Latest News
FDJ UNITED Aims to be Among the Top Three Licensed Gambling Operators in Finland
As Finland prepares to transition to a licensed gambling market in July 2027, FDJ UNITED has set out its ambition to become a leading, long-term participant in the market – combining scale, responsibility and meaningful local engagement.
In a recent interview, Joel Häkämies, Head of FDJ UNITED’s operations in Finland and Estonia, outlined how the Group is preparing for the opening of the Finnish market and the principles that will guide its approach.
Building a top-three position – responsibly
FDJ UNITED’s ambition is clear: to be among the top three licensed gambling operators in Finland over time.
With more than €1 billion currently spent annually on online gambling in Finland, the move to a licensing system is expected to significantly reshape the market. Häkämies is clear that this is a long-term objective, given the importance of the new regulatory system being closely linked to strong regulatory oversight.
“The most important factor for how the market develops will be the actions of the authorities,” Häkämies notes, highlighting the role of regulation in ensuring a sustainable and well-controlled market.
A licensing system that strengthens player protection
While increased competition will inevitably bring greater visibility and marketing, FDJ UNITED believes that a licensed framework creates the right conditions to address gambling-related harm more effectively than the current system.
The Finnish licensing model will bring gambling activity into a more controlled environment, with clearer responsibility requirements and enforceable standards. FDJ UNITED has committed to reducing the share of revenue generated by high-risk players and to embedding player protection at the heart of its operations from day one.
This approach reflects the Group’s wider strategy across regulated markets, where growth and responsibility are treated as inseparable.
One of the most significant changes expected from market liberalisation is increased investment in sponsorship, particularly in sport.
According to Häkämies, FDJ UNITED expects a meaningful rise in annual sponsorship funding once the market opens, with sponsorship viewed as one of the most permissible and socially constructive forms of marketing under the Finnish Gambling Act.
Rather than short-term visibility, the focus is on long-term partnerships that support clubs, athletes and communities.
“A sponsor becomes part of a wider story. In many cases, fans and supporters are more closely connected to clubs and athletes than to leagues themselves,” Häkämies explains.
FDJ UNITED’s experience across multiple European markets has shown that well-structured, professional sponsorship can deliver sustainable benefits well beyond sport alone, extending into culture, events and wider community initiatives.
A local presence, backed by international scale
While FDJ UNITED operates globally with approximately 5000 employees across 10 countries, the Group is committed to establishing a local presence in Finland, including an office in Helsinki.
The Finnish operation will be supported by FDJ UNITED’s broader multi-market expertise, enabling efficient operations while ensuring decisions remain rooted in local knowledge and context
Unibet will be among the brands entering Finland, with further brand decisions to be confirmed closer to launch.
The post FDJ UNITED Aims to be Among the Top Three Licensed Gambling Operators in Finland appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Blueprint Gaming
Blueprint Gaming releases Wolf Fury Fire Blitz slot
New title adds Fire Spins and Blitz Spins bonuses plus Standard, Super and Ultra Power Play modes at 5x, 10x and 20x stake.
Blueprint Gaming has released a new slot, Wolf Fury Fire Blitz, built around an “evolving Fire Blitz mechanic” and two bonus paths: Fire Spins and Blitz Spins.
The game uses a Fire Blitz logo above the reels as a meter. In the base game and Power Play, the supplier said every Cash and Wolf symbol contributes to the meter, with boosts able to add extra symbols and “guarantees either Fire Spins or Blitz Spins.”
Fire Spins triggers when six or more Cash symbols land in view. Each reel position spins independently to add more Cash or Wolf symbols, with new symbols resetting a three-spin counter and locking in place. Blueprint said the Wolf can land on the centre reel to collect all Cash symbols in view, then collect additional prizes that land for the remainder of the feature.
Blitz Spins activates when a Wolf symbol lands on reel three alongside Cash symbols on two adjacent reels. During the bonus, the Wolf collects every Cash symbol that lands before the reels respin, and additional Wolf symbols can lock in place, with up to three collectors active at once.
The title also includes Blueprint Gaming’s multi-level Power Play, offering Standard, Super or Ultra modes at 5x, 10x or 20x the base stake. In these modes, the company said only Cash and Wolf symbols appear on the reels.
Jo Purvis, Director of Marketing, PR and Events at Blueprint Gaming
, said: “Wolf Fury Fire Blitz combines several of our most engaging mechanics into a fast-paced experience that offers players frequent feature opportunities and exciting collection gameplay. The Fire Blitz mechanic creates anticipation throughout every session, while the dual bonus structure ensures plenty of variety.
