Latest News
Slovakia Publishes Groundbreaking Report on Illegal Online Gambling
The Institute for Gambling Regulation in Slovakia (IPRHH) has published the country’s first comprehensive report dedicated to illegal gambling. The study, titled The Black Book of Illegal Gambling, was officially presented at Bratislava’s Einpark and is now publicly available online.
The landmark publication explores the structure, mechanisms, and social impact of illegal gambling operations in Slovakia, with a particular focus on unlicensed online platforms. According to the report, these operators bypass national regulations, exploit vulnerable groups, and deprive the state of hundreds of millions of euros annually in lost tax revenue.
Key Findings From the Report
The study is based on a nationally representative survey conducted by IPRHH in cooperation with the Slovak Academy of Sciences. Among the most striking results:
-
23.7% of players – nearly 296,000 Slovaks – admitted to gambling on unlicensed platforms.
-
24.1% of players could not determine whether the sites they used were legal.
-
Younger users and those with lower levels of education were the most likely to engage in illegal gambling.
-
13.1% of users admitted to gambling illegally because they were listed in the national Register of Excluded Persons (RVO), which should block them from licensed gambling.
“These sites ignore every safeguard that licensed operators must follow,” explained Dávid Lenčéš, Executive Director of IPRHH. “There are no limits, no identity checks, and no protection against addiction. And if you lose money, you have no legal recourse.”
Why Players Choose Illegal Platforms
Survey respondents highlighted several reasons for using unlicensed gambling sites:
-
Higher bonuses (32.5%)
-
Better odds (29.5%)
-
Easier registration (29.1%)
-
Wider game selection (27.4%)
Shockingly, only 42.2% of players actively check for a Slovak license, while 43.2% cannot distinguish between legal and illegal gambling advertisements.
Policy Recommendations
The IPRHH warns that illegal gambling costs Slovakia hundreds of millions of euros each year, money that could otherwise support healthcare, education, and addiction prevention programs.
The institute recommends a multi-pronged strategy to combat illegal operators, including:
-
More effective blocking of unlicensed websites
-
Stronger cooperation with banks and payment providers to block transactions
-
A national public awareness campaign
-
Stable conditions for licensed operators who contribute to the economy
Lenčéš also cautioned against excessive taxation of legal operators:
“If governments dramatically increase taxes on licensed operators, they risk pushing players further into the illegal market. Regulation should protect the public, not unintentionally support criminal ecosystems.”
About IPRHH
The Institute for Gambling Regulation (IPRHH) was founded in 2024 to promote effective, transparent, and responsible gambling regulation in Slovakia. Led by Executive Director Dávid Lenčéš, former Chairman of the Slovak Gambling Regulatory Authority, the organization works to address modern challenges such as digitalization, illegal gambling, and player protection.
The full report, The Black Book of Illegal Gambling, is available for free download (in Slovak) here: Download Report. An English version is currently in preparation.
For international inquiries or interview requests, contact: [email protected]
The post Slovakia Publishes Groundbreaking Report on Illegal Online Gambling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Brazil
RubyPlay expands Brazilian presence through partnership with Esportes da Sorte
RubyPlay goes live with Esportes da Sorte, the flagship Esportes Gaming Brasil Group brand, to elevate player engagement across Brazil’s regulated market
RubyPlay, a studio-based content ecosystem, has strengthened its position in Brazil after partnering with leading online casino operator, Esportes da Sorte.
The launch features a selection of RubyPlay’s most popular titles, including Mad Hit® Diamonds and Mad Hit® Mr Coin. Content from Koala Games, RubyPlay’s market-focused studio with a strong focus on the Brazilian market, has also gone live with Esportes da Sorte, including Voltage Blitz® Rapid, 3 Big Barrels® Buffalo, and Voltage Blitz® Vortex.
The launch with the tier 1 operator forms part of RubyPlay’s wider expansion strategy in Brazil’s regulated market and is part of a broader go-live across the Esportes Gaming Brasil group, which includes additional launches with group brands LOTTU and OnaBet.
RubyPlay has established a strong track record of delivering high-performing, localised content tailored to Brazilian player preferences, driving engagement and delivering value for its partners.
By combining RubyPlay’s distinctive Latin American game design expertise with Esportes da Sorte’s strong market presence, the partnership is set to deliver a compelling entertainment experience to a broad audience of online players across Brazil’s rapidly growing market.
Dima Reiderman, CCO at RubyPlay, said: Brazil is a central part of our growth strategy, and working alongside an influential operator like Esportes da Sorte marks an important milestone in our growth strategy.
“Their firm regional presence, paired with our localised, high-performing content, creates a powerful proposition that we believe will resonate strongly with players.”
Hugo Baungartner, CBO at Esportes da Sorte, added: “We are committed to offering our players engaging, high-quality gaming experiences, and partnering with RubyPlay represents an important step forward in that journey.
RubyPlay’s strong focus on Brazil and its investment in truly localised content make them a highly valuable partner, giving us confidence in the long-term success of this collaboration and in our continued growth within the regulated market.”
