliance, the CGCC continues its commitment to fair and responsible gambling practices in California.
For full details and future updates, visit the California Gambling Control Commission website
The post California Gambling Control Commission Reviews Licensing and Ownership Transfers at September 18 Meeting appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Compliance Updates
SOFTSWISS Compliance Expert Shares Knowledge on AML in iGaming for Sumsub Academy
SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider with over 15 years of iGaming expertise, announces that its Head of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) team, Eleni Panagiotopoulou, has been invited to deliver a lecture for AML Fundamentals, the newly launched training programme by Sumsub Academy. The course, which goes live on 15 September 2025, offers free online access to compliance professionals worldwide.
AML has become one of the most pressing topics for a wide range of highly regulated sectors. Regulators are intensifying oversight, and companies face increasing responsibilities to safeguard their operations and the wider financial system. Against this backdrop, Eleni’s participation underscores both SOFTSWISS’s expertise in compliance and its commitment to supporting the iGaming industry.
Drawing on her experience across operators, regulators, and compliance leadership roles, Eleni participates in the iGaming-focused module of the six-part course. Her sessions explore how money laundering risks manifest in casinos, betting platforms, lotteries, and online gaming environments, and how operators can strengthen their frameworks to meet evolving regulatory expectations.
Speaking ahead of the course launch, Eleni Panagiotopoulou said: “iGaming is one of the fastest-paced and high-risk sectors when it comes to financial crime. In countries where gaming is a cornerstone of the economy, AML compliance isn’t just a regulatory requirement; it’s a business imperative. Through this course, I look forward to sharing practical, industry-specific insights that compliance teams can put into action straight away.”
Natalie Buraimoh, Head of AML Product at Sumsub, added: “We’re pleased to be working with leading partners like SOFTSWISS to bring additional iGaming expertise into this course, helping professionals address some of the sector’s most complex AML challenges. After ten years of helping businesses navigate compliance, we know how quickly AML requirements evolve, and our aim is to deliver accessible training that professionals at every level can apply in their daily work.”
The Sumsub Academy AML Fundamentals course brings together leading experts from across the financial crime prevention space, including specialists in fintech, payments, and crypto. Participants who complete the programme will receive a shareable AML certificate.
For SOFTSWISS, this appointment highlights the company’s growing influence in global compliance conversations, while reinforcing its deep roots in Malta’s iGaming ecosystem.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 35,000 casino games, Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Platform, and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS Compliance Expert Shares Knowledge on AML in iGaming for Sumsub Academy appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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