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.

Central Europe

GGL Study Says Regulated Online Offerings Make Up the Majority of the Market

Published

14 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Wladimir P.

ggl-study-says-regulated-online-offerings-make-up-the-majority-of-the-market

The Joint Gambling Authority of the German Federal States (GGL) has published the results of the study “Investigation of the Black Market and Channeling of Online Gambling Based on a Survey of Gamblers”. The study was commissioned by the GGL and conducted by Blockchain Research Lab gGmbH.

The study concludes that the market volume of illegal and unregulated online gambling is 22.97%. This results in a channeling rate of 77.03%, meaning that legal or regulated offerings account for more than three-quarters of the online gambling market.

“The scientifically calculated channeling rate confirms our previous assumptions about the size of the black market. The results support the fact-based regulatory approach within the framework of the 2021 Interstate Treaty on Gambling,” said Ronald Benter, CEO of GGL.

The study also confirms the methodological approach of the GGL.

The investigation also confirms the GGL’s methodological approach to analysing the black market. The study’s findings are essentially consistent with the agency’s existing knowledge.

In particular, the method of reference value-based analysis, which has been used by the countries so far and adopted by the GGL, has been scientifically assessed as suitable for estimating the size of the illegal gambling market on the Internet.

Contribution to the evaluation process of the State Treaty on Gambling

The study has already been presented to the state gambling authorities. The results will be incorporated into the ongoing evaluation process of the 2021 Interstate Treaty on Gambling.

“We are in discussions with the states regarding the extent to which the results of this study may necessitate adjustments to the legal requirements. Furthermore, we are awaiting the results of the currently ongoing study on online player protection,” said Benter.

Consistent fight against illegal online gambling

The GGL’s aim is to further reduce the share of illegal online gambling offerings. The authority pursues a holistic approach, addressing the entire value chain of illegal online gambling, from game developers and providers to payment service providers and marketing and platform structures.

“Our measures will also be reflected in market shares in the medium term. However, the fight against illegal online gambling is a marathon, not a sprint,” explains Benter.

Networking and coordinated approaches are crucial here. A key component of the strategy is therefore cooperation with legal providers and other European regulatory authorities to limit the reach of illegal operators. The GGL reiterates its appeal to legal providers to make greater use of their options to curb illegal services.

In order to be able to observe developments over time, the GGL plans to continue the survey in a suitable form.

“A reliable database is crucial for effective regulation of the gambling market. Therefore, we will continue to systematically incorporate scientific findings into our work,” said Benter.

The post GGL Study Says Regulated Online Offerings Make Up the Majority of the Market appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Compliance Updates

MGCB Launches Expanded Website with New Resources to Support Responsible Gaming

Published

14 hours ago

March 19, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

mgcb-launches-expanded-website-with-new-resources-to-support-responsible-gaming

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has announced the launch of its newly expanded website during Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The updated site features additional tools, educational content, and support resources to help individuals make informed decisions about gambling.

The updated website builds upon the campaign’s existing platform with new pages dedicated to recognizing the signs of problem gambling, understanding risk factors, accessing confidential help services, and supporting loved ones who may be struggling. The enhanced site also includes streamlined navigation and improved mobile accessibility to ensure visitors can quickly find the information they need.

Owned and operated by MGCB, Don’t Regret the Bet was created to raise awareness about responsible gaming and provide clear, stigma-free access to support. In Michigan alone, thousands of residents seek help each year by calling the state’s problem gambling helpline, and increased online gambling access has contributed to the growing demand for support services and responsible gaming resources. The website refresh reflects the Board’s continued commitment to public education and player protection as gaming options expand across the state.

“Responsible gaming starts with awareness and access to reliable information. By expanding our website, we are making it easier for Michiganders to understand the risks associated with gambling and to connect with help if they need it,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

New features of the expanded website include:

• Expanded educational content about responsible gaming practices

• Clear guidance on identifying warning signs of problem gambling

• Dedicated resources for friends and family members

• A new Youth Gambling Prevention section featuring research-based information for parents, educators, and community leaders

• Data highlighting that children introduced to “harmless betting” by age 12 are four times more likely to engage in problem gambling later in life

• Prevention tools and conversation guides to help adults address early exposure

• Direct links to confidential support services, including the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline

• Updated FAQs and prevention resources

The new youth-focused section underscores the importance of early awareness. Research shows that early exposure to casual or “harmless” betting behaviors significantly increases the risk of developing gambling-related problems later in life. For example, according to the Economic & Social Research Institute, studies have found that individuals who gambled before age 18 were nearly twice as likely to experience problem gambling as adults. By providing parents and guardians with practical tools and clear information, the campaign aims to reduce stigma and encourage early intervention.

The post MGCB Launches Expanded Website with New Resources to Support Responsible Gaming appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Compliance Updates

REEVO Obtains Certification in Portugal

Published

2 days ago

March 18, 2026

Wladimir P.

REEVO, the fast-growing online game provider, announced that its portfolio of in-house games has officially been certified for the Portuguese market, marking another important milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion across Europe’s regulated iGaming sector.

With certification secured, REEVO games are now approved for licensed operators in Portugal, enabling the company to introduce its innovative slot titles and immersive gameplay experiences to players across the country.

Portugal represents one of Europe’s most respected regulated markets, and the certification underscores REEVO’s commitment to delivering high-quality, compliant gaming content that meets the strict requirements of regulated jurisdictions while maintaining the creativity and performance that define the REEVO brand.

Portuguese operators will now gain access to:

• REEVO’s premium portfolio of in-house slot games

• High-performance, mobile-first gameplay

• Innovative features designed to enhance player engagement

• Fully certified and regulator-approved content

“Achieving certification in Portugal is an exciting milestone for REEVO and an important step in our European growth strategy. We are thrilled to bring our in-house games to Portuguese operators and players, continuing our mission to deliver engaging, high-quality content across regulated markets,” said Karl Grech, Head of Business Development at REEVO.

The post REEVO Obtains Certification in Portugal appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.