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Aviatrix Enters Italian Market with New Certificate, Set to Partner with Leading Operators

Aviatrix-flying-in-Italy-following-certificate-approval Aviatrix, the innovative crash game known for its player-centric engagement features, is making its way into the Italian iGaming market following the recent approval of its Italian gaming certificate. This certification, granted by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM), enables Aviatrix to partner with licensed operators across Italy, bringing a fresh and engaging experience to Italian casino enthusiasts. The game’s launch represents a significant milestone, as it introduces Italian players to Aviatrix’s distinctive combination of NFT-based mechanics and customizable features tailored to enhance player interaction and retention.

Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, expressed her excitement about the expansion, stating, “We are excited to be bringing Aviatrix to players in Italy for the first time. This is a market where innovation and player engagement are highly valued, so we’re certain our product will be a great fit. And more than that, we have an opportunity to play a central role in one of Europe’s most vibrant online gaming cultures. We can’t wait to get started with operators in the country.”

A New Kind of Game for the Italian Market

Aviatrix has quickly gained traction in various regulated markets, thanks to its unique approach that combines crash game mechanics with NFT-based features. This allows players to engage more deeply, with options for customization that make each game session unique. By tapping into Italy’s structured and transparent gaming environment, Aviatrix hopes to capture the interest of a market known for its high standards in online gaming experiences. Italian operators, who prioritize games that offer both innovation and compliance, are likely to benefit from Aviatrix’s arrival, as it adds to the growing diversity in the country’s online casino offerings.

The Italian online gaming industry has a longstanding reputation for strong regulation, fostering player trust and attracting reputable international operators. With a solid framework designed to ensure fairness and security, Italy has become a leading market for regulated online casinos. This environment is expected to make Aviatrix’s innovative features particularly appealing to Italian players who appreciate new and interactive gaming experiences.

Recognized for Excellence in the iGaming Industry

Aviatrix’s entry into Italy comes on the heels of several prestigious awards, underscoring the game’s growing reputation in the iGaming industry. Among its achievements, Aviatrix earned the title of “Hackathon Winner” at Binance Smart Chain, “Unique Selling Point” at the SiGMA Awards, and “Emerging Startup of the Year” at the SPiCE India Awards. These accolades reflect Aviatrix’s dedication to creating a distinctive and enjoyable gaming experience for players, as well as its commitment to technological innovation in the online gaming sector.

With this strong foundation, Aviatrix’s debut in Italy marks an exciting chapter for both the game and the Italian gaming community. By partnering with respected operators in a market that values regulatory compliance and innovation, Aviatrix aims to make a lasting impact on Italy’s online gaming culture.

Sources:

LinkedIn, November 6, 2024.

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Filed Under: Gambling News Tagged With: aviatrix, certificate,, enters, italian, leading, market, operators?, partner

Brazil Faces Legal Battles Over Betting Sites List and Crackdown on Unlicensed Operators

Operators-left-off-SPA-approved-list-initiate-lawsuits-against-the-regulator Brazil is dealing with a wave of legal action from betting companies following the release of an approved list of operators allowed to continue operating in the country. This list, published by the country’s Department of Prizes and Betting (SPA) in early October, features 96 companies, along with 210 affiliated brands, eligible to operate between October 1 and December 31, 2024. However, several companies excluded from the list have filed lawsuits against the Ministry of Finance, sparking controversy over the approval process.

SPA’s Crackdown on Illegal Betting Sites

The creation of the approved list was prompted by increased pressure from both the industry and the government to regulate the market ahead of Brazil’s licensed gambling market launch, set for January 1, 2025. The government is determined to crack down on illegal betting operators in the meantime. As part of this effort, the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) was tasked with blocking 2,040 websites deemed illegal, including prominent names such as Betfred and BoyleSports.

While the approved list allows licensed operators to continue functioning, companies not on the list must cease operations until they obtain federal authorization. This restriction has led to significant backlash from several betting operators, with at least eight lawsuits filed in the federal courts.

