Press Releases
Swedish online casino shutter would cause instant ‘black-market boom’, says BonusFinder MD
Government considers ‘extreme measures’ as activity rises amid COVID-19 restrictions but closures would drive more players to unlicensed sites instead of protecting them
9th April, 2020 – The Swedish government’s threat to temporarily shut down licensed online casinos would have a disastrous effect on the industry and drive thousands more players to the black market, BonusFinder.com has warned.
The minister in charge of gambling policy, Ardalan Shekarabi, this week warned that “extraordinary measures” would be implemented if operators do not take action to slow the increase in igaming activity seen in the last two weeks, as people are told to stay at home because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
According to new data from Sweden’s gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, there has been a 33% increase in registrations and logins to play online casino games with 17 of the 60 licensed operators in the country in the last 14 days.
Last month, Swedish market research carried out by BonusFinder.com found that almost a third of Swedish online casino players are searching for ‘unlicensed casinos’, with growing numbers turning to black-market brands due to the market’s restrictive gaming regulations, introduced in January 2019.
Instead of protecting players, a shutdown of online casino brands, however, is likely to lead to thousands more players searching for and depositing funds on unlicensed sites, as well as causing further financial damage to licensed operators, according to BonusFinder.com.
Fintan Costello, Managing Director, Bonusfinder.com, said: “The Swedish government will make a colossal mistake if it chooses to temporarily close down online casino sites in an attempt to protect players. As our research has shown, almost a third of online casino players are already looking to the black market for a more attractive offering since restrictive rules were imposed in January 2019. These latest plans would create an immediate black-market boom.
“Swedish legislation requires operators to have strict responsible gambling procedures in place, therefore the right measures are already there. The focus should instead be on ensuring these are adhered to rather than taking a knee jerk reaction to close down all legitimate brands and forcing even more players to unprotected sites.”
Blockchain
SCCG Management Partners with Coinspaid to Support the Expansion of Blockchain Payment Infrastructure for Gaming Businesses
SCCG Management, a global advisory firm serving the gaming industry, has entered into a strategic partnership with Coinspaid Solutions, a blockchain payments infrastructure provider, to support go-to-market efforts for crypto-enabled payment solutions across selected gaming markets.
Under the partnership, SCCG will support Coinspaid’s business development, strategic introductions and commercial expansion across gaming operators, platforms and technology providers. SCCG states that it works across iGaming, sports betting, tribal gaming and broader gaming technology, drawing on more than 30 years of industry experience.
Coinspaid’s infrastructure enables businesses to accept more than 20 stablecoins & other cryptocurrencies, automate conversion into 40+ fiat currencies, and manage payouts and treasury operations through a single infrastructure layer with API and plugin-based integrations. The company also states that it builds compliance into onboarding and payment flows, including AML/KYC/KYB controls, on-chain monitoring, MLRO oversight, ISO/IEC 27001 certification and independent audits.
The partnership will focus on helping licensed gaming businesses evaluate where crypto payments can improve settlement speed, expand payment optionality for cross-border audiences, and streamline payout workflows, subject to jurisdictional review, onboarding and applicable regulatory requirements in each market. Coinspaid also highlights rate lock at checkout, automatic fiat conversion and final settlement on eligible crypto payment flows.
“As gaming businesses continue to expand across markets, the demand for payment infrastructure that is both commercially effective and operationally resilient is only increasing,” said Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO of SCCG Management. “Coinspaid Solutions brings together payments, payouts and compliance in a way that aligns with how many operators are thinking about growth today. We are pleased to support their expansion through our network across gaming and gaming technology.”
“At Coinspaid, we see sustainable growth in gaming as a combination of product capability, operational reliability and a compliance-first approach,” said Max Krupyshev, Co-founder of Coinspaid. “Our partnership with SCCG is designed to help businesses assess where stablecoin payments can add real value from player deposits and payouts to treasury operations, while keeping regulatory and risk considerations central to implementation.”
The partnership will also include coordinated business development and educational initiatives, including executive introductions, and educational content for operators and technology partners exploring blockchain payment infrastructure.
The post SCCG Management Partners with Coinspaid to Support the Expansion of Blockchain Payment Infrastructure for Gaming Businesses appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
BETER
BETER strikes Wplay partnership in Colombia
BETER, the award-winning provider of fast-betting content, data, and odds for esports and sports, has strengthened its position in the LatAm market through a partnership with top-tier Colombian operator Wplay.
Under the terms of the agreement, Wplay will offer BETER’s exclusive ESportsBattle tournaments to its players, with eFootball and eBasketball set to be the first disciplines to go live.
The partnership provides a major boost for Wplay, enabling the operator to differentiate its offering and deliver the fast-betting experiences that players in Colombia are increasingly seeking.
BETER exclusively delivers nearly 500,000 esports events annually through ESportsBattle tournaments, which include eFootball, eBasketball, eHockey, and eTennis, offering up to 50 markets per match and an average operator margin of 7.5%+.
Chuck Robinson, CRO at BETER, said: “Latin America is a strategically important market for BETER, and one where we have already made significant strides. This partnership with Wplay in Colombia builds on that progress and further strengthens our position as a must-have provider in the region.
