Compliance Updates

King Billy Casino, a proud holder of MGA license

Published

6 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.

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 (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? “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? “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.

Baltics

Estonia to Reinstate 5.5% Online Gambling Tax From March 1

Published

4 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Wladimir P.

estonia-to-reinstate-5.5%-online-gambling-tax-from-march-1

Lawmakers in Estonia are set to approve a technical fix restoring the gambling tax to online casinos, closing a legislative error that briefly left remote gambling exempt.

The Riigikogu will hold a final vote on an amendment to the Gambling Tax Act introduced by MP Tanel Tein (Eesti 200). The latest change corrects wording adopted late last year that inadvertently exempted online casinos from Estonia’s gambling tax.

The amendment clarifies that both games of chance and games of skill offered as remote gambling are taxed on the same basis. By deleting the term “game of skill” from one provision in the legislation, a uniform 5.5% gambling tax will apply to both categories.

The Riigikogu’s Finance Committee adjusted the timeline initially set out in the amendment, setting March 1, 2026, as the effective date.

Under current law, gambling taxes are assessed on a monthly basis, making the start of a new calendar month the standard point for changes to take effect.

This aligns with the current IT systems and operating practices of both market participants and the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (MTA).

The fix is linked to legislation passed in December and effective since January 1 that was intended to boost funding for sports and culture through gambling tax revenues. Restoring equal taxation is expected to reestablish legal clarity for both operators and the tax authority.

The post Estonia to Reinstate 5.5% Online Gambling Tax From March 1 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Compliance Updates

NCPG Board of Directors Calls on Prediction Market Operators to Promote the National Problem Gambling Helpline

Published

4 hours ago

February 12, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

ncpg-board-of-directors-calls-on-prediction-market-operators-to-promote-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline

The Board of Directors of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has passed a resolution on February 9, calling on prediction markets to promote the National Problem Gambling Helpline, arguing that event contract trading is similar to other types of betting and poses the same risks for consumers.

In the resolution, the NCPG urged “all Prediction Market Operators serving U.S. consumers” to add “clear, prominent, and ongoing promotion” of the helpline number 1-800-MY-RESET across both “marketing and on-platform user experience.”

The organization said prediction market operators should display the messaging “in a manner that is comparable to practices in regulated mobile sports betting.”

The NCPG said the helpline offers “nationwide free, confidential, and 24/7 support and resources” for people experiencing gambling-related harm. The group also said it maintains a neutral stance on legalized gambling.

The post NCPG Board of Directors Calls on Prediction Market Operators to Promote the National Problem Gambling Helpline appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Andrew Rhodes

Andrew Rhodes to Step Down as CEO of UK Gambling Commission

Published

1 day ago

February 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

andrew-rhodes-to-step-down-as-ceo-of-uk-gambling-commission

The UK Gambling Commission has announced that Andrew Rhodes has decided to leave the Commission on 30 April 2026, to take up a new role, which will be announced in due course.

Andrew has provided outstanding leadership of the Commission for almost five years and has overseen a transformation of the Commission and how it regulates the gambling Industry.

Andrew has led the work required from the Commission to implement the Gambling Act Review, with a strong focus on consumer safeguards. This has included the introduction of financial vulnerability checks, reducing the intensity of online games, and banning potentially harmful marketing offers. He has also overseen the introduction of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, now one of the largest surveys of gambling behaviour in the world.

Amongst his other achievements, Andrew oversaw the successful implementation of the Fourth National Lottery licence and transformed the Commission’s approach to regulation through more robust and outcome-focused strategies.

He said: “It has been a privilege to lead the Gambling Commission through such an important period of change. I am proud of the progress we have made to strengthen regulation, improve consumer protections, and ensure gambling is safer and fairer. I leave with confidence in the organisation, its people, and the work still to come.”

Charles Counsell, Interim Chair of the Gambling Commission, said: “Andrew has provided outstanding leadership for nearly five years and leaves a strong legacy. He has led the Commission through major reform, strengthened our regulatory approach, and ensured consumer protection has remained at the heart of our work. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Andrew for his dedication and wish him every success in the future.”

The Commission will shortly begin the process of recruiting a Chief Executive for an interim period. Deputy Chief Executive Sarah Gardner will step up as Acting Chief Executive to cover the areas of work that Andrew will step back from during this transitional period.

The post Andrew Rhodes to Step Down as CEO of UK Gambling Commission appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.