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Navigating Compliance and Global Expansion: Endorphina’s Journey in the iGaming Industry

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HIPTHER, the organizer of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, is delighted to welcome Endorphina as the Awards Party Sponsor and a leading force in the iGaming sector. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Džangar Jesenov, Corporate Compliance Manager at Endorphina, to explore the company’s recent achievements, including new market entries, rigorous security certifications, and their strategic focus on the LATAM region.

 

Endorphina recently secured authorization as a supplier of online slot games in Peru and obtained B2B licenses in Sweden and Denmark. What were the key challenges in achieving these milestones, and how do they align with your broader market expansion strategy?

Yes, it’s true—we are now officially authorized as a supplier in Peru, Sweden, and Denmark. Expanding into these regulated markets was a carefully structured process that required thorough preparation and deep regulatory understanding.

From a compliance perspective, we dedicated nearly 11 months to analyzing each market, studying regulatory frameworks, and engaging directly with local authorities. This hands-on approach allowed us to interpret legal details correctly and streamline our applications. Once we completed our groundwork, our submissions proceeded as planned, reflecting our meticulous preparation and proactive strategy.

These expansions are part of our long-term vision to strengthen our global presence, ensuring that Endorphina remains at the forefront of regulated gaming. By entering these strategic jurisdictions, we continue to build a trusted brand that delivers premium, compliant, and innovative gaming experiences.

 

Endorphina completed an ISO 27001 security certification audit, a significant achievement in information security. Can you provide more details about it, and share how this certification impacts your operations in terms of data security and compliance

Security has always been a top priority for us—not just for compliance reasons but because we believe in building trust with our partners and players.

Our decision to pursue ISO 27001 certification was driven by our commitment to establishing the highest security standards across all operations.

Rather than adapting to individual country regulations piecemeal, we chose the most rigorous and internationally recognized approach: an overarching Information Security Management System (ISMS) that meets global best practices. This certification reinforces the security of our infrastructure, protecting both operator partners and players.

Achieving ISO 27001 is a reflection of years of experience and expertise within our compliance team. By implementing this standard, we future-proof our systems against evolving security threats while ensuring seamless compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Now, our partners know that when they work with Endorphina, they’re working with a provider that takes security seriously and operates at the highest level of integrity.

 

You recently concluded successful security audits in Spain, Italy, Argentina, and Denmark. How do you navigate the diverse compliance requirements across these regions, and what best practices would you share with other iGaming businesses?

Each country has its own regulatory framework, but ultimately, they all share a common goal: ensuring player protection and responsible gaming.

One of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned is that proactivity is key. Instead of reacting to regulatory changes at the last minute, we focus on staying ahead by implementing strong security standards that align with global best practices.

Here are three key best practices we follow at Endorphina:
– Think from the player’s perspective – A safe and fair gaming environment should always be the priority. Our compliance decisions are made with player security and trust in mind.
– Establish a strong, unified security framework – Rather than adapting compliance measures market by market, we implement a universal security model (ISO 27001) that seamlessly integrates into different regulatory landscapes.
– Invest in people – Compliance isn’t just about policies; it’s about the expertise and dedication of the team. Continuous education, adaptation, and training are key to staying ahead of ever-changing regulations.

That’s why for me, and I’m sure for many people on my team as well, compliance is more of a craft than just a job.

 

Endorphina concluded the year with a strong focus on the LATAM region, achieving certification as one of the first suppliers of online slot games in Brazil. What opportunities does this milestone present, and how do you plan to further strengthen your presence in the region?

The LATAM region has been a long-term focus for Endorphina, and we have been expanding into these markets for several years. Argentina and Colombia were among the first jurisdictions where our games became highly popular, and Brazil was the next strategic step in our expansion.

With Brazil’s regulatory framework evolving, we saw an opportunity to leverage our experience from other regulated markets to establish a strong foothold early on. Being one of the first authorized slot suppliers in the country is a huge achievement, as it positions us as a trusted provider in a highly competitive market.

