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Ireland’s New Gambling Regulator to Begin Work on Phased Basis Next Year
Ireland’s new gambling regulator is likely to begin overseeing betting businesses in the Republic midway through next year, industry figures predict.
President Micheal D Higgins recently signed the new Gambling Regulation Act, which overhauls licensing and creates a new authority to govern betting firms, into law. Industry figures forecast that the new regime should begin operating midway through next year, a key point for many businesses as they will have to renew online betting licences by that time.
Government also has to pass several milestones before the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland can start functioning, including appointing the seven people the body requires.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee appointed senior civil servant Anne Marie Caulfield as chief executive designate of the authority in summer 2022. Her office has 11 staff. According to the Department of Justice, the State’s Public Appointments Service will shortly begin recruiting the authority’s seven members.
The Minister will appoint the candidates the service recommends.
The department could not say when the authority would start regulating but noted this would happen in a phased “timely manner” after its establishment.
Jack Chambers, Minister for Finance, earmarked €9.1 million for the authority next year in this month’s budget. That includes €4 million for technology.
Ms Caulfield wrote to industry organisations last week confirming that her organisation would begin its work on a “phased basis” but pointing out that it has already completed many preparations. In a statement she said that the authority was committed to keeping the industry fully informed so businesses can “plan for the new regulatory regime”.
Meanwhile, the Public Service Appointments Service last week advertised for someone to head the authority’s social fund. Under the new law’s provisions, betting businesses will contribute to this fund which the authority will use to tackle problem gambling.
Betting businesses regard the fund’s establishment as one of the key steps towards establishing the new regime.
Alongside that, they say that the authority will also have to set up its new licensing system. The law demands that all gambling businesses operating in the Republic be licensed and makes it a criminal offence to operate without a proper permit.
Lawyers at Arthur Cox recently noted that current permits are preserved until licensing sections of the act come into force. Existing high street and online bookies’ licences will have a run-off period, but lawyers said that how this would work in practice depended on how the regulator developed the new system.
Betting businesses are keen that the authority works on a national self-exclusion register for customers who voluntarily ask bookmakers not to take their bets. Currently, most individual bookies have systems where customers who fear they have a problem, or are at risk, can exclude themselves in this way.
The post Ireland’s New Gambling Regulator to Begin Work on Phased Basis Next Year appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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ThrillTech powers Paf with bespoke, player-funded jackpot solution
New partnership will drive revenue and monetisation across Paf’s gaming ecosystem through bespoke side-bet mechanic
Nordic-based gaming operator Paf has partnered with ThrillTech, the specialist B2B provider of licensed, player-funded jackpot mechanics, to launch its innovative side-bet jackpot products across Paf’s gaming portfolio.
The integration will see ThrillPots™ deployed across key verticals, enabling Paf to deliver engaging, compliance-led jackpot experiences designed to increase session value, drive incremental GGR and boost monetisation—without disrupting existing revenue streams.
Unlike traditional jackpots, ThrillTech’s products are fully licensed and funded directly by players via opt-in side bets, giving operators access to new revenue opportunities while maintaining regulatory standards. The rollout was achieved through a seamless technical integration and will be made available across multiple markets, including Finland, Sweden and Estonia.
“This partnership with Paf is a milestone moment for ThrillTech,” said Faye Williams, Head of Business Development at ThrillTech. “Paf is one of the most respected operators in the Nordics and their focus on social responsibility makes them an ideal partner for our licensed jackpot ecosystem. We’re thrilled to bring our customisable side-bet jackpots to their players.”
ThrillTech’s flagship jackpot products serve complementary purposes: For example, ThrillPots™ drives incremental monetisation through pooled side-bet mechanics, while ThrillDrops™ delivers real-time, rule-based rewards that enhance engagement.
Kim Johansson, Chief Gaming Officer of Paf, added: “ThrillTech’s jackpot mechanics offer a fresh and modern take on how to create value for both players and operators. We’re excited to be able to offer this concept to our players and to further explore the possibilities of bespoke jackpot campaigns.”
Founded in 1966, Paf is a licensed operator known for its commitment to responsible gaming, community reinvestment, and innovation in regulated markets.
The addition of ThrillTech’s jackpots further enhances Paf’s platform with tools that support sustainable growth and player-friendly features.
The post ThrillTech powers Paf with bespoke, player-funded jackpot solution appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Open banking fintech Yaspa names Chris Lowe as CFO to accelerate growth trajectory
Award-winning open banking fintech Yaspa has named Chris Lowe as its new Chief Financial Officer.
Lowe brings more than a decade of experience to the position, with a proven record of helping growth-stage companies scale at speed via a blend of core finance leadership and strategic roles.
Yaspa is an award-winning fintech providing instant payments and identity services, using open banking and AI to help iGaming platforms build trust through smarter payments. Headquartered in London, Yaspa works with partners in the UK and Ireland and across Europe.
Lowe, a qualified chartered accountant, has been working as fractional CFO for Yaspa since October 2024 through his position as Chief Strategy Officer at Irish finance consultancy Fitzgerald Power. He is now joining Yaspa full-time to help accelerate the company’s growth trajectory, with imminent plans to expand into new geographic regions and industry sectors.
