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AUSTRAC Takes Ladbrokes and Neds’ Operator – Entain – to Federal Court Over Serious Non-compliance with Australia’s Money Laundering Laws

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AUSTRAC commenced civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court against Entain Group Pty Ltd (Entain), which operates online betting sites including Ladbrokes, Neds and other online betting brands. The proceedings allege serious and systemic non-compliance with Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws.

AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas said the agency considers there were systemic failures in Entain’s approach to its AML/CTF obligations.

“AUSTRAC’s proceedings allege that Entain did not develop and maintain a compliant anti-money laundering program and failed to identify and assess the risks it faced. We are alleging this left the company at serious risk of criminal exploitation.

“Money laundering is often a symptom of serious criminal activity, including fraud, scams and corruption, all of which have equally serious effects on our communities,” he said.

AUSTRAC’s allegations include that:

• Entain’s board and senior management did not have appropriate oversight of its AML/CTF program, which limited its ability to identify the ML/TF risks it faced and its vulnerability to criminal exploitation.

• Entain operated a 24/7 business through its website and app, which created risks that persons unknown to Entain could access and use Entain’s betting platform including through third party providers.

• Third parties, including businesses and individuals, accepted cash and other deposits on behalf of Entain to be credited into betting accounts in ways that could obscure the proceeds of crime. Cash is less transparent than other forms of money and is at higher risk of being the proceeds of crime.

• Entain did not have appropriate controls to confirm the identity of customers making these deposits and the source of this money.

• Entain did not conduct appropriate checks on 17 higher risk customers, including examples where Entain did not appropriately deal with the risk that its online betting sites were being exploited by criminals to spend the proceeds of serious crime. This includes allegations that Entain deliberately obscured the identity of some high risk customers, on its own systems, through the use of pseudonyms to “protect their privacy”.

“This is the first time AUSTRAC has brought civil penalty proceedings against businesses operating in the online betting sector, and the Australian arm of Entain is part of one of the world’s largest sports betting and gaming groups,” Mr Thomas said.

“The online betting sector, and all other businesses regulated by AUSTRAC, must take their AML/CTF obligations seriously. This includes ensuring they have appropriate procedures to know who their customer is, even when they rely on third parties to process transactions.”

The action taken is part of AUSTRAC’s ongoing work focussed on gambling businesses in Australia to fight money laundering opportunities in the gambling industry. Following the Federal Court ordering Crown pay $450million in penalties over 2 years in 2023, this year AUSTRAC has seen the Federal Court order SkyCity to pay $63M penalty for breaches to the AML/CTF Act, accept an enforceable undertaking from Sportsbet, continue the Federal Court case against Star and are continuing the regulatory focus on a number of other gambling entities across Australia.

Additionally, the launch of the money laundering National Risk Assessment this year highlighted the highly exposed nature and vulnerability to money laundering online betting agencies face. This valuable resource has been developed support business better understand and develop appropriate measures to mitigate their risks.

It is now a matter for the Federal Court of Australia to determine whether Entain contravened the Act and, if so, what orders to make. AUSTRAC will not provide further comment on this enforcement action while the matter is before the Court.

Non-confidential Court documents related to the Entain matter will be available on the enforcement actions taken page in due course.

“AUSTRAC continues to actively driving out money laundering opportunities in Australia’s gambling industry and we’ll be tireless in our efforts to remove the ability for criminal to use our financial system to their own gain,” Mr Thomas said.

The post AUSTRAC Takes Ladbrokes and Neds’ Operator – Entain – to Federal Court Over Serious Non-compliance with Australia’s Money Laundering Laws appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Week 46/2025 slot games releases

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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming

Spinomenal has expanded its Demi Gods Series with the launch of its epic new title, Majestic Atlas. Set high above the clouds, Majestic Atlas is a 5×3 game that’s framed within a grand celestial temple inspired by the beauty of ancient Greece. A powerful, atmospheric musical score evokes the might of Atlas and lifts the entertainment to new heights.

GAMOMAT has continued the sweet life of the beloved La Dolce Vita with the highly-anticipated La Dolce Vita 2. This new title picks up the love affair of the original with fresh gameplay, engaging features, and a beautiful new Italian location. Charming Giovanni returns to take centre stage within the bustling Italian village marketplace, where a heartfelt soundtrack creates a joyful atmosphere.

Amusnet has released its latest video slot, Ancient Coins. This captivating release transports players deep into the heart of the jungle, where adventure and ancient treasures meet across 5 reels and 25 fixed paylines. Rich with colour, atmosphere and detail, Ancient Coins is designed for those who seek excitement in every moment of their gameplay.

Promatic has released Apollo’s Garden of Riches – a new 5×3 slot game that combines elegant design, rewarding gameplay and a heartfelt connection to the company’s roots in the Karkonosze Mountains. The Karkonosze region – where Promatic was founded and continues to draw inspiration – is a place of amazing landscapes, legends and rare species.

 

PG Soft has released its uplifting game, Skylight Wonders. This game welcomes players aboard a hot air balloon traversing across a dreamlike world high above the clouds. There are increasing multipliers and three reel frames that transform winning symbols into Wild symbols.

Amusnet has released its new video slot game, 40 Mystic Gem. This gem-inspired title is set to light up the reels with brilliance, blending vibrant fruit symbols and radiant jewels in a game that captures both style and excitement. Featuring 5 reels and 40 fixed paylines, 40 Mystic Gem brings together a sparkling mix of modern design and timeless gameplay.

