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Croatia readies new gambling regime to eradicate addiction

iGamingExpertMarch 20, 20250253 views

The Republic of Croatia is set for a new era in terms of gambling framework as new measures are set to be implemented by the early stages of 2026.

Central to the new framework is strengthening the ability to eradicate addiction and socially irresponsible behaviours.

Parliament in Croatia has outlined new player protections, tightening rules on gambling venues and eliminating aggressive advertising as key measures to improve the country’s ecosystem.

Furthermore, in what would likely be an avenue to fuel the growth of the country’s economy, it has also been proposed that the country would increase gambling taxes.

It comes amidst promises from the government and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković to clean up the country’s gambling ecosystem and tighten the framework of the country’s gambling sector.

He is currently working in collaboration with the Croatian Institute of Public Health and professors from the Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation, as he continues his third term as l..

European Court rules Lithuania’s new gambling policy is unenforceable

iGamingExpertMarch 19, 20250272 views

The European Court has stated that the widespread rule changes around gambling promotions looking to be implemented in Lithuania are unenforceable.

In what could prove to be a landmark ruling that sets a precedent across Europe, the courts sided with operator Unigames, which took issue with the notification that the government provided to the European Commission.

Unigames had previously been sanctioned over several breaches, which included a breach of Article 10(19), the encouragement of players to gamble on their site or at a remote location.

This sanction came in 2021 off the back of a rule amendment in Lithuania, which prohibited any encouragement for gambling within marketing content.

However, it was claimed that on the date of the order the breaches were still in place on the operator’s website, which caused the operator to be sanctioned with a €12,662 ($13,795) fine and removal of the infringement by no later than 20 June 2022.

However, the European Court ruled that the ..

Rising illegal casino raids heighten Australia’s black market concerns

iGamingExpertMarch 19, 20250250 views

Illegal casino raids are on the rise in Australia as the debate surrounding industry regulation rages on.

As reported by the Australian media group News Ltd, authorities raided five illegal casinos in Sydney last year, indicating the increasing threat of the black market. There has also been a stark increase in private poker games taking place across Sydney.

In one incident, police raided an unlicensed casino after a player contacted the police claiming he was being held hostage for outstanding debts. Upon arriving at the venue, the police discovered the casino was operating numerous gaming tables and had hostesses serving food to customers.

Tobacco wars

According to the reports, players are flocking to unlicensed venues in light of the increasing restrictions placed on the regulated market in Australia.

The news comes as one of Australia’s largest casino operators, The Star Entertainment Group, faces significant financial difficulty and talks of an international buyout.

The gr..

Malawi regulators confirm punishments for enabling underage gambling

iGamingExpertMarch 19, 20250258 views

Malawi’s gaming regulators have confirmed that operators facilitating underage gambling will be sanctioned with fines.

During a regulations sensitisation workshop in Mangochi, the Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) announced that operators in the country will have to pay a $11,500 fine if a minor under the age of 18 is found to have used their platform.

Speaking on the new regulation, MAGLA Director General, Rachel Mijiga, emphasised the importance of protecting minors from the effects of gambling.

She said: “We must protect our youth from the serious social and psychological risks that gambling poses. That is why the new regulations are clear, anyone found entertaining children under the age of 18 to participate in gambling activities will face a fine of [$11,500].”

The tightening of restrictions in Malawi follows an increased focus on the country, and the wider African region, in recent times by global operators.

Earlier this year, 888Bets confirmed its expansion i..

VGW sweeps brands ordered out of Maryland by regulator

iGamingExpertMarch 19, 20250234 views

Maryland’s gaming regulator has ordered sweepstakes operator Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) to exit the state as lawmakers consider the future of the vertical.

First reported by Forbes, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) told the Australian-based firm on March 12 that its sweepstakes casinos Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots are operating online gaming activities in the state “without the legal authority to do so”.

“The commission has no record of VGW being issued a sports wagering license, a casino gaming license, or registration as a fantasy competition operator,” said the regulator, which also stressed that only sports wagering and fantasy competition are permitted in Maryland.

VGW has been given until 27 March to leave the state. If the VGW believes it is operating the two brands lawfully, the MLGCA has stated it must provide “any legal analysis or opinion interpreting Maryland law that concludes, advises, or suggests that VGW may legally offer sports wagering,..

