Inaugural RTG Global Awards Winners Announced – Focus on Leadership, Compliance and Safer Gambling Standards

Key Takeaways

Six Categories Recognising Sector Leadership and Integrity

Regulating the Game has revealed the winners of its inaugural RTG Global Awards, a new initiative designed to recognise measurable contributions to gambling policy, regulation and industry standards. The awards cover six categories and focus on leadership, compliance, safer gambling, technology and community outcomes.

The 2026 winners are:

– Leadership Voice: Danny Munk, Wests Illawarra
– Safer Gambling Champion: Gamble Alert
– Compliance Excellence: Dominic Monti, Wests Illawarra
– RegTech Solution of the Year: Cherry Hub
– Community Impact Initiative: Nathan Reeves, Unibet
– Emerging Leader: Michael Simone, Bankstown Sports

According to Regulating the Game, the awards were established to acknowledge individuals, organisations and solutions that contribute to integrity, public confidence and sustainable sector development. The recognition spans both personal leadership and operational or technological initiatives.

Independent Judging Panel Oversaw Selection Process

The winners were chosen following what organisers describe as an independent assessment process. The judging panel included senior figures with backgrounds across industry, legal practice, integrity bodies and responsible gambling frameworks.

The panel members were:

– Don Hammond, Chief Executive Officer, Leagues Clubs Australia
– Jamie Nettleton, Former President, International Masters of Gaming Law and Partner, Addisons
– Khalid Ali, Chief Executive Officer, International Betting Integrity Association
– Tracy Parker, Senior Vice President – Accreditation, Advisory and Insights, Responsible Gambling Council, Canada

Regulating the Game stated that nominations in the inaugural year showed strong global engagement. Finalists were selected from what the organisation described as a competitive field across all categories. Being shortlisted was presented as a significant achievement due to the number and calibre of nominations received.

For you as a user of betting or gaming platforms, the composition of the judging panel is relevant because it reflects oversight from professionals linked to compliance, integrity monitoring and responsible gambling accreditation. These areas directly influence how operators manage risk, player protection and regulatory obligations.

Focus on Measurable Contribution and Public Confidence

RTG Founder and Principal at Vanguard Overwatch, Paul Newson, said the awards were created to recognise substance, integrity and measurable contribution across the sector. He noted that the winners set a benchmark for future editions of the awards.

Newson emphasised that the distinguishing factor for recipients was not only professional achievement but also their role in advancing safer gambling, strengthening compliance and supporting standards that underpin public confidence and sector credibility.

The categories themselves reflect these priorities. Leadership Voice highlights individuals guiding industry direction. Safer Gambling Champion recognises initiatives aimed at reducing gambling related harm. Compliance Excellence addresses regulatory adherence and operational standards. RegTech Solution of the Year focuses on technology that supports regulatory and compliance functions. Community Impact Initiative acknowledges programs with broader social outcomes. Emerging Leader recognises developing talent within the sector.

For international users comparing platforms, these areas are directly connected to how operators manage licensing requirements, player safeguards and reporting obligations. While the awards do not evaluate specific products or betting odds, they highlight governance and oversight frameworks that shape how platforms operate.

Part of the Broader Regulating the Game Program

The RTG Global Awards are integrated into the wider Regulating the Game program. According to the organisers, this program brings together regulators, industry leaders, compliance professionals and innovators to examine critical issues and advance policy dialogue.

The stated objective of the program is to strengthen sector capability and improve regulatory practice. By including stakeholders from regulatory authorities, legal practice and industry associations, the initiative positions itself as a forum for structured discussion around gambling governance.

For operators active in multiple jurisdictions, such dialogue can influence how compliance frameworks evolve. For users, it can shape standards relating to transparency, responsible gambling tools and operational accountability.

Our Assessment

The announcement of the inaugural RTG Global Awards formalises a new recognition framework focused on leadership, compliance, safer gambling and regulatory technology within the gambling sector. Winners were selected by an independent panel with expertise across law, integrity and responsible gambling.

The awards are embedded in the broader Regulating the Game program, which aims to support policy development and sector capability. For international betting and gaming users, the initiative highlights individuals and organisations associated with governance, compliance and safer gambling standards rather than commercial performance or marketing activity.

