Compliance Updates
Paf Supports Call for Regulatory Overhaul in Finland
Paf, the Åland Islands-based gaming operator, has announced its support for an overhaul of gambling regulation in Finland, urging the authorities to introduce a new igaming licensing system to help clamp down on illegal operators.
Currently, the state-owned Veikkuas holds a monopoly in Finland’s online gambling market, with no other operators legally permitted to offer igaming in the country. However, authorities have faced calls to end the Veikkaus monopoly in order to open up the market and allow other operators to legally access the country.
Paf chief executive Christer Fahlstedt has now spoken out in support of an end to the monopoly, pointing out that all countries in the European Union have a gambling licensing system in place, with the exception of Finland.
“Finland could build a regulated licensing system that serves Finnish society and enables gamblers to exclude games and gambling ads. With a licensing system for online gaming, Veikkaus would have an equal competitive position in online gaming as other foreign competitors, who would be subject to the strict regulation in Finland,” Fahlstedt said.
Fahlstedt acknowledged a number of regulatory changes that are already set to come into effect, including mandatory identification requirements that will see players have to identify themselves before being permitted to gambling at retail venues from 2023.
However, Fahlstedt noted that with the measures set to cut Veikkaus’ revenues by around €150m per year, this will have an impact on the organisations that the monopoly supports, such as social, sports and youth bodies.
Instead, Fahlstedt said that introducing a licensing system would allow authorities to impose new social responsibility requirements on operators.
“It would be possible to include a loss limit for all gaming operators within the licensing system. The system could also restrict advertising in media as well as outdoors and at different events, in particular, to protect minors. This would be a significant improvement for gambling addicts compared to the current situation, where it is impossible to avoid gaming advertising in everyday life,” Fahlstedt said.
Powered by WPeMatico
In April, the Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has filed over 4600 reports with Meta regarding illegal advertisements. Combating illegal gambling offerings is one of the KSA’s priorities. Special attention is paid by the KSA to the marketing practices of the gambling companies, which frequently advertise on social media such as Facebook and Instagram. Therefore, the KSA monitors the volume of illegal advertisements.
Illegal practices
Illegal gambling providers place many advertisements on social media. In doing so, they use names and logos of well-known Dutch athletes and major brands to enhance their credibility. It is often difficult for consumers to determine whether a gambling provider holds a license. To protect consumers, the KSA therefore makes a strong effort to combat online advertising by illegal providers. The KSA does this, among other measures, by filing reports with major media companies more frequently.
Cooperation in alliance
To tackle illegal providers on social media, the KSA works closely with various companies and organisations. During a recent meeting of the alliance, current knowledge, trends and insights were shared. Advertising on social media was a key topic, as these platforms reach a large number of people.
The working group also discussed how companies can protect their trademarks and held a brainstorming session on what else is needed to tackle illegal providers on social media. The KSA will use the outcomes of the meeting in the coming period to take even better action.
Frustrating infrastructure
In the Netherlands, online gambling is only permitted with licensed providers. The KSA’s approach to illegal offerings ranges from imposing fines to disrupting the infrastructure used by illegal providers. The online world, and social media in particular, plays a major role within this infrastructure.
The post KSA Files Over 4600 Reports Targeting Illegal Gambling Ads on Meta Platforms appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Gaming Corps has secured a conditional iGaming supplier licence from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC), clearing the company to manufacture and supply gaming software in the province ahead of Alberta’s regulated market launch on 13 July 2026.
The licence was granted through Gaming Corps’ subsidiary, Gaming Corps Malta Ltd. The company said the approval positions it to enter Alberta’s regulated iGaming market from day one.
Alex Lorimer, COO at Gaming Corps said: “Securing our Alberta licence marks another important step in Gaming Corps’ regulated market expansion strategy. Canada continues to represent a key growth region for us, and we’re excited to bring our expanding portfolio of games and unique mechanics to operators and players in Alberta.”
Alberta is set to become Canada’s second regulated open iGaming market after Ontario, with the AGLC overseeing licensing and compliance requirements for operators and suppliers.
The post Gaming Corps wins conditional Alberta iGaming supplier licence appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
The Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR) has warned that the effectiveness of the financial protection measures included in Desenrola 2.0 fundamentally depends on a strict crackdown on the illegal betting market.
In 2025, bets placed on licensed platforms accounted for only 0.46% of household consumption in the country — an extremely small share of the average Brazilian family budget — according to data from a study conducted by LCA Consultoria. This reinforces that the main driver of household indebtedness in Brazil continues to be the high cost of credit.
The IBJR emphasized that restricting access to the regulated sector may encourage users to migrate to illegal platforms, which already handle around R$40 billion per year and operate without any oversight or consumer protection mechanisms.
Combating the illegal market is the most urgent step to prevent unlicensed operators — often linked to organized crime — from taking advantage of restriction windows to attract vulnerable consumers. This concern is heightened by the proximity of the FIFA World Cup, a period that naturally increases the volume of sports betting activity, as well as by the potential loss of R$10.8 billion in tax revenue if consumption shifts to the underground market.
IBJR reiterates that real consumer protection and the integrity of Desenrola 2.0 depend on coordinated action between the government and the private sector. The organization advocates for public policies that combine financial education, the strengthening of responsible gaming practices, and a strategic offensive against illegal websites, ensuring that entertainment takes place exclusively within a safe, transparent, and properly regulated ecosystem.
The post IBJR: Crackdown on Illegal Betting Critical to Success of Desenrola 2.0 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
-
AGCO4 days agoAGCO Takes Enforcement Action Against Two Companies for Allowing Their Games on Unregulated Gaming Websites
-
AB Trav och Galopp4 days agoRichard Woodbridge Elected to ATG Board of Directors
-
Caleta Gaming4 days ago
Caleta Gaming launches Cluster Cup high-volatility football-themed slot
-
game release4 days ago
Spinomenal adds Desperado Drifter Hold & Hit 3×3 to slot portfolio
-
Apple3 days ago
IBJR hails App Store approval as a milestone in the fight against illegal betting in Brazil
-
Brazil3 days ago
Esportes da Sorte campaign celebrates fans’ resilience in support of Brazil
-
Apple4 days ago
El mercado de apuestas brasileño enfrenta su semana más turbulenta
-
Almir Ribeiro4 days ago
BetMGM Brazil hires veteran journalist to lead government relations
