Compliance Updates
Vixio announces the finalists for the 2023 Global Regulatory Awards

Now in its seventh year, the GRAs recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals, teams and organisations across the gambling industry who have excelled in compliance, corporate social responsibility and safer gambling.
This year, the shortlist comprises 150 finalists from over 85 organisations across 21 categories, including Compliance Team of the Year, Outstanding Contribution to Sports Betting Integrity Award and the prestigious Compliance Lifetime Achievement Special Award.
“We received a record number of submissions, making this year’s awards the most competitive since inception. The quality of nominations demonstrates how the industry views the importance of compliance and the ongoing requirement to maintain compliance excellence,” stated Mike Woolfrey, CEO of Vixio. “Thank you to the judging panel for your hard work and rigorous and independent judging to ensure the awards are hotly contested. Those who made the shortlist should consider this a significant achievement.” Woolfrey further stated.
The 2023 Global Regulatory Awards presentation will take place on November 29th at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Due to the popularity of the awards, tables will sell out fast. Vixio advises booking now to ensure you don’t miss out.
Compliance Updates
iGaming Trends 2025: First Half-Year Regulations Recap

SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider of iGaming software solutions, releases a fresh regulatory update as part of its renowned iGaming Trends 2025 report. With regulation remaining one of the industry’s most pressing topics, the company highlights the latest developments from key markets worldwide.
The full recap is divided by countries, covering 24 jurisdictions in total. Below is a condensed selection of insights into the iGaming regulatory landscape by region – the complete breakdown is available for free in the full report.
Europe
- The UK rolled out stake limits for slots, deposit prompts, bonus restrictions, and a new statutory levy. Tighter oversight of suppliers and affordability checks are also underway.
- The Netherlands proposed universal spending limits, stricter ad rules, and gave regulators powers to block unlicensed operators.
- Germany approved a state monopoly model for online table games in Baden-Württemberg, applying a progressive tax.
- Curacao now shifts toward an EU-aligned, reputation-focused framework, operating under a revamped regime with on-site inspections, ad code updates, and mandatory compliance standards.
- Malta faces EU infringement proceedings over a legal shield that protects Malta-licensed online operators from foreign claims, which could be overturned.
Asia-Pacific
- The Philippines exited the offshore gaming model with a POGO ban and introduced domestic reforms, including a GGR tax cut and the launch of a verified list of licensed online operators
- India awaits a Supreme Court ruling on €11.5B in back taxes and is cracking down on illegal gambling ads.
Middle East
- UAE signals future digital expansion with iGaming-related hiring, although online licences are not yet issued.
Africa
- Nigeria restructured gambling taxes and banned Google gambling ads, shifting regulation to states.
- South Africa introduced a Remote Gambling Bill to establish a regulated online gambling framework, which is now pending approval.
South America
- Brazil is raising its gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax to 18%, expanding betting regulations, tightening oversight of advertising and payment systems, and introducing new restrictions on influencer marketing, including a ban on the use of celebrities and athletes in gambling promotions.
- Peru reduced its iGaming tax temporarily and expanded IP-blocking measures.
North America
- The USA (New York) moved to ban sweepstakes casinos and passed legislation targeting social gambling models.
SOFTSWISS continues to monitor the global regulatory environment to guide its partners through compliance shifts and regional opportunities.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 30,000 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team counts over 2,000 employees.
The post iGaming Trends 2025: First Half-Year Regulations Recap appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
Romania Bans Celebrities from Gambling Ads

Celebrities will no longer be able to appear in gambling ads on TV, radio and online, following a decision voted on Wednesday in a public meeting of the National Audiovisual Council of Romania (CAN). The provision is part of a series of amendments that passed the Code of Broadcasting Regulation, the NAC’s secondary legislation.
“It is forbidden to broadcast advertising for gambling featuring public, cultural, scientific, sports or other personalities who, due to their online notoriety, may encourage participation in such games,” says the new Article 110, paragraph 7 of the newly voted Audiovisual Code.
The new provision will become mandatory in a few months, more precisely 90 days after the Audiovisual Code enters into force.
Several amendments were submitted by institutions or gambling companies in an attempt to stop this provision.
Among the challengers were Winbet, which asked the CNA to allow stars to be used at least in “social responsibility” campaigns. So did the Romanian Football Federation, which proposed that personalities should be allowed to appear in awareness or social responsibility campaigns.
Kaizergaming, the Federation of Gambling Organisers and the Romanian Bureau of Transmedia Audit asked for the deletion of the article.
All amendments were unanimously rejected.
The post Romania Bans Celebrities from Gambling Ads appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
AGCO
AGCO Fines Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto $350,000 for Serious Regulatory Violations Linked to Impromptu After-Party on Gaming Floor

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued monetary penalties totaling $350,000 against Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto for multiple violations of provincial gaming standards. The penalties follow an impromptu after-party that was permitted to take place in the pre-dawn hours directly on the casino’s gaming floor.
On September 27, 2024, an electronic dance music event attended by thousands of people was hosted in the theatre adjacent to the casino at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. The event was marked by widespread intoxication, disorderly behavior, and numerous criminal and medical incidents – both inside and outside the venue – including alleged assaults, drug overdoses, and acts of public indecency. Although paid duty officers were present, additional police and emergency services were required to manage the situation.
In the midst of this high-risk environment, casino management approved an unscheduled request by the performing artist to host an after-party on the active gaming floor. The artist and more than 400 guests were permitted onto the gaming floor where the artist was allowed to perform amidst operational table games and gaming machines – without any prior risk assessment or planning.
As a result, security personnel were unable to effectively control the casino floor, including witness reports that an attendee was seen climbing onto slot machines. Failure to maintain appropriate control compromises the security, safety, and integrity of the casino floor. Following the conclusion of the event, the operator failed to promptly report these incidents to the AGCO as required.
Based on the findings of its review, the AGCO’s Registrar has issued an Order of Monetary Penalty (OMP) totaling $350,000 against Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. These penalties address critical failures in their operations, incident reporting, employee training, and the management of disturbances.
A gaming operator served with an OMP has 15 days to appeal the Registrar’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an adjudicative tribunal that is part of Tribunals Ontario and independent of the AGCO.
“Casino operators have a fundamental duty to control their gaming environment. Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto’s lapses in this incident compromised the safety of patrons and the security and integrity of the gaming floor,” Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of AGCO, said.
The post AGCO Fines Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto $350,000 for Serious Regulatory Violations Linked to Impromptu After-Party on Gaming Floor appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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