This week, Ukraine took a bold step forward by unveiling a new system designed to monitor gambling transactions in real time, thereby tightening the regulator’s control over an industry often criticized for its lack of oversight. Meanwhile, IC360 has made a strategic move by acquiring Compliable and its automated license compliance management platform, empowering partner businesses to implement regulation-ready solutions with ease. In Michigan, the Gaming Control Board has ramped up efforts against several unlicensed websites operating in the Great Lakes State. The regulator specifically targeted an operator with multiple brands, issuing a demand to halt all operations voluntarily within 14 days, with a warning of a more severe multi-agency response if they fail to comply.
Business and Finance
FanDuel has proudly welcomed Keith Whyte as their new Responsible Gaming Strategic Advisor just in time for Responsible Gaming Education Month. Whyte, with an impressive three-decade career, has been a pivotal figure in enhancing players' comprehension of responsible gambling while fortifying both private and public efforts toward safe gaming practices. Looking ahead to 2026, SiGMA has unveiled its comprehensive event schedule, featuring eight global stops designed to embrace and engage diverse gambling markets. Their ambitious plan spans the world, touching down in key regions such as South America, North America, Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Meanwhile, excitement builds as SBC Events announces the highly anticipated Legends Charity Game, set to attract a 50,000-strong crowd at the legendary Estádio José Alvalade. This remarkable event aims to raise an impressive €1,000,000 for four charities and is bolstered by the support of MARCA, Spain’s leading sports media giant.
Responsible gambling
In a determined move, the Dutch Gambling Authority, known locally as the Kansspelautoriteit, is bolstering the country’s fight against gambling addiction with an additional €21 million investment in their Prevention of Gambling Addiction program over the coming years. By joining forces with ZonMw, their goal is to safeguard consumers and delve deeper into the psychological triggers that can lead to addiction. Meanwhile, in Sweden, Spelinspektionen is kickstarting a new gambling awareness campaign designed to promote healthy gaming habits. This initiative aims to highlight the risks of gambling and curb problems like debt and gambling-related issues. Specifically, it seeks to connect with younger audiences, focusing on individuals aged 18 to 25. Across the ocean, the Responsible Online Gaming Association and the Responsible Gambling Council are teaming up in the United States to roll out a new Responsible Gambling Certification. This collaboration underscores their commitment to fostering safer gambling practices. Closer to home, British Columbia is sounding the alarm on youth gambling. Concerns are mounting as evidence surfaces showing that children and adolescents, aged 12 to 18, may be engaging in gambling activities illegally. A survey of 38,000 respondents reveals a troubling statistic: approximately 34% admit to participating in such activities, potentially exposing youngsters to harmful effects.
Gambling laws & regulations
Sweden is facing a slide in its channelization rate, with recent reports revealing that only about 85% of players are now choosing licensed and regulated market options, a slight drop from 86% the previous year. This trend has sparked concern, as the market is still not hitting the ambitious 90% target set by the government and the regulatory body, Spelinspektionen, at the start of market legalization. In reaction to this, the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling, known as BoS, has reached out to the Ministry of Finance with a fervent plea to rethink the current gambling laws. Through a heartfelt letter and an official appeal, BoS pushes for an expansive review to find ways to strengthen channelization in the market. Meanwhile, across the Baltic Sea, Finnish authorities are cracking down on influencers promoting illegal gambling. Police have issued cease-and-desist letters to two influencers operating outside Finland, who have been broadcasting illicit gambling content to local viewers on platforms like Kick and Twitch. Both face a hefty €30,000 fine if they don't comply, and another influencer has already been penalized with this amount.
The voice of the industry
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