One in Five Swedes Bet Online and One in Six Play Online Casinos – New Survey Details Participation and Player Behavior

Key Takeaways

Survey Scope and Methodology in the Regulated Swedish Market

The findings come from the 2025 edition of Casinotempen, part of the Casinofeber research project examining participation and player behavior within Sweden’s regulated gambling sector. The survey was conducted between July 3 and July 17, 2025.

Researchers initially screened 3,463 respondents. From this group, they focused on 1,004 individuals who actively gamble online. The final sample consisted of 501 online casino players and 503 sports betting players. Results were weighted according to gender and age to better reflect the broader population.

The data provides a snapshot of how online gambling is distributed across different segments of Swedish society, including age, gender, income, education, and gambling frequency.

Online Betting Reaches More Users Than Online Casino

According to the survey, online sports betting has a slightly larger reach than online casino gaming in Sweden. Around one in five Swedes take part in sports betting. In comparison, nearly one in six participate in online casino games.

Online casino players tend to be somewhat younger than sports bettors. The typical age range for casino players falls between 39 and 42 years. Sports betting players are on average older, ranging from 42 to 49 years.

Employment levels are high in both groups. About two thirds of respondents report working full time. Among online casino players, the most common monthly income range is between 30,000 and 40,000 Swedish crowns. This indicates that participation is common among middle income households rather than being concentrated in a narrow income segment.

Brand Awareness and User Ratings Among Operators

Brand recognition remains strong across both casino and sportsbook segments.

Among online casino brands, LeoVegas achieved the highest recognition level at 69 percent. Other well known operators include bet365, Unibet, and Betsson. When players were asked to rate casinos, Expekt received the highest average score at 3.84.

In the sports betting segment, Svenska Spel leads in brand awareness. A total of 86 percent of respondents recognize the brand, and 64 percent report having placed bets through the platform. ATG and Unibet are also widely recognized among sports bettors.

These figures show that established brands maintain high visibility among Swedish players, both in casino and sportsbook categories.

Player Profile and Betting Preferences

Sports betting participation shows a distinct demographic profile compared with online casino.

Men account for 62 percent of sports betting players. This group also demonstrates higher levels of education compared with casino players, according to the survey results.

Football stands out as the dominant betting market. A total of 63 percent of bettors place wagers on football. Horse racing follows at 30 percent, and ice hockey at 29 percent. These figures indicate a clear concentration around specific sports.

Spending levels are generally modest. The most common monthly betting amount is below 99 SEK. However, 10 percent of sports bettors report spending more than 1,000 SEK per month. Gender differences are visible in spending patterns. Women tend to wager less, while men more often fall within the 200 to 999 SEK monthly range.

Betting frequency varies. About 24 percent of bettors place wagers once per week. Seven percent report gambling almost daily. Live betting is less common. While 45 percent say they sometimes place live bets, only 6 percent do so regularly.

Responsible Gambling Indicators and Use of Spelpaus

The survey also assessed borrowing behavior and awareness of responsible gambling tools.

Most respondents state that they have never borrowed money to gamble. Among online casino players, 84 percent report never borrowing funds. However, within the subgroup of weekly casino players, 28 percent say they have borrowed money at least once.

Among sports bettors, 93 percent report never borrowing money for gambling purposes.

Awareness of Sweden’s national self exclusion system, Spelpaus, remains high. Among casino players, 65 percent are aware of the system but have never used it. Thirteen percent report having used Spelpaus previously or currently.

Among sports betting players, 71 percent know about the service. Only 1 percent report that they are currently self excluded.

Our Assessment

The 2025 Casinotempen survey shows that online gambling participation in Sweden remains widespread, with sports betting slightly more common than online casino play. The data highlights clear demographic patterns, including age differences and a higher proportion of men in sports betting.

Spending levels are generally low for most users, and most respondents report not borrowing money to gamble. Awareness of the Spelpaus self exclusion system is high across both segments. Together, these findings provide a detailed picture of participation, brand recognition, and responsible gambling indicators within Sweden’s regulated online gambling market.

