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.

ACMA

ACMA Blocks More Illegal Online Gambling Websites

Published

9 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

acma-blocks-more-illegal-online-gambling-websites

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested the Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block more illegal online gambling sites, after investigations found these services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

The latest sites blocked include:

Lucky Mate

Vegastars

Wombet

Cosmobet

Fortune Play

Fortunica

Rolletto

Velobet

Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling. Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 1518 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. Over 220 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal online gambling rules in 2017.

The post ACMA Blocks More Illegal Online Gambling Websites appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

3 Oaks Gaming

3 Oaks Gaming Enters Spanish Market

Published

3 days ago

February 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

3 Oaks Gaming, an established distributor of iGaming content, has entered the Spanish market after securing certification to supply its slot portfolio in the region.

This approval enables Spanish-licensed operators to integrate more than 20 of 3 Oaks Gaming’s games, bringing some of the distributor’s most recognised slots to local players.

Certified titles available include recent releases such as 4 Pots of Egypt: Hold and Win, Rush for Gold, and Egypt Power. The portfolio showcases 3 Oaks Gaming’s signature Hold & Win mechanic alongside Scatter Pays and its increasingly popular 3 and 4 Pot models, delivering engaging gameplay certified for the Spanish market.

Securing the Spanish certification represents a significant step in 3 Oaks Gaming’s ongoing European growth strategy, supporting its expansion across established and regulated markets.

By entering Spain with a robust, fully approved portfolio, the distributor underlines its commitment to compliance while offering operators content that is aligned with local market requirements and player preferences.

Krasimir Pankovski, Head of Sales at 3 Oaks Gaming, said: “Spain is a strategically important regulated market for us, and obtaining certification here marks an important milestone in our growth journey. By launching a diverse range of certified titles, we are giving Spanish-licenced operators the flexibility to offer engaging content while meeting the highest regulatory standards.”

The post 3 Oaks Gaming Enters Spanish Market appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Compliance Updates

Dutch Regulator KSA Warns Operators Over “Early Payout” Feature

Published

3 days ago

February 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

The Dutch Gambling Regulator (KSA) has contacted several online sports betting providers regarding incomplete information about the “early payout” feature. The “early payout” feature allows a bet to be considered won before the match has officially ended. This feature is not available in the event of a draw. The KSA found that several providers failed to communicate this sufficiently, making it appear as if players could also use this option for draws.

Early payout

The Early Payout feature allows players to declare their bet a winner if their team has a two-goal lead during the match, regardless of the final result. The odds for Early Payout bets are lower than those for regular bets. The problem arises when this option appears to be offered for draw bets, as there is no team with a lead.

Unclear information leads to confusion

Providers also promote lower odds for draws under the “early payout” feature. The providers’ terms and conditions then state that early payouts are not possible for draws, but this isn’t always clearly communicated when placing the bet. This creates confusion among players, who may assume that early payouts also apply to draws.

Obligation to provide clear information

Providers are required to provide clear and understandable information about the possible outcomes of a bet, including the associated terms and conditions. The KSA determined that providers were not complying with this obligation when providing information about the “early payout” feature. Providers that offer this feature have been contacted and have improved their communication so that players are now more clearly informed about the limitations of early payout for bets on draws.

The post Dutch Regulator KSA Warns Operators Over “Early Payout” Feature appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.