Compliance Updates
UGC Once Again Appeals to Google to Stop Blocking Legal Gambling Ads
The Ukrainian Gambling Council (UGC) has appealed to Google to stop blocking all advertising of Ukrainian licensed gambling organisers, as it does not comply with the current legislation, leads to losses for both business and the state budget of Ukraine, and helps illegal operators to enrich themselves.
Combating illegal online gambling advertising is an important component of counteracting the development of the shadow gambling market. However, over the past year, an unbalanced policy in this regard has led to extremely negative consequences – search engines have begun to block all advertising related to the activities of primarily licensed Ukrainian gambling market organisers that have established and unchanged domain addresses in the Ukrainian Internet segment. However, illegal operators, who can easily change the names of their websites and move from one domain to another (in different jurisdictions), have hardly felt the effects of the bans.
In fact, Google considers Ukraine as a country where all types of gambling, except lotteries, are currently prohibited, and it blocks advertising mainly from legal companies. This situation leads to negative consequences and the expansion of the illegal services market. Licensed companies have obtained state licences and launched marketing campaigns, including sponsorship of sports competitions, but they cannot legally advertise their services online. As a result, companies lose customers and profits, and the state loses taxes.
It is worth noting that lotteries are among the services allowed on Google in Ukraine. However, all lottery operators, without exception, operate in Ukraine on the basis of licences that expired back in 2014. In fact, lotteries imitate gambling – betting, online casinos, slot machines – without having the appropriate licences. They also do not pay any taxes and licence fees to the budget. However, lottery operators are not subject to any restrictions on gambling advertising.
In order to remedy the situation and streamline the system of prohibitions in order to prevent further losses of business and state funds, the Ukrainian Gambling Council (UGC), a non-governmental organisation that unites licensed gambling organisers, has once again appealed to the management of the regional office of Google in Ukraine, namely, Paul Terence Manicle, Director of Google LLC, and Tetiana Lukyniuk, General Director of Google Office in Ukraine, with a request to lift the existing restrictions and provide an opportunity to officially advertise gambling, in particular, on the territory of Ukraine using Google services:
• activities related to the organisation and conduct of gambling in gambling establishments;
• organising and conducting casino gambling on the Internet;
• organising and conducting betting activities in betting shops and on the Internet;
• organising and conducting gambling in slot machine halls;
• organising and conducting poker games on the Internet.
Also, to remove the existing restrictions and allow official advertising of mobile applications on the territory of Ukraine using Google services and provide all opportunities for the official placement of mobile applications for organising and conducting online gambling on Google services.
The post UGC Once Again Appeals to Google to Stop Blocking Legal Gambling Ads appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has intensified its supervision of illegal gambling apps. Since the start of 2025, 20 apps have been removed from the app stores. The regulator calls on consumers to always report suspicious apps.
In the fight against illegal gambling, the KSA also focuses on tackling illegal gambling offers in app stores. This problem is becoming increasingly urgent, especially with the increasing number of apps that refer users to illegal websites. These websites are also often accessible to minors, which makes the situation even more worrying. Many of these apps are advertised via social media.
Illegal providers often use underhand techniques to convince consumers, for example by displaying logos of licensed providers. An app was recently reported in the App Store that misused the Holland Casino logo. Also, an “ordinary” game is often advertised (in many cases a variation on “plinko”), but after downloading it links to illegal gambling websites.
In the past three months, the KSA has had 20 of these apps removed, so that they are no longer available to users. It is of great importance to the KSA that consumers continue to report these apps, so that this process can continue throughout the year. When reporting gambling advertising, it is essential that the name of the app in question that is being advertised is mentioned in the report.
In addition to reports from consumers, the KSA is also increasingly receiving reports from industry associations and licensed casinos. For example, via Meld Vals Spel, a platform set up by the industry for reporting illegal gambling sites. Reports received via that platform are also investigated by the KSA. The KSA has working agreements with app stores to report illegal apps to them and then have them removed.
The post Dutch Gaming Authority Focuses on Tackling Illegal Gambling Apps appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has defended the Entertainment Complex Bill, set for parliamentary debate on April 9, as a vital economic measure amid rising US tariffs on Thai goods.
