Author: Daniel Williams

Key Moments: Stake deployed passkey login, leveraging the FIDO protocol, across its betting platform The passkey system eliminates traditional passwords in favor of biometric or PIN authentication Stake started introducing this feature in mid-September, with users able to activate it through account settings Stake Ushers in Passwordless Authentication Stake has launched passkey login for its online casino and sportsbook, incorporating FIDO-based authentication technology to protect users from phishing and simplify the sign-in process. The company counts itself among the first significant global iGaming platforms to enable passwordless access for its…

Key Moments: Regulating the Game (RTG) has opened expressions of interest for the last available Conference Chair role for its 2026 event. The 2026 conference is set for 9 to 11 March at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. RTG 2026 will introduce new events, including the inaugural RTG Global Awards & Gala Dinner. Call for Final Conference Chair The internationally recognized Regulating the Game (RTG) conference has begun the search for its final Conference Chair for the 2026 event in Sydney. The conference is scheduled to take place from 9 to 11…

Key Moments: The Crime in India 2023 report listed Goa with the highest gambling-related crime rate in the nation at 42.7 per 100,000 residents Goa registered 673 cases under the Gambling Act in 2023, leading states such as Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra Law enforcement in Goa intensified actions against both traditional and online gambling, including operations targeting matka bookies and blocking illegal websites Goa Registers the Highest Gambling Crime Rate According to recent data from the Crime in India 2023 report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Goa has…

Key Moments: Michelle Scrogham and fellow Labour MPs have urged the Chancellor to introduce a targeted levy on online gambling products. The proposed levy would ringfence revenue to address child poverty and offset related harms. MPs have raised concerns about merging all remote gambling taxation into a single Remote Betting and Gaming Duty. Push for Targeted Online Gambling Levy The Barrow and Furness MP, Michelle Scrogham, is spearheading a campaign for a new levy on online gambling products, aiming to generate funds dedicated to combating child poverty. Working alongside Labour…

Key Moments: Sports bettors in Virginia wagered just over $510 million in August, up more than 22% from the previous year Adjusted gross revenue reached $58.3 million, reflecting a year-on-year increase of over 66% Sportsbooks contributed $8.7 million in taxes, with most of the funds supporting the state’s General Fund and responsible gambling programs Virginia Betting Activity Accelerates Ahead of Fall Sports Season August marked a strong comeback for Virginia’s sports betting industry, as both revenue and wagering activity climbed substantially on a year-over-year and monthly basis. Sports fans placed…

Key Moments: Elmer Funke Kupper, former Tabcorp CEO, has urged lawmakers to impose stricter controls on gambling advertisements across sports. Recent data indicates that over 600,000 Australians aged 12-17 participated in gambling during the past year, with 46% of 18- and 19-year-olds placing bets. Proposed reforms seek to remove gambling ads from sporting events, team uniforms, and broadcast windows in times when children are likely to be viewing. Industry Insider Calls for Action Betting promotions are now woven into the fabric of Australian sports. In this environment, Elmer Funke Kupper,…

Key Moments: Prosecutors have requested a 30-month prison sentence and a Rp 30 million (approximately US$1,800) fine for Vienna Varella Angeli Parinussa. The influencer’s court case revolves around posts made between February and April promoting gambling sites, for which she received around IDR 4 million (about US$240). The court’s pending verdict highlights the broader challenge of enforcing Indonesia’s strict gambling laws amid the rise of social media influence. The Case Against a Social Media Influencer In Denpasar, Bali, a legal case has emerged from the connection between digital youth culture…

Key Moments: The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has reactivated its 1-800-522-4700 helpline after a court mandated it stop using 1-800-GAMBLER. Both NCPG and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) now operate separate helplines, creating uncertainty for those seeking help. NCPG has stated it will continue using the former helpline number until a permanent arrangement is found. Helpline Responsibility Shifts After Court Decision Individuals in the United States seeking support for gambling problems have recently faced new confusion, as two national helplines are now being promoted…

Key Moments: A draft bill submitted on 23 September targets a phased decrease in Estonia’s online gambling tax rate to 4% by 2029 The proposal seeks to enhance Estonia’s attractiveness for international gambling operators Some parliamentarians have raised concerns about the effectiveness of tax cuts without broader regulatory reforms Tax Reform Proposal Submitted Estonia could soon see a significant transformation in its online gambling landscape, following a new legislative initiative. Members of the Reform Party and Eesti 200 have presented a bill to the Riigikogu that aims to systematically lower…

Key Moments: A forged court order barred Paul Ndung’u from ownership dispute proceedings at SportPesa, prompting a criminal probe into forgery. The Court of Appeal reversed its earlier decision, allowing Mr Ndung’u to participate in cases regarding SportPesa’s assets and shares. Significant shareholder conflicts persist following expulsions, brand transfers, and unresolved consent settlements involving Milestone Games and Pevans East Africa. Forgery Exposes Deeper Legal Issues A fraudulent court order significantly affected the participation of businessman Paul Ndung’u in the ongoing ownership disputes involving SportPesa. The invalid order not only excluded…