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Google to Help Russia Block Online Gaming Sites
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As a country, Russia has some of the strictest guidelines in the world for the regulation of access to online casino sites. Any online gambling sites that are unwilling to comply with the licensing regulations set forth by the Russian government will not be given access to Russian players. Currently, major sites like 888, Bet365, Betfair, Betfred, Ladbrokes, Unibet and William Hill are all blocked.
To enforce its policies, the Russian government has enlisted the services of telecom watchdog Roskomnadzor. As part of that company’s strategy to keep unwanted online casino operators from having access to Russian players, the company is continually putting pressure on worldwide search engine Google to use its filters to block said sites from being listed within Russia’s domain. To date, Roskomnadzor has blocked as many as 14,500 sites without any assistance from the search engine giant. Many of these sites are currently listed at www.choicecasinos.com.
In what industry experts call a surprise move, Google has finally relented and decided to help the Russian regulator do its job of blocking unlicensed websites from popping up on any search results related to online gambling. The move came after Google was assessed a $7,500 fine for not complying with prior requests for help. It’s interesting to note the size of this fine is well below the maximum amount that could have been assessed based on Russian guidelines.
This surprise move comes outside the scope of the normal mode of operation for Google. The company has always been far more likely to refuse to pay said fines and instead, seek relief from the appropriate court system. While the size of this fine might seem irrelevant to a company Google’s size and stature, it’s the cowering to foreign governments that have always spurred Google to fight back. Then again, Google may have decided to comply at this time because of recent threats by the Russian government to assess fines of up to 1% of annual gross revenues on tech giants who ignore its ruling. In Google’s case, that amount would have been around $6.4 million, based on its earnings in Russia in 2017 and probably high in 2018.
When asked why he felt Google agreed without pushback, Doskomnadzor’s deputy chief Vadim Subbotin stated, “If we come to a dead end … the state makes changes to the law, and for the non-execution of Russian laws the most severe punishment is possible – such as blocking.” It would be unfathomable to think that a company with Google’s stature would be blocked from operating in any industrial country.
Going forward, Russia’s federal state information system (FGIS) will be charged with making sure Google does as requested and blocks any unwanted online gambling sites from appearing. The FGIS provides a database of all known gambling sites that can be automatically cross-referenced to anything that might show up in relevant search results.
There is a possibility this could set precedent. It will be interesting to see if other countries might try to use similar tactics to try to strong-arm Google into blocking various search results as requested.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Google to Help Russia Block Online Gaming Sites

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Drafted.gg Achieves ESIC Gold Standard Accreditation, Joining a Distinguished List of Esports Betting Content Providers
The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) today admits Drafted.gg into the ESIC Gold Standard accreditation following an extensive on-site audit. This prestigious recognition underscores Drafted.gg’s unwavering commitment to integrity, fair play, and robust security measures in esports.
The ESIC Gold Standard for esports betting products represents one of the highest bars in esports betting product compliance and integrity best practices. Fewer than a handful of organizations worldwide have demonstrated the advanced operational protocols, thorough oversight mechanisms, and consistent ethical standards necessary to pass the stringent requirements set by ESIC.
Achieving this level of accreditation signals an organization’s excellence in safeguarding against corruption, match manipulation, and unethical practices—all of which are critical to the continued growth and credibility of esports.
The comprehensive audit evaluated key areas essential to maintaining a fair and secure competitive environment. These areas included physical security, CCTV monitoring, communication device restrictions, referee oversight, and overall compliance with ESIC’s rigorous integrity program. Over the course of the audit, Drafted.gg demonstrated exceptional diligence, meticulous record-keeping, and a forward-thinking approach to maintaining the highest standards of transparency and fair play.
“Drafted.gg joins an elite circle of esports organizations that meet the exceptionally high bar of ESIC Gold Standard compliance,” said Ian Smith, Commissioner of ESIC. “Their rigorous approach to operational integrity meets the benchmark for best practices in esports. We welcome them into the ESIC Gold Standard for Betting Products category.”
The ESIC Gold Standard accreditation highlights Drafted.gg’s robust systems for upholding best practices within esports. From comprehensive background checks and secure access controls to high-quality production techniques, Drafted.gg exemplifies what is possible when an organization aligns every aspect of its operations with the principles of fair competition and ethical conduct. This accreditation also reinforces the integrity of Drafted.gg’s esports content—made available to operators through its partnership with Oddin.gg—helping sportsbooks access compliant, high-quality content for esports betting.