Atlaslive Highlights Embedded Compliance Systems on Responsible Gambling Day – Focus on Automated Controls and Regulatory Alignment

Key Takeaways

Responsible Gambling Day Highlights Regulatory Focus in Latin America and Europe

Responsible Gambling Day, observed on February 17, served as a focal point for renewed attention on player protection and compliance standards in the iGaming sector. According to Atlaslive, regulators and industry stakeholders across Latin America and Europe used the occasion to underline the importance of prevention measures, transparency requirements, and practical enforcement tools.

The company stated that strengthened compliance obligations across licensed markets reflect a growing consensus that player protection must remain central to industry development. In this context, Atlaslive framed growth and responsibility as interconnected elements of what it described as a sustainable iGaming ecosystem.

For users of online betting and gaming platforms, this regulatory focus translates into more structured oversight and clearer operational standards in jurisdictions where licensing frameworks are in place. The emphasis on prevention and enforceable safeguards signals that compliance expectations are becoming more detailed and measurable.

Compliance Embedded Directly Into Platform Architecture

Atlaslive reported that it incorporates responsible gaming controls directly into its platform design rather than treating them as add-on features. According to the company, compliance is embedded into the system architecture and operates automatically and consistently.

Among the measures referenced are configurable account limits, which allow operators to define parameters aligned with regulatory requirements, and integrations with established exclusion services. These tools are intended to support player autonomy while ensuring alignment with jurisdiction-specific rules.

The company stated that such safeguards reduce ambiguity and support transparent enforcement of regulatory standards. By operating at system level, the controls are designed to function continuously rather than relying solely on manual intervention.

For operators using platform providers, architecture-level compliance tools can be relevant in markets where regulatory authorities require demonstrable technical controls. Automated enforcement mechanisms and structured system settings can provide documented evidence that specific player protection measures are active.

Enhanced Verification and Automated Monitoring Becoming Standard

Atlaslive also pointed to a broader shift in the regulatory landscape. Enhanced verification systems and automated monitoring tools are described as becoming standard practice as compliance expectations evolve.

The company indicated that as safeguards become more sophisticated, they reinforce trust and create more stable operating conditions. In licensed environments, enhanced verification processes typically relate to confirming user identity and eligibility, while automated monitoring tools can be used to detect predefined risk indicators or enforce account-based restrictions.

Although the company did not provide technical specifications, it framed accountability as increasingly defined by measurable system controls and structured compliance mechanisms. This suggests a move toward quantifiable requirements rather than general policy statements.

For international users who compare betting platforms and payment options, the presence of embedded compliance systems may affect how operators can structure account limits, self-exclusion processes, and monitoring procedures. In regulated markets, such systems can influence how quickly and consistently protective measures are applied.

Industry Commitment Framed as Ongoing Responsibility

Anastasiia Poltavets, Chief Marketing Officer at Atlaslive, stated that Responsible Gambling Day is not intended as a one-day message but as a year-long commitment shared by operators, regulators, and technology providers.

The company positioned responsible play as a foundation for long-term industry stability rather than a secondary obligation. In its statement, Atlaslive linked structured compliance frameworks with the objective of maintaining gaming as a form of entertainment while reducing the risk of harm.

The emphasis on shared responsibility reflects the interaction between platform providers, licensed operators, and supervisory authorities. Technology suppliers that integrate compliance mechanisms at system level can play a role in how operators meet their regulatory duties.

While the company’s comments were tied specifically to Responsible Gambling Day, the measures described relate to ongoing regulatory developments in licensed markets across Latin America and Europe, where prevention tools, transparency, and enforceable standards are increasingly highlighted.

Our Assessment

Based on the information provided, Atlaslive used Responsible Gambling Day to underline its focus on embedded compliance systems and automated safeguards within its platform. The company referenced strengthened regulatory obligations in Latin America and Europe and described enhanced verification and monitoring tools as becoming standard practice. The significance of the announcement lies in its emphasis on architecture-level controls, configurable account limits, and integration with exclusion services as structured mechanisms to align operators with evolving regulatory requirements.