The post RubyPlay expands Brazilian presence through partnership with Esportes da Sorte appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Bet Rite
Spintec Expands into Canada with Bet Rite
Spintec is expanding its footprint in North America by partnering with Bet Rite in the Canadian gambling sector. As a prominent developer of electronic table games, Spintec invested significant effort into locating a partner who comprehends the distinctiveness of the Canadian casino industry. Bet Rite is taking on the position of Spintec’s distributor in Canada, leveraging its established reputation and substantial industry knowledge. This collaboration combines global innovation with local expertise in a partnership that is helping Spintec advance its expansion objectives in North America.
Bet Rite’s establishment is rooted in years of industry expertise. The firm focuses on providing top-notch gaming solutions designed specifically for Canadian operators. They aim to provide a sole vendor connection that grants access to numerous top-tier product lines, establishing them as a reliable partner nationwide.
For Spintec, collaborating with a company that prioritizes service, product excellence, and enduring relationships is vital, and Bet Rite is dedicated to prioritizing customer needs. With a solid sales network and a reputation for dependability, their market stance is highly strong.
Through this collaboration, Spintec is guaranteeing that their creative products receive backing from an attentive, community-focused service. The initial product line to be launched in the Canadian market will be Spintec’s premier Charisma line. Charisma’s design, flexibility, innovation, and wide range of product customizations will undoubtedly make it a top seller in Canada as well.
Billy Maclellan, Bet Rite President, says: “Our company has grown by offering best-in-class suppliers the local support that they need. Spintec fits the mold perfectly and together we are well placed to make this partnership a glowing success”
Goran Sovilj, Spintec’s Chief Commercial Officer, agrees: “Bet Rite’s deep understanding of the Canadian market makes this alliance very promising. We are always excited to introduce innovative and exciting products to new markets, especially when our distributors are as experienced and knowledgeable as Bet Rite.”
The post Spintec Expands into Canada with Bet Rite appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Industry News
Ex-Paysafe VP Justin Fraser takes chief revenue officer role at Yaspa to drive global growth
Yaspa, the renowned fintech focusing on instant payments and identity solutions, today reveals the appointment of Justin Fraser as its Chief Revenue Officer.
Fraser becomes part of Yaspa’s executive team during a crucial period of global growth. He has more than 20 years of commercial leadership experience in the payments ecosystem, having occupied senior leadership positions at notable industry companies like Cybersource, Visa, and Paysafe.
Having a career centered on maneuvering through intricate payment environments, he offers knowledge in rapidly expanding, regulated sectors such as iGaming, cryptocurrency, and financial technology.
As the new CRO, Fraser will manage Yaspa’s worldwide commercial strategy, concentrating on expanding the company’s Intelligent Payment platform, which integrates open banking with AI-powered customer insights, throughout the UK, Europe, and North America.
Yaspa CEO James Neville said: “We are thrilled to welcome Justin to the team during this period of rapid acceleration. His deep expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments and his proven track record in scaling payment solutions are invaluable assets as we expand our footprint in the US and beyond. Justin’s appointment further strengthens our leadership as we continue to help businesses lower costs, grow revenues, and enhance financial compliance through open banking.”
Justin Fraser said: “Yaspa is at the forefront of the shift toward real-time payments. The company’s unique blend of open banking and AI-verified insights solves genuine friction for merchants, particularly in industries like iGaming. I am excited to join such an innovative team and look forward to driving the next phase of our commercial growth globally.”
Fraser will collaborate closely with the recently strengthened US team, which includes the newly appointed US Sales Lead, Peter Kula, and US Senior Solutions Manager, Jackson Esoda.
This statement comes after a year of significant growth for Yaspa, highlighted by increasing its workforce from 15 to 75 employees and successfully securing a $12 million investment round spearheaded by Discerning Capital. In this timeframe, the firm broadened its international presence with new ventures in Atlanta and Leeds, while winning esteemed honors such as the 2025 Payments Award for Real-Time Payments Innovation and a spot on the CB Insights Top 100 Fintech list.
The post Ex-Paysafe VP Justin Fraser takes chief revenue officer role at Yaspa to drive global growth appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
-
Brasil on Track7 days agoODDSGATE LAUNCHES “BRASIL ON TRACK”, A STRATEGIC PLATFORM FOR NAVIGATING BRAZIL’S REGULATED IGAMING MARKET
-
Amusnet6 days agoWeek 6/2026 slot games releases
-
Arshak Muradyan6 days agoDigitain Secures UKGC Certification for Sportsbook and Platform
-
Latest News6 days agoHyper Gems — A New Cosmic Adrenaline Release from Dream Play
-
Latest News3 days agoLaunch Of A Fresh Online Casino Guide 2026
-
Compliance Updates3 days agoIllinois Gaming Board and Attorney General’s Office Issue more than 60 Cease-and-Desist Letters to Illegal Online Casino and Sweepstakes Operators
-
Dream Play6 days agoHyper Gems — A New Cosmic Adrenaline Release from Dream Play
-
HIPTHER6 days agoHIPTHER Announces Media Partnership with Nightrush Ahead of Prague Summit 2026



