Compliance Updates
SPRIBE WINS UK COURT INJUNCTION AGAINST AVIATOR LLC TO PROTECT SPRIBE’S ICONIC AVIATOR CRASH GAME
In a key ruling, on 1 August 2025 the UK High Court granted SPRIBE an interim injunction preventing a Georgian company, Aviator LLC, from launching or marketing its copycat crash game in the UK. The order was granted to protect SPRIBE’s award-winning Aviator game.
Speaking today, SPRIBE’s founder, David Natroshvili, said: “I am pleased that the highly respected UK Court supports our position and has granted an injunction preventing Aviator LLC from launching and promoting its copycat game. SPRIBE created the Aviator crash game in 2018 and is the sole owner of the game globally. We will continue to take all necessary steps globally to protect SPRIBE, our partners and players from any third parties who seek to undermine or infringe our rights.”
Granting of UK High Court injunction
SPRIBE obtained a UK gambling licence for its Aviator game in December 2020 and has been very successful in the UK market. A Georgian company, Aviator LLC, recently stated its intent to release a copycat game in the UK, also branded Aviator, and has engaged in promotional communications targeted at SPRIBE’s UK customers.
This copycat game is not authorised by SPRIBE. It blatantly infringes the copyright works which SPRIBE owns in its game and seeks to misappropriate the goodwill which SPRIBE has created in its Aviator brand. To prevent the clear risk of reputational and financial damage from any unlawful action by Aviator LLC, SPRIBE has sought, and now won, an interim injunction preventing Aviator LLC from launching or marketing its copycat game in the UK.
Throughout these proceedings and elsewhere, Aviator LLC has provided conflicting and contradictory evidence. At the hearing Aviator LLC sought to evade responsibility for this matter, including attempting to misdirect the UK Court by obscuring its role through the creation of a shifting network of licensing entities, denying previously stated plans to enter the UK market and refusing to provide key evidence. This led to Aviator LLC’s conduct being described by the Court as ‘childlike’ and ‘petulant’.
Further information relating to bad faith actions by Aviator LLC
This activity by Aviator LLC forms part of a continuing chain of bad faith actions by Georgian businessman Temur Ugulava, who is behind Aviator LLC and a series of connected companies, aimed at exploiting the commercial success and international reputation of SPRIBE’s brand.
Unfounded and opportunistic claims were launched in the Georgian courts last year by Aviator LLC, seeking to expropriate – for the territory of Georgia only – the Aviator branding and logo used by SPRIBE. The flawed Georgian ruling followed an unusually rapid and procedurally flawed legal process in a jurisdiction where concerns around judicial independence and transparency have been widely documented.
SPRIBE continues firmly to reject these claims brought by Aviator LLC, which related solely to the use of a specific logo and branding in Georgia and did not concern ownership of the Aviator game itself. SPRIBE’s trademarks remain valid and protected outside of Georgia, including in the EU and UK.
SPRIBE is aware that Aviator LLC and companies affiliated to it (such as Aviator Studio Group or AviGroup) have directly contacted SPRIBE customers, falsely claiming to be the owner of the intellectual property rights in the branding of SPRIBE’s Aviator game, whilst at the same time promoting their own copycat version of it. These claims are bogus. The Aviator game, including its features, branding and intellectual property, are entirely created and owned by SPRIBE. SPRIBE will continue to take all necessary steps to defend its rights against any third parties who seek to undermine or infringe them.
Aviator LLC has also sought to use the flawed ruling in Georgia to launch spurious proceedings elsewhere. Such claims are without merit and will be vigorously defended.
The post SPRIBE WINS UK COURT INJUNCTION AGAINST AVIATOR LLC TO PROTECT SPRIBE’S ICONIC AVIATOR CRASH GAME appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS) proudly announces that Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) will once again return as a sponsor of the highly anticipated Regulators’ Roundtable at EEGS 2025, taking place on 27–28 November at Inter Expo Center, Sofia.
