Compliance Updates
Bede Gaming receives top level supplier certification from WLA
World Lottery Association approves innovative software provider with certification to Security Control Standard Level 2
Online gaming and lottery software provider Bede Gaming has taken another important step on its mission to provide market-leading and secure platform software to its customers, with the announcement that it has acquired World Lottery Association (WLA) Security Control Standard (WLA-SCS) Level 2.
The WLA is a highly respected organisation within the global lottery and sports betting industry, and its Security Control Standard is the only internationally recognised standard for lottery and sports betting operators, and their suppliers. The standard aims to assist WLA members to achieve a level of security control that is aligned with generally accepted best practices. Though Bede has long adhered to this wide range of criteria, receiving official confirmation of WLA-SCS Level 2 marks formal recognition.
As an associate member of the WLA and an active iGaming platform provider in the North American market, Bede successfully completed the certification process in the previous quarter and is thrilled to have achieved the highest level of certification – WLA-SCS Level 2. Successfully gaining this certification demonstrates the high quality of product and service provided to its partners. It also confirms the strong security controls and protocols Bede has in place, all of which are approved by accredited industry standards.
As such, Bede is incredibly proud of the outcome of the recent audit, with Head of Risk & Compliance Gerrard Thompson being quick to acknowledge the effort and commitment of the team in achieving the new certification.
Thompson said: “Although Bede Gaming has long upheld the strict industry standards outlined by the WLA, gaining the organisation’s highest available certification is great validation of our high standards of operation and robust security measures.
“With WLA-SCS Level 2 now in place, I’d like to extend my sincere thanks for the hard work and effort of everyone in the Bede team for helping us achieve this important industry milestone.”
The post Bede Gaming receives top level supplier certification from WLA appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Baltics
Estonia to Reinstate 5.5% Online Gambling Tax From March 1
Lawmakers in Estonia are set to approve a technical fix restoring the gambling tax to online casinos, closing a legislative error that briefly left remote gambling exempt.
The Riigikogu will hold a final vote on an amendment to the Gambling Tax Act introduced by MP Tanel Tein (Eesti 200). The latest change corrects wording adopted late last year that inadvertently exempted online casinos from Estonia’s gambling tax.
The amendment clarifies that both games of chance and games of skill offered as remote gambling are taxed on the same basis. By deleting the term “game of skill” from one provision in the legislation, a uniform 5.5% gambling tax will apply to both categories.
The Riigikogu’s Finance Committee adjusted the timeline initially set out in the amendment, setting March 1, 2026, as the effective date.
Under current law, gambling taxes are assessed on a monthly basis, making the start of a new calendar month the standard point for changes to take effect.
This aligns with the current IT systems and operating practices of both market participants and the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (MTA).
The fix is linked to legislation passed in December and effective since January 1 that was intended to boost funding for sports and culture through gambling tax revenues. Restoring equal taxation is expected to reestablish legal clarity for both operators and the tax authority.
The post Estonia to Reinstate 5.5% Online Gambling Tax From March 1 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Compliance Updates
NCPG Board of Directors Calls on Prediction Market Operators to Promote the National Problem Gambling Helpline
The Board of Directors of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has passed a resolution on February 9, calling on prediction markets to promote the National Problem Gambling Helpline, arguing that event contract trading is similar to other types of betting and poses the same risks for consumers.
In the resolution, the NCPG urged “all Prediction Market Operators serving U.S. consumers” to add “clear, prominent, and ongoing promotion” of the helpline number 1-800-MY-RESET across both “marketing and on-platform user experience.”
The organization said prediction market operators should display the messaging “in a manner that is comparable to practices in regulated mobile sports betting.”
The NCPG said the helpline offers “nationwide free, confidential, and 24/7 support and resources” for people experiencing gambling-related harm. The group also said it maintains a neutral stance on legalized gambling.
The post NCPG Board of Directors Calls on Prediction Market Operators to Promote the National Problem Gambling Helpline appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Andrew Rhodes
Andrew Rhodes to Step Down as CEO of UK Gambling Commission
The UK Gambling Commission has announced that Andrew Rhodes has decided to leave the Commission on 30 April 2026, to take up a new role, which will be announced in due course.
Andrew has provided outstanding leadership of the Commission for almost five years and has overseen a transformation of the Commission and how it regulates the gambling Industry.
Andrew has led the work required from the Commission to implement the Gambling Act Review, with a strong focus on consumer safeguards. This has included the introduction of financial vulnerability checks, reducing the intensity of online games, and banning potentially harmful marketing offers. He has also overseen the introduction of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, now one of the largest surveys of gambling behaviour in the world.
Amongst his other achievements, Andrew oversaw the successful implementation of the Fourth National Lottery licence and transformed the Commission’s approach to regulation through more robust and outcome-focused strategies.
He said: “It has been a privilege to lead the Gambling Commission through such an important period of change. I am proud of the progress we have made to strengthen regulation, improve consumer protections, and ensure gambling is safer and fairer. I leave with confidence in the organisation, its people, and the work still to come.”
Charles Counsell, Interim Chair of the Gambling Commission, said: “Andrew has provided outstanding leadership for nearly five years and leaves a strong legacy. He has led the Commission through major reform, strengthened our regulatory approach, and ensured consumer protection has remained at the heart of our work. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Andrew for his dedication and wish him every success in the future.”
The Commission will shortly begin the process of recruiting a Chief Executive for an interim period. Deputy Chief Executive Sarah Gardner will step up as Acting Chief Executive to cover the areas of work that Andrew will step back from during this transitional period.
The post Andrew Rhodes to Step Down as CEO of UK Gambling Commission appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
-
Amusnet6 days agoWeek 6/2026 slot games releases
-
Arshak Muradyan6 days agoDigitain Secures UKGC Certification for Sportsbook and Platform
-
Compliance Updates3 days agoIllinois Gaming Board and Attorney General’s Office Issue more than 60 Cease-and-Desist Letters to Illegal Online Casino and Sweepstakes Operators
-
Latest News6 days agoHyper Gems — A New Cosmic Adrenaline Release from Dream Play
-
Latest News3 days agoLaunch Of A Fresh Online Casino Guide 2026
-
Always Up! x100003 days agoRing in the Chinese New Year with BGaming’s Seasonal Promotion
-
Compliance Updates6 days agoDutch Regulator Urges Online Gambling Providers to Stop Using “Share Your Bet” Feature
-
HIPTHER6 days agoHIPTHER Announces Media Partnership with Nightrush Ahead of Prague Summit 2026



