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SIA Player Media: Latvia’s Path to Safer Gambling: The Nation’s Success in Eradicating Illegal Online Gambling
SIA Player Media: As Latvia’s legal online betting and gambling market continues to flourish, industry experts predict a substantial gross profit of €172 million by 2025. The growth trend is already evident, with the market achieving €109 million in gross winnings in 2021 alone, representing an annual growth rate of 26% over the past three years. However, amidst this prosperity, a formidable challenge persists: the encroachment of illegal gambling sites.
Unveiling the Hidden Menace: The Surge of Illegal Online Gambling
Illicit online gambling sites have surreptitiously carved out much of Latvia’s gambling market. In 2021, these unregulated platforms raked approximately €33 million, undermining the legal sector’s revenue potential. The gravity of the situation becomes even more apparent when considering the impact on the state budget, which foregoes an estimated €3 million in tax revenue annually. If properly harnessed, these funds could bolster public services and support the nation’s development.
Government Takes Aim: Enforcing Stricter Regulations
Despite the challenges of illegal gambling, the future outlook is optimistic. Latvian authorities are steadfastly implementing stringent regulations to combat this burgeoning issue. The Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Authority, the apex regulatory body overseeing the gambling industry, wields the power to suspend licenses of any gambling organization in Latvia. This encompasses gambling operators, lottery organizers, gambling machine providers, and venue owners. Noncompliance with regulations can result in severe penalties, including license revocation and the restriction of business operations.
Empowering the Regulator: The Role of the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Authority
The Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Authority plays a pivotal role in shaping the gambling landscape in Latvia. In addition to overseeing and controlling gambling and lottery organizers, the authority fulfills several crucial functions. These include:
- developing regulatory enactments,
- maintaining a comprehensive accounting and statistical analysis system,
- registering gambling machines and equipment,
- providing critical information to facilitate the administration of gambling and lottery taxes.
Moreover, the authority ensures the smooth operation of the unified gaming machine control system, employs online data exchange with gambling organizers for robust monitoring and manages the self-restricted persons register.
A Triumph Over Illicit Gambling: Collaborative Measures and Optimistic Projections
The Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Authority stands against illegal online gambling, spearheading efforts to eliminate this menace from Latvia’s digital landscape. By enacting new laws and regulations, the authority aims to foster a healthier and more accountable online kazino market. Notably, the regulator is not alone in this battle. Banks actively block payments to illegal gambling companies and foreign casino IP addresses and impose fines on locals participating in illicit gambling activities. As a result, Latvia is witnessing a triumph over unlawful online gambling, and future projections are decidedly optimistic for the betting and gambling market.
Embracing a future of regulated and responsible online gambling, Latvia utilizes its thriving industry’s full potential while safeguarding its citizens’ interests and the integrity of its economy.
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GGPoker Launches Online Poker Millionaires – A New Docuseries Showcasing The High-Stakes Online Poker World Of GGPoker
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Online Poker Millionaires Episode 1 to premiere on GGPoker’s YouTube channel this Wednesday, November 12
GGPoker, the World’s Biggest Poker Room, is excited to launch Online Poker Millionaires, a new docuseries that takes viewers inside the world of high-stakes online poker. The series trailer will go live on GGPoker’s official YouTube channel on Monday, November 10, with Episode 1 featuring Alex Theologis made available on Wednesday, November 12.
Series Description
Online Poker Millionaires is produced in association with POKERfilms and reveals how the game’s most dedicated players turn a laptop, ambition, and discipline into real financial success. Online poker isn’t just a game – for some, it can be a path to financial success, where real money and real careers are built at GGPoker.
Each episode follows a different high-stakes player, uncovering the mindset, routines, and drive required to compete for life-changing prizes from behind the screen. The debut episode features Alex Theologis – a GGMillion$ and WSOP champion with over $9 million in GGPoker tournament earnings – offering an unfiltered look at the grind, preparation, and passion that define one of online poker’s most respected professionals.
Launch Week Schedule
- Monday, November 10 at 17:00 UTC | 12:00 EST: Official Trailer Launch on GGPoker’s YouTube Channel: YouTube.com/@GGPoker
- Tuesday, November 11: GGMillion$ live broadcast – Alex Theologis joins Jeff Gross as guest commentator at 18:15 UTC
- Wednesday, November 12 at 17:00 UTC | 12:00 EST: Online Poker Millionaires Episode 1 Premiere exclusively on GGPoker’s YouTube Channel
- Thursday, November 13: Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) with Alex Theologis on r/poker, discussing the making of the episode and his online poker journey
“Online poker let me build a life I never thought was possible when I started out,” said Alex Theologis, online poker professional. “It’s tough sometimes, but I wouldn’t trade this job for anything. I just want people who watch Online Poker Millionaires to get a real, honest look at what it means to be a professional player.”
