Latest News

The evolution of AML, w/Antonello Cuschieri, MLRO and Managing Director at Greentube Malta

Published

4 years ago

October 20, 2022

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Since the introduction of the 4^th Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Directive, new requirements and have increased the compliance burden for the industry. We spoke to Greentube’s MLRO Antonello Cuschieri about how the company has stepped up to the challenge, heightened by it operating across numerous global markets.

How do you balance business needs and regulatory demands and what are the tensions in this relationship?

AML is a hugely important area of compliance for the industry and one that has been even more prominent after the implementation of the 4^th Anti-Money Laundering Directive in 2017. Ensuring compliance is crucial and at Greentube we work hard to ensure the whole company understands the importance of ensuring compliant operations and keeping money laundering and terrorist financing out of the businesses. Establishing the right compliance culture is a big part of this along with educating our teams on the importance of maintaining a compliant approach to both the business and market demands. In some regions, the rules and expectations still remain unclear, and we wish regulators would take on more of an educational role, to work with the industry to reach our mutual goals. Transparency brings stability and uniformity and open communication between the industry and regulators and more granularity within the regulation itself would ultimately ensure a safer environment for customers. Each market is different, so a one-size-fits-all approach does simply not work. That is also what makes this area trickier to navigate for the industry.

Have some regulatory bodies taken things too far?

Enforcement in this space is critical and it is proof that the framework is working when regulators issue penalties on operators that have failed to comply. At Greentube, we try to learn from the mistakes of industry players and ensure we keep aware of any developments in the area. Regulators and the industry have a common objective – to ensure the sector has a good reputation – and any instance where the industry falls short, hurts the public’s perception and customers’ trust in us as operators. In our view, regulators are very present and, when enforcing, they are not too strict as AML is a vital part and must ensure that operators live up to the highest standards. We operate in a very sensitive area which needs focus and attention, therefore the regulators must be vigilant and active in terms of enforcement. It’s a duty and obligation of all stakeholders to safeguard the sector.

How can barriers be broken down so that regulators and gaming companies work together for the common good?

It again comes down to education, clarity and collaboration. It is such an important subject and sometimes regulations cannot be left open for interpretation as that would bring uncertainty. We must stay vigilant, as criminals will always find new ways to use the industry for their illicit aims. There are additional challenges including the lack of insight we have on activity that takes place elsewhere, such as accounts with other operators and even within other industries such as banking. If we want to protect the industry, we need to extend the regulatory regime to also include other sectors that service the gambling industry thus encouraging and enhancing cross-industry collaboration which give operators a wider and more holistic view of the facts. We are already seeing this with some regulators, such as in Germany, where they are taking a more prominent role in controlling the industry itself, particularly on player protection. Rather than leaving the operators to work singularly on their own, the German regulator has adopted a more central role and that is the proper way to protect the customer.

Have there been market-specific challenges around AML arising as Greentube expands into new and emerging markets?

Every market, even though European AML directives are in place, has its own characteristics and variables that impact operators’. How much gambling is ingrained within the country’s culture, the offering itself, what’s allowed in terms of products and payments, and so on – all these elements might expose operators to additional risks, so the challenges vary. One point is key, however, if you are expanding your market reach, you need to make sure your compliance team is growing at the same rate as every new region adds to the burden from a regulatory perspective. At Greentube, our ethos is to be a responsible supplier and operator and as the regulatory landscape continues to become more complex, we will increase our focus and efforts in the space to safeguard our customers and keep crime out of gambling.

Blueprint Gaming

Blueprint Gaming releases Wolf Fury Fire Blitz slot

Published

21 minutes ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

blueprint-gaming-releases-wolf-fury-fire-blitz-slot

New title adds Fire Spins and Blitz Spins bonuses plus Standard, Super and Ultra Power Play modes at 5x, 10x and 20x stake.

Blueprint Gaming has released a new slot, Wolf Fury Fire Blitz, built around an “evolving Fire Blitz mechanic” and two bonus paths: Fire Spins and Blitz Spins.

The game uses a Fire Blitz logo above the reels as a meter. In the base game and Power Play, the supplier said every Cash and Wolf symbol contributes to the meter, with boosts able to add extra symbols and “guarantees either Fire Spins or Blitz Spins.”

Fire Spins triggers when six or more Cash symbols land in view. Each reel position spins independently to add more Cash or Wolf symbols, with new symbols resetting a three-spin counter and locking in place. Blueprint said the Wolf can land on the centre reel to collect all Cash symbols in view, then collect additional prizes that land for the remainder of the feature.