Looking ahead, we plan to actively grow our footprint in LATAM by:
– Expanding our certified game portfolio – We already have 83 games certified for Brazil, and this number will continue to grow.
– Strengthening partnerships with local operators – By offering localized content and tailored marketing support, we ensure our games resonate with Brazilian players.
– Adapting to new regulations – As Brazil tightens its iGaming laws, we expect greater regulatory enforcement, which will increase market stability and further strengthen licensed operators and suppliers like Endorphina.

Our goal is clear: to be a leading force in LATAM’s regulated iGaming market, delivering premium, compliant, and engaging gaming experiences.

 

At the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, you will be speaking on the panel “Navigating the Maze: iGaming Compliance Across CEE”. Can you give us a taste of the key insights you’ll be sharing with the audience?

I’m really looking forward to the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025—it’s always a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with industry friends and exchange insights.

My main focus will be sharing practical, real-world compliance strategies that can help operators and suppliers navigate regulatory complexities across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). I expect there will be a lot of discussion around market-specific compliance challenges, particularly in the Czech Republic and across the EU.

Rather than delivering a one-way presentation, I want this to be a dynamic and interactive discussion. My goal is to create a space for open dialogue, where attendees can ask direct questions, share their own experiences, and gain practical takeaways that they can apply in their own businesses.

Compliance is constantly evolving, and my mission is to make it accessible, insightful, and—dare I say—exciting for everyone attending the panel! 😊

 

With Endorphina at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, this year’s event promises invaluable insights into compliance across CEE and the evolving iGaming market. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain exclusive market perspectives, and be part of the most dynamic gathering in the CEE region!

Join us on 25-26 March 2025 in Prague – Register now and explore the full agenda!

The post Navigating Compliance and Global Expansion: Endorphina’s Journey in the iGaming Industry appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Andreas Ottenschläger

Austria: Draft bill entered parliamentary consultation

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Background

Austria’s governing coalition — ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS — has agreed a sweeping overhaul of the Gambling Act. The draft bill entered parliamentary consultation on, Monday 29 June 2026. Lead negotiators Andreas Ottenschläger (ÖVP), Jan Krainer (SPÖ) and Christoph Pramhofer (NEOS) call it the biggest reform of the law in 26 years. Two pillars: tougher player protection, and a ground-up rewrite of online licensing.

Timing

No formal Council of Ministers resolution is public yet. What is public: the draft amendments went into parliamentary consultation today. Next comes TRIS — the draft must be notified to the European Commission, says Vienna-based gambling lawyer Arthur Stadler, triggering a standstill of at least three months before parliament can hold a final vote. Extensions are possible.

Cooling-off / non-offering period

The bad-actor clause has three teeth: retroactive tax payment, settlement of player claims, and a non-offering period. On the last point: Under the draft, operators must clear that freeze properly: from 1 January 2027 until the licence is actually granted, they have to shut down their existing unlicensed online offering. Fail to comply, and the penalty escalates fast: any operator that doesn’t observe the cooling-off phase faces an 18-month lock-out from licensing altogether. Stadler’s math: That’s a minimum nine-month freeze, 1 January to end-September 2027 at least depending when the licenses are awarded individually. It looks like that first license might be granted to those new market entrants adopting such early blackout, timewise landing exactly after the moment when Austrian Lotteries’ win2day concession expires on 30 September 2027.

The bad-actor clause has three teeth: retroactive tax payment, settlement of player claims, and a non-offering period. On the last point: Under the draft, operators must clear that freeze properly: From 1 January 2027 until the licence is actually granted, they have to shut down their existing unlicensed online offering. Fail to comply, and the penalty escalates fast: any operator that doesn’t observe the cooling-off phase faces an 18-month lock-out from licensing altogether. Stadler’s math: the legislator has, without saying so explicitly, built in an incentive structure. The floor is a nine-month freeze — 1 January through end-September 2027 — though actual length depends on when individual licences get awarded. The likely sequencing: new entrants who front-load the blackout early position themselves first in line, with awards landing right after Austrian Lotteries’ win2day concession expires on 30 September 2027.

