Latest News

ANJ publishes its 2021/2023 strategic plan

Published

5 years ago

February 3, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

As soon as it was set up on 23 June 2020, the National Gambling Authority began drawing up its strategic plan for the next three years. It sets out its vision of regulation and how it intends to add value to players and economic players. Five priority focus have been set to keep gambling within a sustainable perspective of recreational gambling.

The development of the strategic plan was launched in July 2020 and continued until November. It was built through a collaborative process involving all ANJ agents as well as members of the ANJ Board. It was also based on contacts with operators or civil society that were organized after the launch of the ANJ. This plan was definitively adopted by the ANJ Board on 3rd December 2020.

Beyond the four objectives defined by the law, the ANJ must carry out its action in a medium-term strategic perspective, specify its vision of regulation and how it intends to bring value to players and economic actors. In short: define the regulator’s project.

This is all the more important as the new legal framework is complex and difficult to grasp for operators, as the health crisis has tightened competition conditions, and because each action taken by the regulator will be scrutinized in terms of its effects on market balances.

The central inspiration of this strategic plan is to keep gambling within a sustainable perspective of recreational gambling.

Given the psycho-social risks associated with gambling and in the particular context of health crisis, it is essential to consolidate a regulatory model that makes it possible to reconcile controlled development of the sector with the protection of the public interests involved, first and foremost the gamblers protection. This is a priority ethical issue for our country, and this ethical dimension of the ANJ’s action is included in all of the regulator’s actions and reflections.

Three methodological principles pass through all the proposals in this plan

Pragmatism: The desire to build step by step the regulatory architecture put in place by the 2019 order so that each operator in the gambling market can realistically and effectively adopt the new obligations;

Dialogue: The need to build regulation with all the actors through an organized and continuous dialogue. The ANJ is convinced that, if the roles of each are distinct, it is essential that the regulator be close to the realities on the ground, in dialogue with the stakeholders in order to best adjust its positions, tools and services;

Coherence: Finally, the concern to work with other public structures to coordinate our actions and offer economic players the most coherent and readable public front possible.

The 5 strategic focus that will guide the ANJ’s action over the next three years are as follows:

1st STRATEGIC FOCUS: Building a “value-adding” regulator at the service of a sustainable recreational gambling market

The ANJ must bring value to the gambling sector by implementing a comprehensive toolkit that includes preventive, prescriptive, control and sanctioning actions in a regulatory continuum. This approach is in the interest of operators, the security of their practices and the confidence of their customers. It contributes to the protection of gamblers and the preservation of a gambling practice that must remain recreational.

2nd STRATEGIC FOCUS: Placing the player at the heart of regulation

Gambling concerns almost one French people out of two, which makes it a very appreciated and widespread leisure activity, oriented towards an essentially recreational practice. However, with an estimated 1.4 million problem gamblers, the prevention of excessive gambling is a central public health issue in which the ANJ must take part; the implementation of the new obligations of operators will be decisive in this respect. Finally, the protection of minors is a priority.

3rd STRATEGIC FOCUS: Building a forefront regulatory system

The gambling market is particularly creative in games offers, promotional strategies of operators or gambling platforms. In order to be in tune with this world, ANJ must integrate this culture of innovation and digital technology, both with respect to the players it regulates and internally, in its operating mode and tools.

4th STRATEGIC FOCUS: Promoting a European vision of gambling regulation

European cooperation with the ANJ’s counterparts needs to be strengthened since many issues, both operational and strategic for the regulation of gambling, are now being addressed at this level. This is the case of the fight against money laundering or illegal gambling or the emerging economic role of gaming platforms. At a time when a choice has to be made between several regulatory models, the ANJ wishes to play a leading role in European and international cooperation.

5th STRATEGIC FOCUS: Strengthening our working community

The scope and diversity of its regulatory scope and the new legal obligations imposed on operators result in a high rate of demand and a very heavy workload for the teams; this pressure also requires a great deal of joint work by the teams.

