Compliance Updates

WFH could mean your Grand National workplace sweepstake is illegal

Published

4 years ago

April 6, 2022

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Traditional office sweepstake risks falling foul of gambling law if participants enter remotely

Gambling regulation expert provides guidance on how to comply with law when setting up workplace pool

The recent trend towards flexible working means many businesses are at risk of falling foul of gambling legislation, if organising the traditional office Grand National sweepstake, a leading law firm is warning.

With this weekend’s big race at Aintree attracting the interest of not just racing fans but the general public at large, it is typically one of the most popular events for an office sweepstake.

In pre-Covid times there was little risk involved in such a contest, other than perhaps an excess of workplace rivalry, especially given the event’s propensity for surprises and upsets.

However, Poppleston Allen, a leading gambling licensing law firm, says that with the shift towards hybrid working, organisers now need to be more cautious.

“While formal gambling activity is heavily regulated by the Gambling Commission, there is an exception designed to allow the general public to have a bit of fun by taking part in what is officially called a work lottery,” says Richard Bradley, associate solicitor and gambling regulation expert at Poppleston Allen.

“But what many people may not realise is that the rules are very clear in that you can only sell physical tickets and all players must work in the same office – contests running across different office locations of the same company are not allowed.

“Therefore, if the pandemic has led to staff working from other offices or largely working from home, extra care needs to be taken when running a Grand National sweepstake.

“Organisers, whether employers or employees, must make sure they do not sell any tickets via email or over the phone. Any staff member who wants to play must visit the office and buy a physical ticket. If these rules aren’t followed, organisers and players would technically be involved in illegal gambling.”

Bradley says other rules to make sure a workplace sweepstake doesn’t land anyone in hot water with the Gambling Commission include the following:

All players must pay the same amount for a ticket;
Horses must be decided by chance, for example, drawn out of a hat;
No one can make a profit and all stakes must be returned as prizes, though an organiser can deduct administration costs for running the contest;
The sweepstake can only be advertised at the work premises; and
There must be a winner – the prize cannot be rolled over.

B2B Gaming License

Massive Gaming Gains MGA B2B Approval to Accelerate Global iGaming Alliances

Published

9 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Wladimir P.

massive-gaming-gains-mga-b2b-approval-to-accelerate-global-igaming-alliances

Massive Gaming (MVG), an international iGaming content supplier based in Australia, has obtained a B2B Gaming License from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), representing a significant achievement in the firm’s growth into regulated global markets.

The MGA license allows Massive Gaming to provide its gaming content and solutions to operators licensed under Malta‘s regulatory framework, enhancing the company’s capacity to partner with associates throughout Europe and other regulated regions.

To facilitate its regulatory growth, Massive Gaming set up MVG Malta, a specialized entity formed during the licensing process, which aids the company’s larger strategy to enhance its presence within the European iGaming landscape.

Massive Gaming expands its gaming lineup through three studios: Slot Mart, Whale House, and Blitzcrown. Each provides a variety of gaming experiences, including classic slot games, content from regulated markets, and new non-traditional gaming formats like crash-style games.

George Cho, Director at Massive Gaming, said: “Securing the MGA B2B license represents an important milestone for Massive Gaming as we continue to expand our presence in regulated markets. This achievement strengthens our ability to collaborate with operators and partners worldwide, and we look forward to building new partnerships as we grow our global distribution network.”

The Malta Gaming Authority is well-known as one of the most esteemed regulatory agencies in the worldwide iGaming sector, offering a strong foundation for compliance, transparency, and player safety.

Having obtained the MGA B2B license, Massive Gaming seeks to enhance its collaborations with operators and platforms looking for premium gaming content in regulated markets.

The post Massive Gaming Gains MGA B2B Approval to Accelerate Global iGaming Alliances appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

AGLC

Bede Gaming cleared for Alberta market entry

Published

9 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Wladimir P.

bede-gaming-cleared-for-alberta-market-entry

The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) board has approved Bede Gaming as suitable to hold a conditional one-year iGaming Goods or Services Supplier licence, ahead of Alberta’s regulated gambling market opening later this year.

As one of the first international platform providers to gain regulatory approval, Bede Gaming is now positioned to offer its platform and services to operators targeting Alberta, unlocking new commercial opportunities as the province launches its regulated iGaming ecosystem.

Fully SOC 2 certified, Bede Gaming provides operators with a streamlined entry into the market. Its comprehensive in-house product suite, combined with over 150 third-party integrations, equips businesses with the tools to scale efficiently and sustainably while navigating a newly regulated environment.

Having opened registrations in January 2026, Alberta’s iGaming market is expected to follow a growth trajectory similar to Ontario’s regulated sector, making it an attractive destination for international operators. Bede is proud to be among the first licensed providers preparing for the province’s official market launch.

Colin Cole-Johnson, CEO of Bede Gaming, commented:
“Bede is thrilled to receive conditional regulatory approval to operate in Alberta, putting us in a strong position to support operators as they expand into the province.

“We have a long-standing commitment to the Canadian iGaming market, and this marks an exciting new chapter. Being one of the first applicants recognised by the regulator allows us to offer a truly localised service, and our SOC 2 certification ensures partners can launch quickly and confidently.”

The post Bede Gaming cleared for Alberta market entry appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

AGLC

Bede Gaming cleared for Alberta market entry

Published

9 hours ago

March 23, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) board has declared Bede Gaming suitable to hold a conditional one-year iGaming Goods or Services Supplier licence when the province opens its regulated gambling market later in the year.

As one of the first international platform providers to be granted approval from the regulator, Bede is now ready to offer its services to operators targeting Alberta when the newly-regulated province officially goes live, creating a range of commercial possibilities for the company moving forward.

Fully SOC 2 certified, the established software provider is well-equipped to help partners secure a quick and hassle-free entry into Alberta, and its suite of in-house products and 150+ third-party integrations provides the perfect toolset for businesses to scale both efficiently and sustainably.

Having begun accepting registrations in January 2026, Alberta is expected to see growth on par with the regulated Ontario iGaming market over the longer term, making it an enticing destination for international operators looking to expand their global outreach; and Bede is honoured to be among the first licensed providers in the run-up to the province officially opening for business.

Colin Cole-Johnson, Chief Executive Officer at Bede Gaming, said: “Bede is delighted to receive conditional regulatory approval to work in Alberta, putting us in a great position to support operators with their upcoming expansions in the province.

“We have a longstanding investment in the Canadian iGaming industry, and I’m eager for the exciting opportunities ahead in this new market. As one of the first applicants to be formally recognised by the regulator, Bede offers a truly localised service to its partners, and the fact that we’re SOC 2 certified will allow them to hit the ground running as soon as they’re ready to launch.”

The post Bede Gaming cleared for Alberta market entry appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.