Lucrative digital currency betting ring busted in Vietnam

iGamingExpertMarch 19, 20250280 views

A lucrative gambling ring in Vietnam, which enabled players to bet in digital currencies and stablecoins, has been unearthed by police.

Reported by VN Express, it was revealed that as a result of the $3.8bn gambling ring being uncovered, four siblings have been placed under arrest in the region – pending further investigations into the alleged crimes.

The ring allowed bettors to engage with the illegal market through ETH and Naga tokens, as well as the most popular global stablecoin by market cap, USDT.

Variety utilised within the currencies being offered underlines how widespread the operation is and the full spectrum of demographics that it caters to.

The usage of USDT also emphasises a desire to engage players that aren’t versed with the crypto space or shy away from the volatility, given USDT pegged against the US Dollar to provide stability associated with fiat currencies. Furthermore, it also raises questions being asked by leaders in global markets that have touted the po..

Connecticut suspends High 5 Games amid illegal casino allegations

iGamingExpertMarch 18, 20250232 views

Connecticut has suspended the license of High 5 Games, accusing the firm of operating an unlicensed casino and falling short in terms of social responsibility measures.

The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Gaming Division claims that High 5 marketed High 5 Casino as a licensed casino and accepted wagers from bettors in the state, including individuals who had signed up for the statewide Voluntary Self-Exclusion List.

In total, the investigation determined that 1,100 consumers made deposits and gambled on the platform. Of those, 911 customers lost an accumulative total of $937,938 and 108 individuals on the aforementioned self-exclusion list lost almost $300,000.

The DCP Gaming Division states that High 5 Games will be charged with 1,065 criminal counts of conducting illegal gaming activity in relation to violations of Connecticut’s gaming laws. Each charge is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of $2000.

Additionally, the DCP will als..

Thailand selects four tourist hotspots to host first casinos

iGamingExpertMarch 18, 20250277 views

After much deliberation the locations for casinos in Thailand have been named with Bangkok, Chonburi, Chiang Mai and Phuket all picked out as the regions to host new venues.

All four locations that have been picked out hold a significant tourist economy, providing a slight indication that the venues and legislation will be catered for those travelling to Thailand as opposed to locals.

Furthermore, they seek to capture all corners of Thailand with the locations underpinning just how much of an economic boost the country’s government feels the bill could be worth.

The venues won’t be solely for gambling though, with the legislation likely only enabling 10% of floor space for gambling activities, leading to them becoming entertainment venues, hosting a myriad of events.

There have, however, been delays in cementing the final details of the legislation, with the market in limbo following Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s move to take extra time to cement the bill.

The major ..

Malawi regulation targets underage gambling

iGamingExpertMarch 18, 20250312 views

Action against operators in Malawi that facilitate underage gambling is set to be escalated as part of the latest action from the country’s regulatory body.

Announced by the Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) during a recent gambling regulations workshop, operators in the country will be hit with a $11,500 fine if a minor under the age of 18 is found to have used their platform.

On the new regulation, Rachel Mijiga, Director General of MAGLA, spoke about the need to protect Malawi’s youth from “the serious social and psychological risks that gambling poses”.

Malawi’s clampdown on underage gambling comes as global operators continue to intensify their focus on the untapped potential of the African continent.

Earlier this year, 888Bets confirmed its expansion into Malawi, marking its seventh market in the region.

Further underlining its commitment to African success, the group previously acquired the multinational African online bookmaker BetLion, which it described as ..

Arrest made following UKGC illegal gambling probe

iGamingExpertMarch 17, 20250266 views

A Stoke-on-Trent man has been arrested following a UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) investigation into illegal gambling activity.

Hayden Simcock, 39, has been charged with providing facilities for gambling without having an operating licence and advertising unlicensed betting after being taken into custody by the Staffordshire Police.

The two offences refer to the time period of 18 October 2023 to 11 September 2024 and 26 May 2023 to 1 March 2024. He is now set to appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 24 March.

Simcock has previously made headlines due to his alleged involvement in illegal gambling.

Last year, Simcock – who believed he was talking to a prospective customer – revealed to the Racing Post that he had acted as commercial manager for The Post Bookmakers – an unregulated firm taking bets through WhatsApp.

During the conversation, he claimed that the firm has 10 employees and 1,300 customers and expected a “ridiculously busy” Cheltenham Festival. He also recommended..