As the global leader in testing, certification, and professional services for the gaming industry, GLI has supported regulators, suppliers, and operators across more than 480 jurisdictions worldwide for decades. With a strong mission to ensure integrity, fairness, and transparency, GLI plays a pivotal role in shaping a trusted and sustainable global gaming environment.
The continued sponsorship of the Regulators’ Roundtable underscores GLI’s dedication to fostering dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange between regulators and industry stakeholders. As one of the flagship sessions of EEGS, the Roundtable offers an exclusive platform to address pressing regulatory challenges, explore innovative solutions, and discuss strategies that will define the future of the sector.
EEGS 2025 will once again unite regulators, operators, suppliers, and thought leaders for two days of high-level discussions, networking, and knowledge sharing, reinforcing its position as the leading forum for gaming innovation and regulation in Eastern Europe and beyond.
Learn more & register here: https://eegamingsummit.com/register-for-super-early-bird-ticket/
For any sponsorship availabilities, see here: https://eegamingsummit.com/sponsorship-2025/
Together with partners like GLI, EEGS continues to be the meeting point for innovation, regulation, and collaboration in the gaming industry.
The post GLI Returns as Sponsor of the Regulators’ Roundtable at EEGS 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
California Gambling Control Commission Reviews Licensing and Ownership Transfers at September 18 Meeting
The California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened for its scheduled public meeting to deliberate on a wide range of licensing and regulatory matters related to cardrooms, third-party providers, tribal gaming, and key individuals in the gambling industry. The Commission addressed ownership transfers, license renewals, regulatory compliance, and findings of suitability for tribal gaming employees and suppliers.
Highlights from the Meeting
Cardroom Licensing and Ownership Transfers
Commerce Casino (California Commerce Club, Inc.)
- Initial License Approval: The Commission recommended approving an initial cardroom owner license for James Murray, Director of the Commerce Casino, through March 31, 2027.
- Ownership Transfer: The Commission approved a share transfer from Marsha Gold to the Marsha L. Gold Revocable Trust, subject to the transaction closing within 180 days and written confirmation of compliance with imposed conditions.
- Successor Trustee Licensing: The license for Jill Anter Wieder, Successor Trustee of the trust, was also approved through March 31, 2027, pending the completion of the ownership transaction.
- Additional Conditions: The Commission imposed a detailed list of conditions on the license, including certification requirements, written transaction confirmations, and mandatory legends on stock certificates to ensure regulatory compliance.
Napa Valley Casino (BVK Gaming, Inc.)
- Ownership Transfer: Similar to Commerce, the transfer of shares from Von Altizer to the Von Altizer 2017 Revocable Trust was conditionally approved.
- Successor Trustee Licensing: Applications from Christopher and Bobby Huang, successor trustees and contingent beneficiaries, were approved through May 31, 2026, contingent upon the transaction’s completion.
- Interim License Conditions: The Commission imposed a set of conditions mirroring those required for Commerce Casino, ensuring the integrity of ownership transitions.
Renewal and Interim Licenses
Seven Mile Casino (Stones South Bay Corp.)
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A new interim renewal license was approved through September 30, 2027, with prior licensing conditions officially removed.
Commerce Casino Directors
- Rick Contrucci: The Commission opted to abandon the renewal application.
- Lysa Grigorian: The application was referred to an evidentiary hearing, and an interim license was issued through March 31, 2027.
Other Cardrooms
- Limelight Card Room: License renewed through March 31, 2027.
- Lucky Chances Casino: A 90-day extension was granted through December 31, 2025, with strict restrictions on property access and communications for Rene Medina, tied to a 36-month probationary period.
- North Coast Casino and The River Card Room: Both granted 60-day extensions with multiple compliance conditions required prior to opening or continuing operations.
Third-Party Proposition Player Services
Renewals and Initial Licenses Approved
- Owner-Type Licenses for Global Player Services and Players Edge Services were renewed through 2027.
