Compliance Updates
Stakers Exits UK Market
Online betting and casino brand Stakers has surrendered its UK gambling licence and has ceased all operations, following the dismissal of its appeal against its licence suspension.
First-Tier Tribunal Judge Aleksander issued a written decision dismissing Stakers’ appeal against the suspension of its licence.
The firm’s initial application to appeal had been refused by the Tribunal, and so by the time of the hearing its remote casino operations in the UK had been “effectively extinguished”.
Stakers’ licence was initially suspended by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) in March 2020 due to a “number of compliance issues,” under sections 116 and 118 of the 2005 Gambling Act.
The UKGC subsequently informed Stakers that it should advise players not to place any bets through the website, and should also support customers in withdrawing funds in their accounts.
Throughout the appeal process, a “significant number of regulatory issues and alleged compliance failings” were addressed, whilst Stakers questioned whether the Gambling Act permitted the UKGC to compel operators to participate in compliance assessments via Skype.
The judge concluded that he considered assessments conducted over Skype to be lawful for production of documents and records, but also found that UK gambling legislation does not require operators to display live operational environments to the UKGC via the platform, and firms are also not required to provide test accounts.
Additionally, although evidence of compliance failings could be a criminal offence under the Act, the Judge ruled that Commission officers were not required to caution individuals under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act prior to recorded compliance assessments undertaken via Skype.
Richard Williams, the solicitor from Joelson law firm who represented Stakers, noted that a total of 12 months had passed since the company’s licence was initially revoked, including the six months between the final hearing and the Tribunal’s decision – which damaged Stakers’ chances of maintaining its operations.
He remarked: “Operators whose licence has been suspended, even where they do not agree with the Commission about alleged regulatory failings, will understand that appealing a suspension to the First-tier Tribunal may not be a viable option if they want to keep their business open.”
Powered by WPeMatico
Compliance Updates
Corinne Valletta Wins Chief Compliance Officer of the Year at the Global Regulatory Awards 2025
Reading Time: < 1 minute
At the Global Regulatory Awards 2025 (GRAs), Betsson Group’s General Counsel, Corinne Valletta, was named Chief Compliance Officer of the Year. The award was accepted on her behalf by Betsson Group’s Deputy General Counsel, Dario Evangelista.
Since joining Betsson Group in May 2017, Corinne has played a pivotal role in navigating the complex and constantly evolving regulatory landscape of online gaming. Her strategic leadership has guided Betsson through significant regulatory challenges while supporting the successful expansion of Betsson’s operations into several new jurisdictions.
Corinne has also been a strong advocate for policies that elevate industry-wide standards of operational excellence, protect players and achieve compliance while ensuring the continued relevance of the brands in the commercial space.
Organised by Vixio Regulatory Intelligence, the Global Regulatory Awards recognise excellence across the compliance and responsible gambling sectors, highlighting the individuals and teams who drive progress and uphold best practices in the industry.
This nomination and prestigious award reaffirm Betsson Group’s ongoing dedication to strengthening compliance, ensuring a safe, transparent and trustworthy business.
The post Corinne Valletta Wins Chief Compliance Officer of the Year at the Global Regulatory Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
AML or MLR Professional of the Year
SOFTSWISS’ Eleni Panagiotopoulou Becomes Best AML Professional 2025
Reading Time: 2 minutes
SOFTSWISS, a leading iGaming software provider, proudly announces that Eleni Panagiotopoulou, Head of the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Team, has been named AML or MLR Professional of the Year at the Global Regulatory Awards 2025.
The award honours individuals who make exceptional contributions to compliance and responsible gambling in a demanding, ever-changing regulatory landscape. Winners are recognised for their expertise, leadership, and dedication to maintaining the highest industry standards.
“It’s an honour to receive this award, but even more so to see AML excellence recognised on an industry stage,” said Eleni Panagiotopoulou, Head of AML at SOFTSWISS. “This recognition belongs to our entire team – every analyst, every partner, and every department that supports compliance as a shared responsibility. Together, we’re building not just safer systems, but a stronger and more trustworthy industry.”
Under Eleni’s leadership, the SOFTSWISS AML team has set new benchmarks for operational efficiency and compliance integrity. Over the past year, her key achievements included:
- Strengthening the AML function by expanding the team and increasing capacity for transaction monitoring and case reviews
- Driving a 75% rise in suspicious activity reports submitted, ensuring timely escalation and regulator engagement
- Implementing automated transaction-screening tools and real-time analytics to improve fraud detection accuracy
- Representing SOFTSWISS on international panels and industry forums, promoting ethical approaches to financial crime prevention
Eleni also managed updates to SOFTSWISS AML policies across multiple jurisdictions, such as Brazil, Peru, South Africa, Malta, Curacao, Serbia, and Nigeria. She helped SOFTSWISS remain fully aligned with regulatory requirements for smooth market entry worldwide.
Her industry impact is confirmed through the delivery of more than 25 hours of AML and responsible gambling training, benefiting both SOFTSWISS employees and the broader iGaming community.
Eleni’s insights on the current state of AML and Responsible Gambling can be found in the 2026 iGaming Trends Report. There, she shares how AI systems detect risky behaviour early and support safer play across regulated markets, helping operators protect their reputation and revenue.
Operators and industry professionals can download the 2026 iGaming Trends Report here.
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 36,700 casino games, Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS’ Eleni Panagiotopoulou Becomes Best AML Professional 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Australia
VGCCC: EGM Application Improvements Consultation
Reading Time: < 1 minute
VGCCC has launched consultation on proposed reforms to the application process for Electronic Gaming Machine approvals in Victoria.
“Our Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) application process for new premises approvals under section 3.3.6 and EGM increase applications under section 3.4.17 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 is undergoing a significant uplift to align with modern expectations, recent legislative change, and our strengthened mandate to minimise gambling harm. It also intends to reduce red tape by ensuring applicants focus on priority factors that commonly determine the suitability of an application,” VGCCC said.
VGCCC is inviting feedback from all stakeholders — including, but not limited to, industry participants, councils, experts and community organisations — to provide feedback on:
• the clarity and practicality of the revised application and hearing processes
• ambiguities, redundancies or gaps in the revised application form and practice notes
• any other opportunities to improve the application and hearing process.
Consultation period closes on 19 December 2025.
The post VGCCC: EGM Application Improvements Consultation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Asia5 days agoPRONET GAMING BECOMES FIRST B2B OPERATOR TO ESTABLISH SCBPO ACCREDITED OPERATION IN THE PHILIPPINES VIA CLAYMORE SOLUTIONS
-
Latest News6 days agoNot Just Games. Experiences: Interview with Gabor, CPO at DreamPlay
-
Latest News7 days agoFrom $12 to $54,719: The Story of a Big Win at Betandyou!
-
Eskil Raknes Casino & Betting Expert at Kongebonus5 days agoKongebonus Awards 2025 now open for voting
-
Asia5 days agoPhilippines Cracking Down on Influencers Promoting Illegal Online Gambling Sites
-
Asia5 days ago2025 Esports Innovation and Communication Seminar Held in Mudanjiang, China
-
AOGGAB6 days agoEGT is an official partner of the prestigious “Gaming Industry Gala Dinner”, organized by AOGGAB
-
Balkans6 days agoEGT Digital Shines at BEGE Expo 2025



