"Merkur Group is set to acquire White Hat Studios as Denmark intensifies its battle against illegal gambling websites."

Amazon has announced a $201 million settlement concerning social casino apps. This settlement concludes a class-action lawsuit filed against Amazon in 2023, where plaintiffs claimed that the company violated Washington gaming and state protection laws by allowing transactions in social casino apps accessible via the Amazon Appstore. SiGMA North America 2026 is set to make a return in September with an event in Mexico City from September 1-3. This major gathering in the gambling industry is anticipated to draw 4,000 delegates, 1,000 operators, and 150 expert speakers, providing unparalleled networking and growth opportunities. The final game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching, capping a tournament full of surprises. On Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium, Spain and Argentina will face off in the much-anticipated final.

BlackRock has announced an increase in its stake in Rush Street Interactive to 13.3%, boosting its investment to 13,600,000 shares and reaffirming its commitment to the company. Rush Street Interactive, which operates the rapidly growing brand BetRivers, continues to capture attention in the market. Cordish Gaming Group, the gaming division of The Cordish Companies, has appointed Jason Birney, a former executive with Penn Entertainment and Caesars, as the new Executive Vice President and General Manager of Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia. Birney brings over 20 years of experience to the role, where he will oversee key management and daily operations. Merkur Group is poised to acquire White Hat Studios following a deal with White Hat Gaming, as it aims to expand its presence in North America. Last September, Merkur Group acquired Gaming Arts, a supplier based in Nevada. Taking ownership of White Hat Studios is expected to further enhance Merkur's footprint, especially in the United States. Although the acquisition has been confirmed, the financial details of this significant transaction have not been publicly disclosed.

EvenBet Gaming, a rapidly expanding developer of poker and casino software, is bolstering its presence in Europe by securing a new B2B supplier license in Sweden. Granted by the Swedish gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, this license allows the company to offer its high-quality solutions and products to operators throughout the country. Meanwhile, Denmark is intensifying its crackdown on illegal gambling websites. The Danish Gambling Authority's recent report reveals that by 2025, the country will have blocked access to 334 illegal sites. While some operators have adjusted their services to stop accepting Danish players, others have not, leading to widespread enforcement of blocking orders. The report underscores the gambling regulator's strengthened efforts against illegal activities. The Authority is currently working closely with internet service providers, trade groups, and other stakeholders to block gambling operators that lack a Danish license.

A recently concluded webinar, Gaming in Spain, explored a variety of potential changes that could impact Spain's gambling market. It highlighted significant challenges and developments in the country's regulated online gambling industry, such as the possible rise of prediction markets and deposit limits that might curb overall gambling expenditure. This week, Casino House Group News interviewed Sarah Barbosa Reis, the Responsible Gambling Lead at KTO Group Brazil. She emphasized the importance of educating players about the risks associated with gambling, noting that providing insights and player education is one of the most effective prevention strategies. Reis also discussed several pressing issues and additional strategies that could contribute to a safer gambling environment.

Casino House Group News recently featured an interview with Olga Degtiareva, Yggdrasil’s Regional Manager for Germany and CIS. Olga, a seasoned executive, delved into the evolving landscape of game design, discussing the challenges and the studio's ambitious growth plans. She emphasized that, by 2026, achieving both scale and quality is no longer a distant dream, but a tangible reality. In an insightful op-ed by NFL Insider Jason La Canfora, football enthusiasts can gain valuable perspectives on the Los Angeles Chargers. This engaging piece explores their Super Bowl potential and assesses their status as genuine contenders. Earlier this week, Casino House Group News shared two exclusive interviews by sports reporter DJ Siddiqi, who conversed with emerging hockey talent, Macklin Celebrini. In the first chat, Celebrini reflected on his soccer roots and World Cup views. In another exclusive, he discussed the possibility of a contract extension and the playoffs. Additionally, Casino House Group News presented an analysis of Liv Boeree, one of the world’s leading female poker players. The detailed report showcased Boeree’s journey and some of her significant poker tournament triumphs. Finally, this week saw the release of the latest episode of Player's Horizon. Hosts Nate and Mike unravel the intriguing tale of a casino player blocked after opening multiple accounts, underscoring the critical need to thoroughly understand online casino terms and conditions.