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.”
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Addiction Prevention Fund
KSA Funds Five New Gambling Harm Prevention Projects
The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has allocated funding to five new strategic projects dedicated to preventing and reducing gambling-related harm.
Gambling harm can have major consequences for the individuals themselves, their environment and society as a whole. Research shows that 20% of Dutch people who gamble are at moderate or high risk of gambling addiction. By focusing on prevention, early detection and support, problems can be prevented from developing into serious debt, addiction or mental health issues. The projects are being carried out by the Anonymous Gamblers Foundation and the Gamblers’ Environment Foundation, the Dutch Association for Psychiatry, the Trimbos Institute and the Naast Foundation.
With a grant from the Addiction Prevention Fund, the Anonymous Gamblers and Gamblers’ Environment (AGOG) foundation can train new group facilitators and invest in professional development. In addition, AGOG is exploring the possibilities for digital peer support meetings. This could offer a solution in regions where there are no physical AGOG groups yet, or for people who are unable to attend meetings on location.
The Dutch Association for Psychiatry (NVvP) is receiving funding from the Addiction Prevention Fund for the development of a guideline for the treatment of gambling and gaming addiction. NVvP guidelines contain recommendations for the medical practice of healthcare professionals. This new guideline follows up on one of the recommendations of the National Rapporteur on Addictions (NRV) from the report “Gambling with Health”.
The Trimbos Institute has launched two pilots exploring the theme of gambling, also funded by the Addiction Prevention Fund. The Growing Up in a Promising Environment (OKO) programme is exploring whether it can contribute to preventing gambling behavior among young people. To this end, a literature review is being conducted, monitoring data analysed, appropriate interventions sought and discussions held with municipalities and local partners. Additionally, within the alcohol, drug and medication policy, it is being explored how employers can prevent gambling behavior in the workplace and how they can better refer employees with emerging problems to help.
Stichting Naast receives a subsidy to provide webinars, individual counseling, and newsletters for loved ones of people with a gambling addiction. On helpmijndierbareisverslaafd.nl, they publish additional information about gambling-related harm. This aligns with the OpenOverGokken.nl platformme. The goal is to effectively connect the information and helplines of Stichting Naast and OpenOverGokken, ensuring clear referrals between them. This creates a recognisable pathway for loved ones seeking help, advice or a listening ear.
Through the funding of these projects, the KSA, together with partners, focuses on early detection, prevention, improved care and support for gamblers and their loved ones. In doing so, work is being done simultaneously on multiple fronts to prevent gambling harm and limit its consequences. The resources for the aforementioned projects come from the Addiction Prevention Fund (VPF). Managed by the KSA since 2021, this fund is financed via an additional gambling levy for providers of high-risk gambling.
The post KSA Funds Five New Gambling Harm Prevention Projects appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Arizona Department of Gaming
Arizona Department of Gaming Launches On-Demand Responsible Gaming Training
The Arizona Department of Gaming has announced the release of its Responsible Gaming Training initiative, consisting of free, self-paced training in responsible gaming foundations. Training participants will learn the fundamentals of risks associated with gambling, including problem gambling, how problem gambling differs from positive play, and how to connect with others in the context of addressing problem gambling.
“Offering this responsible gaming training is about increasing knowledge, confidence, and skills that make a tremendous difference in improving the conversations and interactions we may encounter day-to-day. I’m excited to share information and resources about responsible gaming that promote a safer, more sustainable gaming environment – and I look forward to briefing community members on how to make this training work for them,” said Jessica Roza, Assistant Director of Government and Community Affairs.
To provide members of the media, stakeholders, and Arizonans the opportunity to become familiar with the newly released training resource, the Department invites all interested individuals to a live, virtual webinar on April 28, 2026, at 10am Arizona Time, hosted by Jessica Roza.
Responsible gaming is about ensuring that individuals who choose to play have the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and enjoy gaming as a form of entertainment. It emphasizes safety and prevention by sharing the risks associated with gambling, encouraging healthy play behaviors, and raising awareness of the treatment resources and support available for gambling disorder, which impacts three to four percent of Arizonans 21 and older. Gambling can take many forms, such as lottery, casino gaming, sports betting, bingo, raffles, office pools, and poker.
The training is organized into three self-paced phases, with optional continued learning quizzes at the end of each phase and a total of about three hours of content (depending on the trainee). Students may pause the training at any point and resume it later.
“For many years, responsible gaming training has served as a cornerstone of education for gaming industry employees, strengthening safety and promoting responsible entertainment across the state. Today, we’re excited to expand that impact by offering an on-demand training designed for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of responsible gaming—including those who may not currently participate in gambling, or work in the industry. This broader approach reflects our commitment to the Arizonans we serve,” Jessica Roza added.
The April 28 virtual briefing will preview the training resource, allow for audience question-and-answer, and conclude with actionable next steps for individuals to further the health and safety of their community.
The post Arizona Department of Gaming Launches On-Demand Responsible Gaming Training appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Aviator
SPRIBE Wins Interim Injunction in Brazil – Court Orders Betnacional to Immediately Cease Unauthorized Use of “AVIATOR”
Following a claim by SPRIBE OÜ, the Court of Justice of Pernambuco (TJPE) has issued an immediate injunction against NSX Brasil S.A. regarding the unauthorized use of the “AVIATOR” brand.
Court Mandate and Enforcement
The Court granted the request for active effect, ordering NSX Brasil S.A to immediately cease using the “AVIATOR” trademark, as well as any identical or confusingly similar signs, including the reproduction of visual, graphical, or audiovisual elements associated with the Claimant’s product. The Court has imposed daily fines for non-compliance. This measure is will remain in force until further decision or final judgment of the appeal. The Court’s decision noted the plausibility of the legal claim based on SPRIBE’s ownership of the “AVIATOR” trademark, which is registered with the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). This registration grants the owner exclusive use rights throughout the Brazilian territory under the Industrial Property Law.
About Betnacional
Betnacional is one of the most prominent sports betting brands in the Brazilian market. It is operated by NSX Brasil S.A., which recently became a core part of the global gaming giant Flutter Entertainment Plc, following Flutter’s acquisition of a majority stake in the NSX Group. Worth to note, that Betnacional had been an authorized licensee of SPRIBE since 2022. While SPRIBE is deeply loyal to its clients and values long-term professional relationships, the company stated that it cannot tolerate violation of its intellectual property. The legal dispute arose after Betnacional featured a game under the “Aviator” name, offered by “Aviator Studio” since 2025. According to SPRIBE OÜ’s allegations, this version is an unauthorized reproduction of their popular crash game, AVIATOR, which was developed by SPRIBE in late 2018 and has been established in the global entertainment market.
Global Stance on IP Protection
This interim decision in Brazil marks a significant milestone in SPRIBE’s worldwide strategy to safeguard its assets. The company is actively monitoring markets across all continents and will continue to enforce its trademark and copyright protections in every jurisdiction. SPRIBE remains committed to taking all necessary legal actions against infringer to protect the integrity of the original “AVIATOR” experience and ensure a fair, transparent environment for its global player base.
The post SPRIBE Wins Interim Injunction in Brazil – Court Orders Betnacional to Immediately Cease Unauthorized Use of “AVIATOR” appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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