While opposition continues inside and outside parliament, Mr Phumtham insisted the bill’s fate should be decided through democratic processes — not protests.
The bill, which includes casino operations within an integrated entertainment complex, aims to generate significant revenue and counter the 36% US tariff hike on Thai goods — far higher than Singapore’s 10%, he said.
Mr Phumtham argued the measure would boost Thailand’s financial resilience and dismissed concerns that it promotes gambling addiction. He said strict entry rules, including age and income restrictions, would help mitigate risk.
“This isn’t about encouraging gambling — it’s about economic survival,” he said.
He urged critics to join the parliamentary debate and cited results from the government’s online public hearing held between Feb 28 and March 14, in which more than 70,000 people participated, with around 80% supporting the bill.
While acknowledging the right to protest, he warned such demonstrations should not be seen as representing the entire nation.
He said public opinion often differs from that of opposition parties and civil groups, stressing the need to respect the democratic process and let parliament decide.
The post Thai Deputy PM Defends Entertainment Complex Bill as Shield Against US Trade Move appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Global B2B iGaming content provider secures first Canadian market entry following the successful submission and approval of its gaming-related supplier application
Playnetic, the in-demand global B2B iGaming content provider known for its quality games, reliable delivery and outstanding customer service, has announced the approval of its gaming-related supplier application by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
With the AGCO licensing process being recognised in the industry for its rigorous standards and thorough due diligence, the new certification confirms Playnetic was able to meet the high levels of integrity and regulatory compliance needed to legally distribute its content within the province.
As a result of the approval, Playnetic has now secured its first Canadian market entry and will be able to provide its library of innovative games to licensed operators in the Ontario region – with this starting point paving the way for further expansion into other regulated provinces in future.
Given signs of change emerging within the Canadian market and Alberta making progress toward a regulated online model – likely drawing from Ontario’s framework – this license positions Playnetic strongly to expand its footprint in the country and further solidifies the company’s ambitious growth plans.
In the meantime, Playnetic has already begun making groundwork with key operators in the Ontario region and is looking forward to going live with some exciting brands over the coming months. The company will also be attending SBC’s Canadian Gaming Summit from June 17-19, where both existing and new potential partners alike are welcome to stop by and meet the team.
Dan Phillips, Chief Executive Officer at Playnetic, said: “Acquiring AGCO approval for our gaming-related supplier application is undoubtedly a big step for Playnetic. The new license not only secures our first Canadian market entry, but also reaffirms Playnetic’s position as a trusted provider in iGaming and underlines our commitment to compliance and operational excellence.”
Julian Borg-Barthet, Chief Commercial Officer at Playnetic, said: “We’re very excited to now be in a position to offer our library of innovative gaming content in Ontario, and the groundwork to do that with some of the region’s biggest licensed operators is already underway. Over time, we’re confident this license will also help us expand further into current markets and emerging regulated provinces, such as Alberta.”
The post Playnetic granted Ontario supplier license appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
-
Latest News4 days agoDreamPlay consolidates its status as a global player in the iGaming industry and opens an office and campus in Cyprus
-
Caesars Entertainment4 days ago
Caesars Entertainment Debuts its First Live Dealer Studio Inside One of its Caesars Rewards Destinations
-
Amusnet6 days ago
Amusnet to Participate in the Third Edition of SiGMA Americas
-
Carlos Gomez7 days agoEstadio Gana Launches in Mexico
-
Australia6 days ago
Vanguard Overwatch Announces New Partnership Deal with McAtamney & Advisors
-
Australia6 days ago
Changes to Tipping Off Offence Came into Effect in Australia
-
Bruce Cassidy5 days ago
VIP Play Obtains Interim West Virginia iGaming and Sports Wagering Management Service Provider Licenses
-
Latest News7 days ago
BMM INNOVATION GROUP TO SHOWCASE ITS WORLD-LEADING TESTING SERVICES FOR BRAZIL’S FAST-GROWING GAMING MARKET AT BIS SIGMA AMERICAS SUMMIT APRIL 7–10