Lawsuits from Excluded Operators

One of the prominent lawsuits comes from Zeroumbet, a betting platform owned by lawyer and social media influencer Deolane Bezerra. The company submitted its federal betting license application on August 20, 2024, but was left off the approved list due to an ongoing federal investigation into illegal gambling and money laundering. The investigation, known as ‘Operation Integration,’ is centered on Bezerra, arrested twice in September. However, Zeroumbet’s legal team argues that the investigation should target Bezerra as an individual and not impact the company’s operations. “In this case, the one who would be punished would be Deolane Bezerra and not the company,” the lawsuit contends.

In response to the lawsuit, the SPA maintained that Zeroumbet was excluded to protect public interest and ensure the integrity of bettors, given the ongoing investigation. Zeroumbet is seeking a court ruling to allow the company to resume operations despite the investigation, which could have significant financial and reputational implications for the platform.

State-Level Authorizations and Federal Disputes

Other operators, such as Esportes da Sorte, have taken a different route to stay in the market. Although Esportes da Sorte was also excluded from the SPA’s approved list, the company secured authorization from Rio de Janeiro’s state lottery regulator, Loterj, by acquiring controlling shares in the Loterj-licensed company ST Soft. This allowed the company to continue offering betting services at the state level, despite its exclusion from the federal list.

However, Rio’s stance has drawn criticism from the federal government, challenging the legality of allowing Loterj-accredited betting sites to operate nationwide. The federal government has taken the issue to Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF), arguing that state-level licenses should not bypass federal regulations.

Wider Implications for the Lula Government

The Lula administration is facing significant pressure as it seeks to regulate Brazil’s gambling market. Betting has been legal in Brazil since 2018, but until recently, there was no regulation in place for operators. The government began implementing rules last year with the goal of collecting taxes and ensuring compliance. Despite these efforts, the Ministry of Finance has already faced a series of lawsuits, and more legal challenges are expected as excluded companies continue to contest the SPA’s decisions.

For companies like Sportvip Group International Apostas, the legal battle is seen as crucial to their financial survival. The company recently had its preliminary injunction request denied, but the court is still considering the full case. Sportvip, like many others, argues that being left off the list could result in “incalculable financial and reputational losses.”

The controversy has also been fueled by revelations from a Central Bank report, which indicated that people covered by Brazil’s social welfare program, Bolsa Família, transferred R$3 billion to betting platforms in August alone through the Pix payment system. This discovery has intensified scrutiny of the industry, particularly regarding unregulated platforms operating in the country.

As the lawsuits progress, the Brazilian government’s efforts to regulate the market and safeguard public interest will continue to face challenges from operators pushing for inclusion in the newly regulated space.

Source:

“Governo Já Enfrenta Ações Sobre Lista de Bets e Empresa de Deolane Tenta Liberação“, jornaldebrasilia.com.br, October 16, 2024.

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Filed Under: Gambling News Tagged With: battles, Betting, brazil, crackdown, faces, legal, operators?, Sites, unlicensed

Loterj Operators Secured by Court Ruling Amid Federal Betting Regulations

Brazil-court-confirms-Rio-Loterj-licensees-can-remain-active-without-a-federal-licence In response to new federal betting regulations, the Brazilian government implemented significant changes in September with the introduction of Normative Ordinance No 1,475. This ordinance allowed only operators who had already applied for a federal betting license and were actively operating to continue doing so until the official launch of the regulated market on January 1, 2025. The deadline for submitting license applications passed on September 30, prompting a wave of last-minute submissions from businesses hoping to remain compliant.

A total of 182 applications were submitted via Brazil’s Sigap betting management system by the deadline. However, one submission, from Tecnologia e Desenvolvimento Ltda, was entered after the deadline, leaving it potentially vulnerable to the upcoming regulations.

Concerns Raised by State Lottery-Licensed Brands

The new federal rules sparked concerns among operators licensed under state lotteries like Loterj, the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery. These brands worried about their ability to continue operating beyond the October 1 deadline without a federal license. Fortunately for them, a ruling from Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) on October 1 provided a crucial exemption, protecting Loterj operators from the consequences of missing the federal deadline.

