Press Releases
Sweden urged to rethink restrictions as searches for ‘unlicensed casino’ surges 700%
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.”
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Winter Sports Gets Unique Wildz Treatment
Winter sports fans have a new reason to get excited. The Wildz Group has unveiled a bold and refreshing Winter Sports hub within the Wildz Sports portal, delivering a one-of-a-kind experience for fans of cold-weather competition.
From the high-speed drama of Ice Hockey and Speed Skating to the precision of Curling and Biathlon, the new hub brings together the world’s most thrilling winter disciplines. Ski Jumping, Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country, Luge, Nordic Combined and more are all showcased in one immersive space — alongside a dedicated Winter Sports tournament offering players the chance to win a share of €25,000.
Country-Focused Action with Seamless Betting
Wildz Sports is taking a unique approach by organising winter sporting events by country, allowing players to follow their national heroes all in one place. Whether you’re cheering for Team Canada, Finland, or beyond, fans can track events, enjoy live entertainment, and engage with insightful commentary tailored to their region.
Betting goes far beyond the basics. Players can access special betslips with boosted odds directly from the lobby, creating a smoother, more intuitive betting journey and adding extra excitement to every event.
Innovation Built Around “Get More”
Mark Simmonds, Head of Wildz Sports, explains the vision behind the new Winter Sports experience:
“At Wildz, our promise to players has always been to ‘Get More’, and this Winter Sports hub delivers exactly that. Over the coming weeks, punters can immerse themselves in their favourite winter sports as the world’s elite athletes compete at the highest level.
Our creative teams have built a content-rich environment with something for everyone. No matter where you’re playing from — Finland, Canada or elsewhere — you’ll enjoy the very best of winter sports action. We believe this approach speaks directly to the new generation of sports bettors.”
What Players Can Look Forward To
The Winter Sports hub offers a host of standout features, including:
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NHL players returning to the Winter Games for the first time since Sochi 2014
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A content-rich lobby with live streams and instant access to betslips
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Value-packed promotions, such as free bets for every gold medal won and country-specific specials
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Enhanced odds on major winter sports, plus niche markets for added excitement
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Winter-themed slot games to keep the fun going between events
A Complete Sports & Entertainment Destination
Wildz Sports is the flagship sportsbook of the Wildz Group, offering a comprehensive selection of top-tier sporting events including football, basketball, golf and more. The platform features a dynamic live chat environment, guest streamers, and engaging commentary, all brought together through Wildz TV, the home of live sports insights and entertainment.
Importantly, all regular sports markets remain fully available alongside the Winter Sports hub, ensuring players can enjoy every sport, every season, all in one place.
The post Winter Sports Gets Unique Wildz Treatment appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Ebaka Games
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
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.
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