Compliance Updates
Spelinspektionen Blocks Relaunch of Ninja Casino in Sweden
Swedish gambling regulator Spelinspektionen has blocked the relaunch of Ninja Casino in Sweden.
An application was submitted to Spelinspektionen following a license transfer by the owners of Ninja Casino to another company, who already had a license granted.
However, following “serious violations” of gambling laws in Sweden, the regulator deemed it “highly inappropriate” that such re-launch attempt had taken place between Global Gaming and Viral Interactive.
“[It was] highly inappropriate that Viral Interactive Ltd has chosen a collaboration involving two players who have committed serious violations,” Spelinspektionen said.
Following the rejection, the gambling authority stated that Viral Interactive and Global Gaming’s running of Ninja Casino did not meet gaming operation requirements to ensure “controlled and security assured forms.”
“It is noteworthy that the Swedish Gambling Authority, after almost five months of deliberation, chooses to reject Viral Interactive’s application to add Ninjacasino.se. Viral Interactive cannot in any way be regarded as a party in the legal procedure currently in place between SafeEnt and the Swedish Gambling Authority and cannot be held responsible for any marketing previously conducted by Elec Games,” Tobias Fagerlund of Global Gaming said.
“It is obvious to me that there is a lot of prestige in the Swedish Gambling Authority’s decision and that the Swedish Gambling Authority continues to make questionable decisions which in our opinion lack clear support in the legislation,” Tobias Fagerlund added.
American online gambling
New Analysis Shows Majority of Online Gambling Operators Targeting U.S. Players are Unlicensed
According to Blask’s latest analysis of the U.S. iGaming landscape, 290 out of 362 operators active in the American online gambling ecosystem (approximately 80%) are offshore platforms operating outside domestic regulatory frameworks. The data highlights a structural reality of the U.S. market: while regulation has expanded significantly over the past decade, offshore operators still dominate the competitive landscape in terms of brand presence.
This dominance is not limited to the number of operators. It also translates into a substantial share of total market value. Blask estimates that the total U.S. online gambling market reached approximately $79.8B in Competitive Earning Baseline (CEB) in 2025. Of that total, only around $25.2B was captured by licensed domestic operators, while the majority flowed to offshore platforms.
In other words, roughly three quarters of the U.S. market value remains outside the regulated ecosystem, despite more than a decade of state-by-state legalization.
The persistence of offshore dominance is closely tied to the fragmented structure of U.S. gambling regulation. Several of the country’s largest markets still operate without any online gambling legalization, while many regulated states allow sports betting but not online casinos — creating structural gaps that offshore platforms continue to fill.
States that offer full online gambling regulation, including both sports betting and casino, show significantly lower offshore penetration. Markets such as New Jersey and Michigan capture roughly three quarters of their online gambling value domestically, demonstrating that comprehensive regulation can meaningfully increase channelization. However, no U.S. jurisdiction has fully eliminated offshore activity.
The post New Analysis Shows Majority of Online Gambling Operators Targeting U.S. Players are Unlicensed appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Baltics
Expanse Studios Secures Certification for Estonia and Latvia Markets
Expanse Studios, a subsidiary of Meridian Holdings, announced that it has received certification enabling the commercial deployment of its content across Estonia and Latvia.
Gaming Associates, a UKAS-accredited testing laboratory (accreditation number 9263), certified Candy’s Bonanza and Leprechaun’s Wish as compliant with the technical standards established by Baltic regulatory authorities. This certification allows the games to be deployed on licensed gaming platforms operating within these jurisdictions.
The Baltic certifications advance Expanse Studios’ systematic expansion across regulated European markets where formal certification processes create entry barriers for B2B content providers. Estonia and Latvia operate structured regulatory frameworks requiring independent technical verification before content deployment on licensed platforms.
Regulatory certification processes in European markets typically require 8-12 months and substantial compliance investment, creating competitive advantages for studios maintaining multi-jurisdictional certification capabilities.
“This certification gives us a solid foundation for further growth in this part of Europe. The approvals in the Baltics allow operators to go live more quickly, and they reflect the way we approach regulated markets. We focus on building compliant, reliable distribution capabilities that create real long-term value,” said Damjan Stamenkovic, CEO of Expanse Studios.
The post Expanse Studios Secures Certification for Estonia and Latvia Markets appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Compliance Updates
NCPG Strongly Endorses Introduction of Bipartisan POINTS Act
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) endorsed the introduction of the bipartisan Providing Opportunities for Individuals In Need of Treatment & Support (POINTS) Act, led by Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN), Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA), and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA). The POINTS Act is the first bipartisan legislation introduced in Congress in 15 years to address problem gambling among the general population.
The legislation would create the first dedicated federal funding stream to support prevention, screening, intervention, and treatment services for individuals at risk of or experiencing gambling addiction. If passed, the POINTS Act would reallocate one-third of the existing federal excise tax on sports wagers (0.25% of handle), generating an estimated $100 million annually without raising or creating new taxes. Federal excise tax revenue from sports wagering exceeded $150 million in FY2024 and reached an estimated $300 million in FY 2025.
“Gambling addiction can quietly devastate families. The financial damage and emotional strain often build over time and affect far more than the person placing the bet. I’ve seen how those consequences can impact loved ones and communities. As access to sports betting and online gambling grows, we have a responsibility to confront the addiction that can follow. The POINTS Act directs existing federal gaming revenue toward prevention, treatment, and recovery programs to help people get back on their feet,” said Rep. Erin Houchin.
“As sports betting and online gambling continue to expand across the country, we have a responsibility to ensure people struggling with addiction are not left behind. Gambling addiction can devastate individuals and families, yet too many communities still lack the resources needed to provide prevention, treatment, and recovery support. The POINTS Act helps close that gap by investing existing gambling excise tax revenue into programs that expand care, raise awareness, and connect people to the help they need,” said Rep. Andrea Salinas.
“The POINTS Act recognizes that gambling addiction is a public health issue requiring a coordinated national response. States and tribes need stable federal support to expand access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services. This legislation provides a responsible and sustainable funding mechanism to meet that need,” said Heather L. Maurer, Executive Director of NCPG.
The post NCPG Strongly Endorses Introduction of Bipartisan POINTS Act appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
-
Animal Wellness Action4 days agoGREY2K USA Worldwide and Animal Wellness Action Celebrate House Agriculture Committee Passage of a Ban on Greyhound Racing in America
-
Inferno Mayhem4 days agoPG Soft cranks up the volume with electrifying Inferno Mayhem slot
-
AI4 days agoNew Videoslots app stars in AI-assisted “Stone Age” ad
-
Caesars Entertainment Windsor Limited4 days agoOLG and Caesars Sign Long-term Operating Agreement for Windsor Casino
-
Agilysys Inc3 days agoWinford Resort & Casino Manila Philippines Deploys Agilysys Hospitality Technology to Elevate Operations and Service
-
Africa4 days agoBlueprint Gaming Expands into South Africa Through Strategic Partnership with Hollywoodbets
-
BHA4 days agoBHA Appoints Brant Dunshea as its Chief Executive Officer
-
Central Europe4 days agoEndorphina Club Returns to Host the GamingTECH CEE Awards Ceremony & Party at HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026



