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Compliance Updates

Ireland’s New Gambling Regulator to Begin Work on Phased Basis Next Year

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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.

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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”.

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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.

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The post Ireland’s New Gambling Regulator to Begin Work on Phased Basis Next Year appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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MGCB Orders Four Offshore Online Casinos to Cease Operations in Michigan

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The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist letters to four unlicensed online casinos—Betty Wins, Orbit Spins, Pacific Spins Casino, and Yabby Casino—all operated by Tech Zone Inc., a company registered offshore in the Union of Comoros.

The enforcement action is part of the MGCB’s ongoing commitment to protect Michigan residents from illegal gambling platforms that lack oversight, player safeguards, and responsible gaming protections.

“These offshore operators lure players with flashy ads and promises of big winnings, but in reality, they put consumers at serious financial and personal risk. We will continue to take strong action against unlicensed sites to ensure gambling in Michigan is legal, fair, and secure,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of MGCB.

Under Michigan law, only MGCB-licensed operators are authorized to offer internet gaming and sports betting. Tech Zone’s four brands were found to be illegally targeting Michigan residents, violating the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and sections of the Michigan Penal Code.

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“Illegal operators may use familiar branding or social media ads to appear trustworthy. But if the site isn’t licensed by the MGCB, it isn’t safe. We encourage all players to check before they bet,” Williams said.

The post MGCB Orders Four Offshore Online Casinos to Cease Operations in Michigan appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Compliance Updates

CT Interactive grows its certified portfolio in Romania

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CT Interactive is strengthening its presence in Romania’s regulated iGaming market by certifying 20 new games, bringing its total portfolio in the country to 101 titles. This is a significant achievement in the company’s European growth strategy.

Among the new certified releases are fan favorites such as Lucky Clover 10, the latest addition to the beloved Clover series featuring vintage-inspired graphics and nostalgic design elements, and 20 Mega Star, a classic fruit-themed slot that combines familiar gameplay with modern visuals to keep players engaged. Both titles have already proven their success across multiple international markets with strong player engagement.

Additionally, CT Interactive is launching its new Buy Bonus product line in the Romanian market. This exciting lineup includes Doctor Winstein Buy Bonus, Duck of Luck Buy Bonus, Fruits & Sweets Buy Bonus, Nanook the White Ghost Buy Bonus, and Hyper Cuber Buy Bonus — all offering thrilling bonus features and enhanced gameplay tailored to local player preferences.

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“Certification in Romania is an important part of our European growth strategy,” said Martin Ivanov, COO of CT Interactive. “This expansion not only strengthens our presence but also enables us to offer a diverse and premium range of content to the regulated Romanian market.”

With these new certifications, CT Interactive continues to be a trusted provider of engaging gaming content, offering Romanian operators a broad range of advanced titles fully aligned with local regulatory standards.

The post CT Interactive grows its certified portfolio in Romania appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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MDC Issues Commentary as U.S. Gambling Enters “Regulatory Reset” Following $148 Billion Wagered

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Minimum Deposit Casinos (MDC) has issued an expert commentary on what it calls a “regulatory reset” in the U.S. gambling sector, as lawmakers and regulators respond to explosive growth in consumer betting behavior. According to the American Gaming Association, Americans wagered a record $148 billion on sports in 2024. This surge has sparked new scrutiny from both federal and state-level authorities.

Recent legislative efforts in New York, Louisiana, and Montana have targeted sweepstakes-based casinos and skill-based betting formats. Proposed changes include tighter bet size limits, stricter advertising rules, and licensing reforms aimed at reducing player harm and increasing transparency.

“The regulatory environment is catching up with consumer behavior. There’s growing concern over how online gambling is marketed, accessed, and governed. Areas like responsible gaming, ad targeting, and instant deposits are now being looked at much more critically,” said a spokesperson at MDC.

According to the latest figures from the American Gaming Association, U.S. commercial gaming revenue reached $19.44 billion in Q2 2025, marking a 9.8% increase compared to the same period last year. Online casino gaming accounted for $2.6 billion of that total, reflecting a 32.3% year-over-year jump. The numbers underscore continued momentum for digital platforms even as regulations tighten.

MDC’s commentary urges both players and operators to stay ahead of the curve. As laws evolve, demand is rising for licensed platforms that offer low-deposit access, better responsible gambling tools, and full regulatory compliance.

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The post MDC Issues Commentary as U.S. Gambling Enters “Regulatory Reset” Following $148 Billion Wagered appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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