Compliance Updates
Norwegian Court Rules Norsk Tipping’s Gaming Monopoly Does Not Breach EEA Law

The Borgarting Court of Appeal in Oslo has confirmed that the exclusive gambling rights model held by Norsk Tipping in Norway is not in contravention of the EEA Agreement.
Currently, in Norway, only Norsk Tipping may offer most forms of gambling, while Norsk Rikstoto holds a monopoly to offer horse racing.
The case was brought to the Oslo District Court and Borgarting Court of Appeal from 2018, by lottery operator Norsk Lotteri AS after it applied for a gambling licence in the jurisdiction. It said Norsk Tipping’s monopoly was in contravention of the EEA Agreement.
According to the European Free Trade Association – the intergovernmental organisation of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – the EEA Agreement guarantees equal rights and obligations within the Internal Market for individuals and businesses in the EEA (European Economic Area).
It provides for the inclusion of EU legislation covering the four freedoms; the free movement of goods, services, persons and capital throughout the 30 EEA States.
The Borgarting Court of Appeal has now ruled that Norsk Tipping’s monopoly on gambling may be maintained, as it is not in contravention of Article 31 of the EEA Agreement.
This article states that there “shall be no restrictions on the freedom of establishment of nationals of an EC member state or an EFTA state in the territory of any other of these states” and that this includes “the setting up of agencies, branches or subsidiaries”.
The Court concluded that the exclusive rights model was suitable for channelling players to a more responsible gaming offer, and therefore contributes to reducing the extent of gambling problems.
Powered by WPeMatico
Anne Marie Caulfield
GRAI Publishes 2025-2027 Strategy Statement

Reading Time: 2 minutes
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has published its Statement of Strategy for 2025 to 2027, setting out its strategic priorities over the next three years as it establishes a robust regulatory and licensing regime for the gambling sector and delivers on its public protection mandate.
Established on a statutory basis in March 2025, the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 sets out the framework and legislative basis for the GRAI which will operate as an independent, self-financing regulator under the remit of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
Minister Jim O’Callaghan TD, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration launched the new Strategy alongside Mr Paul Quinn, Chair of the Authority, and Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the GRAI.
The Statement of Strategy sets out the GRAI’s priorities over the next three years with particular focus on six functional areas with related strategic goals reflecting the GRAI’s legislative mandate:
• Licensing
• Monitoring and Compliance
• Enforcement
• Consumer Protection and Awareness
• People, Organisation, and Governance
• Digital First
Each goal is supported by objectives and deliverables which will guide the GRAI’s progress through to 2027.
Jim O’Callaghan TD, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs Migration, said: “I commend the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland on the publication of its first Statement of Strategy, which is an important milestone for the Authority, the gambling sector in Ireland and for the wider public.
“This strategy is not just about regulation; it is about educating the public, protecting those vulnerable to gambling harm, and ensuring that the industry operates to the highest standards of integrity and social responsibility. As Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration I am committed to supporting the Authority in delivering on its mandate.”
Paul Quinn, Chairperson of the GRAI, said: “As a newly established independent regulator, we have been entrusted with a vital public mandate: to ensure that gambling in Ireland is conducted in a safe, fair, and transparent manner, with the interests of individuals, families, and the wider community at its heart.
“Our work is grounded in the principles of prevention, protection, and evidence-based regulation. This Statement of Strategy sets out the roadmap to delivering a modern, fair, and trusted regulatory regime that reflects the constantly evolving nature of gambling and the expectations of the Irish public.
“Establishing the new licensing arrangements, compliance management, and enforcement functions during the term of this Strategy is central to reducing the likelihood of gambling harms and will underpin a well-regulated gambling market in Ireland.”
Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the GRAI, said: “The Statement of Strategy outlines the vision, mission, and values of the Regulator through to 2027. Each goal within the Strategy outlines a thorough approach to our main functions, from building a robust licensing regime that will ensure operators are consistently adhering to standards to supporting research and educational initiatives that enhance our capabilities as a Regulator.
“The GRAI’s Statement of Strategy 2025 – 2027 has been approved by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and we look forward to achieving our strategic goals together.”
The post GRAI Publishes 2025-2027 Strategy Statement appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Africa
NLGRB Intensifies Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Gaming Operations

Reading Time: < 1 minute
The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board Uganda (NLGRB) intensified its nationwide crackdown on illegal gaming operations, seizing over 80 unauthorised gaming machines in Mbarara and Ibanda cities under its operation name “Mashine Haramu.”
According to the NLGRB Operations Manager, Mr. Steven Tabaruka, more than 6000 illegal gaming machines have so far been impounded across Uganda as part of the ongoing enforcement operation.
The operation targets unregulated gaming operators, suppliers, and manufacturers that exploit unsuspecting Ugandans and undermine the integrity of the industry.
Mr. Tabaruka said that the Board’s goal is to protect Ugandans by eliminating illegal gaming activities and promoting responsible gaming. He encouraged individuals in the gaming business to reach out to the NLGRB offices in Mbarara or the head office in Kampala to regularise their operations.
The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board continues to urge the public to report suspicious or illegal gaming activities as part of efforts to ensure a safe and regulated gaming environment for all.
The post NLGRB Intensifies Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Gaming Operations appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
ACMA
ACMA Blocks More Illegal Online Gambling Sites

Reading Time: < 1 minute
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested the Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block more illegal online gambling sites, after investigations found these services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
The latest sites blocked include Crown Gold, Maxispin Casino, Rain.gg, Didibet, LuckyBet, Malina Casino and Spins of Glory.
Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling. Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 1338 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. Around 220 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal online gambling rules in 2017.
The post ACMA Blocks More Illegal Online Gambling Sites appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Aquisitions/Mergers5 days ago
Gregorio Araneta to Sell its Entire 57% Stake in PhilWeb to Nexora Holdings and Velora Holdings
-
ArenaPlus5 days ago
DigiPlus Announces Partnership with Bayad
-
Baltics5 days ago
SEOBROTHERS ambassador Jevgenijs Aleksejevs crowned IBF Europe Middleweight boxing champion
-
Latest News5 days ago
Whale.io Launches Battlepass Season 3, Featuring $77,000 in Crypto Casino Rewards
-
Angela Martin Head of Marketing UK & Ireland at GGPoker5 days ago
JOHNNY VEGAS LEADS GGPOKER’S BOLD NEW ‘FACE-OFF’ PROJECT TO BRING THE DRAMA, TENSION AND THRILLS BACK TO BRITISH POKER
-
Baltics5 days ago
Bombay announces strategic C-Suite appointments with a view towards regulated online growth
-
Latest News4 days ago
Golden Boomerang League off to a strong start, Boomerang Partners reports
-
Latest News5 days ago
BC.GAME News Secures Front-of-Jersey Deal with Deccan Gladiators for Abu Dhabi T10 2025