Compliance Updates
EGBA Welcomes European Parliament’s Approval of New European Digital Identity
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has welcomed the recent approval by the European Parliament of a Regulation introducing a new European Digital Identity (e-ID). The Parliament’s endorsement of the e-ID marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a more secure and inclusive digital environment for all citizens across the European Union (EU). The new e-ID will be a transformative tool that addresses several concerns in the digital sphere.
According to the Regulation, adopted by the Parliament on 29 February, the e-ID will allow citizens to identify and authenticate themselves online without having to resort to commercial providers – a practice that has, in the past, raised trust, security and privacy concerns related to the sharing of consumer data with third-party platforms. Using such a standardised, non-commercial identification method will ensure greater privacy protection for consumers, among other benefits. Additionally, the e-ID enhances security by offering consumers and businesses a trusted and standardised tool for online identification, minimising the risk of identity theft and fraud.
This streamlined approach will not only increase user confidence in digital transactions but will also reduce costs and administration for businesses, including gambling operators, by providing a singular verification tool they can use across the EU, instead of paying high fees for the use of commercial databases. The success of the e-ID will of course depend on a high participation rate among citizens. The use of the e-ID will be entirely voluntary for citizens and businesses, including gambling operators. Thus, gambling operators have the flexibility to determine whether they wish to integrate the e-ID tool into their know-your-customer processes.
EGBA has been a supporter of the e-ID since it was proposed by the European Commission in 2021, recognising its potential to revolutionise the way online services are accessed and utilised in the EU, offering a streamlined and secure means for individuals to verify their identity and engage in various digital activities. Since the proposal, EGBA has been encouraging the EU institutions to ensure that businesses, including gambling operators, can access and use the e-ID and benefit from its use. For the online gambling sector, the e-ID holds particular significance, as it provides players with an easy, secure, trustworthy, and singular option to confirm their identity in the EU.
The e-ID law, which amends the EU’s eIDAS Regulation, will now have to be formally endorsed by the EU Council of Ministers before its official adoption, expected before summer 2024. As a Regulation, it will automatically apply across all EU member states from the moment of its adoption.
“We welcome the European Parliament’s approval of a unified digital identity framework and are confident that the use of the new e-ID in our sector will lead to a more seamless and trustworthy online experience for players and help to reduce costs and administration for gambling operators. This innovative tool represents an important step towards building a more secure and user-friendly digital ecosystem, aligning with EGBA’s core objectives of promoting integrity, transparency, and a safe, consumer-centric playing environment,” Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, said.
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.
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.
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.
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