It is therefore essential to pool resources and information, empower employees and attract new talent. The aim is to make “working together efficiently” the common language of the ANJ, by multiplying opportunities for exchanges and meetings, by introducing new forms of work organization that are more transversal and empowering, but also by embodying the values of goodwill and conviviality on a daily basis.

Latest News

Xpoint gains Massachusetts vendor license as North American expansion accelerates

Published

6 minutes ago

March 2, 2026

Wladimir P.

xpoint-gains-massachusetts-vendor-license-as-north-american-expansion-accelerates

Xpoint, a leading geolocation and compliance technology company, has officially secured a vendor license to enter the regulated sports betting market in Massachusetts. The approval marks another strategic milestone in the company’s accelerating North American expansion, reinforcing its role as a core provider of gaming infrastructure.

Xpoint’s geolocation solution is now available to operators across the Bay State, delivering high-precision tools designed to ensure player activity remains fully compliant with the strict regulatory framework established by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

With Massachusetts added to its portfolio, Xpoint is now authorized to support regulated online sports wagering across 28 states and territories, as well as Ontario in Canada.

The license follows a period of sustained global expansion, including recent market entries in Missouri, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates.

Built specifically for the gaming industry, Xpoint’s platform uses advanced geofencing technology to deliver precise location verification. By leveraging multiple data points, the system helps prevent wagers from unauthorized jurisdictions while identifying suspicious activity in real time.

The company’s platform development has also been supported by a recent investment round aimed at accelerating growth and enhancing product capabilities.

Manu Gambhir, CEO of Xpoint, said: “Securing our license in Massachusetts is a vital step as we continue to make strides in the geolocation space. Massachusetts has a passionate sports culture and a sophisticated regulatory framework, and we are excited to provide the precision technology necessary to maintain the integrity of the state’s sports betting ecosystem.

“Our growth into the Bay State demonstrates our team’s ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes quickly and efficiently. This expansion underscores the global demand for more innovative and adaptable compliance solutions, and we remain committed to being the most reliable partner for regulated operators worldwide.”

The post Xpoint gains Massachusetts vendor license as North American expansion accelerates appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

eSports

NODWIN Gaming’s VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2026 Set for Broadcast Kickoff; Registrations Close March 4

Published

6 minutes ago

March 2, 2026

Wladimir P.

nodwin-gaming’s-valorant-challengers-south-asia-2026-set-for-broadcast-kickoff;-registrations-close-march-4

With registrations entering their final phase, NODWIN Gaming, in partnership with Riot Games, is set to kick off the broadcast phase of VALORANT Challengers South Asia (VCSA) 2026, marking the start of another high-stakes competitive season in the region.

The official VCSA 2026 broadcast will stream live on the NODWIN Gaming and Valorant Esports South Asia YouTube channels, bringing fans across South Asia closer to the region’s top VALORANT talent as teams begin their Split 1 campaigns.

Registrations for Split 1 remain open until March 4, 2026, inviting eligible teams across South Asia to compete in the region’s premier VALORANT circuit—the official pathway for teams aiming to reach the VCT Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ).

Season Overview

The 2026 season introduces a refined multi-stage competitive structure, featuring Open Qualifiers, two Splits, Promotion & Relegation, and a culminating Grand Final to crown the regional champions.

Key Dates – Split 1

Registration Window: Till March 4, 2026
Open Qualifiers: March 7 – March 11, 2026
Split 1 Broadcast Begins: March 16, 2026
Split 1 Playoffs: April 8 – 9, 2026

Eligibility Requirements

Minimum Rank: Immortal 1 and above (V25 Act 6)
Regions: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan & Maldives
Premier Team Seeding: Based on V25 Acts 4, 5 & 6

Tournament Structure Overview

Open Qualifiers & Playoffs

The competition begins with an open circuit designed to spotlight emerging talent across South Asia.

Open Qualifiers

Single Elimination
Best-of-Three (Bo3)
Top 10 teams advance to OQ Playoffs

OQ Playoffs

Double Elimination
Bo3
Top 5 teams qualify for Split 1

The top three teams from VCSA 2025 receive direct invitations to Split 1.