Blitz Spins activates when a Wolf symbol lands on reel three alongside Cash symbols on two adjacent reels. During the bonus, the Wolf collects every Cash symbol that lands before the reels respin, and additional Wolf symbols can lock in place, with up to three collectors active at once.

The title also includes Blueprint Gaming’s multi-level Power Play, offering Standard, Super or Ultra modes at 5x, 10x or 20x the base stake. In these modes, the company said only Cash and Wolf symbols appear on the reels.

Jo Purvis, Director of Marketing, PR and Events at Blueprint Gaming, said: “Wolf Fury Fire Blitz combines several of our most engaging mechanics into a fast-paced experience that offers players frequent feature opportunities and exciting collection gameplay. The Fire Blitz mechanic creates anticipation throughout every session, while the dual bonus structure ensures plenty of variety.

“The addition of our multi-level Power Play further enhances the experience by giving players greater control over how they engage with the game, reinforcing our commitment to delivering innovative, feature-rich content that performs across regulated markets worldwide.”

The post Blueprint Gaming releases Wolf Fury Fire Blitz slot appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win

Playson releases 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win with dual bonus modes

Published

21 minutes ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

playson-releases-4-chili-pots:-hold-and-win-with-dual-bonus-modes

Playson has launched 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win, a new slot built around Hold and Win and Pots mechanics with two bonus modes and jackpots reaching 10,000x.

The game runs on a 5×3 grid and triggers a Hold and Win Bonus Game with Chili Features when red, orange or green Chili Bonus symbols land, combining with enlarged matching chilis above the reels. The chilli colour determines the feature in play: red triggers a Multi Feature that adds multipliers up to 5x; orange triggers a Mystery Feature that can award Mini, Minor or Major jackpot values or a coin value up to 75x; and green triggers a Collect Feature that gathers the value of all symbols in play, including any attached multipliers.

A golden Super Chili Bonus symbol can trigger a Super Bonus Game on an expanded 5×5 grid, with random Multi, Mystery or Collect features, including combinations. During the round, the active Super Chili Feature lands random Chili Bonus symbols until six are present, which then activates a new feature or enhances the current one.

Playson said jackpots can be triggered in both bonus modes. Filling all 15 cells in the classic bonus awards the Grand Jackpot at 3,000x, while filling all 25 cells in the Super Bonus Game awards the Super Jackpot at 10,000x. Skull-themed symbols can also appear in bonus play and transform into red, orange or green Chili Bonus symbols. The title includes two Buy Bonus levels, allowing players to trigger the Bonus Game or Super Bonus Game with one, two or three Chili Features.

Anton Ivannikov, CPO at Playson, said: “Our fiery new title showcases our continued focus on evolving proven mechanics in fresh and exciting ways. By combining two player-favourite features with layered bonus progression, dynamic Chili Features and a Super Bonus Game offering even greater rewards, we have created a title that delivers excitement throughout every stage of play.

“Complemented by its vibrant Mexican fiesta theme and engaging gameplay, we are confident 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win will prove to be another valuable addition to our partners’ casino offerings.”

The post Playson releases 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win with dual bonus modes appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Compliance Updates

Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy

Published

1 hour ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

merkur-group-strengthens-global-compliance-strategy

Under the theme “Perspectives,” a total of 43 compliance staff members from the Merkur Group across various countries gathered from 30 June to 1 July to further develop compliance processes in a sustainable manner. Colleagues from Germany, Spain, England, Malta, Australia and the US traveled to the two-day meeting at Benkhausen Castle, the in-house training centre of the Merkur Group. The workshop set the stage with expert presentations on global and digital topics such as cybersecurity, risk management and artificial intelligence. A panel discussion featuring representatives from various international companies within the Merkur Group, as well as a digital quiz, rounded out the programme.

In keeping with its guiding principle, the workshop focused on sharing experiences, fostering global networking and providing impetus for the further development of compliance processes. Because informal exchanges are also key to close cooperation, the evening programme created a relaxed atmosphere and gave participants the opportunity to continue their conversations, make new connections, and further strengthen team spirit across company and national boundaries.

“The ideas and diverse perspectives gained during the workshop will now be incorporated into our day-to-day work and help us to continuously improve collaboration and existing processes,” said Ludwig Beckmann, Chief Compliance Officer of the Merkur Group.

The concluding feedback session also highlighted just how valuable the international exchange is. The term “collaboration” came up particularly often, a clear indication of how highly the participants value working closely together within the international compliance network.

The post Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.