Federal judge Antônio Cláudio Macedo da Silva criticized the federal regulations for conflicting with Loterj’s Accreditation Notice 001/2023. This notice, which permits accredited entities to operate public lottery services for up to five years, was deemed incompatible with the federal ordinances regarding the advertisement and banning of unlicensed betting websites.

Loterj Operators Exempt from Federal Regulations

According to the court’s injunction, Loterj license holders retain “broad and unrestricted rights” to continue offering fixed-odds online betting. This exemption applies as long as their bettors are in Rio de Janeiro. The court found that the federal ordinances extended beyond the scope of federal jurisdiction and interfered with the regulatory authority of Brazil’s states. In his ruling, Judge Macedo da Silva stated that the ordinances violate Law No 13,756/2018, which supports the legality of previous legal acts, thus protecting Loterj operators from federal restrictions.

This decision was largely influenced by a previous ruling in 2020 that declared the federal monopoly on lotteries unconstitutional. The ruling permitted individual states and federal districts to establish their own lotteries, subsequently allowing operators in states like Rio de Janeiro to run sports betting under state licenses.

Previous Court Decisions Shape the Current Landscape

The STF’s 2020 ruling had already set a precedent for state-run lotteries like Loterj, deeming the federal lottery monopoly unconstitutional. Sports betting, which falls under the broader category of lottery games in Federal Law No 13,756/2018, has since been allowed under Loterj state licenses. This gave operators within Rio de Janeiro and other regions like Paraná the ability to offer sports betting under local jurisdiction.

Local legal experts, including Eduardo Carvalhaes and Karen Coutinho from Lefosse, expressed confidence that state-licensed operators would remain unaffected by the new federal restrictions. They explained that operators authorized under state licenses, such as Loterj, should continue their operations unhindered, even as unlicensed betting sites face new federal limitations.

Federal Injunction Secures Loterj’s Rights

In the days leading up to October 1, Loterj filed a lawsuit in federal court to prevent the blocking or banning of sportsbooks authorized within Rio de Janeiro. This legal challenge, aimed at the Ministry of Finance’s Prizes and Betting Secretariat, sought to overturn federal Ordinances No 1,225, 1,231, and 1,475, which imposed strict rules on advertising and site operation for unlicensed operators.

Loterj argued that these ordinances interfered with its regulatory authority by blocking sportsbooks that had not applied for federal licenses. In its writ of mandamus, Loterj emphasized the legality and regularity of its licensees’ operations within Rio de Janeiro, asserting that the federal government lacked the authority to prevent these operators from advertising or continuing to offer services.

Judge Macedo da Silva sided with Loterj, issuing an injunction that suspended the effects of the federal ordinances within Rio de Janeiro. His ruling ensured that Loterj operators could continue offering fixed-odds betting online without the need for dual accreditation from the federal government.

The court’s decision also clarified that bettors must declare that all wagers are placed within the state of Rio de Janeiro for taxation and legal purposes. With this ruling, Loterj operators can continue advertising their services and sponsoring events across Brazil, free from the penalties imposed by federal regulations.

Source:

“Loterj gets injunction in defense of ‘Bets’ operating in Rio without requesting a federal license“, gamesbras.com, October 1, 2024.

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Filed Under: Gambling News Tagged With: Betting, court, federal, loterj, operators?, regulations, ruling, secured

Norway’s Conservative Party Pushes for End to Gambling Monopoly, Major Operators Face Withdrawal

Norways-Conservative-party-joins-calls-for-end-to-gambling-monopoly Norway’s Conservative party (Høyre) has called for the end of the country’s state-run gambling monopoly. The party’s latest manifesto, published ahead of the September 2025 election, proposes a transition to a licensed gambling market, potentially opening the doors to market liberalization by 2028. Norway remains the last Scandinavian country to maintain a gambling monopoly, while its neighbors, including Finland and Sweden, have moved toward more liberalized models.

Currently, the state-owned operators Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto hold exclusive rights to provide legal gambling services in the country. These monopolies cover a broad spectrum of activities, including physical slot machines, lottery games, online gambling, sports betting, and horse racing. However, Norwegian players have long been able to access international gambling operators licensed outside the country, such as those regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).

