Compliance Updates
WFH could mean your Grand National workplace sweepstake is illegal
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:
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All players must pay the same amount for a ticket;
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Horses must be decided by chance, for example, drawn out of a hat;
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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;
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The sweepstake can only be advertised at the work premises; and
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There must be a winner – the prize cannot be rolled over.
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In April, the Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has filed over 4600 reports with Meta regarding illegal advertisements. Combating illegal gambling offerings is one of the KSA’s priorities. Special attention is paid by the KSA to the marketing practices of the gambling companies, which frequently advertise on social media such as Facebook and Instagram. Therefore, the KSA monitors the volume of illegal advertisements.
Illegal practices
Illegal gambling providers place many advertisements on social media. In doing so, they use names and logos of well-known Dutch athletes and major brands to enhance their credibility. It is often difficult for consumers to determine whether a gambling provider holds a license. To protect consumers, the KSA therefore makes a strong effort to combat online advertising by illegal providers. The KSA does this, among other measures, by filing reports with major media companies more frequently.
Cooperation in alliance
To tackle illegal providers on social media, the KSA works closely with various companies and organisations. During a recent meeting of the alliance, current knowledge, trends and insights were shared. Advertising on social media was a key topic, as these platforms reach a large number of people.
The working group also discussed how companies can protect their trademarks and held a brainstorming session on what else is needed to tackle illegal providers on social media. The KSA will use the outcomes of the meeting in the coming period to take even better action.
Frustrating infrastructure
In the Netherlands, online gambling is only permitted with licensed providers. The KSA’s approach to illegal offerings ranges from imposing fines to disrupting the infrastructure used by illegal providers. The online world, and social media in particular, plays a major role within this infrastructure.
The post KSA Files Over 4600 Reports Targeting Illegal Gambling Ads on Meta Platforms appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Gaming Corps has secured a conditional iGaming supplier licence from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC), clearing the company to manufacture and supply gaming software in the province ahead of Alberta’s regulated market launch on 13 July 2026.
The licence was granted through Gaming Corps’ subsidiary, Gaming Corps Malta Ltd. The company said the approval positions it to enter Alberta’s regulated iGaming market from day one.
Alex Lorimer, COO at Gaming Corps said: “Securing our Alberta licence marks another important step in Gaming Corps’ regulated market expansion strategy. Canada continues to represent a key growth region for us, and we’re excited to bring our expanding portfolio of games and unique mechanics to operators and players in Alberta.”
Alberta is set to become Canada’s second regulated open iGaming market after Ontario, with the AGLC overseeing licensing and compliance requirements for operators and suppliers.
The post Gaming Corps wins conditional Alberta iGaming supplier licence appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
The Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR) has warned that the effectiveness of the financial protection measures included in Desenrola 2.0 fundamentally depends on a strict crackdown on the illegal betting market.
In 2025, bets placed on licensed platforms accounted for only 0.46% of household consumption in the country — an extremely small share of the average Brazilian family budget — according to data from a study conducted by LCA Consultoria. This reinforces that the main driver of household indebtedness in Brazil continues to be the high cost of credit.
The IBJR emphasized that restricting access to the regulated sector may encourage users to migrate to illegal platforms, which already handle around R$40 billion per year and operate without any oversight or consumer protection mechanisms.
Combating the illegal market is the most urgent step to prevent unlicensed operators — often linked to organized crime — from taking advantage of restriction windows to attract vulnerable consumers. This concern is heightened by the proximity of the FIFA World Cup, a period that naturally increases the volume of sports betting activity, as well as by the potential loss of R$10.8 billion in tax revenue if consumption shifts to the underground market.
IBJR reiterates that real consumer protection and the integrity of Desenrola 2.0 depend on coordinated action between the government and the private sector. The organization advocates for public policies that combine financial education, the strengthening of responsible gaming practices, and a strategic offensive against illegal websites, ensuring that entertainment takes place exclusively within a safe, transparent, and properly regulated ecosystem.
The post IBJR: Crackdown on Illegal Betting Critical to Success of Desenrola 2.0 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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