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    Leadstar Media: Finland’s affiliate ban may put player safety at risk

    Leadstar Media: Finland’s affiliate ban may put player safety at risk

    Leadstar Media has warned that Finland's proposed ban on affiliate marketing under its incoming licensing regime could ultimately compromise player safety. As the country prepares to dismantle Veikkaus' monopoly ahead of a 2027 launch, more than 50 companies have registered licensing interest, with 18 already cleared by the National Police Board. Stakeholders caution that restricting regulated affiliates risks driving traffic to unlicensed operators.

    Summary based on reporting by SBC News, which retains all rights to its text and images.

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    Dutch gambling regulator launches youth campaigns amid VNLOK-Meta dispute

    The Dutch Gambling Authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has launched two new educational campaigns aimed at mitigating the impact of gambling advertising and gambling-related harm on young people. The initiative arrives as the Dutch government pushes for a complete ban on gambling advertising amid a broader regulatory overhaul. The rollout also coincides with an ongoing dispute between Dutch gambling association VNLOK and Meta.

    Court restarts bidding for South Africa lottery licence

    The High Court of South Africa has set aside the decision to award the Fourth National Lottery licence to Sizekhaya Holdings, reopening the tender process. Sizekhaya, which is majority owned by Goldrush Holdings, had previously assumed operational control from incumbent operator Ithuba. The court ruling follows a successful legal challenge brought by Ithuba to contest the award process.

    Malta waters down Recognition Notice reforms despite medium-high money-laundering risk rating

    The Malta Gaming Authority has softened planned reforms to its Recognition Notice regime following pushback from the gaming industry. The framework, which permits foreign-licensed operators to base operations in Malta, was previously designated as a medium-high money-laundering risk in national assessments. Implementing firmer regulatory oversight on these entities is now expected to require new legislation.

    Illegal gambling users seven times more likely to show problem gambling behavior, UKGC finds

    Illegal gambling users seven times more likely to show problem gambling behavior, UKGC finds

    A UK Gambling Commission study has revealed that consumers using illegal betting websites are more than seven times as likely to exhibit problem gambling behaviors compared to those using licensed operators. The research found that 45% of black-market users scored eight or higher on the Problem Gambling Severity Index, compared to just 6% of customers on licensed platforms.

    Senators question Kalshi, Polymarket over election betting manipulation and insider trading risks

    Senators question Kalshi, Polymarket over election betting manipulation and insider trading risks

    U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and John Curtis have sent a bipartisan inquiry to prediction market operators Kalshi and Polymarket regarding potential insider trading and election manipulation risks. The lawmakers requested detailed information on existing oversight measures and operational safeguards designed to detect and prevent improper trading activity.