Reading Time: 2 minutes

A coordinated law enforcement operation carried out in Sweden and Spain between 28 and 29 November targeted a violent criminal network operating in the Stockholm area. The group is believed to run extensive illegal gambling operations and launder significant criminal proceeds, both for its own benefit and for other criminal actors. The network is also linked to drug trafficking in Sweden and across the Nordic region, reinforcing its presence in local and regional criminal markets.

Close to 150 police officers took part in the action, searching six premises in Stockholm, Sweden and two in Murcia, Spain. Five key suspects were arrested (three in Sweden and two in Spain).

Several hundred thousand euros’ worth of valuables were seized, including luxury watches and cash. During the search of a property in Sweden, believed to have been used as an illegal gambling club, authorities also seized drugs prepared for resale and found signs of possible human trafficking.

The suspects form the core of a local criminal network known for its use of violence and intimidation, allowing the group to secure revenues, enforce debts and control sections of the illegal gambling market in the Stockholm area.

The investigation revealed a criminal business model combining:

• illegal gambling, with an estimated annual turnover of EUR 20 million;

• money laundering services for the network and other criminal groups;

• drug trafficking, reinforcing the group’s influence in local and regional markets.

By offering services to other criminals, the group operated as a key facilitator within the wider criminal environment.

From international to local: a coordinated multi-agency strategy

These latest actions are part of a wider, multi-agency strategy to systematically dismantle networks that harm local communities while relying on international criminal connections.

Europol plays a central role in this approach by linking international intelligence with local enforcement actions. By connecting national authorities across borders, Europol ensures that information collected in one jurisdiction can be turned into operational impact in another – including on the streets of Stockholm.

Authorities involved:

• Spain: Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional)

• Sweden: Swedish Police Authority (Polisen).

The post EUROPOL: Coordinated Strike Hits Violent Criminal Network Behind Large-scale Illegal Gambling and Money Laundering in Sweden appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

The current decade is proving truly transformative for the whole global gaming industry, given the rollout of new licensing regimes and major upgrades to already established frameworks. Many of the latest frameworks have emerged offshore, with jurisdictions such as Nevis and Tobique using low taxes, a remote application process, lower licensing fees, and light-touch oversight to secure additional budget inflows.

On the other side, “onshore” hubs, especially in Europe, are doubling down on ever-stricter oversight, making it more complex and expensive to run a gambling business from there. Quite unexpectedly, therefore, a jurisdiction where gambling has historically been prohibited by religion and criminal law moved to introduce a comprehensive licensing regime. This was literally a shock for many; only one in a million industry enthusiasts would have predicted that this country would be the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Two years ago, the UAE established the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the first-in-history federal regulator in the Gulf to oversee gambling across all emirates. Since then, the GCGRA is rolling out gradually, brick by brick, issuing the first few B2B vendor licenses to a select few of internationally recognized suppliers while setting B2C licensing aside and approaching it with caution.

Today, the UAE gambling regulator is authorized to grant licenses for gaming operators (a B2C gambling license issued for a casino, sports wagering, land-based gaming facilities, lottery, and lottery retailers), gaming-related vendors (B2B gambling license), and key persons (affiliates, stakeholders, and employees). Even though the GCGRA has laid down an essential foundation ahead of B2C license issuance, however, the actual B2C regulations are still developing and unavailable to the public, apart from certain provisions on responsible gaming and anti-money laundering (AML) obligations.

As of this second, just a single B2C online gaming license has been issued. Detailed rulebooks on license conditions and the scope of onsite and online gaming activities, however, are still under development and remain subject to ongoing discussion. In essence, while the sector is gradually progressing toward a formal B2C licensing regime, the key details and timing are largely unclear.

