Compliance Updates

EGBA on Finland’s Missed Opportunity For Overdue Gambling Reform

Published

3 years ago

December 21, 2021

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Finnish government’s proposal to introduce payment blockings for online gambling has been approved by the country’s parliament but, with its introduction, policymakers have missed an opportunity for meaningful and overdue gambling reform in the country.

On 14 December, Finland’s parliament approved an amended version of a government proposal to introduce blocking measures for payment service providers (PSP) with the aim of restricting Finns from accessing non-Finnish gambling websites. The government justifies the PSP blockings on consumer protection grounds, but critics argue it will restrict consumer freedoms and choice.

Today, Finland is the only EU member state which still has an exclusive online gambling monopoly model, but its monopoly has come under increasing public scrutiny in recent years and increasing pressure from the demand of the country’s gamblers for more online consumer choice. The government’s proposed PSP blockings, part of a group of amendments to the country’s Lottery Act, seeks to address this by blocking Finns’ payments to and from non-Finnish gambling websites.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

This week, a majority in the country’s parliament agreed on an amendment to block only those payment transactions from Finnish gamblers to non-Finnish gambling websites and not vice versa. This was after parliamentarians had raised several concerns about the proposals,[1] including concern that blocking players winnings would be unconstitutional. Following the parliament’s approval, the amended Lottery Act will now come into force from 1January 2022 and the new payment blockings will be introduced at the start of 2023.

Experience from other countries shows that PSP and other blockings do not significantly affect consumer demand and, with its introduction, EGBA believes that policymakers have missed an opportunity for meaningful and overdue gambling reform in Finland. At the same time, EGBA welcomes the growing discussion both in the country’s parliament and in wider society about the future of Finland’s gambling policy. EGBA members are established, licensed, and regulated in most EU member states and would welcome the opportunity to apply for a license, be regulated, and pay taxes in Finland – but are still prevented from doing so by the country’s current gambling laws.

“The introduction of PSP blockings is an implicit admission that many of Finland’s gamblers prefer to bet on other websites rather than that of the state-run monopoly. There are many reasons why they do so: the availability of better betting odds, and better diversity and expertise in the products offered, are to name a few. In the online world, consumers vote with their feet and that is why we will continue to encourage the government to rethink, rather than reinforce, the country’s online gambling monopoly model and advocate for the benefits of establishing a well-regulated, multi-licensing model for online gambling in Finland.” – Maarten Haijer.

Blitzcrown

Blitzcrown Secures GLI Certification for Three Crash Games in Brazil

Published

15 hours ago

April 3, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

blitzcrown-secures-gli-certification-for-three-crash-games-in-brazil

Breaking New Ground in Brazil: Blitzcrown’s Crash Games Now GLI Certified

Blitzcrown, MVG’s pioneering games studio, has secured Brazilian Certification as well as GLI-19 Certification from GLI(Gaming Laboratories International) for its industry-changing three Crash titles. This landmark achievement marks a significant milestone in the company’s expansion into Brazil’s thriving online gaming market, positioning Blitzcrown at the forefront of the region’s rapidly evolving iGaming landscape.

The license comes at an important time for Brazil’s gaming sector, following the launch of the new licensing regime that started on January 1, 2025. The regulatory framework, signed into law in December 2023, has transformed the industry’s prospects.

The certification encompasses 3 innovative crash games: Crash, Fast Crash, and Twin Crash. This strategic milestone establishes Blitzcrown as the premier provider of certified Crash games in the Brazilian market, demonstrating the company’s unwavering commitment to regulatory excellence and gaming integrity. With the GLI-19 and Brazil certification process successfully concluded in March, Blitzcrown has solidified its position as an industry pioneer in this dynamic and emerging market.

Crash games are a recent addition to the global iGaming market, featuring the dynamic evolution of real-time multipliers and immediate reward structures. Blitzcrown has stood out by establishing groundbreaking game mechanisms that offer different and exciting gameplay experiences. Standard Crash provides players with a standard multiplier-based gaming experience, and Fast Crash is optimized for users seeking quick, intense multiplier experiences. The Twin Crash is an original format allowing players to place simultaneous bets on two separate multipliers.

