Connect with us

Compliance Updates

Romania Bans Gambling Venues in Small Towns and Villages

Published

on

romania-bans-gambling-venues-in-small-towns-and-villages
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

Romania has announced a ban on gambling venues in small towns and villages with populations of less than 15,000 residents.

What’s known as the “law of slot machines” was passed by deputies in the lower house of parliament. “It is the first law adopted in Parliament in 30 years against this mafia that has controlled the political world until now,” said Alfred Simonis, the leader of the Social Democrats.

“Right now we are fighting an industry that has a total turnover of €10-12 billion.”

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Industry figures complain they were not consulted, and hope that the authorities will control the black market as they promised.

Despite the unanimous vote, there was some dissent within the chamber. Two opposition parties that want to ban the “scourge” of gambling outright accuse the government of collusion with the gaming sector for not taking a stronger position.

On another front Ionut Mosteanu, the leader of the opposition USR, questioned how lawmakers had set the threshold.

“They thought that slot machines only damage 15,000 people,” he said. “There was not even a debate to see how many townships qualify for this 15,000. Why not 16, 17, why not two million and you would ban them definitively?”

Gambling venues have become ubiquitous across Romania over the last few decades. The National Gaming Office, the state body that monitors and approves the sector, has registered 12,000 sports betting, bingo, casino, lottery rooms.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

The state collects taxes from gambling venue licenses and online ticket sales as from the amount betting houses spend on advertising.

There are no recent data to indicate how many people in Romania are addicted to gambling. The last survey was conducted in 2016, and found that there could be around 100,000 addicted people across the country. The number today could be much higher.

The post Romania Bans Gambling Venues in Small Towns and Villages appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Australia

Entain’s Andrew Vouris to Speak at Regulating the Game 2026

Published

on

entain’s-andrew-vouris-to-speak-at-regulating-the-game-2026
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

Leading gaming law and regulation conference Regulating the Game has announced the newly appointed CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand as its first Featured Speaker for its March 2026 event in Sydney.

The conference is scheduled to take place from 9 to 11 March 2026 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

Andrew Vouris, who was appointed CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand in August, brings almost two decades of leadership experience in wagering, operations and innovation at some of Australia’s largest wagering operators.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

His career spans senior leadership roles in Tabcorp’s multi-billion dollar wagering and media business, heading global operations of a pioneering esports and wagering platform, and partnering with private equity to build early-stage ventures in esports. Across these roles he has been deeply engaged in navigating complex regulatory and compliance challenges.

Since stepping into the CEO role at Entain Australia and New Zealand, Vouris has outlined his desire to embed a culture of “win, but not at all costs”, to return to the basics of selling bets and to lead innovation while ensuring customers are protected.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to speak at Regulating the Game 2026, which provides a unique global platform for advancing dialogue between regulators, industry and thought leaders,” Vouris said.

“At a time when public expectations and regulatory demands are at an all-time high, I look forward to sharing Entain’s vision for balancing sustainable growth, compliance leadership, and customer protection.”

Paul Newson, Principal at Vanguard Overwatch and founder of Regulating the Game, added: “Andrew’s leadership vision for Entain and his extensive track record across wagering and esports bring an important perspective to Regulating the Game 2026. His focus on culture, compliance and innovation aligns strongly with the values of the conference, and we are thrilled to feature his insights as part of this year’s program.”

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

The post Entain’s Andrew Vouris to Speak at Regulating the Game 2026 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Arizona Department of Gaming

Arizona Department of Gaming Issues Cease-and-Desists on “Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes”

Published

on

arizona-department-of-gaming-issues-cease-and-desists-on-“phoenix-dream-home-sweepstakes”

 

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) issued cease-and-desist orders to Raffall, a company based in the UK, and to an Arizona resident using the platform to promote the “Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes,” currently advertised online and through a separate website, winthisazhome.com, which is marketing the chance to “Win a Luxury $1.3M Arizona Mountainside Home”.

According to the Department’s investigation, the promotion required participants to purchase entries for a prize to be awarded and promised either a home transfer or a cash payout, depending on sales volume. The investigation further determined that the organizers intended to profit from ticket sales. Based on these findings, the Department alleges the activity constitutes an illegal gambling operation under Arizona law.

As part of the enforcement action, Raffall has been directed to remove all gambling-related drawings or giveaways targeting Arizona residents, and the Arizona resident has also been ordered to cease promoting or conducting any unlawful gambling activity.

“Illegal gambling can take many forms and it does not matter if it is labeled a sweepstakes, raffle, giveaway, or drawing. Unregulated operations put Arizonans at risk because there is no oversight, and therefore no accountability or safeguards in place. The Department will continue to take enforcement action to protect consumers, and we urge the public to learn what is legal before participating in or hosting any gambling activity,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

The post Arizona Department of Gaming Issues Cease-and-Desists on “Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes” appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Continue Reading

Balkans

GLI Returns as Sponsor of the Regulators’ Roundtable at EEGS 2025

Published

on

gli-returns-as-sponsor-of-the-regulators’-roundtable-at-eegs-2025
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

The Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS) proudly announces that Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) will once again return as a sponsor of the highly anticipated Regulators’ Roundtable at EEGS 2025, taking place on 27–28 November at Inter Expo Center, Sofia.

As the global leader in testing, certification, and professional services for the gaming industry, GLI has supported regulators, suppliers, and operators across more than 480 jurisdictions worldwide for decades. With a strong mission to ensure integrity, fairness, and transparency, GLI plays a pivotal role in shaping a trusted and sustainable global gaming environment.

The continued sponsorship of the Regulators’ Roundtable underscores GLI’s dedication to fostering dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange between regulators and industry stakeholders. As one of the flagship sessions of EEGS, the Roundtable offers an exclusive platform to address pressing regulatory challenges, explore innovative solutions, and discuss strategies that will define the future of the sector.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

EEGS 2025 will once again unite regulators, operators, suppliers, and thought leaders for two days of high-level discussions, networking, and knowledge sharing, reinforcing its position as the leading forum for gaming innovation and regulation in Eastern Europe and beyond.

Learn more & register here: https://eegamingsummit.com/register-for-super-early-bird-ticket/
For any sponsorship availabilities, see here: https://eegamingsummit.com/sponsorship-2025/

Together with partners like GLI, EEGS continues to be the meeting point for innovation, regulation, and collaboration in the gaming industry.

The post GLI Returns as Sponsor of the Regulators’ Roundtable at EEGS 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)
Continue Reading

Trending

Get it on Google Play

Fresh slot games releases by the top brands of the industry. We provide you with the latest news straight from the entertainment industries.

The platform also hosts industry-relevant webinars, and provides detailed reports, making it a one-stop resource for anyone seeking information about operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services in the European gaming market. The portal's primary goal is to keep its extensive reader base updated on the latest happenings, trends, and developments within the gaming and gambling sector, with an emphasis on the European market while also covering pertinent global news. It's an indispensable resource for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts alike.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 - Recent Slot Releases is part of HIPTHER Agency. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania