Compliance Updates
Ireland’s New Gambling Regulator to Begin Work on Phased Basis Next Year
Ireland’s new gambling regulator is likely to begin overseeing betting businesses in the Republic midway through next year, industry figures predict.
President Micheal D Higgins recently signed the new Gambling Regulation Act, which overhauls licensing and creates a new authority to govern betting firms, into law. Industry figures forecast that the new regime should begin operating midway through next year, a key point for many businesses as they will have to renew online betting licences by that time.
Government also has to pass several milestones before the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland can start functioning, including appointing the seven people the body requires.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee appointed senior civil servant Anne Marie Caulfield as chief executive designate of the authority in summer 2022. Her office has 11 staff. According to the Department of Justice, the State’s Public Appointments Service will shortly begin recruiting the authority’s seven members.
The Minister will appoint the candidates the service recommends.
The department could not say when the authority would start regulating but noted this would happen in a phased “timely manner” after its establishment.
Jack Chambers, Minister for Finance, earmarked €9.1 million for the authority next year in this month’s budget. That includes €4 million for technology.
Ms Caulfield wrote to industry organisations last week confirming that her organisation would begin its work on a “phased basis” but pointing out that it has already completed many preparations. In a statement she said that the authority was committed to keeping the industry fully informed so businesses can “plan for the new regulatory regime”.
Meanwhile, the Public Service Appointments Service last week advertised for someone to head the authority’s social fund. Under the new law’s provisions, betting businesses will contribute to this fund which the authority will use to tackle problem gambling.
Betting businesses regard the fund’s establishment as one of the key steps towards establishing the new regime.
Alongside that, they say that the authority will also have to set up its new licensing system. The law demands that all gambling businesses operating in the Republic be licensed and makes it a criminal offence to operate without a proper permit.
Lawyers at Arthur Cox recently noted that current permits are preserved until licensing sections of the act come into force. Existing high street and online bookies’ licences will have a run-off period, but lawyers said that how this would work in practice depended on how the regulator developed the new system.
Betting businesses are keen that the authority works on a national self-exclusion register for customers who voluntarily ask bookmakers not to take their bets. Currently, most individual bookies have systems where customers who fear they have a problem, or are at risk, can exclude themselves in this way.
The post Ireland’s New Gambling Regulator to Begin Work on Phased Basis Next Year appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Digitain has successfully secured an Isle of Man software supplier license.
This reflects the value Digitain has placed on stable institutions, credible oversight and long-term regulatory certainty — evidencing a clear signal that the Island remains a tier-one jurisdiction for serious, long-term gaming technology businesses.
Granted by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC), with Cavendish Trust and Digital Isle of Man supporting Digitain throughout the process, the licence further deepens the Island’s regulated supplier base and reinforces the Isle of Man’s proposition: a mature, well-regulated jurisdiction with a collaborative, high-standards approach to doing business.
Digitain is a leading global supplier of sportsbook and gaming technology to operators across multiple regulated markets, supporting both online and retail betting. With more than two decades of industry experience, the company is recognised for its scale, technical capability and enterprise-grade approach — making its decision to secure an Isle of Man licence a strong endorsement of the Island’s regulatory credibility and long-term stability.
Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, said: “Digitain is a significant player in the global iGaming industry, and its decision to secure an Isle of Man licence is a strong vote of confidence in the Island’s regulatory credibility and long-term stability. It demonstrates that the Isle of Man continues to attract serious, enterprise-scale technology providers who value high standards and regulatory certainty. We remain committed to supporting a future-focused iGaming sector that delivers sustainable, long-term economic value for the Isle of Man.”
With more than 20 years as a leading iGaming jurisdiction, the Isle of Man is recognised for proportionate, risk-based regulation, political and economic stability, and strong cooperation between Government, the GSC and industry — a combination that continues to attract high-quality businesses seeking a trusted base for regulated growth.
Shaun Corris, Director at Cavendish Trust, said: “We would like to congratulate Digitain on securing its Isle of Man licence. Supporting Digitain through the licensing process highlighted both the strength of the business and the calibre of the jurisdiction. Digitain’s decision to secure an Isle of Man licence reflects the Island’s continued appeal to established, international iGaming technology providers seeking long-term credibility and stability.”
Aida Vardanyan, Director within the Digitain group said: “The Isle of Man represents one of the most credible and mature iGaming jurisdictions globally and working under the oversight of the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission has reinforced our confidence in the Island as a long-term base for our regulated operations.”
“The licensing process of Digitain’s Isle of Man entity, Blue Whale Limited, was rigorous, transparent, and constructive, reflecting the depth of regulatory expertise and institutional stability that the Isle of Man is known for. Cavendish Trust played a central role in this journey, providing exceptional guidance, regulatory insight, and operational support throughout the process. Their experience, professionalism, and deep understanding of both the jurisdiction and the global iGaming landscape were instrumental in achieving this milestone, and we look forward to continuing our partnership as we grow our regulated business from the Isle of Man.”
The post Digitain Secures Isle of Man iGaming Software Supplier Licence appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Compliance Updates
National Council on Problem Gambling Adopts 1-800-MY-RESET as New National Problem Gambling Helpline Number
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) announced it has adopted 1-800-MY-RESET as the new National Problem Gambling Helpline number, designed to be memorable and easily accessible for the public. 1-800-MY-RESET is now live and operational to receive calls.
The adoption of the new number strengthens national visibility for the Helpline and supports NCPG’s ongoing network modernization efforts. 1-800-MY-RESET is neutral, non-stigmatizing, and user-defined, signaling that individuals can reach out for support at any point in their relationship with gambling. Calls to 1-800-MY-RESET will connect individuals to the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network, which serves as a single point of access to 24 contact centers across the US, staffed by trained professionals who meet internationally recognized helpline quality standards. The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available 24/7, is free and confidential, and provides support and referrals to local resources.
“Problem gambling support should never be limited to a single moment or a single definition of harm. 1-800-MY-RESET reinforces that the National Problem Gambling Helpline is available at any stage—whether someone is worried about themselves, concerned about a family member, or simply looking for trusted guidance. Making the Helpline number easier to remember is a practical, meaningful step toward reducing barriers to care,” said Derek Longmeier, President of the NCPG Board of Directors.
Nearly 20 million U.S. adults report experiencing at least one indicator of gambling-related harm in the past year, according to NCPG research. As legal gambling continues to expand across the US, NCPG is committed to ensuring help for a gambling problem is always available and accessible. Improving the memorability of the National Helpline number is part of a broader public awareness strategy to mitigate gambling-related harm by educating communities, reducing stigma, and bringing gambling addiction to the forefront of public health efforts nationwide.
“With gambling now more accessible than ever, the National Problem Gambling Helpline is a critical lifeline. Making the number easier to remember helps ensure people across the country can quickly connect with high-quality, confidential support when they need it,” said NCPG Executive Director Heather L. Maurer, MA, CAE.
The post National Council on Problem Gambling Adopts 1-800-MY-RESET as New National Problem Gambling Helpline Number appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Finland’s Interior Ministry is examining whether scratchcards might once again be allowed as gifts.
The investigation will consider whether winnings from a scratchcard could be claimed by someone other than the person who purchased the card.
At the start of 2024, scratchcards were brought under mandatory identification rules. Since then, recipients of gifted cards have been unable to redeem any prizes they potentially offer.
Parliament approved a new Lotteries Act in December. At the same time, legislators included a statement urging the government to explore ways to permit scratchcards to be given as gifts.
Christmastime is traditionally the biggest season for lottery scratch card sales in Finland.
The post Finland Govt Looks at Whether Scratchcards can be Gifted Again appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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