Building on this momentum, Blitzcrown has announced plans to expand its certified portfolio with two additional versions of its innovative Plinko games, demonstrating the company’s strategic commitment to market expansion. This forward-looking initiative underscores Blitzcrown’s dedication to continuous innovation and sustainable growth in the regulated gaming markets.

Blitzcrown is MVG’s edge-game studio focused on pushing game ideas beyond their norms through innovative and non-traditional gaming experiences. The studio has been particularly recognized for its groundbreaking approaches in various game categories, including its successful Crash and Plinko series.

George Cho from MVG said: “This GLI certification testifies to Blitzcrown’s unwavering commitment to offering top-quality, fair gaming systems. We are well placed to take advantage of Brazil’s exciting new regulatory environment and the vast growth potential of the online gaming industry.”

The post Blitzcrown Secures GLI Certification for Three Crash Games in Brazil appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Compliance Updates

EUROMAT Objects to Croatia’s Decision to Advance its Legislative Process Without Notifying the European Commission

Published

19 hours ago

April 3, 2025

Niji Narayan

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

The European Gambling and Amusement Federation (EUROMAT) has submitted to the European Commission its objection to Croatia’s failure to notify the Croatian Gambling Act (PZ_42) under the TRIS procedure.

Several proposed amendments qualify the Croatian Gambling Act (PZ_42) as a technical regulation under Directive (EU) 2015/1535 warranting formal notification. EUROMAT is concerned that the Croatian Government is proceeding with its legislative process without any notification.

The law includes mandatory player identification for venue entry, a self-exclusion register, advertising restrictions, strict rules on the location of gambling venues, restrictions on days of operation, increased licensing fees and taxation.

Member States must notify any national provisions that restrict market access or the provision of services. Failure to comply with the notification procedure constitutes a breach of EU law, potentially leading to the suspension of the law’s application and the initiation of infringement proceedings. Croatia’s decision not to notify comes despite the country notifying its gambling law in 2014 which resulted in the legislation being withdrawn following scrutiny from the European Commission. Croatia also notified a law in 2023 with substantive impacts for the amusement sector and there are more than 500 examples in the European Commission’s TRIS database of similar notifications from across Europe.

EUROMAT President Jason Frost said: ”If the Commission is serious about strengthening the Internal Market then it has to ensure that Member States respect the law.

“The Commission intervened in 2014 and as a result Croatia had to withdraw its gambling law which underlines how important the notification procedure is. The Commission needs to intervene again but this time to ensure that Croatia actually notifies. Companies need legal certainty to invest and operate in Europe and if the Commission allows Member States to disregard their responsibilities then it sets a very concerning precedent.”

Filip Jelavic, General Sectary of the Croatian Gaming Association, said: “It is inconceivable that any European Member State could be allowed to introduce such far reaching and disruptive legal changes without following the correct procedure. We are calling on the Croatian Government to act responsibly in this case and follow the law.”

The post EUROMAT Objects to Croatia’s Decision to Advance its Legislative Process Without Notifying the European Commission appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Bruce Cassidy

VIP Play Obtains Interim West Virginia iGaming and Sports Wagering Management Service Provider Licenses

Published

20 hours ago

April 3, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

vip-play-obtains-interim-west-virginia-igaming-and-sports-wagering-management-service-provider-licenses

VIP Play Inc. announced the approval of its interim License in West Virginia for both Sports Wagering and iGaming managed services. This follows the recently announced market access partnership between VIP Play and Delaware North’s Wheeling Island Casino.

This milestone marks the company’s initial expansion beyond Tennessee, where it currently operates as a mobile Sports Wagering Operator. The interim License in West Virginia also adds iGaming to the company’s book of business, and allows VIP Play to participate in the rapidly expanding i-Gaming industry. VIP Play expects to begin serving West Virginia customers in the coming months.

Bruce Cassidy, VIP Play CEO & Chairman of the Board, said: “The acquisition of our interim Sports Wagering and i-Gaming License in West Virginia marks a significant milestone in our journey to expand, underscoring our commitment to provide innovative experiences to a wider audience. As we grow our presence, our dedication to excellence stands firm, and we’re excited to play a role in enriching West Virginia’s dynamic gaming community.”

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