Global Casino Licensing Expansions Accelerate

Key Takeaways

• Ontario's iGaming market welcomes new operator absolutebet, enhancing competition and player options in Canada's regulated digital landscape.
• UK Gambling Commission enforces stricter remote technical standards, bolstering responsible gambling protections across European operations.
• Malta Gaming Authority refines 2025 oversight framework, prioritizing sports integrity and ESG compliance for emerging operators.
• Australian regulators intensify offshore casino blocks, signaling tighter controls on market entry amid rising online activity.

absolutebet Secures Ontario i Gaming License for December Launch

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) granted a new iGaming operator certificate to absolutebet on September 5, 2025, enabling the platform's entry into Canada's largest regulated online gambling market. Backed by a consortium of European gaming veterans with over a decade in licensed jurisdictions, absolutebet positions itself as a mid-tier entrant focusing on diverse slots and live dealer experiences, compliant with iGaming Ontario's (iGO) stringent standards. The approval follows rigorous assessments of financial stability, AML protocols, and responsible gambling integrations, including mandatory self-exclusion tools via the BetStop national register.

This milestone expands Ontario's operator pool to over 50, intensifying rivalry among established players like Bet MGM and fresh entrants. With a projected Q4 2025 launch, absolutebet aims to capture 2-3% market share in the first year, leveraging localized payment gateways and geo-fenced access. For players, it promises enhanced choice and faster payouts; regulators gain bolstered oversight through iGO's centralized monitoring. Stakeholders anticipate accelerated innovation in player protection, as absolutebet commits to ESG-aligned reporting, reflecting broader trends in North American digital casino maturation.

Source: iGaming Ontario / Casino.ca

UKGC Mandates Enhanced Remote Gambling Standards

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) implemented updated Remote Gambling and Software Technical Standards (RTS) on September 17, 2025, requiring operators to adopt real-time net spend tracking and session time displays by February 2025. These measures, stemming from the 2023 consultation, target all remote casino licensees under the Gambling Act 2005, including those serving international audiences from UK bases. Ownership structures must now integrate these via core platforms, with non-compliance risking license revocation—a framework enforced across more than 1,200 active remote operators.

The changes address rising concerns over vulnerable player exposure in competitive markets like the UK and Gibraltar, where remote GGR exceeds £5 billion annually. By mandating frictionless deposit limits (£150 monthly threshold) and peer-reviewed audits, the UKGC fosters a safer ecosystem, potentially reducing harm incidents by 15-20% per industry forecasts. Players benefit from transparent tools curbing overspend; regulators streamline enforcement via automated compliance dashboards. For new entrants, this elevates entry barriers but aligns with EU-wide trends, encouraging partnerships with certified tech providers like Evolution for seamless integration.

Source: UK Gambling Commission

MGA Advances 2025 Supervisory Framework for Operators

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) unveiled its refined regulatory policy on September 18, 2025, emphasizing proactive risk assessments and ESG integration for all B2C casino licensees. This update, building on the 2023 Annual Report, mandates enhanced sports betting integrity checks and player protection audits for operators under the Gaming Act, with approvals now requiring demonstrated AML resilience. As a hub for over 300 global firms, Malta's framework supports diverse ownership models, ranging from independent startups to conglomerates like the Kindred Group.

Amid a 12% GDP contribution from iGaming, these enhancements curb illicit activities while facilitating market access for newcomers via streamlined DLT approvals for crypto-enabled platforms. Launch timelines shorten to 6-9 months for compliant applicants, with forensic data mirroring in Malta ensuring traceability. Implications include a fortified trust for players through certified harm minimization tools, enabling regulators to achieve 95% compliance rates through data-driven interventions. Industry observers note this position puts Malta competitively against Gibraltar, driving sustainable growth in emerging EU markets.

Source: Malta Gaming Authority

Australian ACMA Escalates Offshore Casino Restrictions

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) blocked 75 unauthorized online casino sites on September 19, 2025, under the Interactive Gambling Act 2005, targeting operators evading local prohibitions on real-money slots and tables. This wave, part of a 165% turnover surge to AUD 75.4 million in 2022-23 data, underscores enforcement against offshore entities lacking Australian licenses, with fines up to AUD 1.1 million per violation. No new domestic approvals emerged, as federal law restricts entry to licensed sportsbooks only.

In a landscape where per capita online spend hits AUD 397, this reinforces geographic barriers, compelling global operators to pivot via compliant B2B models or social casinos. Players face fewer unregulated options but gain from BetStop's 35,000+ exclusions, enhancing harm prevention. Regulators fortify digital borders with ISP mandates; stakeholders see potential for provincial reforms mirroring Ontario, though federal rigidity persists. This development highlights Australia's dual role: as a high-potential market, it demands rigorous compliance for any future expansions.

Source: ACMA / Queensland Treasury