Compliance Updates
Update: Eurosport Fined for Gambling Ads

On September 16, 2021 the National Police Board (“NPB”) imposed a prohibition order and conditional fine of EUR 800,000 for Eurosport SAS (“Eurosport”), a pan-European sports network established in France, for broadcasting gambling advertisements on the Finnish language version of Eurosport 1 television channel.
According to our sources, prior to this the NPB had twice approached Eurosport arguing they infringe the Finnish Lotteries Act marketing prohibitions and requested the actions to be ended. Eurosport remained passive throughout the process until October 27, when they informed the NPB that in their view the decisions of September 16 were “manifestly incorrect”. Eurosport added that they will comply with the NPB’s request for now and they will not broadcast commercial gambling advertising on Eurosport 1 in Finland for the period of three months starting from October 28, 2021. Eurosport notified the NPB of their intention to appeal the NPB’s decisions of September 16 and the Helsinki Administrative Court confirmed that Eurosports appeal was filed October 28 and it is currently pending.
The subject matter of the case is interesting. The NPB makes a convincing case that Eurosports gambling advertisement is infringing the Finnish Lotteries Act. However, their argumentation regarding Audiovisual Media Services Directive (“AVMSD”) is less convincing.
The country of origin principle (“CoO principle”), according to which each EU Member State is legally responsible for all audiovisual media services originating from its own country, is a cornerstone of the AVMSD. Article 4 lays down exceptions to the CoO principle and defines the procedure which must be followed if a Member State is to take action against a media service provider established in another EU Member State.
With regarding to the AVMSD, the NPB would have to at the very least notify the EU Commission pursuant to Article 4 (4) of their intended actions and to substantiate the grounds on which its assessment is based. The EU Commission would need to decide that the measures are compatible with EU law. That has not been the case here.
The NPB argues that the AVMSD does not intend to harmonise gambling advertising in the EU and thus the CoO principle or Article 4 procedures do not restrict them taking direct action against Eurosport.The NPB’s argumentation is based on the recital 10 of the consolidating directive of 2018 which states that the AVMSD does not affect a Member State’s competence to decide on national approach to gambling advertising presumed that the measures taken are justified, proportionate to the objective pursued and necessary under the EU law.
As it is not stated anywhere in the AVMSD (original or consolidated version) that gambling marketing is excluded from the scope, the NPB’s argumentation appears at least questionable. If the Helsinki Administrative Court comes into a similar conclusion the case will fall apart.
The article has been written Antti Koivula, Consulting Legal Advisor at Legal Gaming.
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Compliance Updates
St8 enters the United Kingdom after securing B2B licence

Casino games aggregator St8 has secured a UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) remote gambling software licence, as the company continues its strategic expansion into key regulated markets worldwide.
The newly-granted licence means that St8 can now provide its market-leading casino aggregation platform to UK-licensed operators.
The platform has already won plaudits for streamlining integrations and delivering content with speed, simplicity and reliability.
Vladimir Negine, founder and CEO at St8, said: “Securing a UK licence is another major milestone for St8. The UK remains a benchmark for regulation and player protection, and we’re excited to bring our tech-led approach to this mature and competitive market. We’re absolutely committed to supporting our operator partners in regulated markets around the world, and we’re already working on securing additional licences.”
The UKGC licence adds to St8’s growing list of regulated market approvals, which already includes Romania, Malta, and the Isle of Man, with further jurisdictions in progress as part of its broader European and global growth strategy.
St8 partners in the UK and beyond enjoy the industry’s leading back office, built to offer real-time reporting, deeper insights and simple promo management.
The post St8 enters the United Kingdom after securing B2B licence appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Adam Packer
PrizePicks Secures Gaming Licenses in Puerto Rico and Maine

PrizePicks, the largest daily fantasy sports operator in North America, announced it has secured gaming licenses in both Puerto Rico and Maine, marking a major milestone in the operator’s continued growth. With this expansion, PrizePicks becomes the first daily fantasy sports operator to obtain a gaming license in Puerto Rico.
PrizePicks players can now access Arena in Maine, with Puerto Rico set to go live in the coming months. Following the launch, PrizePicks will be operational with its fantasy contests in 47 jurisdictions across the US.
“We’re grateful to the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission and the Maine Gambling Control Unit for their partnership and support throughout the licensure process. We’ve seen tremendous engagement with Arena across the country, and we’re confident that momentum will carry into these new jurisdictions,” said Adam Packer, Senior Vice President of Legal & Compliance at PrizePicks.
The post PrizePicks Secures Gaming Licenses in Puerto Rico and Maine appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
AGLC
AGLC Announces New Board Chair

Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has announced the appointment of Larry Spagnolo as the new Board Chair, effective August 15, 2025. This announcement follows the official Order in Council issued by the Alberta Government and marks a new chapter in AGLC’s ongoing commitment to support communities, encourage responsible choices and position Alberta as the best place to do business.
Larry brings a wealth of experience in technology and business leadership to the AGLC Board and will play an integral role in guiding AGLC’s strategic direction. He is currently serving as VP and GM of Emerson’s SaaS SCADA business and has held senior roles at Zedi and Telus, driving innovation, growth, and global success.
A strong advocate for education and community, Larry serves as Vice Chair of Athabasca University’s Board of Governors and has held board roles with NAIT and Polytechnics Canada. He was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his community contributions.
AGLC and the Board of Directors extend their heartfelt thanks to Len Rhodes for his leadership and dedication as Board Chair since August 2019. He decided not to seek a third term and will continue to serve in this role until August 14, 2025. Len led AGLC through some significant milestones, including reducing red tape by 51%, growth of the emerging cannabis industry and ensuring AGLC delivered a balanced approach to business development, social responsibility, and regulatory oversight.
The post AGLC Announces New Board Chair appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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