Compliance Updates

EGBA Urges Finland to Fix its Gambling Policy

Published

5 years ago

December 21, 2020

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has urged the Finnish government to “fix” its gambling policy by bringing an end to Veikkaus’ monopoly in the country. EGBA pointed out Finland is the only European Union member state that still maintains a gambling monopoly.

“Yet these days you are more likely to hear criticisms of Veikkaus and its prevalence across Finnish society,” Maarten Haijer, secretary-general of EGBA, said.

Haijer said its slot network was so large that for every one ATM in the country, there were ten slot machines, something Veikkaus is looking to address by taking 8000 machines out of service by the end of the year.

However, this is accompanied by public opinion shifting in favour of an end to the monopoly, as evidenced by a widely circulated 2019 survey from affiliate Kasino Curt.

This growing demand for alternative forms of gambling, Haijer explained, was largely down to the fact it is simply impossible to enforce a monopoly system online.

“This means that more choice or alternatives to Veikkaus can easily found on the internet with international betting websites. A recent survey showed that last year 16.4% of Finland’s online gambling revenue, equivalent to €105m in taxable revenue, was spent by Finns on international betting websites which pay their taxes elsewhere,” he said.

These sites, he said, offer better returns, higher winnings and a wider selection of products.

“Replacing the monopoly with an open-licensing system is not about getting more people in Finland to gamble, nor is it about killing off Veikkaus,” he said. “Rather, it is the sensible way to meet the demands of those Finnish gamblers who seek an alternative to the monopoly and currently gamble on international gambling websites – and to regulate and tax this activity.

“Introducing open-licensing for online gambling is not revolutionary, it is evolutionary, and will ensure that most Finns gamble in a regulated and protected environment. But adapted to the realities of our times.

“All other EU countries have already done this, it makes sense, and it’s time for Finland to do the same.”

Source

Compliance Updates

Playtech Enters Connecticut iGaming Market

Published

19 hours ago

March 25, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

playtech-enters-connecticut-igaming-market

Playtech has expanded into Connecticut, marking its entry into the sixth regulated iGaming state, continuing the company’s strong upward trajectory in the US.

Having been granted an Online Gaming Service Provider licence by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, expansion into the state further accelerates Playtech’s U.S. growth, strengthening multi‑state partnerships with licensed operators in the process.

After launching in Delaware late last year, this latest step reflects Playtech’s commitment to scaling in all regulated markets as demand continues to build across the US’ iGaming landscape.

With this launch, players in Connecticut will now have access to Playtech’s portfolio of high-quality award-winning iGaming content, including a combination of bespoke and exclusive titles that have deeply resonated with audiences in other regulated U.S. markets.

Jonathan Doubilet, General Manager, USA at Playtech, said: “We are thrilled to expand our presence into a sixth U.S. state. Connecticut is a well-established iGaming market with a vast player-base that we anticipate will engage strongly with our first-class offering. It’s a source of pride that our most valued partners continue to place trust in us to reach the high standards the U.S. iGaming market demands.”

The post Playtech Enters Connecticut iGaming Market appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Asia

GLI Becomes the First Company Accredited by PAGCOR to Test and Certify iGaming Platforms in the Philippines

Published

20 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Wladimir P.

gli-becomes-the-first-company-accredited-by-pagcor-to-test-and-certify-igaming-platforms-in-the-philippines

Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has been named an Independent Testing Laboratory (ITL) by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). GLI is the first gaming testing company to achieve the accreditation and is now authorised to test and certify iGaming platforms in the Philippines.

GLI will bring its global and unsurpassed expertise to the Philippines, helping to ensure PAGCOR meets its policy and regulatory objectives as set out in its rules. GLI’s presence and its GLI-19 Standard will also help suppliers who wish to successfully and compliantly enter the marketplace.

Submissions will be tested against “GLI Standard Series GLI-19: Standards for Interactive Gaming Systems,” which has been widely accepted and adopted by jurisdictions around the world.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said: “Regulated gaming markets ensure a safer and more sustainable gaming industry for all to participate in. A regulated market enables compliance to responsible gaming standards and the provision of tax revenue for reinvestment back into the community. PAGCOR now requires all iGaming B2B suppliers operating in the Philippines to be accredited to ensure they comply to the rigorous requirements needed to protect iGaming players. We are pleased to acknowledge GLI as the first testing and game certification provider to be accredited in the Philippines under this new framework. GLI is a global leader in regulatory advisory, iGaming and EGM testing / certification, and data security.”

GLI President and CEO James R. Maida said: “We are grateful to PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco and to the entire PAGCOR team for the trust they continue to place in GLI. Under the Chairman’s skillful leadership, the market in the Philippines has improved steadily, and we are honored to be the first company to be accredited for iGaming testing and certification, and we look forward to working side- by-side with PAGCOR to meet their policy objectives.”

The post GLI Becomes the First Company Accredited by PAGCOR to Test and Certify iGaming Platforms in the Philippines appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Arshak Muradyan

Digitain Secures Manufacturer and Importer Licences in Bulgaria

Published

20 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Wladimir P.

digitain-secures-manufacturer-and-importer-licences-in-bulgaria

Digitain has successfully obtained both Manufacturer and Importer Licences in Bulgaria, marking a significant milestone in its continued expansion across regulated markets.

This dual licensing strengthens Digitain’s position in the Bulgarian market, enabling the delivery of a broader, fully compliant product portfolio to its partners.

With the Manufacturer Licence, Digitain can provide its in-house developed solutions, fully certified and tailored to local market requirements. The Importer Licence further extends this capability, allowing the distribution of certified third-party products and enhancing the overall flexibility of the offering.

Arshak Muradyan, Group Chief Compliance Officer at Digitain, said: “Securing both licences in Bulgaria is an important step in strengthening our presence in regulated markets. It allows us to deliver both our in-house solutions and a wide range of certified third-party products in full compliance with local requirements. This dual capability ensures that our partners can confidently operate and scale in the Bulgarian market with a reliable and fully compliant product offering.”

By securing both licences, Digitain reinforces its commitment to regulatory excellence and partner-focused growth. Operators targeting Bulgaria can now access a comprehensive suite of compliant, high-quality solutions designed for long-term success.

This milestone reflects Digitain’s strategic focus on global expansion, combining local compliance with scalable, future-ready technology.

The post Digitain Secures Manufacturer and Importer Licences in Bulgaria appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.