Compliance Updates

King Billy Casino, a proud holder of MGA license

Published

5 years ago

April 10, 2020

Reading Time: 3 minutes

One of the world’s most beautiful archipelagos (yes, Malta is not just one island). Set of epic films and TV shows, like Troy, Gladiator and Game of Thrones. A walker’s paradise during almost all seasons of the year, with stunning views from dramatic cliff edges. Fantastic cuisine. Picturesque capital Valetta.

And yet, when it comes to online gaming, there is something more in Malta than the above, something that has turned it into the Mecca of the gambling world. We are talking of course about the Malta Gaming Authority which has become the world’s preferred remote gaming regulator. Don’t get us wrong Curacao license holders, your license is still decent, but Malta is in a league of its own.

How have the Malta Gaming Authority done it? By offering a solid legal framework for service providers, operators and online players. Any company which wishes to obtain the coveted MGA gambling license has to meet a number of strict criteria, ranging from ownership structure and credibility to integrity and competence.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Which brings us to the happy news from the King Billy Kingdom. It was due and it is now a fact, that King Billy Casino, owner of several impressive industry distinctions, awards and trophies in less than 3 years of operations is now also a proud holder of the MGA license.

Good news from the Kingdom, so we reached out to a few key persons of the organization for statements. King Billy Casino CEO Volodymyr Harkusha (and “First Lord” of the Kingdom) explains: “At King Billy Casino, we view our course, so far, as a journey where the destination can only be reached by taking methodical steps. One of these steps, actually a giant leap for us, is our MGA license.”

So, what has changed for King Billy Casino with the new license? Harkusha points out “You know, even before the MGA license, we were implementing a modus operandi at King Billy Casino, exactly as if we had a Malta license. This means a policy of full transparency. We expect that combining this policy with the Malta regulations will make the relationship with our players even more reliable, trustworthy and secure.”

And what about new opportunities? Ruslan Legenzov, King Billy Casino Head of Affiliates (and “Lord of Affiliates” of the Kingdom) shares his thoughts with us: “Plenty of opportunities, which we will try to capitalize at a maximum level. New payment systems, like Trustly, the “darling” PSP of European players will now be available at King Billy, along with tax-free transactions.

Furthermore, our King Billy Casino MGA site will feature a brand new Loyalty Program with a refined bonus system and no less than 7 levels: Citizen, Baron, Earl, Marquess, Duke, Prince, and finally King, next to King Billy himself. Female titles apply too for ladies, so we invite everyone, above 18 years of age for a ride.”

The King Billy Casino CEO compared the casino’s course to a journey. So, what is the destination of the journey? Volodymyr smiles “We are trying to make it the most interesting type of journey – a never ending one!”

We must admit that we like this way of thinking, and for the time being we reckon that “His Majesty King Billy and his faithful servants” could use some rest on this long journey. And what best place to rest than Malta?

MGA, the Malta Gaming Authority, is a Malta-based Gaming Control Board. Its mission, since its inception in 2001, is based on the principle of having a transparent and fair gaming sector in Malta, to safeguard against corruption and crime and offer protection to vulnerable players and minors.

King Billy Casino is a new generation online casino, available in 6 languages (English, German, Russian, Finnish, Norwegian and Japanese) with an impressive record in awards and a remarkable variety of games and features. King Billy has prioritized the creation of a superb user experience focusing on the myth of King Billy and his Kingdom and treats all players with the specialness they deserve.

Australia

ACMA Blocks More llegal Online Gambling Websites

Published

17 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Niji Narayan

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Reading Time: < 1 minute

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested the Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block more illegal online gambling sites, after investigations found these services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

The latest sites blocked include Casiny, CoinPoker, Crown Play, Fafabet9, SlotFred, Smart 93 and Vigor Spin.

Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling. Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 1251 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. Around 220 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal online gambling rules in 2017.

The post ACMA Blocks More llegal Online Gambling Websites appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Compliance Updates

Norway Progress Party Renew Calls to End Gambling Monopoly

Published

17 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Niji Narayan

norway-progress-party-renew-calls-to-end-gambling-monopoly

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Norway’s state-run gambling model could soon face a major change. With the next general election scheduled for September 8, the Progress Party is renewing calls to end the national gambling monopoly.

Speaking at a May conference hosted by the Norwegian Online Gaming Association (Norsk Bransjeforening for Onlinespill), MP Silje Hjemdal reiterated her party’s long-standing position that Norway must move towards a liberalised market. The call echoes the Progress Party’s 2021 election manifesto and gains momentum as similar reforms unfold in neighbouring Finland.

Hjemdal, a member of the Storting’s family and culture committee, highlighted successful remote gambling frameworks in Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. While she stopped short of endorsing a specific model, she expressed admiration for Denmark’s regulatory setup.

“I haven’t landed on a concrete model, but what’s happening in Denmark is very exciting. I’d gladly take a study trip there to learn more,” she said.

She also pointed to the broader risks of maintaining the monopoly, noting that large sums of money continue to flow out of the country through unlicensed platforms.

“We are one of the very few countries left using this model. There’s a clear need for better regulation—under the current system, Norwegian sports and culture lose out as money is spent offshore,” Hjemdal added.

The Progress Party isn’t alone in pushing for change. The Conservative Party also supports opening Norway’s gambling market and included the proposal in its latest manifesto, released in September 2023.

Carl Stenstrøm, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Online Gaming Association, believes the upcoming election could prove decisive. In a previous interview, he described the current level of cross-party support as the strongest yet for ending the monopoly, with liberalisation potentially arriving by 2028.

The post Norway Progress Party Renew Calls to End Gambling Monopoly appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Compliance Updates

MGCB Showcases National Leadership on Illegal Gaming Enforcement at 2025 NAGRA Conference

Published

17 hours ago

June 19, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

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.