A representative from Drafted.gg remarked: “The entire management team at Drafted.gg is excited about this milestone, as passing ESIC’s Gold Standard audit validates the rigorous integrity measures built into Drafted.gg from day one. From match oversight to data security, Drafted.gg’s operations are designed to meet the highest standards in compliance. This accreditation is not just a milestone—it’s a statement of the company’s ongoing commitment to fair competition and trust in esports.”
The post Drafted.gg Achieves ESIC Gold Standard Accreditation, Joining a Distinguished List of Esports Betting Content Providers appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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FBM Foundation brings hope, joy and essential aid to National Children’s Hospital
Bringing hope, joy and essential resources to children and families in need was the main purpose behind the FBM Foundation’s last initiative, in partnership with the National Children’s Hospital and Malasakit Center, on March 10th.
The social responsibility project of the FBM Group hosted a donation campaign delivering toys, school supplies, grocery essentials and critical medical equipment to improve the hospital’s services and bring comfort and joy to over 100 families.
The FBM Foundation aimed to make a meaningful impact on the operations of the National Children’s Hospital and the well-being of its patients. In response, employees from NTT and MEMO generously donated toys, art supplies, school supplies, baby wipes, clothing, and diapers. These contributions brought comfort and joy to young patients undergoing treatment at the hospital.
With the participation of 12 committed volunteers, this initiative counted with the direct involvement of Pepe Costa, FBM Foundation Representative, along with the celebrities Papa Jackson, Giselle Sanchez, and Daniel Matsunaga, who invested their time to bring a different enthusiasm to the day of these children.
Beyond the meaningful gifts, the FBM Foundation also provided critical medical equipment and supplies, such as gauze pads, underpads, wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, ECG machines, infusion pumps, nebulizers, and a vein locator apparatus. To complete the efforts of this donation campaign, the project delivered grocery essentials to 100 families facing medical challenges, offering much-needed support during difficult times.
Part of this initiative was possible by the funds raised from the Keepy-Uppy Charity Challenge during ICE Barcelona 2025. FBMDS not only showcased its latest iGaming innovations at the tradeshow but also turned visitor engagement into a tangible real-world impact. The Keepy-Uppy Charity Challenge successfully transformed participation into crucial donations, directly supporting vulnerable individuals through this important project at the National Children’s Hospital.
By combining the effects of these solidarity gestures, the FBM Foundation expects to improve the patient’s health care and enhance the hospital’s medical services. This initiative stands as a testament to the power of collective compassion by joining the dedication of 12 committed volunteers to the unwavering support of the FBM Foundation partners.
FBM Foundation continues its mission to create a lasting impact by promoting growth and well-being in communities around the world. Visit fbmfoundation.org to learn how you can help the project make a difference.
The post FBM Foundation brings hope, joy and essential aid to National Children’s Hospital appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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London Waterfront Experience unveiled for iGB L!VE
iGB L!VE organisers have unveiled designs illustrating the stunning new waterfront social and business networking feature which will be launched at July’s edition, the first to be held in London.
Situated adjacent to the historic Royal Docks, the London Waterfront Experience will involve an iGB L!VE take-over of the Waterfront Street Kitchen and Bar part of ExCeL’s ‘Immerse LDN’ Dock Edge entertainment district. It will include a series of entertainment activations including a centrepiece barge which will be moored at the edge of the dock.
Heralding the exciting new feature which represents a celebration of iGB L!VE’s relocation to London, Global Portfolio Director Naomi Barton said: “ With London’s July sun shining and temperatures reaching the mid-twenties, iGB L!VE’s Waterfront Experience will serve as a dynamic networking and social space. Open throughout the show it will provide a vibrant London-inspired ‘twist’ on the social and business opportunities that the industry loves about iGB L!VE.”
She added: “The London Waterfront Experience will enhance iGB L!VE’s unique chemistry and help deliver another world class event with all elements of the igaming industry ecosystem coming together in a city which is widely regarded as being the heart of the igaming industry.
“iGB L!VE 2025 will deliver unparalleled business opportunities with attendees having free access to the sector’s most influential brands and igaming professionals, occupying over 22,000 sqm of cutting-edge innovation and inspiration.”
iGB L!VE’s relocation to London will enable the event brand to continue its upward trajectory and achieve an ambitious four-year plan targeting 30,000 visitors and 550+ exhibitors/sponsors by 2028.
The post London Waterfront Experience unveiled for iGB L!VE appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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