Key Moments:
- Play’n GO has removed its titles from major aggregator platforms. Consequently, this move gives the company stricter control over game distribution.
- This decision aligns with Play’n GO’s ongoing strategy to avoid unlicensed and offshore gambling markets. For instance, the developer withdrew from the Asian market in September.
- Meanwhile, Play’n GO recently expanded into Alberta’s regulated market, partnered with Casino Barcelona in Spain, and joined Germany’s DOCV.
Aggregator Distribution Ends Amid Black Market Concerns
Play’n GO has taken a decisive step to reinforce its stance against offshore gambling. Specifically, the supplier halted the distribution of its games through leading aggregator platforms. The team communicated this decision to aggregation partners last week. As a result, the Malta-based slot supplier now maintains tighter oversight over where players access its content.
Efforts to Prevent Unauthorized Game Appearances
The company’s withdrawal from aggregator platforms builds directly on previous initiatives. In fact, these efforts aim to prevent unlicensed gambling websites from offering Play’n GO titles. In May, Play’n GO announced that it will never supply games to sweepstakes casinos. Furthermore, the company solidified its position in September by pulling out of the Asian market entirely.
CCO Magnus Olsson spoke to NEXT.io about the move. He stated, “We are interested in working with anyone that addresses locally licensed markets with the right compliance and licensing setup. Our strategy has been the same for years. Therefore, we constantly review our traffic and take action when needed. This situation is no exception. Consequently, it does not constitute a change of direction. On the contrary, we are continuing to execute on our long-term strategy.”
Company Background and Ongoing Strategy
Although significant, Play’n GO’s decision follows an ongoing pattern. Previously, industry reports raised concerns about offshore exposure after showing that Curaçao-licensed operators offered Play’n GO titles. However, Play’n GO’s Head of Government Affairs, Shawn Fluharty, quickly clarified the situation. He explained that major resellers in markets pending regulation were serving these client platforms. In addition, he described the associated revenue as negligible, citing production figures of as little as one to two euros a day.
Meanwhile, the supplier has shifted its primary focus to regulated markets. For example, recent steps include expanding into Alberta’s newly regulated market and collaborating with Casino Barcelona in Spain. Additionally, Play’n GO joined Germany’s online casino association, DOCV, in September to engage directly with local regulators and industry policymakers.
Protection Against Unauthorized Game Distribution
Play’n GO continues to emphasize its vigilance regarding unauthorized game usage. For instance, on its licensing and certification page, the company warns: “We have been made aware that there are game providers that offer copies of our games under the pretense of being aggregators or distributors of Play’n GO (and other) games.”
The warning continues: “Some of these providers even offer games that look identical to ours on the surface. However, make no mistake: we do not provide these games, nor do any companies with the rights to distribute them.”
Forward-Looking Approach
Commentary from NEXT.io suggests that Play’n GO will continue focusing exclusively on partnerships with locally licensed operators. In addition to this online strategy, recent reports indicate that the company may expand its land-based slots business alongside its digital operations.
| Recent Regulatory Moves | Details |
|---|---|
| Alberta | Entered newly regulated market |
| Spain | Launched content with Casino Barcelona |
| Germany | Joined DOCV online casino association in September |
- Author
Daniel Williams
