Press Releases

Sweden urged to rethink restrictions as searches for ‘unlicensed casino’ surges 700%

Published

6 years ago

May 13, 2020

Reading Time: 2 minutes

New BonusFinder data shows 54 unlicensed operators already targeting Sweden and warns new proposals will put players at greater risk

BonusFinder.com has urged the Swedish government to reconsider its proposals to introduce further restrictions on online gambling as a result of the pandemic or risk long-term consequences of a sharp increase in black market activity.

In a formal response to a consultation on the government’s proposals, BonusFinder warned that introducing stricter measures would lead to a long-lasting diversion of players to unlicensed sites and pose a greater risk to Swedish consumers, legal licensees and the licensed market in the future.

BonusFinder has identified more than 54 unlicensed sites targeting Sweden compared to the 65 licensed operators, with the majority offering online casino. The research conducted by using Google Trends also found the number of searches for unlicensed casino brands targeting Sweden to have risen by 305% in the last 12 months.

The study also discovered that in the last 12 months searches for ‘casino utan licens’ (and other similar terms), saw a 710% growth compared to a 173% increase in ‘online casino’.

In March this year, initial BonusFinder research found that almost a third of Swedish online casino players are searching online for ‘unlicensed casinos’, with growing numbers turning to black-market brands due to the market’s restrictive gaming regulations, introduced in January 2019.

The Swedish government’s new plans include the introduction of stricter bonus limits of SEK100 (€8), as well as mandatory weekly deposit limits of SEK5,000 (€458) that would be in place for an initial six-month period from June 1.

Fintan Costello, Managing Director, Bonusfinder.com, said: “We understand the Swedish government has put forward its proposals with the best intentions to protect its citizens, but as our research has shown, the existing restrictive measures have resulted in a large number of players turning to unlicensed operators outside of the legal framework and without any protection. Channelisation rates are falling and unlicensed brands are booming.

“Our message to the government is to seriously reconsider its proposals. More stringent measures would only serve to further fuel the existing black market. The consequences of these actions would be felt for a long period of time as players lost to the illegal offering would not easily return to regulated sites once measures are lifted.”

Ebaka Games

Ebaka Games secures first aggregator partner with Hub88 deal

Published

1 hour ago

February 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

ebaka-games-secures-first-aggregator-partner-with-hub88-deal

Ebaka Games has taken a major step in its growth journey by securing its first aggregator partnership with Hub88, officially ending its period of exclusivity with menace.com and opening up to new commercial opportunities.

The new agreement will see Hub88’s network of operators among the first to access Ebaka Games’ distinctive portfolio, known for its original mechanics and bold approach to instant-play gaming.

Through seamless integration via the Hub88 API, partner operators can quickly onboard Ebaka’s full suite of instant games. The portfolio is designed to stand out, featuring dynamic gameplay, striking visuals, proprietary Ebaka game modes, high-volatility mechanics, and generous multipliers. The studio’s focus is firmly on delivering instant entertainment and driving strong player engagement.

Commenting on the partnership, Ebaka Games CEO Vitalii Zalievskyi said:
“It is time to bring Ebaka Games’ genuinely thrilling content to players around the world, and partnering with Hub88 is an important step as we scale our operations. We’re excited that operators can now integrate our games so easily, and we look forward to building a strong, long-term partnership with Hub88 as we expand globally.”

The Hub88 deal marks the first phase of Ebaka Games’ wider distribution strategy. The studio has confirmed that additional partnerships are already in the pipeline, with its content set to roll out across major operators and leading aggregators in the near future.

The post Ebaka Games secures first aggregator partner with Hub88 deal appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Fantasy Sports

PrizePicks Returns to New York

Published

2 hours ago

February 6, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

PrizePicks, the leading sports entertainment operator in North America, announced that it has launched its innovative peer-to-peer fantasy sports contest in New York. Players across the state can now compete in engaging leaderboard style fantasy sports games.

“Returning to New York is a testament to the state’s commitment to embracing innovative gaming products,” said Nick Zabriskie, SVP of Government Affairs, PrizePicks. “Players deserve a competitive landscape, allowing them to engage with their favorite contests in a regulated environment. We’re excited to bring our games back to sports fans who have eagerly been awaiting our return and to extend our footprint in the Empire State.”

In October, PrizePicks was awarded an interactive fantasy sports license by the New York State Gaming Commission. New York is the 16th state to formally ratify PrizePicks’s fantasy contests as games of skill under its interactive fantasy sports rules.

As PrizePicks continues to expand to new markets, investment into Responsible Gaming remains a key focus. In 2025, PrizePicks was awarded iCAP accreditation by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) for its Responsible Gaming practices and efforts, becoming the first and only fantasy sports operator to earn the certification.

The post PrizePicks Returns to New York appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Arizona

Arizona Department of Gaming Marks Fifth Super Bowl of Legal Sports Betting — November Wagers Top $965M

Published

15 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Wladimir P.

arizona-department-of-gaming-marks-fifth-super-bowl-of-legal-sports-betting-—-november-wagers-top-$965m

The Arizona Department of Gaming today highlighted a major milestone: the upcoming Super Bowl will be the fifth played under Arizona’s legal, state-regulated sports wagering framework. Since regulated event wagering launched in 2021, Arizona’s oversight—guided by state law and Tribal-State Compacts—has aimed to protect consumers, preserve integrity, and generate public revenue.

Key November 2025 figures: strong wagering growth

In its latest monthly report, the Department said Arizona bettors wagered approximately $965 million on sports and events in November 2025 — about a 7.5% increase versus November 2024. The state collected roughly $5.5 million in privilege fees for the month.* Fiscal year-to-date privilege fees total $26.3 million (about $25.7M from event wagering and $637,399 from fantasy sports).

Arizona also recorded its highest monthly event wagering in October 2025 with $967,141,269, and the second-highest in November 2025 with $965,233,844.*

Regulated framework and consumer protections

Arizona’s regulated model requires licensed operators to follow statutory rules, Tribal-State Compacts, and ongoing regulatory oversight. The Department conducts audits, compliance reviews, and integrity controls designed to prevent fraud and illegal activity. Licensed event wagering operators remit privilege fees, calculated as a percentage of gaming revenue — with 90% of those fees directed to Arizona’s General Fund to support state programs and priorities.

There are currently fourteen licensed event wagering operators approved to offer wagering in Arizona, each subject to ongoing Department review and potential audit adjustments.

Responsible play and support resources

The Department emphasizes the importance of using state-licensed event wagering and fantasy sports apps or retail locations. For guidance and safety tips, players are encouraged to visit Check Your Bet at gaming.az.gov/checkyourbet.

For individuals and families affected by problem gambling, the Department’s Division of Problem Gambling offers confidential, subsidized treatment and resources statewide at problemgambling.az.com.

* Disclaimer: Monthly operator figures are self-reported and subject to adjustment after Department audits and review. The Department does not guarantee the final accuracy of the self-reported totals.

The post Arizona Department of Gaming Marks Fifth Super Bowl of Legal Sports Betting — November Wagers Top $965M appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.