The Conservative Party’s Push for Change

The Conservative Party’s new manifesto marks a significant shift from its 2021 stance, which supported the continuation of the monopoly system. The updated policy, championed by party members such as Magnus Mæland, Ola Svenneby, Tage Pettersen, and Anita Oterhals Eide, calls for replacing the exclusive rights model with a licensed system. By doing so, the Conservatives aim to increase state revenues while also providing more robust tools to address problem gambling.

“Replace the current exclusive rights model with a licensed model to increase revenues for the state and [provide]

greater opportunities to help those who are struggling with problem gambling,” the manifesto states.

The Conservative Party is the second-largest in Norway’s parliament, holding 36 of the 169 seats and having secured 20.6% of the vote in the 2021 general election. The next general election, scheduled for September 2025, is set to be a pivotal moment in determining whether the monopoly model will be replaced with a licensed framework.

Growing Political Support and Incoming Regulations

The Conservative Party is not alone in advocating for change. The Progress Party, which holds 21 seats, also called for a licensing model in its 2021 manifesto. Additionally, the Liberal Party has expressed intentions to review gambling regulations, particularly to tackle gambling addiction. Meanwhile, the Labour Party, which governs in coalition with the Centre Party, has historically supported the monopoly system and shows no signs of shifting its stance.

Norway’s gambling trade association, Norsk Bransjeforening for Onlinespill (NBO), has responded positively to the Conservative Party’s proposal. NBO’s general secretary Carl Fredrik Stenstrøm, expressed optimism, stating, “I am extremely optimistic this could be our time for a licensed gambling market. Everyone [in Norway]

understands it is a matter of time before the market is liberalized.”

This movement follows similar trends in other Scandinavian countries, such as Sweden and Finland. Finland recently announced plans to adopt a licensed model by 2026, and Norway’s neighbors are often cited as examples in the debate.

DNS Blocking and Operator Withdrawals

In addition to political discussions, Norway is preparing to implement new regulations to tighten control over the gambling market. Starting in January 2024, Norway intends to introduce DNS website blocking for international gambling operators that do not hold a local license. This move has long been in the pipeline, with several proposals previously submitted to the Norwegian legislature but failing to gain approval. Now, political sentiment has shifted, and the upcoming regulations aim to curb access to unlicensed platforms.

International operators such as Unibet, Betsson, ComeOn, and bet365 have long served Norwegian customers by operating under licenses from other jurisdictions, particularly Malta. However, Norwegian regulator Lottstift recently announced that many of these major operators are preparing to withdraw from the market due to increased regulatory pressure.

“Companies that do not withdraw from the Norwegian market risk having their websites blocked next year, when we get new regulations in place,” Lottstift said in a statement.

Despite this, some operators, including Kindred Group (the parent company of Unibet), argue that their services remain legal under international law. A Kindred spokesperson stated, “Norwegian residents have legally and at their own free will chosen to participate in our offers. It is totally legal for Norwegian residents to play with overseas gambling companies, and they are not breaking any Norwegian laws.”

While international operators are facing increasing pressure, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has also called for Norway to introduce a licensing system, arguing that it would help tackle the demand for international services more effectively. The EGBA’s secretary general, Maarten Haijer, emphasized that Norway’s current monopoly system is out of step with regulatory regimes across Europe.

Outlook: A Liberalized Market by 2028?

As Norway inches closer to the 2025 election, the debate around the country’s gambling monopoly is expected to intensify. With major political parties divided over the issue and international operators facing new restrictions, the coming years will be crucial in determining the future of Norway’s gambling sector.

Carl Fredrik Stenstrøm of NBO is confident that Norway could see a fully liberalized online gambling market by 2028, following in the footsteps of Sweden and Finland. Public consultations and political negotiations are set to continue, with the Conservative Party leading the charge for change.

Source Attribution:

“Norway’s Conservative party joins calls for end to gambling monopoly”, igamingbusiness.com, September 11, 2023.

