iGamingExpert

Gamblers in Bulgaria will now have to self-exclude for a minimum period of one year following a shift in the country’s safer gambling framework.

The change, confirmed by the Bulgarian National Revenue Agency (NRA) to have been in place since 27 March, significantly extends the time period from the previous minimum of 30 days.

Players in the region suffering from gambling disorder can seek self-exclusion by either emailing the NRA with a written request or by going to an NRA office to physically submit this request into a kiosk.

In both instances, the request must include all personal information associated with the self-excluded customer, including an electronic signature. To cover one year, this signature could cost anywhere between £3 and £33, depending on the technology used. Players looking to self-exclude can pay more for a longer-lasting signature.

According to the NRA, there are currently 54,000 submitted self-exclusion requests. Operators found in breach of the self-excl..

Online gambling operator, Stake is set to be hit with a lawsuit in California court.

Court documents revealed that Dennis Boyle is set to take action against the firm over allegations of the operation of an illegal gambling website in the US.

At the heart of the case is Stake’s social casino and sweepstakes offerings, with the plaintiff alleging that there is false marketing around free gaming from the firm, making the case that this is a violation of California civil code.

The complaint stated: “Because social casinos operate as if they are not subject to gambling regulations, they do not comply with the regulations that govern the operation of slot machines or other gambling.”

The plaintiff alleges that the gambling brand provides real-money, online wagering that is falsely marketed as free gaming. Stake’s alleged misconduct is considered a violation of California civil code as it provides unlawful online gambling and engages in unfair business practices.

Underpinning the cas..

The European Gambling and Amusement Federation (EUROMAT) has lodged an objection to Croatia’s sweeping changes to gaming regulation, claiming lawmakers have incorrectly failed to notify the European Commission.

Among the measures outlined by Croatia’s parliament include new player protection rules, tightening rules on gambling venues and advertising, as well as increasing licensing fees and taxation.

EUROMAT argues that several of the proposed amendments qualify for EU Directive 2015/1535, or the Technical Regulation Information System (TRIS) procedures. A policy designed to prevent technical barriers to trade within the EU.

Under the directive, member states must notify the European Commission of any draft technical regulations that restrict market access or the provision of services. Failure to do so can result in the suspension of the law’s application and the initiation of infringement proceedings.

EUROMAT President Jason Frost urged the European Commission to intervene to avoi..

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..