iGamingExpert

Infuencers promoting offshore online casinos may soon feel the wrath of New Zealand’s authorities.

In a letter seen by Radio New Zealand (RNZ), the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has issued four notices and is investigating 13 influencers over the promotion of offshore sites through live streaming, promotional giveaways and links to websites.

Under the New Zealand Gambling Act, it is illegal to publish an advertisement for an offshore gambling operator, and the notice states that “the [DIA] recommends that you immediately cease posting any reference to overseas online gambling or gambling operators to your social media”.

“We’ve been investigating this and will be taking actions in relation to those influencers who are very publicly and clearly breaking the law,” Vicki Scott, Director of Gambling Regulatory Services, told RNZ.

The DIA has not named the influencers to “protect their privacy and their right to dispute their warnings”. Those who do not comply could face fines of ..

After much anticipation, the Alberta Government has introduced a new bill that seeks to establish the province as Canada’s second regulated iGaming market.

Following in the footsteps of Ontario, lawmakers on Wednesday (26 March) introduced Bill 48, the iGaming Alberta Act, which proposes a framework to authorise and regulate sports betting and iGaming sites.

If passed, the new legislation will see the province create the Alberta iGaming Corporation to set rules for online casinos and safeguard users.

Grey market presence fuelling regulatory efforts

Currently, the only authorised option for players in the province is the government-run Play Alberta, a platform offering sports betting and iGaming overseen by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC).

However, Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, told reporters that “we are seeing unregulated actors creep into our marketplace” that often do not implement appropriate player protection measu..

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has introduced new rules on wagering requirements and bonus mixing designed to provide a safer and simpler experience for players.

Effective from 19 December 2025, the Commission will apply a ban on promotional incentives that require players to play across different types of gambling products and place a cap on bonus wagering requirements.

Additionally, the UKGC will revise the wording of the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) to improve clarity.

The changes have been introduced following consultation with the industry and form part of a broader programme of reforms aligned with the 2023 White Paper ‘High stakes: gambling reform for the digital age’.

Bonus wagering requirements capped at x10

The first change will see online bonus wagering requirements limited to x10 the bonus amount; as such, “a £10 bonus cannot require more than £100 in bets before any winning can be withdrawn”.

According to the UKGC, the change “decreases the li..

With the Thailand government set to review the casino bill on Thursday, speculation has been rife over the fate of the sector.

It comes after the governance in Thailand voted down a censure motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, which largely cited the impact of the legalisation of gambling venues in Thailand.

It means the draft progress bill for land-based casinos will be considered on Thursday, with it anticipated to outlast opposition.

In a key boost to the bill, the legislation of Thai casinos was backed by public feedback this week following the consultation, with 80% of those asked supporting the proposals.

There was, however, backing for the eradication of the significant limitations put on Thai residents when it comes to the casinos.

There were previous reports that Thai officials would implement a rule that meant that Thai citizens would need at least $1.5m in assets to access casinos in the country.

Yet, providing a summary of responses, it appears t..

16 top level baseball players have felt the wrath of the intensified regulatory action in Japan after illegally engaging with online casinos.

The only player named was the Orix Buffaloes’ pitcher Taisuke Yamaoka, with the total amount of fines being issued to the 16 players totalling up to ¥10.2 million ($67,670).

The levels of sanctions issued to each player depended upon a myriad of factors including the frequency of which player gambled and their own salaries.

It comes as Japan is strengthening its framework around safer gambling after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s Cabinet approved a new focus on tackling addiction in the country.

Initially reported by the Japan Times, the plans focus on an intensified strategy against affiliate’s promotions of gambling.

Yoshitaka Ito, the minister in charge of measures to combat gambling addiction stated during a news conference: “There are strong indications the number of people accessing online casino sites is increasing.”

The move w..