- Employee-Type Licenses: Dozens of third-party proposition player service employees were approved or renewed, including workers from Knighted Ventures, Blackstone Gaming, and Acme Player Services.
- Conditions on some licensees, such as Glenn Kaboua, included proof of fine resolution every 90 days.
Tribal-State Compact Licensing
Gaming Resource Suppliers
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Everi Games Inc. and LNW Gaming, Inc. received approval for initial and renewal suitability findings, with licenses valid through early 2026.
Key Tribal Employee Licensing
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A significant number of tribal casino employees across the state received initial or renewed findings of suitability. These included employees from:
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Chumash Casino Resort
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Thunder Valley Casino Resort
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Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
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Graton Resort & Casino
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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento, among many others.
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The Commission emphasized continuous monitoring of suitability, especially for applicants under conditional approval like Tatianna Wren, who must provide quarterly updates on efforts to resolve outstanding fines.
Key Individual Decisions
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Huy Dang: The Commission approved the renewal of Dang’s Key Employee License through September 30, 2027, removing prior conditions related to court-mandated classes and debt resolution.
Consent Calendar Items
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Items 15 through 21 included approvals for initial and renewal licenses for various employees, work permits, and tribal key employees. All items were approved per staff recommendations.
Conclusion
The September 18, 2025, meeting of the California Gambling Control Commission underscored the Commission’s ongoing role in maintaining transparency, accountability, and integrity in the state’s gambling industry. With careful review of ownership changes, key personnel, and operational compliance, the CGCC continues its commitment to fair and responsible gambling practices in California.
For full details and future updates, visit the California Gambling Control Commission website
The post California Gambling Control Commission Reviews Licensing and Ownership Transfers at September 18 Meeting appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Compliance Updates
SOFTSWISS Compliance Expert Shares Knowledge on AML in iGaming for Sumsub Academy
SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider with over 15 years of iGaming expertise, announces that its Head of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) team, Eleni Panagiotopoulou, has been invited to deliver a lecture for AML Fundamentals, the newly launched training programme by Sumsub Academy. The course, which goes live on 15 September 2025, offers free online access to compliance professionals worldwide.
AML has become one of the most pressing topics for a wide range of highly regulated sectors. Regulators are intensifying oversight, and companies face increasing responsibilities to safeguard their operations and the wider financial system. Against this backdrop, Eleni’s participation underscores both SOFTSWISS’s expertise in compliance and its commitment to supporting the iGaming industry.
Drawing on her experience across operators, regulators, and compliance leadership roles, Eleni participates in the iGaming-focused module of the six-part course. Her sessions explore how money laundering risks manifest in casinos, betting platforms, lotteries, and online gaming environments, and how operators can strengthen their frameworks to meet evolving regulatory expectations.
Speaking ahead of the course launch, Eleni Panagiotopoulou said: “iGaming is one of the fastest-paced and high-risk sectors when it comes to financial crime. In countries where gaming is a cornerstone of the economy, AML compliance isn’t just a regulatory requirement; it’s a business imperative. Through this course, I look forward to sharing practical, industry-specific insights that compliance teams can put into action straight away.”
Natalie Buraimoh, Head of AML Product at Sumsub, added: “We’re pleased to be working with leading partners like SOFTSWISS to bring additional iGaming expertise into this course, helping professionals address some of the sector’s most complex AML challenges. After ten years of helping businesses navigate compliance, we know how quickly AML requirements evolve, and our aim is to deliver accessible training that professionals at every level can apply in their daily work.”
The Sumsub Academy AML Fundamentals course brings together leading experts from across the financial crime prevention space, including specialists in fintech, payments, and crypto. Participants who complete the programme will receive a shareable AML certificate.
For SOFTSWISS, this appointment highlights the company’s growing influence in global compliance conversations, while reinforcing its deep roots in Malta’s iGaming ecosystem.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 35,000 casino games, Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Platform, and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS Compliance Expert Shares Knowledge on AML in iGaming for Sumsub Academy appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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