Compliance Updates
EGBA Welcomes Plans for Overhaul of Finland’s Online Gambling Monopoly
The Ministry of the Interior in Finland has announced a legislative project to reform the country’s gambling monopoly system by introducing a license system for online gambling, including casino games and betting activities. EGBA, representing Europe’s leading online gambling companies, has welcomed this announcement as a crucial milestone in addressing the shortcomings of Finland’s outdated monopoly framework for online gambling.
The legislative project aims to draft necessary proposals for the reformation of the gambling system. These proposals will cover various aspects, including the gambling activities to be included in the license system, license fees, taxation, safer gambling rules, prevention of gambling-related harm, and advertising regulation. The project will run until 31 December 2025 and aims to conclude with a legislative proposal in spring 2025.
Finland is the only EU member state still operating an exclusive monopoly regime for all online gambling activities. However, the effectiveness of this system has drawn increasing public scrutiny due to Finnish gamblers migrating to international websites that offer them greater choice and more competitive betting odds compared to the monopoly. As a result, Finland has faced a loss of significant taxable revenues from online gambling, diminished control over its online gambling market, and Finnish players utilising gambling websites that are not subject to Finnish laws.
Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, said: “This is a welcome step towards meaningful and overdue gambling reform in Finland. The introduction of multi-licensing would provide greater choice and safeguards to Finnish consumers, ensure fairer competition between operators, and enable the Finnish authorities to have greater control over their online gambling market. With these changes of the Finnish legislation, all member states of the EU will now have some form of licensing regime for online gambling. We look forward to continuing dialogue with the Finnish Government and local stakeholders as the regulatory discussions develop.”
California
California Gambling Control Commission Issues New Precedential Decision on Licensing Requirements
The California Gambling Control Commission has issued a new Precedential Decision that addresses licensure requirements for funding sources of Third-Party Providers of Proposition Player Services (TPPPS).
The decision, formally titled Precedential Decision 2025-01, was adopted on August 21, 2025, and is now available on the Commission’s Precedential Decisions page
along with all prior precedential rulings.
This latest decision provides further clarity on licensing obligations and regulatory expectations for individuals and entities involved in funding TPPPS operations—a key aspect of maintaining integrity and oversight in California’s regulated gambling industry.
Stakeholders and members of the public can stay informed by subscribing to receive notifications when new Precedential Decisions are under consideration or adopted. The Precedential Decisions Subscription Signup Form, along with other subscription options for Commission meeting agendas, newsletters, and rulemaking updates, is available on the Commission’s website.
For questions or additional information, contact the Commission at (916) 263-0700 or via email at [email protected]
.
The post California Gambling Control Commission Issues New Precedential Decision on Licensing Requirements appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Leading gaming law and regulation conference Regulating the Game has announced the newly appointed CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand as its first Featured Speaker for its March 2026 event in Sydney.
The conference is scheduled to take place from 9 to 11 March 2026 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.
Andrew Vouris, who was appointed CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand in August, brings almost two decades of leadership experience in wagering, operations and innovation at some of Australia’s largest wagering operators.
His career spans senior leadership roles in Tabcorp’s multi-billion dollar wagering and media business, heading global operations of a pioneering esports and wagering platform, and partnering with private equity to build early-stage ventures in esports. Across these roles he has been deeply engaged in navigating complex regulatory and compliance challenges.
Since stepping into the CEO role at Entain Australia and New Zealand, Vouris has outlined his desire to embed a culture of “win, but not at all costs”, to return to the basics of selling bets and to lead innovation while ensuring customers are protected.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to speak at Regulating the Game 2026, which provides a unique global platform for advancing dialogue between regulators, industry and thought leaders,” Vouris said.
“At a time when public expectations and regulatory demands are at an all-time high, I look forward to sharing Entain’s vision for balancing sustainable growth, compliance leadership, and customer protection.”
Paul Newson, Principal at Vanguard Overwatch and founder of Regulating the Game, added: “Andrew’s leadership vision for Entain and his extensive track record across wagering and esports bring an important perspective to Regulating the Game 2026. His focus on culture, compliance and innovation aligns strongly with the values of the conference, and we are thrilled to feature his insights as part of this year’s program.”
The post Entain’s Andrew Vouris to Speak at Regulating the Game 2026 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Arizona Department of Gaming
Arizona Department of Gaming Issues Cease-and-Desists on “Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes”
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) issued cease-and-desist orders to Raffall, a company based in the UK, and to an Arizona resident using the platform to promote the “Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes,” currently advertised online and through a separate website, winthisazhome.com, which is marketing the chance to “Win a Luxury $1.3M Arizona Mountainside Home”.
According to the Department’s investigation, the promotion required participants to purchase entries for a prize to be awarded and promised either a home transfer or a cash payout, depending on sales volume. The investigation further determined that the organizers intended to profit from ticket sales. Based on these findings, the Department alleges the activity constitutes an illegal gambling operation under Arizona law.
As part of the enforcement action, Raffall has been directed to remove all gambling-related drawings or giveaways targeting Arizona residents, and the Arizona resident has also been ordered to cease promoting or conducting any unlawful gambling activity.
“Illegal gambling can take many forms and it does not matter if it is labeled a sweepstakes, raffle, giveaway, or drawing. Unregulated operations put Arizonans at risk because there is no oversight, and therefore no accountability or safeguards in place. The Department will continue to take enforcement action to protect consumers, and we urge the public to learn what is legal before participating in or hosting any gambling activity,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming.
The post Arizona Department of Gaming Issues Cease-and-Desists on “Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes” appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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