Anjouan Gaming License Surpasses 1,300 Active Permits – Cost Structure and Oversight Shape 2026 Market Position

Key Takeaways

Regulatory Update in 2023 Drives Adoption

The Anjouan gaming seal, issued from the Comoros Islands, has gained visibility in the iGaming sector following a regulatory update and streamlining process completed in 2023. According to Ron Mendelson, Director of Costa Rica based consultancy Fast Offshore, the revised framework has led to a sharp increase in uptake among operators.

As of 2026, local authorities in Anjouan oversee more than 1,300 active licenses. Licensed operators run thousands of websites globally under this framework. The seal applies to multiple verticals, including online casinos, sportsbooks, poker platforms, lotteries, esports betting, and crypto based gaming products. These activities are covered under a single umbrella permit.

For operators evaluating licensing options, the updated structure has positioned Anjouan as a lower cost alternative compared to jurisdictions such as Malta or the Isle of Man, according to the information provided.

Tax Structure and Cost Model

A central feature of the Anjouan regime is its tax model. The framework does not impose tax on gross gaming revenue. It also does not levy value added tax or corporate income tax. In addition, application and renewal costs are described as comparatively low.

This structure affects how operators allocate capital. Without gaming revenue tax or corporate income tax obligations in the jurisdiction, companies retain a larger share of operational revenue within the licensed entity. According to Mendelson, this allows operators to direct funds toward technology infrastructure, user interface development, marketing, and security systems.

For international operators active in volatile or emerging markets, the absence of local gaming and corporate taxation may influence jurisdictional selection. However, the license is not described as a tier 1 authorization.

Scope of Oversight and Compliance Requirements

Although positioned as a cost efficient option, the Anjouan seal includes compliance requirements. The framework requires certified random number generators to support fair play. Operators must implement anti money laundering controls, transaction monitoring systems, and responsible gaming tools.

Mandatory responsible gaming measures include deposit limits, timeouts, and self exclusion options. In addition, the licensing process includes due diligence checks on owners, directors, and key staff. Applicants must provide passports, proof of address, criminal clearances, and professional background documentation. Criminal background checks are part of the approval process.

Applicants must also submit a detailed business plan outlining offerings, target markets, and financial projections. Technical requirements include encryption standards and certified gaming systems. Anti money laundering and know your customer policies must be documented and implemented.

The process typically involves incorporating a company, often in Anjouan or another qualifying offshore jurisdiction, and opening a local bank account. According to the information provided, if documentation is complete, approval can be issued within weeks and in some cases within days.

Positioning in Global Markets

The Anjouan seal is described as aligned with international regulatory norms. This alignment is presented as enabling operators to target high growth regions across Latin America, Southeast Asia, parts of Europe, and Africa.

For operators serving cross border audiences, a single license covering multiple verticals can simplify operational structuring. The framework allows casino, sportsbook, and crypto gaming activities to operate under one authorization rather than requiring separate approvals for each product type.

For players, the presence of the Anjouan seal on a website is presented as an indicator that the operator is subject to regulatory oversight, audits, and compliance requirements. The framework includes monitoring of transactions and enforcement mechanisms designed to remove non compliant actors.

Application Process and Role of Intermediaries

The licensing process involves several structured steps. Applicants must incorporate a corporate entity, prepare and submit a business plan, provide personal and corporate documentation, and implement compliant technical and compliance systems.

Consultancy firms such as Fast Offshore support operators in preparing applications, incorporating entities, and managing ongoing compliance obligations. According to Mendelson, working with experienced intermediaries can reduce processing times if documentation is complete and meets technical specifications.

The framework is described as less bureaucratic than some established European jurisdictions, while still requiring documented compliance procedures and due diligence checks.

Our Assessment

The Anjouan gaming seal has expanded significantly since its 2023 regulatory update, with more than 1,300 active licenses reported in 2026. Its structure combines a multi vertical permit with a tax model that does not impose gross gaming revenue tax, VAT, or corporate income tax within the jurisdiction. At the same time, it requires certified gaming systems, anti money laundering controls, responsible gaming tools, and documented due diligence on key personnel. For international operators and users evaluating licensing credentials, the framework represents a regulated but non tier 1 option that emphasizes cost structure, processing speed, and formal compliance requirements under the supervision of Anjouan authorities.