Mike Bailey, Director of Online Poker Millionaires, added: “When GGPoker approached me to create Online Poker Millionaires, I felt empowered; I wanted to show viewers the real people living real lives behind the monitors. These high-stakes pros may not care for the limelight, but I felt it was important to be able to highlight the talent and dedication that goes on behind closed doors on a daily basis.”
To be ready to catch every moment of the upcoming Online Poker Millionaires, please subscribe to GGPoker’s official YouTube channel at GGPoker.TV.
The post GGPoker Launches Online Poker Millionaires – A New Docuseries Showcasing The High-Stakes Online Poker World Of GGPoker appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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19 Nations Set to Compete in MLBB at The World Esports Championships 2025 in Malaysia
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The International Esports Federation (IESF) proudly announces the 19 nations set to compete in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) at the 16th World Esports Championships (WEC25), hosted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
This year’s MLBB competitions will see teams from Egypt, South Africa, Dominican Republic, Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Iran, Türkiye, Belarus, Romania, Uzbekistan, and host nation Malaysia come together in the spirit of unity, passion, and competition.
From South America to Central Asia, and from Europe to Southeast Asia, the World Esports family will once again gather under one banner, celebrating the values that define the IESF: inclusivity, integrity, and the joy of play.
“Each year, the World Esports Championships bring together athletes and fans who share the same dream, to connect, to compete, and to grow,” said Boban Totovski, IESF General Secretary. “We’re proud to see Mobile Legends: Bang Bang continue to bridge cultures and inspire players around the world. Malaysia will be an incredible stage for this year’s competition.”
The WEC25 MLBB tournament will shine a spotlight on both rising stars and champions, with every nation bringing its own story, its own energy, and its own pride to the world stage.
As the host country, Malaysia is ready to welcome the world with open arms, offering a unique blend of culture, passionate fans, and an esports scene that continues to grow year after year. WEC25 will once again prove that esports is more than a game, it’s a moment where nations unite, athletes rise, and communities grow stronger together.
The post 19 Nations Set to Compete in MLBB at The World Esports Championships 2025 in Malaysia appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Sterling Lotteries selects Yaspa as its primary open banking payments partner
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Yaspa, the award-winning Pay by Bank fintech, today announced a new partnership with Sterling Lotteries, the UK’s market-leading External Lottery Manager (ELM). Sterling has selected Yaspa as its primary open banking payments provider for prize-led fundraising, enabling faster, safer, and more efficient supporter payments across its charity lottery programmes.
Sterling powers weekly lotteries and raffles for 800+ UK charities, from local organisations to national causes. By integrating Yaspa, Sterling can offer a streamlined Pay by Bank experience that confirms entries in real-time, reduces processing costs, and strengthens fraud protection, thereby freeing up more funds for impact.
Yaspa’s Head of Commercial, Amie Kadhim, said: “Sterling sets a high bar for reliability, security, and supporter experience. We’re proud to power their next chapter with instant bank payments that help charities move faster, enhance engagement, and achieve more with every donation.”
The partnership aligns with Sterling’s ongoing modernisation of the charity lottery model, bringing the convenience supporters expect, while improving cashflow and operational efficiency for fundraising teams. Entry confirmation is immediate and funds settle instantly, helping charities plan with confidence and reduce admin overheads.
Richard Dixon, Managing Director at Sterling, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Yaspa to deliver an open banking solution that represents a true sector-first innovation. From the outset, it was clear that Yaspa shares Sterling’s vision for using technology to drive meaningful change in the charity lottery space. Open banking has transformed retail and financial services and now we’re bringing that same innovation to fundraising. It’s faster, more secure, and significantly more cost-effective for charities. By harnessing open banking, we offer charities a bold, efficient, and future-proof way to engage supporters, especially digital-first donors who expect a seamless experience.”
Key benefits for Sterling and its charity partners include:
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Instant payment settlement and immediate entry confirmation
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Lower processing costs compared with traditional methods i.e. debit and credit cards
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Reduced fraud and chargeback risk, utilising bank-grade security
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A smoother, mobile-first, user journey for supporters
The post Sterling Lotteries selects Yaspa as its primary open banking payments partner appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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