“Wplay is exactly the kind of partner we look for — reputable, trustworthy, and innovative. It understands that player preferences are evolving and that fast-betting content is no longer a nice-to-have, but a must-have for operators looking to engage the next generation of bettors.
“The fact that we are able to strike partnerships with such high-calibre operators is a testament to the quality of our products and solutions, particularly when it comes to integrity and fairness.”
Julio Tamayo from Wplay, added: “When it comes to fast-betting content, BETER is the clear market leader, which is why we’ve gone all out to bring its ESportsBattle tournaments to our players.
“One of the standout qualities of BETER’s content is its strong focus on integrity, with a dedicated team ensuring strict adherence to fair play and transparency. This gives us a high level of confidence in offering its content to our players.
“This is an excellent partnership for Wplay, allowing us to further differentiate our offering while providing players with the most in-demand fast-betting experiences.”
The post BETER strikes Wplay partnership in Colombia appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Casino Carrasco
WSOP Circuit Returns to Latin America with GGPoker Qualifiers
The prestigious World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOP Circuit) is making a highly anticipated return to Latin America in 2026, with GGPoker offering exclusive online satellite tournaments for players aiming to secure a seat at the upcoming Montevideo stop.
Set to take place from May 18 to 25, 2026, the event will be hosted at the iconic Casino Carrasco in Montevideo, bringing together top poker talent from across the region and beyond.
A Major Poker Event Returns to Latin America
The WSOP Circuit Montevideo stop marks a significant moment for the Latin American poker scene, placing the region back in the global spotlight. The tournament series will feature 12 official gold ring events, alongside a full schedule of side tournaments, VIP experiences, and international media coverage.
With its scenic riverside setting and world-class facilities, Casino Carrasco provides an ideal backdrop for what is expected to be one of the most exciting poker festivals of the year.
According to Juan Carreño, Head of Spanish LatAm at GGPoker, the event represents a unique opportunity for players across Latin America to participate in a world-class poker experience in a premier destination.
GGPoker Launches Online Satellite Tournaments
To make the event accessible to a wider audience, GGPoker has introduced a comprehensive schedule of online satellite tournaments, running from March 30 to May 10, 2026.
These qualifiers allow players to secure entry into the live event at a fraction of the cost, with buy-ins and formats designed to suit players of all levels.
Key Satellite Highlights
- $5 Daily Satellites (Mon–Fri): Multiple evening opportunities to qualify affordably
- Freeroll Tournaments (Saturday): Chance to win satellite tickets without entry fees
- $33 Package Qualifiers (Mon–Sat): Pathway to full event packages
- $22 Last Chance Satellites (Sunday): Final opportunities to qualify
- $215 Weekly Final (Sunday): High-stakes qualifier for premium entries
This structured approach ensures consistent opportunities for players worldwide to compete for a seat at the Montevideo event.
|
Day |
Time (UTC +0) |
Tournament Name |
|---|---|---|
|
Mon–Fri |
7-8-9-10-11 PM |
WSOP-C Uruguay – $5 Daily Satellite |
|
Saturday |
8:30 PM |
WSOP-C Uruguay – Freeroll (5 x $215 satellite tickets) |
|
Mon–Sat |
12 AM |
WSOP-C Uruguay – $33 Package Qualifier |
|
Sunday |
8 PM |
WSOP-C Uruguay – $22 Last Chance Satellite |
|
Sunday |
11 PM |
WSOP-C Uruguay – $215 Weekly Final |
High Stakes and Exclusive Rewards
Beyond the prestige of competing in a WSOP Circuit event, players will have the chance to win official WSOP gold rings, one of the most coveted prizes in tournament poker.
Additionally, each event winner will receive a $5,000 package to the WSOP Circuit Championship at the WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas, adding further incentive for competitors.
This prize structure not only elevates the stakes but also connects the Montevideo stop to the broader global WSOP ecosystem.
Strengthening Latin America’s Poker Scene
The return of the WSOP Circuit to Latin America reflects the region’s growing importance in the global poker landscape. Countries across the continent have seen increased interest in both online and live poker, driven by expanding platforms and international events.
By hosting the event in Uruguay and offering accessible online qualifiers, GGPoker is helping to bridge the gap between online and live poker, enabling more players to transition from digital tables to major international tournaments.
A Premier Destination for Poker Enthusiasts
Montevideo’s blend of culture, history, and scenic beauty makes it an attractive destination for poker players and fans alike. Combined with the luxurious setting of Casino Carrasco, the event promises not only competitive poker action but also a memorable travel experience.
From professional players chasing titles to recreational participants seeking excitement, WSOP Circuit Montevideo 2026 is set to deliver a complete poker festival experience.
Conclusion
With exclusive qualifiers on GGPoker and a prestigious live event in Montevideo, the WSOP Circuit’s return to Latin America marks a major milestone for the region’s poker community.
The combination of accessible online satellites, high-value rewards, and a world-class venue ensures that this stop will be one of the standout events on the 2026 poker calendar.
Reference Article
A similar article about WSOP events and international poker tournaments can be found on PokerNews:
Related article: https://www.pokernews.com/tours/wsop/
This site provides comprehensive coverage of WSOP Circuit events, qualifiers, and global poker tournaments.
The post WSOP Circuit Returns to Latin America with GGPoker Qualifiers appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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