Contradiction

Stadler sees a basic contradiction baked into the package. “Two of the three major elements work against each other. If the Finance Ministry wants to maximise retroactive tax recovery, a mandatory blackout period hands you a tax base of zero for that exact stretch. You can’t optimise for both. Operators are left asking whether the real goal is revenue or exclusion.”

Austria as a high-tax jurisdiction

Beyond the clearance condition — and an unresolved question of whether repaid player amounts can be offset against ongoing tax liabilities — sits the headline number: a 45% GGR tax rate. That puts Austria in elite company, in the same bracket as the UK (40% from April 2026) and the Netherlands (37.8%). “It’s a top-of-the-table tax rate for a market that doesn’t even have a functioning licensed channel yet,” Stadler says. But the tax rate alone doesn’t tell the whole story, he adds. “Even at 45% GGR, whether Austria actually functions as a licensed market depends on the regulatory mix around it (player protection rules, advertising limits, deposit and stake caps, AML obligations and more). You have to look at the framework as a whole and ask whether it’s actually attractive enough for new entrants. That’s the kind of detail that decides whether the channelisation target is achievable.”

 

Author: Arthur Stadler | STADLER PARTNER

The post Austria: Draft bill entered parliamentary consultation appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Compliance Updates

PlayCity Partners with Streaming Platform Kick to Block Illegal Gambling Ads

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PlayCity, the state agency overseeing the gambling and lottery sector in Ukraine, has partnered with streaming platform Kick to further accelerate the blocking of illegal gambling ads on the platform.

“We are directly providing Kick’s headquarters with a list of channels that violate legislation and illegally advertise gambling,” PlayCity said.

The agency said that the first two channels on the platform were blocked during the past week.

In addition, at the agency’s request, access was restricted last week to 37 accounts across TikTok, Instagram, Twitch and Kick, with the blocked accounts having a combined audience of more than 895,000 users.

Specifically, access was restricted to 20 TikTok accounts with 473,000 followers, 11 Instagram accounts with 314,000 followers, four Twitch channels with 107,000 followers, and two Kick channels with 1200 followers.

“Blocking such content helps quickly stop the recruitment of users into gambling through illegal advertising campaigns,” PlayCity said.

The post PlayCity Partners with Streaming Platform Kick to Block Illegal Gambling Ads appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Compliance Updates

KSA – Target for Gambling Tax Increase Not Achieved: Expected Tax Revenues Turn Out Lower

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The recent increase in the Dutch gambling tax has failed to achieve its primary financial objectives. This is evident from the “monitor of the effects of the increase in gambling tax,” conducted by the Ministry of Finance and the Dutch Gaming Authority. As of January 1, 2025, the gambling tax was increased from 30.5% to 34.2%, and in 2026 the rate was further raised to 37.8%. The aim of this increase was to raise government revenue. The monitor shows that this goal is not being achieved as expected: the projected tax revenues turned out lower.

The tax increase was expected to yield an additional €108 million in 2025 compared to the previous year, and €216 million in 2026. However, the monitor shows that these amounts are turning out much lower: an additional €2 million was collected in 2025, and €57 million in 2026. Moreover, the tax increase is causing a decrease in revenue from state participations, resulting in even lower additional revenue for the State.

The fact that tax revenues are lower is due to several developments. In the years measured, various measures were taken to better protect players, causing the gross gaming result (GSR) of providers to decrease. This leads to a decrease in the tax base, the amount on which tax must be paid. The tariff increase itself may also have led to a decrease in the tax base, for example because physical establishments of gambling companies were closed in the interest of profitability.

The monitor also examined the effects on market size, channeling, and contributions to charities and sports. It is not possible to draw conclusions regarding this, as multiple changes occurred simultaneously. For instance, the aforementioned rules to better protect players and various advertising restrictions have also impacted the gambling market.

The post KSA – Target for Gambling Tax Increase Not Achieved: Expected Tax Revenues Turn Out Lower appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

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