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UK House of Lords Calls for Urgent Regulation of Loot Boxes

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The House of Lords Gambling Committee has urged the UK government to classify video game loot boxes as “games of chance.” The recommendation came as part of a wide-ranging report in which the committee suggested a number of changes to the gaming industry.

“If a product looks like gambling and feels like gambling, it should be regulated as gambling. The government must act immediately to bring loot boxes within the remit of gambling legislation and regulation,” the report says.

Loot boxes have long been controversial in video games. They offer players a chance at a randomised reward when opened. To further complicate matters, boxes can often be bought for real money, and the rewards can sometimes be traded.

Lord Grade, chairman of the committee, said that lots of other countries have already started to regulate loot boxes because “they can see the dangers” which is teaching “kids to gamble.”

He said the Gambling Act was “way behind what was actually happening in the market” but he added that the “overwhelming majority” of the report’s recommendations “could be enacted today” as they do not require legislation.

The Lords report is wide-ranging, covering the entire gambling industry, but focuses in part on new forms of gambling, and those targeted towards children.

“There is academic research which proves that there is a connection, though not necessarily a causal link, between loot box spending and problem gambling,” it says.

The Lords report concludes that ministers should make new regulations which explicitly state that loot boxes are games of chance. It also says the same definition should apply to any other in-game item paid for with real money, such as FIFA player packs.

The government told the committee that its planned future review of the Gambling Act would focus on loot boxes. But the Lords report warns: “This issue requires more urgent attention.”

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Spillemyndigheden: New Guidance on Responsible Gambling

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The Danish Gambling Authority has published a new gudiance on responsible gambling, which is targeted licence holders who offer betting and online casino.

The guidance reviews the rules on responsible gambling and also contain interpretations on how, as a licence holder who offers betting and online casino, can meet the requirements to offer gambling in a responsible manner.

The DGA’s guidance on responsible Gambling for Betting and Online Casino

The post Spillemyndigheden: New Guidance on Responsible Gambling appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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BGC: Government Tax Hike Boost for Black Market

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The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has warned that the incoming British tax hikes will boost black market activity.

Based on a new polling by Anacta reported in February 2026, there are concerns that proposed UK government gambling strategies, particularly regarding increased taxes, could contradict their intended harm-reduction goals.

While ministers have launched a consultation to ban unlicensed operators from sponsoring football clubs, including in the Premier League, ordinary punters fear the Government’s new tax rises could drive millions straight into illegal gambling sites, the new poll reveals.

The poll, conducted found:

• 52% of people who bet believe higher taxes will make punters more likely to use unlicensed black market sites.

• 66% of those who bet say tax increases will make betting and gaming less enjoyable.

• 57% think UK gambling is already heavily regulated.

With around 22.5 million adults placing a bet each month, the Government’s disastrous tax hikes will drive millions more to the harmful black market.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “When you tax responsible, regulated betting and gaming companies harder, you do not reduce demand you simply drive customers towards the unsafe, unregulated black market.

“Illegal gambling sites do not pay tax. They do not contribute to British sport. They do not invest in safer gambling and they do not protect vulnerable people.

“If the Government wants growth and genuine consumer protection, it must back the regulated sector not make it less competitive against criminals.”

The regulated sector supports 109,000 jobs, contributes £6.8 billion to the economy and generates £4 billion in tax revenue, funding everything from the NHS to schools and local communities.

The post BGC: Government Tax Hike Boost for Black Market appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Endorphina Compliance Strategies Explained ahead of HIPTHER Prague Summit

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Ahead of the HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026, we speak with Džangar Jesenov, Head of Compliance at Endorphina, to explore how the company approaches regulatory excellence, market expansion, and certification in an increasingly complex global iGaming landscape – and how strong compliance frameworks support sustainable growth across Tier-1 European markets.

 

You have been leading Endorphina’s compliance function since 2021. How has the regulatory landscape in Europe evolved during this period, and what shifts have had the biggest operational impact on suppliers?

If I were to compare Endorphina in 2021 and Endorphina in 2026, I would describe them as two fundamentally different projects that nevertheless share the same core identity. The primary objective remains unchanged. However, the tools, scope, and operational framework used to achieve that objective have evolved significantly.

The development of the project reflects various external factors, including increasingly stringent regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions, technological advancements particularly within the financial sector and, importantly, substantial strengthening of human resources. Ultimately, people remain the most critical element in any successful project.