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Filed Under: Gambling News Tagged With: conservative, Gambling, major, monopoly, norway’s, operators?, party, pushes, withdrawal

NOGA Urges Dutch Kansspelautoriteit to Act on Minors Gambling with Illegal Operators

Peter-Paul de Goeij, director of the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA), is calling for a “rigorous” response from Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) after research revealed that illegal operators are allowing minors to gamble. The findings, shared by Keurmerk Responsible Affiliates (KVA) and Licensed Dutch Gaming Providers (VNLOK), highlight a significant issue within the Netherlands’ gambling industry.

Research Findings on Underage Gambling

noga-urges-rigorous-ksa-response-after-research-finds-illegal-operators-accepting-bets-from-minors The research conducted by KVA uncovered that minors in the Netherlands can easily gamble with offshore operators. The study showed that these operators do not require the necessary age verification, allowing anyone with an email address or telephone number to create an account. This lack of oversight enables those below the legal gambling age of 18 to deposit and gamble, often using cryptocurrency for anonymous transactions.

Further, the study found that illegal casinos use the logos of banks and legal operators to mislead minors into believing that their deposits are safe. This practice is particularly concerning as it exploits the trust and security associated with these financial institutions.

Previous Research and Industry Concerns

KVA’s recent findings build on previous research from 2023, which indicated that illegal sites were targeting players attempting to bypass Cruks, the Netherlands’ self-exclusion scheme. This ongoing issue highlights the need for stringent regulatory measures to protect vulnerable groups from the risks associated with illegal gambling.

De Goeij emphasized the heightened risks for underage gamblers, noting their increased susceptibility to addiction and related mental health and financial problems. He urged the KSA to take decisive action to address these issues and fulfill its mandate to protect consumers.

“The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch Gambling Authority, is expected to address these issues rigorously,” De Goeij told iGB. “The KSA is likely to enhance monitoring and enforcement actions against unlicensed operators, imposing hefty fines and blocking access to these websites. Educating the public, especially minors and their parents, about the risks of unlicensed gambling and how to avoid these sites can be an effective preventive measure.”

Recommendations for KSA Action

De Goeij advocates for increased collaboration between the KSA and other jurisdictions, sharing intelligence and best practices to combat illegal operators. He also suggests that the KSA should work closely with financial institutions to block illegal transactions and cut off revenue streams to offshore operators.

“The KSA should employ advanced technologies like geolocation blocking and AI-driven monitoring to detect and shut down access to offshore gambling platforms,” De Goeij added. “Working with internet service providers (ISPs) to block unlicensed gambling sites could significantly reduce access.”

Broader Issues in the Dutch Gambling Market

The timing of KVA’s research coincides with growing industry concerns over regulatory changes in the Netherlands. Recently, a coalition agreement proposed increasing the gambling tax from 30.5% to 37.8%, aiming to generate an additional €202m in tax revenue. NOGA has expressed concerns that such measures could push operators towards the black market, undermining the regulated market’s integrity.

Earlier this year, the house of representatives voted to ban “high-risk” gambling, including online slots, and to prohibit online gambling advertising. These regulatory changes, combined with higher taxes, could drive more players to unlicensed sites, where consumer protections are minimal.

De Goeij is particularly worried about the potential impact on the legal market, warning that higher taxes and advertising restrictions might reduce revenue for the Dutch government and legal operators. This shift could lead to increased fraud, addiction, and other harms associated with unregulated gambling.

NOGA’s Strategic Recommendations

To combat the potential rise of the black market, De Goeij recommends that the KSA and the government adopt evidence-based regulations that do not overly burden legal operators. He believes that encouraging innovation and improving customer experiences in the legal market can help retain and attract players.

“The KSA and the government should encourage innovation and better customer experiences in the legal market to retain and attract players,” De Goeij said. “They should also be continuously researching market trends and player behavior to adapt regulations and strategies dynamically. Only by taking a proactive and balanced approach, the Netherlands can protect its citizens while maintaining a robust and attractive legal gambling market.”

Source: “NOGA urges rigorous KSA response after research finds illegal operators accepting bets from minors”. iGaming Business, May 23, 2024.

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Filed Under: Gambling News Tagged With: dutch, Gambling, illegal, kansspelautoriteit, minors, operators?, urges