Compliance Updates
New Zealand Introduces Online Casino Gambling Bill

New Zealand Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has introduced the Online Casino Gambling Bill to the House of Representatives.
“The Online Casino Gambling Bill will introduce a regulatory system for online gambling in New Zealand, which will prioritise harm minimisation, consumer protection, and tax collection,” said Ms van Velden.
Cabinet has previously agreed to introduce new legislation to regulate the online casino gambling market, which is currently unregulated in New Zealand. Key features of the Bill include:
• Up to 15 licences for online casino gambling operators will be auctioned.
• Companies applying for a licence will need to provide detailed information to the regulator, including on their business plans for New Zealand.
• Licensed operators will be allowed to advertise, with restrictions.
• Unlicensed operators will be prohibited and fines up to $5 million may be applicable for breaking the law.
“The Bill will proceed to select committee later this year and New Zealanders will have the ability to have their say through the select committee process.”
The introduction of the Bill meets action 21 on the Coalition Government’s Quarter Two Action Plan.
The post New Zealand Introduces Online Casino Gambling Bill appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
BOS
BOS welcomes proposal to expand criminalization of unlicensed gambling companies

Reading Time: < 1 minute
BOS – the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling – comments on the inquiry into the so-called scope of application of the Gambling Act that was submitted to the Ministry of Finance today. The inquiry proposes that passive acceptance of Swedish gambling consumers shall be illegal for gambling companies that do not hold a Swedish gambling license. Gambling companies without a Swedish gambling license must therefore take active measures to exclude Swedish gambling consumers.
BOS welcomes the proposal and has been working towards such a change in the law ever since the reregulation of the Swedish gambling market in 2019.
“This is an important contribution to the possibility of strengthening the Swedish gambling license market, which is now proposed to criminalize almost all unlicensed gambling in Sweden. I foresee the government shortly submitting a bill to the Riksdag in accordance with the investigation’s proposal. Good job Mr. Investigator and with the hope of equally good job from the government and the Riksdag to now proceed with legislation on the matter. Unlicensed gambling in Sweden must be smoked out,” says BOS Secretary General Gustaf Hoffstedt.
The post BOS welcomes proposal to expand criminalization of unlicensed gambling companies appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Australia
Industry Spotlight Sessions Announced for Regulating the Game 2026 Sydney

Reading Time: 2 minutes
The organisers of Regulating the Game have announced the launch of Industry Spotlight Sessions as part of the event’s 2026 programme. The conference will take place from March 9–11, 2026 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.
New for 2026, the Industry Spotlight Sessions are concise, 15-minute presentations embedded within the main conference programme, giving leading manufacturers, suppliers and technology providers across gaming, lotteries, wagering and sports betting a platform to share strategic insights, innovation and sector direction.
The sessions will provide a powerful platform for established players to:
• Highlight new products, enhancements or technical capabilities
• Share research, data insights or strategic outlooks
• Spotlight innovations that are shaping operational performance and player engagement
• Provide a forward view on emerging trends and technologies influencing the sector
Distinct from Pitch! at the Sydney Opera House (March 9) – which has evolved into a high-energy marketplace of ideas spotlighting emerging RegTech, compliance innovation, disruptive policy concepts and safer gambling solutions – the Industry Spotlight Sessions are tailored for established players to profile market-ready innovations, demonstrate commercial leadership and share product direction.
Paul Newson, principal at Vanguard Overwatch and founder of Regulating the Game, said: “The Industry Spotlight Sessions are being introduced at the request of industry attendees who wanted a dedicated platform to showcase pioneering products, strategies, and sector direction and insights. With only four Industry Spotlight slots available in 2026, this is a limited opportunity for organisations to put themselves front and centre before an international audience of regulators, policy leaders, and industry decision-makers.”
The addition of Industry Spotlights reflects RTG’s commitment to sparking innovation and shaping the future of the sector. By providing a platform for announcing new directions, showcasing developments and sharing strategic outlooks, these sessions are designed to broaden dialogue, foster cross-sector collaboration and keep the conference at the cutting edge of regulatory and industry evolution.
Regulating the Game 2026 will also feature:
• Pitch! at the Sydney Opera House (March 9)
• The inaugural RTG Global Awards & Gala Dinner (March 10)
• An expanded exhibition showcase and programme of expert masterclasses.
Early bird tickets are now open, with discounted rates for early registrants. Group packages are also available but strictly limited.
The post Industry Spotlight Sessions Announced for Regulating the Game 2026 Sydney appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
ABSG
UK Gambling Commission to close Advisory Board for Safer Gambling

Reading Time: 2 minutes
The UK Gambling Commission has announced that the Advisory Board for Safer Gambling (ABSG) will close following the completion of its original remit.
ABSG was established to provide oversight and challenge in relation to the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms. With the conclusion of that strategy and the delivery of key milestones, the Commission has determined that the time is right to bring ABSG’s work to a close and to focus on new arrangements better aligned to the next phase of research and regulation.
Over the course of its work, ABSG has contributed to several important developments in gambling regulation, including:
- recognition of gambling harms as a public health issue
- ensuring the voices of those with lived experience are included in policy and regulation through the creation of the Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP)
- supporting the introduction of the statutory levy to fund independent research, education and treatment.
The Commission will now begin work to establish a new research-focused expert group to support the expanded role of research made possible through levy funding.
Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, said: “ABSG has played an important role in shaping how we think about gambling harms, and embedding lived experience perspectives into regulation. I want to thank all current and former members for their contribution and commitment.
“As we move into a new phase with the implementation of research programmes funded by the statutory levy, our priority is to ensure we have the right expert input to help inform our work. This is the right time to close ABSG and establish new arrangements that reflect the future needs of our gambling regulation and research.”
Helen Child, Head of Governance said: “ABSG have made a huge contribution to gambling regulation and the Commission. I am grateful for the insight, engagement and challenge each and every member has provided.”
The post UK Gambling Commission to close Advisory Board for Safer Gambling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
BetAlert6 days ago
Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming Launches BetAlert
-
Compliance Updates6 days ago
German Betting Association Warns of Rise of Black Market Gambling
-
Latest News6 days ago
Playson revives its rare scatter-pays mechanic in Golden Penny x1000
-
Latest News6 days ago
Evoplay howls at the moon in atmospheric new release Lunar Wilds
-
casinos online chile6 days ago
Eventioz.cl Announces Launch of New Comprehensive Online Casino Resource in Chile
-
Latest News6 days ago
The Kraken awakens in Stakelogic’s latest slot adventure
-
Latest News6 days ago
Blueprint Gaming makes bonus waves in Rise of Atlantis Legacy
-
Amusnet5 days ago
Amusnet Announces Strategic Partnership with Inbet