In contrast, the B2B regime is already in full swing, with over fifteen UAE gaming licenses already granted to date. The regulator made it clear to everyone that its first priority is to establish a robust B2B ecosystem of technology, payment, content, and other aggregators before opening the door for B2C companies. Considering this, early GCGRA-licensed gambling aggregators get a rare first-mover advantage: legal setup in a business hub like the UAE with privileged access to serve the first wave of B2C UAE gaming license holders (B2C) and secure an unmatched level of trust among banks, investors, and other stakeholders for meeting rigorous regulatory expectations.

With the largely untapped market potential, many industry analysts argue that the UAE gambling license could become the single most valuable license to get in the next year.

The assumption is based on the fact that the UAE always plays the long game. The country’s goal is not merely closing fiscal gaps, as is often the case with offshore jurisdictions, but to drive meaningful economic diversification, expand tourism, and compete with other global entertainment hubs – all reinforcing confidence for entering the market. What’s more, even though the framework is relatively new, the country has an impeccable track record in building high-end regimes, namely in crypto, setting a benchmark for operators and aggregators.

Yet, what truly stands out is the license scarcity: the current GCGRA framework foresees only a limited number of approvals per emirate granted to B2B operators that meet stringent regulatory, operational, and integrity thresholds. The combination of high demand and limited supply significantly amplifies the license’s commercial value, given that the future B2C operator market – projected to generate billions in annual revenue – will be exclusively served by a select pool of qualified B2B vendors.

Beyond this, the UAE’s combination of robust economy, attractive taxation, political stability, and high consumer trust sets it apart from offshore jurisdictions launching gambling licensing regimes.

Taking all factors into account, the UAE gaming license could become the new “golden standard” as one of the most respected regulatory regimes worldwide, turning into the license every operator wants to add to their portfolio. Unsurprisingly, therefore, aggregators are already preparing to move ahead with licensing, bracing for what may become one of the most scrutinized application and approval processes of all time.

With this in mind, joining the ranks of the select few UAE gambling license holders (B2B) will hinge on early, meticulous preparation of necessary documentation and specialized region-specific professional advice. Among these are qualified consultants at Inteliumlaw, a UAE local law firm with on-the-ground representatives in the country and extensive experience in supporting gambling businesses. Having spent years navigating gambling frameworks and establishing relations with regulators, Inteliumlaw is emerging as a top legal partner for operators looking to capitalize on what is set to become the most valuable licensing opportunity of 2026: the UAE gaming license.

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The studio increases its global presence with its new license acquisition

ELA Games, a rapidly growing game development studio, has officially acquired a license to operate in Greece.

This milestone marks another step in ELA Games’ European expansion, strengthening its presence in one of the most promising regulated markets. With approval from the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC), local operators can now integrate the studio’s high-performing titles into their content portfolios, while Greek players gain access to visually rich and innovative games. The license reinforces ELA Games’ commitment to compliance, responsible entertainment, and delivering exceptional gaming experiences that drive measurable value for operators

ELA Games’ approach to intentional and sustainable growth has seen it develop several culturally relevant titles for the Greek market. Cash of Gods and Wealth of Legends are two titles inspired by mythology that create an immersive and visually rich experience with rewarding mechanics. Other standout titles, such as Flame Fruits Frenzy, Detective Fortune, Noble Crown, and many more, are also available for players in the region to enjoy.

Marharyta Yerina, ELA Games’ Managing Director, commented, “Acquiring the Greek license is a crucial step in our long-term growth strategy. Greece is a special market with a rich cultural history, so it’s incredibly important that we deliver high-quality and rewarding content that resonates with the local player base. Operators in the region will have access to high-performing and proven titles that stand out in the casino lobby and keep players engaged.”

ELA Games continues its expansion across European markets, having recently entered regions like Sweden, Denmark, and Serbia. With each new license, the studio strengthens its position as one of the most exciting and fastest-growing companies in iGaming, bringing visually rich, innovative, and exciting content to players worldwide.

The post ELA Games’ Continued Growth: Expansion Into Greece With New License appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.