Compliance Updates
eCOGRA Authorized to Operate as Independent Testing Laboratory in Connecticut

eCOGRA, the globally renowned Independent Testing Laboratory, has announced its recent authorization by the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Gaming Division to offer its comprehensive range of services in Connecticut. This milestone brings eCOGRA’s total number of U.S. Jurisdictions to six, and its total number of global jurisdictions to 36, cementing its position as a market leader in providing independent testing, inspection, and certification services to the online gambling industry.
With over two decades of experience, eCOGRA has become synonymous with integrity, reliability, and excellence in the field of independent testing. By expanding its operations to Connecticut, eCOGRA aims to further enhance its commitment to ensuring fair and transparent gaming practices, both for players and industry operators within the state.
Connecticut became the sixth U.S. state to legalize online casino gambling in 2021 as part of a wider legislative move which also included legalizing online and retail sports betting. Now known for its vibrant gaming community and growing online gambling sector, Connecticut represents a crucial market for eCOGRA’s services. As a trusted independent testing agency, eCOGRA will provide its expertise to assess and validate the fairness and security of online gaming platforms, bolstering player confidence and regulatory compliance across the state.
eCOGRA’s comprehensive range of services covers a wide spectrum of critical areas in online gaming, including software testing, RNG (Random Number Generator) evaluations, cybersecurity assessments, and regulatory compliance reviews. By adhering to the highest industry standards and best practices, eCOGRA ensures that all its clients meet the necessary regulatory requirements and provide a safe and secure gaming environment for their players.
Shaun McCallaghan, CEO of eCOGRA, said: “We are thrilled to extend our services to the dynamic market of Connecticut. With our independent testing, inspection, and certification expertise, we aim to foster a transparent and secure online gambling ecosystem that benefits players, suppliers and operators.”
As eCOGRA enters the Connecticut market, it plans to forge partnerships with local gambling operators and software providers. By collaborating closely with industry stakeholders, eCOGRA will help shape the gambling landscape in Connecticut, ensuring the highest standards of integrity and player protection.
Bradley Khoury, CTO of eCOGRA, said: “eCOGRA’s authorisation to provide services in Connecticut is a testament to the company’s expertise, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the gambling industry. As the market leader in independent testing, inspection, and certification, eCOGRA continues to champion fairness, trust, and accountability.”
Anne Marie Caulfield
GRAI Publishes 2025-2027 Strategy Statement

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The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has published its Statement of Strategy for 2025 to 2027, setting out its strategic priorities over the next three years as it establishes a robust regulatory and licensing regime for the gambling sector and delivers on its public protection mandate.
Established on a statutory basis in March 2025, the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 sets out the framework and legislative basis for the GRAI which will operate as an independent, self-financing regulator under the remit of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
Minister Jim O’Callaghan TD, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration launched the new Strategy alongside Mr Paul Quinn, Chair of the Authority, and Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the GRAI.
The Statement of Strategy sets out the GRAI’s priorities over the next three years with particular focus on six functional areas with related strategic goals reflecting the GRAI’s legislative mandate:
• Licensing
• Monitoring and Compliance
• Enforcement
• Consumer Protection and Awareness
• People, Organisation, and Governance
• Digital First
Each goal is supported by objectives and deliverables which will guide the GRAI’s progress through to 2027.
Jim O’Callaghan TD, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs Migration, said: “I commend the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland on the publication of its first Statement of Strategy, which is an important milestone for the Authority, the gambling sector in Ireland and for the wider public.
“This strategy is not just about regulation; it is about educating the public, protecting those vulnerable to gambling harm, and ensuring that the industry operates to the highest standards of integrity and social responsibility. As Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration I am committed to supporting the Authority in delivering on its mandate.”
Paul Quinn, Chairperson of the GRAI, said: “As a newly established independent regulator, we have been entrusted with a vital public mandate: to ensure that gambling in Ireland is conducted in a safe, fair, and transparent manner, with the interests of individuals, families, and the wider community at its heart.
“Our work is grounded in the principles of prevention, protection, and evidence-based regulation. This Statement of Strategy sets out the roadmap to delivering a modern, fair, and trusted regulatory regime that reflects the constantly evolving nature of gambling and the expectations of the Irish public.
“Establishing the new licensing arrangements, compliance management, and enforcement functions during the term of this Strategy is central to reducing the likelihood of gambling harms and will underpin a well-regulated gambling market in Ireland.”
Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the GRAI, said: “The Statement of Strategy outlines the vision, mission, and values of the Regulator through to 2027. Each goal within the Strategy outlines a thorough approach to our main functions, from building a robust licensing regime that will ensure operators are consistently adhering to standards to supporting research and educational initiatives that enhance our capabilities as a Regulator.
“The GRAI’s Statement of Strategy 2025 – 2027 has been approved by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and we look forward to achieving our strategic goals together.”
The post GRAI Publishes 2025-2027 Strategy Statement appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Africa
NLGRB Intensifies Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Gaming Operations

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The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board Uganda (NLGRB) intensified its nationwide crackdown on illegal gaming operations, seizing over 80 unauthorised gaming machines in Mbarara and Ibanda cities under its operation name “Mashine Haramu.”
According to the NLGRB Operations Manager, Mr. Steven Tabaruka, more than 6000 illegal gaming machines have so far been impounded across Uganda as part of the ongoing enforcement operation.
The operation targets unregulated gaming operators, suppliers, and manufacturers that exploit unsuspecting Ugandans and undermine the integrity of the industry.
Mr. Tabaruka said that the Board’s goal is to protect Ugandans by eliminating illegal gaming activities and promoting responsible gaming. He encouraged individuals in the gaming business to reach out to the NLGRB offices in Mbarara or the head office in Kampala to regularise their operations.
The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board continues to urge the public to report suspicious or illegal gaming activities as part of efforts to ensure a safe and regulated gaming environment for all.
The post NLGRB Intensifies Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Gaming Operations appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
ACMA
ACMA Blocks More Illegal Online Gambling Sites

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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 Crown Gold, Maxispin Casino, Rain.gg, Didibet, LuckyBet, Malina Casino and Spins of Glory.
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, 1338 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. Around 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 Sites appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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