Compliance Updates
MGCB Showcases National Leadership on Illegal Gaming Enforcement at 2025 NAGRA Conference
Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) Criminal Investigations Section Manager John Lessnau recently represented the agency at the 2025 North American Gaming Regulators Association (NAGRA) Annual Training and Education Conference, held June 2-5 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Lessnau presented a featured session titled “Case Study: Tackling the Illegal/Offshore Gaming Market” and facilitated a discussion on how Michigan is setting the standard nationwide in combatting illegal and unregulated gaming operations. His presentation outlined Michigan’s strategic enforcement model and collaborative approach to removing illegal gambling from the state and deterring bad actors from targeting Michigan consumers.
“Michigan is at the forefront of the national conversation on illegal gambling, and we were proud to share how our efforts are making a real impact. We’re leveraging every tool available—from anonymous tip lines and interagency partnerships to direct enforcement and public awareness—to crack down on illegal gaming operations that threaten consumer protection and undermine legal businesses,” MGCB Criminal Investigations Section Manager John Lessnau said.
To date, the MGCB has issued nearly 100 cease-and-desist letters to unauthorized gambling operators—including high-profile offshore websites—and continues to pursue new cases with more enforcement actions expected in the months ahead. These efforts underscore the agency’s commitment to upholding integrity in Michigan’s legal, regulated gaming market.
The MGCB’s aggressive stance on illegal and offshore gambling has drawn national recognition and strengthened its partnerships with regulatory peers across the US.
As part of the NAGRA conference, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams was honored with the 2025 Excellence in Gaming – Individual Award, recognizing his leadership in expanding responsible gaming outreach and fortifying criminal enforcement efforts. The award reflects the continued success of the MGCB under Williams’ direction and the agency’s role as a model for effective, transparent regulation.
The post MGCB Showcases National Leadership on Illegal Gaming Enforcement at 2025 NAGRA Conference appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Expanse Studios, a subsidiary of Meridian Holdings, announced that it has received certification enabling the commercial deployment of its content across Estonia and Latvia.
Gaming Associates, a UKAS-accredited testing laboratory (accreditation number 9263), certified Candy’s Bonanza and Leprechaun’s Wish as compliant with the technical standards established by Baltic regulatory authorities. This certification allows the games to be deployed on licensed gaming platforms operating within these jurisdictions.
The Baltic certifications advance Expanse Studios’ systematic expansion across regulated European markets where formal certification processes create entry barriers for B2B content providers. Estonia and Latvia operate structured regulatory frameworks requiring independent technical verification before content deployment on licensed platforms.
Regulatory certification processes in European markets typically require 8-12 months and substantial compliance investment, creating competitive advantages for studios maintaining multi-jurisdictional certification capabilities.
“This certification gives us a solid foundation for further growth in this part of Europe. The approvals in the Baltics allow operators to go live more quickly, and they reflect the way we approach regulated markets. We focus on building compliant, reliable distribution capabilities that create real long-term value,” said Damjan Stamenkovic, CEO of Expanse Studios.
The post Expanse Studios Secures Certification for Estonia and Latvia Markets appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) endorsed the introduction of the bipartisan Providing Opportunities for Individuals In Need of Treatment & Support (POINTS) Act, led by Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN), Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA), and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA). The POINTS Act is the first bipartisan legislation introduced in Congress in 15 years to address problem gambling among the general population.
The legislation would create the first dedicated federal funding stream to support prevention, screening, intervention, and treatment services for individuals at risk of or experiencing gambling addiction. If passed, the POINTS Act would reallocate one-third of the existing federal excise tax on sports wagers (0.25% of handle), generating an estimated $100 million annually without raising or creating new taxes. Federal excise tax revenue from sports wagering exceeded $150 million in FY2024 and reached an estimated $300 million in FY 2025.
“Gambling addiction can quietly devastate families. The financial damage and emotional strain often build over time and affect far more than the person placing the bet. I’ve seen how those consequences can impact loved ones and communities. As access to sports betting and online gambling grows, we have a responsibility to confront the addiction that can follow. The POINTS Act directs existing federal gaming revenue toward prevention, treatment, and recovery programs to help people get back on their feet,” said Rep. Erin Houchin.
“As sports betting and online gambling continue to expand across the country, we have a responsibility to ensure people struggling with addiction are not left behind. Gambling addiction can devastate individuals and families, yet too many communities still lack the resources needed to provide prevention, treatment, and recovery support. The POINTS Act helps close that gap by investing existing gambling excise tax revenue into programs that expand care, raise awareness, and connect people to the help they need,” said Rep. Andrea Salinas.
“The POINTS Act recognizes that gambling addiction is a public health issue requiring a coordinated national response. States and tribes need stable federal support to expand access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services. This legislation provides a responsible and sustainable funding mechanism to meet that need,” said Heather L. Maurer, Executive Director of NCPG.
The post NCPG Strongly Endorses Introduction of Bipartisan POINTS Act appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
BETER, the acclaimed provider of live streaming, data, and odds for esports and sports, has expanded into a new US state following the receipt of the Event Wagering Supplier License from the Arizona Department of Gaming.
The supplier license enables BETER to provide its quick-betting content, featuring live streams and live data, to licensed operators in the state for the first time, which includes its exclusive ESportsBattle tournaments and Setka Cup table tennis series.
Both are currently active with the tier-one operator bet365, which has been a long-term partner of BETER. Arizona marks the seventh state where BETER is licensed as the company expands its presence in both the state and the broader US market. BETER holds certifications in North Carolina, New Jersey, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, and Colorado as well.
BETER provides round-the-clock live streaming, instantaneous data, and highly precise odds for over 700,000 rapid events each year, offering as many as 50 markets per event with an average operator margin exceeding 7.5%.
Its esports portfolio features ESportsBattle tournaments that showcase eFootball, eBasketball, eHockey, and eTennis, and its sports portfolio includes the Setka Cup series along with the BSKT Cup basketball league.
Gal Ehrlich, CEO of BETER, said: “Securing regulatory approval in Arizona is a pivotal moment in our ongoing US expansion strategy. This marks our seventh state, and we are incredibly proud to continue our trajectory of growth in one of the world’s most dynamic betting markets.
“Our mission has always been to provide operators with the most reliable, high-velocity content available, and receiving the green light from the regulator is a testament to the integrity and quality of our offering.
“We are thrilled to kick off this journey with bet365 and look forward to bringing our industry-leading esports and sports content to even more Arizona players in the near future.”
Valeriia Tarchynska, Chief Legal Officer at BETER, added: “We are proud to announce that we have successfully completed the process of obtaining the Event Wagering Supplier License in the state of Arizona.
The process took us a total of eight months and was one of the most challenging journeys for our team. However, thanks to the dedication and expertise of our legal and integrity teams, we successfully navigated it.
This milestone strengthens our commitment to delivering reliable, compliant, and transparent products to our clients.
“We continue to actively work on securing regulatory approvals in key jurisdictions, including Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois, among others.”
The post BETER Obtains Supplier License to Operate in Arizona appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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