Compliance Updates

Relax Gaming and studio partners ready to take Dutch market by storm

Published

4 years ago

October 13, 2021

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

2021’s most award-winning provider ready to boost Netherland’s debut as regulated jurisdiction

Relax Gaming, the igaming aggregator and supplier of unique content, has announced its launch in the Netherlands as the provider looks to further establish its leading European position.

The news sees Relax brings its 24 studio partners, via its Powered By Relax and Silver Bullet programmes, as well as its market-leading platform suite, to the Dutch market following its full certification to the standards set by the country’s regulator, the Netherlands Gambling Authority (NGA).

Testament to Relax’s outstanding success this year, the agility of its technical set up and its commitment to being present in new markets has ensured that Relax’s impressive portfolio and a variety of suppliers from its aggregation programmes are already active in the market.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Having completed the regulatory and certification requirements so quickly, the provider’s expertise and focus on expanding in highly regulated markets showcases its constant commitment to strong safeguards around integrity and player protection, which it upholds to the highest standards.

Following successful audit processes with multiple operators now licensed by the Dutch Gaming Authority, Relax content was live in the Netherlands at the first opportunity. Each operator is set to be announced shortly.

Commenting on its entrance, Alexia Smilovic-Ronde, Chief Regulatory Officer at Relax Gaming, said: “We see this latest success as a key milestone for both Relax Gaming and our highly valued partners as the market regulates and starts to grow.

“We believe this will be a highly valuable and successful market entry for all associated parties as we provide our best-in-class product suite and unique concepts to players in the Netherlands. This is a continuation of the drive that underpins our hard-earned reputation for driving differentiation in the industry.”

Now regarded as one of the industry’s leading aggregators, Relax Gaming provides its partners with upwards of 2,000 online casino games.

This encompasses a wide range of titles, from its high performing proprietary slots to an expansive library of content from hand-picked third-party studios via its partnership programmes.

In tandem with its continued success, the leading supplier secured the award for Unique Gaming Company of the Year at the UK’s International Gaming Awards in September.

This was preceded by four EGR B2B Awards in July, including Innovation in Mobile and Casino Software Provider, as well as two CasinoBeats Developer Awards at the SBC Summit in Malta.

Australia

ACMA Blocks More llegal Online Gambling Websites

Published

3 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Niji Narayan

acma-blocks-more-llegal-online-gambling-websites

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

3 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

3 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.