Lowe’s expertise in financial modelling and fund raising has helped previous clients grow from start up, to scale up and beyond; his appointment comes as Yaspa enters a critical stage in its evolution.
Lowe said: “It’s a hugely exciting time to join Yaspa on its growth journey. I’m energised by companies at this stage, where things are moving fast and the market opportunity is clear with strong tailwinds. I thrive on bringing clarity to complexity through the numbers, helping to chart a confident course through dynamic conditions, and I’m looking forward to building closer relationships with the talented growing team.”
Yaspa CEO James Neville said: “Chris has already made a significant impact during his time as fractional CFO, helping us sharpen our financial strategy as we prepare for our next phase of growth.
“His experience scaling fast-moving businesses and navigating complex financial environments makes him the ideal person to lead Yaspa’s finance function full-time. We’re delighted to have him on board as we expand into new markets and continue building a category-defining business.”
The post Open banking fintech Yaspa names Chris Lowe as CFO to accelerate growth trajectory appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Playzia Turns Up the Heat with the Launch of Love Island – Love in a Spin Online Slot
Playzia is set for a summer of love with the highly anticipated release of its latest online slot, Love Island – Love in a Spin. Developed under an exclusive three-year licensing deal with Zoo 55, part of ITV Studios, creator, producer and distributor of world-leading programmes, this brand-new online slot game combines iconic reality TV with cutting-edge slot mechanics.
Timed to align with the 2025 summer season of the Love Island TV show – co-produced by Lifted Entertainment, part of ITV Studios, and Motion Entertainment, a WPP Media Company – and set within a sleek Mediterranean villa that perfectly mirrors the glamour and excitement of the Love Island world, Love in a Spin is a five-reel igaming slot with 243 ways to win and a maximum win potential of 10,250x the player’s stake.
Built for high engagement and rewarding gameplay, Love Island – Love in a Spin offers multiple return-to-player (RTP) configurations at 96%, 94%, 92%, and 85%, high volatility and a maximum win potential of 10,250 x the player’s stake.
Be the star of the show: Create your Islander
For the first time in an online slot game, the player takes centre stage. In Love Island – Love in a Spin, each player creates and customises their very own Islander, selecting body type, hairstyle, and the ultimate Love Island look. This personalised avatar doesn’t just appear in the background: it takes the spotlight.
The player’s custom Islander enters the reels as a towering Giant Symbol that also functions as a powerful Wild, covering entire reels and significantly boosting win potential. If the custom Islander lands on reel one and is matched with a potential partner on reel five, sparks fly and the Free Spins feature is activated, intensifying the drama.
Once the feature begins, the player’s Islander becomes a sticky Wild, locking into position for the duration of the bonus round. With every spin, the Islander can gain an additional multiplier of 2x, 3x, or even 5x.
Better still, the free spins feature can be re-triggered an unlimited number of times. Additional giant symbols landing on the middle reels also become sticky, creating ongoing excitement and reward throughout the feature. For players eager to jump straight into the action, the Bonus Buy (territory dependent) feature allows them to purchase instant access to the free spins round.
Step into the villa world: A truly immersive experience
The visual and audio design of Love in a Spin is unmistakably Love Island. Familiar icons like champagne bottles, neon hearts, flip-flops, sunglasses, and the signature white suitcases are all present, along with the “I’ve got a text!” smartphone symbol that resonates deeply with fans of the series. The game also incorporates Love Island vibe elements, including music and sound effects.
Steve Watling, SVP Gaming, Zoo 55, said: “Both Playzia and ITV Studios teams are so excited to be launching these games at iGB L!VE. We have been ‘grafting’ to get the games ready for launch and Love in a Spin marks the beginning of a broader rollout of Love Island-themed games from Playzia. This summer will also see the release of two other titles: Love Island – Instant Match, a Plinko-style instant win game, and Love Island – Love Bus, a high-stakes crash game where timing is everything. Watch this space…”
iGB L!VE 2025 – Visit the Villa at Stand S74
Playzia is bringing the island energy to iGB L!VE 2025 with a full Love Island-themed stand at Stand S74.
Visitors can meet the Playzia team to discuss partnerships, explore the product roadmap, and get hands-on with new releases including Love in a Spin, Instant Match, and Love Bus. Attendees will also be able to demo upcoming unreleased titles such as Lucky Aces, Fortune Dragon Riches, and Playzia Wheel.
To enhance the booth experience, Playzia is hosting a prize spinner with exclusive branded merchandise, Islander-signed goodies, and an Apple Watch prize draw. A full-service bar will provide complimentary cocktails, coffee, wine, and more, while a custom photo zone gives attendees the chance to snap photos with villa-style props and surprise appearances from Islanders.
The game launches worldwide today, June 26, 2025. Attendees of iGB L!VE 2025 can experience it live and up close at Stand S74.
The post Playzia Turns Up the Heat with the Launch of Love Island – Love in a Spin Online Slot appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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