Split 1

Team Composition

5 teams from OQ Playoffs
3 direct invite teams
Total: 8 teams

Format

Single Round Robin
Bo3
28 matches across 14 match days

Advancement

Top 6 teams advance to Split 2
Bottom 2 teams move to Promotion & Relegation

Split 2 & Grand Finals

Split 2 will feature eight teams competing in a single round robin format. The top four will advance to the Playoff Stage, where a single-elimination bracket (Bo3, Bo5 Grand Final) will determine the VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2026 champions.

Game Changers South Asia 2026

Running alongside the main circuit, Game Changers South Asia 2026 will feature two competitive splits with open qualifiers, reinforcing inclusive growth within the region’s VALORANT ecosystem. The winner of Split 2 will advance to the Game Changers Pacific Stage.

Building on a Landmark 2025 Season

VCSA 2026 follows a record-breaking 2025 edition, where Velocity Gaming secured the VCT Ascension Pacific slot after a dominant 3–1 Grand Final victory over S8UL at the Ascension Qualifiers LAN.

The 2025 season recorded over 12 million views and peaked at 50,000+ concurrent viewers, cementing VCSA’s position as one of South Asia’s most-watched VALORANT tournaments.

With viewership at an all-time high and competitive standards rising, the 2026 season promises even greater intensity.

From the Organizers

Gautam Virk, Co-Founder & CEO, NODWIN Gaming, said:
“As we head into the broadcast phase of VCSA 2026, the excitement across the ecosystem is palpable. This circuit represents the pinnacle of competitive VALORANT in South Asia, and our structured pathway ensures that every team from open qualifiers to grand finalists earns their position through performance. After the incredible momentum of last season, we are confident that 2026 will further elevate the region’s competitive standard.”

Sukamal Pegu, Head of Esports India and South Asia, Riot Games, added:
“Competing in VCSA continues to be one of the most defining experiences for teams in South Asia. The level of competition, the scale of production, and the passion of the community make this circuit truly special. With the new season underway and the clear path connecting Tier-2 to Tier-1 already announced, we’re excited to see both established rosters and emerging contenders raise the bar even higher.”

With broadcasts set to begin and registrations closing soon, the road to VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2026 is officially underway. Teams across the region are invited to step forward and shape the next chapter of South Asian VALORANT.

The post NODWIN Gaming’s VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2026 Set for Broadcast Kickoff; Registrations Close March 4 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Adam Miles

DEGEN Studios adds commercial firepower with Adam Miles

Published

6 minutes ago

March 2, 2026

Wladimir P.

degen-studios-adds-commercial-firepower-with-adam-miles

DEGEN Studios has appointed Adam Miles as Director of Sales, accelerating its commercial engine as the studio pushes further into global markets.

Adam joins DEGEN with extensive experience across the iGaming industry, specialising in business development, account management and strategic partnership growth. Most recently, he served as Head of Sales at BetGames, where he led commercial strategy, built high-performing teams and strengthened operator relationships across key territories. Prior to that, he held a senior Business Development role at ARRISE, a global leader in software development and services for the iGaming industry.

In his new role, Adam will lead DEGEN’s global sales strategy, focusing on expanding distribution, deepening operator partnerships and ensuring the studio’s high-volatility, identity-led portfolio reaches the right audiences.

Adam joins at a time of momentum for DEGEN, with new titles launching and the recently unveiled DEGEN Powered initiative broadening the studio’s collaborative ecosystem.

Adam Miles, Director of Sales at DEGEN Studios, said: “What drew me to DEGEN is that it doesn’t try to fit into the safe middle ground. That makes the commercial conversation stronger, not harder. Operators want content that cuts through, and my job is to make sure we’re building the right strategic relationships to support that ambition.”

Danny Gordon, Head of Studio at DEGEN Studios, said: “As we continue to scale, it’s important that our commercial strategy matches the ambition of our roadmap. We have strong momentum behind the product, and now it’s about accelerating that growth in the right markets with the right partners. Adam brings the experience and commercial focus needed to expand our reach while staying true to what makes DEGEN distinct.”

The post DEGEN Studios adds commercial firepower with Adam Miles appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.