–          From a regulatory perspective, I would particularly highlight the introduction and expansion of B2B licensing policies

Across jurisdictions on different continents, and the increased responsibility placed on game suppliers.

–          Most notably, the heightened focus on player protection and security

In my view, enhanced player safety is one of the most important developments in the industry. Delivering engaging, high-quality games that are fully compliant with applicable legal frameworks is the foundation of any successful online platform and this is a commitment we uphold 24/7/365.

 

Endorphina has successfully expanded its presence across Tier-1 European markets. From a compliance perspective, what are the key pillars that enable smooth market entry and long-term sustainability?

In practice, there are unfortunately no “miracle tools” that would allow us to operate seamlessly at the highest regulatory level.

–          I may not be saying anything new or particularly surprising here, but behind every jurisdiction we enter lies a substantial amount of work

Each market requires extensive hours of analysis, including a detailed review of regulatory obligations, comparison of local data requirements and reporting outputs, development of internal policies tailored to the specific regional framework, structured internal data sharing across project teams, and the implementation of oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with newly introduced rules.

There is a significant amount of daily routine involved continuous processes, reporting, analysis, and, where necessary, re-implementation of procedures, including updates or revisions of internal regulatory frameworks.

 

Certification and regulatory alignment remain major challenges for many suppliers. How does Endorphina structure its internal processes to ensure efficiency while maintaining full regulatory integrity?

With the development of regulatory obligations, our practices in this area are also evolving. Compliance in the gambling business matures like fine wine. The more stable your team is, the stronger your position on the market becomes. Today, regulations are being introduced in many new jurisdictions where gambling was completely prohibited just a few years ago, and I see this as progress from a regulatory perspective.

–          Our internal processes are continuously evolving toward the automation of data that does not require increased attention

Human resources are instead focused on information that is more relevant and requires deeper integrity.

 

With increasing focus on information security, responsible gaming, and technical standards, how do you see the role of compliance teams evolving within modern iGaming organisations?

As regulatory obligations continue to evolve, so does our practical experience in this area. Compliance in the gaming industry matures over time – much like fine wine.

–          The more stable and experienced your team is, the stronger your position in the market becomes

Today, regulation is being introduced in many new jurisdictions where gambling was completely prohibited just a few years ago. I see this as a positive development and a clear indication of progress from a regulatory perspective.

 

Endorphina has built a reputation as a trusted slot provider with a strong global partner network. How should compliance, product development, and commercial teams collaborate today to support scalable growth?

As Head of Compliance, I believe scalable growth is only achievable when compliance, product development, and commercial teams operate in full alignment rather than in silos. Compliance must be involved from the earliest stages of market entry and product design to prevent delays, reduce regulatory risk, and support sustainable expansion.

–          Product development should focus on modular, certification-ready solutions that allow efficient adaptation across multiple jurisdictions

Commercial strategy must remain closely aligned with regulatory feasibility, ensuring that opportunities are both attractive and compliant. Ultimately, stable and experienced teams are the key factor in building long-term, regulatorily resilient growth.

Looking ahead to the next 12–24 months, which regulatory or market developments should operators and suppliers be preparing for most carefully?

In this area, we are working very intensively. Looking ahead, I anticipate further increases in regulatory obligations, faster development of regulated markets, and structural changes in core online gaming products.”

–          I expect deeper integration of games with the player environment, placing greater emphasis on individual profiling and personalization of each session

These evolving models will inevitably be reflected in regulatory frameworks, with a stronger focus on player protection and proper tax accountability. At the same time, regulators will increasingly compete to attract high-quality market participants, a category to which Endorphina clearly belongs.

In the near-term perspective, many of today’s processes will become standard industry practice, while additional requirements will emerge, particularly those linked to the accountability and oversight of key individuals within licensed entities.

 

Endorphina is the GamingTECH Awards Party & Ceremony Sponsor at HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026. What would you like operators, partners, and industry peers to take away from engaging with your team during the event?

Thank you for the opportunity to be among the first to welcome our friends. First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone who will be joining us in person in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Prague.

I wish all participants a truly enjoyable experience.

–          Make the most of every moment spent among inspiring people

Boost your personal endorphin levels and take the opportunity to get to know the Endorphina team more closely.

The post Endorphina Compliance Strategies Explained ahead of HIPTHER Prague Summit appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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