France Introduces Framework for Monetizable Digital Object Games – New Rules Define Limits for Web3 Titles Without Cash Payouts

Key Takeaways

France Establishes a Legal Category for Monetizable Digital Object Games

France has introduced a dedicated regulatory framework for games that include what the national gambling authority defines as monetizable digital objects. The Autorité Nationale des Jeux, or ANJ, announced the new mechanism as part of a three-year pilot programme.

The framework targets games that operate between traditional video gaming and regulated gambling. These titles allow players to obtain digital assets such as NFTs or blockchain-based items that can be traded on secondary markets. However, they do not provide payouts in legal tender in the way licensed gambling products do.

The legal basis for the framework is the Security and Digital Space Regulation Act, known as the SREN Act, which was passed in May 2024. Under this legislation, France created a distinct legal category for online games that involve chance, financial stakes and resellable digital assets without cash payouts. This distinction separates such products from both conventional video games and fully licensed gambling offerings.

Scope: Blockchain Mechanics and Secondary Market Trading

The new rules directly affect blockchain-based gaming mechanics. Any game that enables players to acquire digital objects with monetary value through resale falls within the scope of the framework, provided that no legal tender payouts are offered.

This is particularly relevant for Web3-based gaming models in which in-game items are tokenized and transferable. The ability to trade these assets externally has been a defining feature of many blockchain projects. Under the French framework, this monetization element triggers regulatory oversight even if the operator does not distribute cash prizes.

For users of crypto-based gaming platforms, this means that certain titles previously operating in a regulatory grey area will now be subject to formal supervision in France. The classification hinges on the presence of chance, financial participation and the resale value of digital objects.

Operational Requirements: KYC, Limits and Reporting

Operators offering games under this new category must comply with several obligations. First, minors are not permitted to participate. Companies must therefore implement strict know your customer procedures with a focus on age verification.

Second, the framework introduces limits on the maximum value of digital rewards that a single player can receive during a defined period. Although these rewards can be monetized through secondary markets, they cannot be exchanged for cash directly through the game in the manner of licensed gambling products.

Third, responsible gambling measures are mandatory. Operators must provide tools such as play-time limits, spending limits and self-exclusion features. These requirements align the oversight of monetizable digital object games more closely with established gambling compliance standards.

In addition, companies must file a formal declaration with the ANJ before launching games that fall under the new regime in France. They are also required to maintain detailed activity logs and grant the regulator access provisions to track fund flows. This reporting structure enables ongoing supervision and potential scrutiny of how digital assets are distributed and traded.

Three-Year Pilot Programme Under the SREN Act

The framework has been introduced as a pilot programme lasting three years. During this period, the ANJ will oversee how the category functions in practice and how operators comply with the obligations.

By embedding the regime in the SREN Act, France has provided a statutory foundation rather than relying on informal guidance. The creation of a clearly defined legal category signals that the authorities view monetizable digital object games as distinct from both unregulated gaming and traditional gambling.

For international operators, the pilot structure indicates that the rules are operational but may be subject to evaluation over time. Any company targeting the French market with blockchain-based mechanics must assess whether its product falls within this new classification.

European Context: Belgium, the UK and Poland

France is described as the first jurisdiction to introduce a dedicated framework specifically overseeing monetizable digital object games. However, other European countries have also addressed similar products.

Belgium and the United Kingdom have enacted their own regulatory measures concerning such games. While the specific approaches differ, the existence of national rules in multiple jurisdictions shows that regulators are increasingly examining titles that combine elements of chance, financial participation and digital asset trading.

Poland is currently working on an amendment to its Gambling Act aimed at making the legislation more inclusive and comprehensive. This indicates that legislative developments in this area are ongoing within the European Union.

For operators and users of crypto-integrated gaming platforms, this broader European movement suggests a shift toward clearer legal definitions and supervisory mechanisms for Web3-related gaming models.

Our Assessment

France has formally defined and regulated a category of games that involve chance, financial stakes and resellable digital assets without cash payouts. The framework, introduced as a three-year pilot under the SREN Act, imposes KYC requirements, responsible gambling tools, reward limits and reporting obligations, while excluding minors. In a European environment where Belgium, the UK and Poland are also addressing similar products, the French model establishes a structured approach to supervising blockchain-based games that monetize digital objects through secondary markets.