News

Key Moments: Slovakia’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (ÚRHH) added consumer protection to its responsibilities beginning January 1, with a new department established from February 1, 2026. In the most recent year, Slovakia’s gambling market achieved €1.55 billion in gross gaming revenue, representing a 7.2% increase over 2024. The innovative “Gambling Without Myths and Illusions” educational initiative received international recognition at the Global Regulatory Awards 2025. Regulator Expands Mandate to Prioritize Consumer Protection The Gambling Regulatory Authority (ÚRHH) in Slovakia has widened its focus to include consumer protection, in addition to its…

Key Moments: The Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF) has been formed by seven national gaming associations from the Western Balkans. Serbia’s gaming industry generated over €214 million ($247 million) in 2024, with Serbian-developed games reaching nearly 300 million downloads worldwide. Bulgaria recorded 54,000 self-exclusion enrollments since March 2025, as part of a new one-year voluntary program. Formation of a Regional Coalition Seven gaming industry associations from the Western Balkans have joined forces to establish the Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF), intending to enhance cooperation and advance the gaming sector across the region.…

Key Moments: 35,072 unintended jackpots were triggered on William Hill UK’s platform due to a software error Several players reported six-figure winnings before their accounts were frozen and the operator disputed the funds Estimated financial impact is in the tens of millions, with exposure likely between £5 million and £30 million Jackpot Glitch Causes Unprecedented Number of Payouts A software malfunction resulted in William Hill UK awarding 35,072 online slot jackpots within a recent timeframe, a staggering increase from 518 jackpots distributed during the same period a week earlier, as…

Key Moments: The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) assumed control from the Betting Control and Licensing Board on 28 February Nearly 200 new roles and advanced surveillance technology are planned to bolster regulatory enforcement The GRA targets rollout of an enhanced licensing regime ahead of a key June 2026 deadline Regulatory Transition Brings New Oversight Kenya’s gambling environment is poised for sweeping changes as the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) takes the helm. Officially replacing the Betting Control and Licensing Board as of 28 February, the GRA has introduced a renewed focus…

Key Moments Native American tribes and 10 tribal associations submitted an amicus brief opposing Kalshi’s preliminary injunction request in Arizona. The brief argues that Kalshi’s unlicensed gaming operations on state and tribal lands undermine tribal regulatory authority and revenue. Arizona filed criminal charges against Kalshi’s parent companies, citing illegal gambling activities without a license. Tribal Groups Respond to Kalshi’s Legal Motion A group of Native American tribes and 10 tribal associations, including the Indian Gaming Association, formally sided with Arizona in the ongoing lawsuit involving prediction market operator Kalshi. They…

Key Moments: Alberta’s regulated iGaming market is scheduled to go live on July 13 Annual revenues are projected to exceed $700 million when the market matures AGLC leads registration, while the new AiGC oversees market management Market Launch and Regulatory Oversight Alberta is advancing toward a significant milestone as its regulated, Ontario-style iGaming market is set to commence operations on July 13. This timeline, confirmed by a senior industry source to Casino.org, follows multiple industry news reports. Private operators have been informed of the launch date, although an official government…

Key Moments: Highlight Games Limited has expanded its partnership with Stanleybet Group This marks the first time Highlight’s video virtual sports portfolio is available in Stanleybet’s retail stores The expansion covers Highlight’s SOCCERBET games, using authentic archive football footage Partnership Expansion Highlight Games Limited, a London-based provider of video virtuals and instant-win games, has announced an expanded agreement with Stanleybet Group, one of Europe’s leading betting operators. This development strengthens the companies’ existing collaboration on online content and represents the initial introduction of Highlight’s premium video virtual sports products to…

Key Moments Kjerulf Ainsworth has launched an off-market offer for 5.5% of Ainsworth Game Technology shares. The offer closes on 27 April at 7 pm Sydney time. He is offering AUD1.30 per share, above Novomatic’s AUD1.00 bid. If accepted, his stake could rise from 8.24% to about 13.25%. Event Date Details Current Offer Deadline 27 April, 7 pm Sydney time Off-market bid for 5.5% of AGT shares Prior Ainsworth Offer Closed 30 January 2026 Off-market bid for 2.9% of AGT shares Novomatic AG Bid Closed 6 February AUD1.00 per share;…

Key Moments Italy plans to publish the final gambling reform decree by April 10. The decree follows online gambling updates and now focuses on retail reforms. New rules will cover gaming machines, betting licences, and regional revenue shares. Final Gambling Decree Expected by Early April Italy’s Council of Ministers will release the complete gambling reform decree on April 10. This step reshapes the country’s betting laws. The Unified Conference, which includes representatives from 20 regions and 110 municipalities, is reviewing the final text. The decree is part of a broader…

Key Moments: Virgin Bet has officially started operations in South Africa, its first market outside the UK. LiveScore Group has reinforced its presence in Africa with this expansion, complementing LiveScore Bet’s activity in Nigeria. Virgin Bet has implemented robust responsible gambling features and appointed Gail Odgers as Head of Marketing for South Africa. International Launch Sets New Direction Virgin Bet has taken a significant step in its business journey by entering South Africa, the company’s first venture beyond the United Kingdom since it began operations in 2019. This development opens…