“The addition of our multi-level Power Play further enhances the experience by giving players greater control over how they engage with the game, reinforcing our commitment to delivering innovative, feature-rich content that performs across regulated markets worldwide.”
The post Blueprint Gaming releases Wolf Fury Fire Blitz slot appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win
Playson releases 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win with dual bonus modes
Playson has launched 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win, a new slot built around Hold and Win and Pots mechanics with two bonus modes and jackpots reaching 10,000x.
The game runs on a 5×3 grid and triggers a Hold and Win Bonus Game with Chili Features when red, orange or green Chili Bonus symbols land, combining with enlarged matching chilis above the reels. The chilli colour determines the feature in play: red triggers a Multi Feature that adds multipliers up to 5x; orange triggers a Mystery Feature that can award Mini, Minor or Major jackpot values or a coin value up to 75x; and green triggers a Collect Feature that gathers the value of all symbols in play, including any attached multipliers.
A golden Super Chili Bonus symbol can trigger a Super Bonus Game on an expanded 5×5 grid, with random Multi, Mystery or Collect features, including combinations. During the round, the active Super Chili Feature lands random Chili Bonus symbols until six are present, which then activates a new feature or enhances the current one.
Playson said jackpots can be triggered in both bonus modes. Filling all 15 cells in the classic bonus awards the Grand Jackpot at 3,000x, while filling all 25 cells in the Super Bonus Game awards the Super Jackpot at 10,000x. Skull-themed symbols can also appear in bonus play and transform into red, orange or green Chili Bonus symbols. The title includes two Buy Bonus levels, allowing players to trigger the Bonus Game or Super Bonus Game with one, two or three Chili Features.
Anton Ivannikov, CPO at Playson, said: “Our fiery new title showcases our continued focus on evolving proven mechanics in fresh and exciting ways. By combining two player-favourite features with layered bonus progression, dynamic Chili Features and a Super Bonus Game offering even greater rewards, we have created a title that delivers excitement throughout every stage of play.
“Complemented by its vibrant Mexican fiesta theme and engaging gameplay, we are confident 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win will prove to be another valuable addition to our partners’ casino offerings.”
The post Playson releases 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win with dual bonus modes appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Compliance Updates
Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy
Under the theme “Perspectives,” a total of 43 compliance staff members from the Merkur Group across various countries gathered from 30 June to 1 July to further develop compliance processes in a sustainable manner. Colleagues from Germany, Spain, England, Malta, Australia and the US traveled to the two-day meeting at Benkhausen Castle, the in-house training centre of the Merkur Group. The workshop set the stage with expert presentations on global and digital topics such as cybersecurity, risk management and artificial intelligence. A panel discussion featuring representatives from various international companies within the Merkur Group, as well as a digital quiz, rounded out the programme.
In keeping with its guiding principle, the workshop focused on sharing experiences, fostering global networking and providing impetus for the further development of compliance processes. Because informal exchanges are also key to close cooperation, the evening programme created a relaxed atmosphere and gave participants the opportunity to continue their conversations, make new connections, and further strengthen team spirit across company and national boundaries.
“The ideas and diverse perspectives gained during the workshop will now be incorporated into our day-to-day work and help us to continuously improve collaboration and existing processes,” said Ludwig Beckmann, Chief Compliance Officer of the Merkur Group.
The concluding feedback session also highlighted just how valuable the international exchange is. The term “collaboration” came up particularly often, a clear indication of how highly the participants value working closely together within the international compliance network.
The post Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
-
Compliance Updates6 days agoArizona Department of Gaming Issues Cease-and-Desist Orders to Multiple Operators Linked to Underage Gambling and Illegal Activity
-
Compliance Updates6 days agoKONAMI GROUP’s Konami Gaming Inc. First to Submit Manufacturer License Application in Japan’s Emerging IR Market
-
Latest News7 days agoPG Soft appoints Hugo Baungartner as General Manager LatAm
-
Canada7 days agoCanada’s Safer Gambling Gap: Why Market Success Doesn’t Always Equal Player Safety
-
Latest News7 days agoBooming Games launches Fish Tales: Double Catch Max Scatter
-
Latest News7 days agoTom Horn Gaming ships Royal Ruby FeatureStorm slot worldwide on 14 July 2026
-
Latest News7 days agoBC.GAME names Guillermo Ochoa brand ambassador for Mexico push
-
Latest News7 days agoPG Soft names Hugo Baungartner as General Manager LatAm