Evoplay has released Piggy Bank 3 Pots Bonanza, a vibrant and joyful slot where players can crack the safe for generous wins. With the inclusion of the popular 3 Pots mechanic and several thrilling features, the 5×3, 20-line game offers a colourful world of gold bars, diamonds, and the three titular Piggy Banks for an action-packed adventure.

Tom Horn Gaming invites players to step into a world of emerald fields, leprechauns, and hidden treasures with its latest release, 3 Ribbon Pots. Launched on 11 November, this fast-paced slot delivers a new take on the popular Hold&Win mechanic, adding depth, variety, and smoother gameplay.

SlotMatrix is bringing the fire with the launch of Hula Moolah, an explosive new slot from Powderkeg Studios. Set in a tropical paradise where Tiki gods rule and volcanoes erupt, Hula Moolah turns every spin into a molten-hot chance to win. The game’s centrepiece is the Hold & Spin Feature, ignited when the vibrant Tiki Wilds leap into the volcano.

Reflex Gaming is turning up the heat once again with the launch of 8 Balls of Fire Blazing Bounty, a thrilling sequel to one of the company’s most popular titles. The original 8 Balls of Fire became a breakout hit across multiple channels, and this follow-up brings even more action, jackpots and explosive potential to the reels.

BGaming summons a mystical cat-genie to help players’ wishes come true in the brand-new Golden Paw Hold & Win slot. Golden Paw Hold & Win provides a fresh perspective on the classic Hold and Win gameplay mechanic. The game boasts 1,024 ways to win on every spin, with a variety of five exciting progressive bonus rounds, expanding reels, and a mesmerising leading character.

Inspired Entertainment, Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of Cops ‘n’ Robbers Bigger Big Money Christmas developed by Inspired’s Bell-Fruit game studio. Set on a 3×5 reel set with 10-win lines, Cops ‘n’ Robbers Bigger Big Money Christmas is packed with thrilling features.

Inspired Entertainment, Inc., has launched Gold Cash Free Spins Super Wheel, a supercharged evolution of Inspired’s classic hit slot, Gold Cash Free Spins. Available across the UK and Malta iGaming markets.

Thunderkick has launched Pink Elephants Trinity, the third instalment of its mystical franchise, where six bonus game levels unveil a journey towards deep synesthetic immersion. The Swedish supplier has traded the desert landscape and starry sky for an ethereal jungle backdrop, where a tribe of monkeys gather around the Pink Flame for a ritual honouring the Pink Elephants.

 

Belatra has proudly released Slattors Battle – Orcs vs Elves, a slots saga that puts the fate of the world in players’ hands. Inspired by an ancient rivalry between the radiant Elven kingdoms and the fearsome Orc hordes, Slattors Battle – Orcs vs Elves unfolds on a 5×5 reels battlefield.

Play’n GO presents Rings of Prosperity, a slot rooted in ancient mysticism and the power of celestial guidance. Play’n GO’s Rings of Prosperity draws on the influence of Eastern mythology, placing players under the protection of the Dragon God – a symbol of strength and abundance. 

Just Slots, has announced the release of its latest slot title, Book of Abyss. In this dark fantasy adventure, players descend into the realm of Abyss, a fallen queen demoness bound to a cursed diary. Every spin of the reels echoes Abyss’s torment, and when the mystical Book feature opens, players peer into forbidden chapters of her soul.

Playson ups the ante in its electric new release, More Energy Coins: Hold and Win, with an enlarged 5×4 reelset, special Collect Feature and 10,000x Royal Jackpot supercharging the excitement on offer. Inspired by Playson’s data-proven mechanics, the game’s starring Energy Bonus symbol unlocks the Collect Feature if it combines with any Bonus Symbol.

Blueprint Gaming has turned up the heat in its latest release, Lava Lock Jackpot King, with the sweltering title leading with a new Volcano feature and a host of refreshed modifiers for an enriched gameplay experience. Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, takes centre stage in the 5×3, 30 payline slot.

Gallop into Big Wins with Mustang Hold and Win from Booming Games! Step into the wild and untamed world of Mustang Hold and Win, where the free-spirited mustangs rule the reels. With a 5×3 grid and 25 paylines, this slot delivers an exhilarating experience with stunning visuals of the American wilderness.

BGaming boldly goes where no slot studio has gone before with the release of Star Trek: The Next Generation. The slot honours the legacy of the show, beaming players into a new dimension with an entertainment-first approach that will please Star Trek fans and newcomers alike.

 

The post Week 46/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Best in Sports named as “Sports Betting Supplier of the Year” by 5 Star iGaming Media Starlet Awards

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FIRST – Best in Sports, the Tier-1 sportsbook technology provider redefining global performance standards, has been honoured as “Sports Betting Supplier of the Year” at the 5 Star iGaming Media Starlet Awards 2025, recognising the company’s innovation, expansion, and leadership across regulated markets.

The award marks another milestone in a transformative year for FIRST, as the company continues to lead the sportsbook vertical with measurable results, a performance-driven product vision, and a growing footprint across LATAM, Europe, and Africa.

Built from the ground up for speed, scale, and absolute reliability, FIRST’s sportsbook engine has become the driving force behind more than 35 of Brazil’s leading operators, expanding rapidly through Mexico, Peru, and Argentina – markets that reward real technological power, not promises.

In regions where regulation is tightening and competition intensifying, FIRST has set a new benchmark for what performance means: instant automation, real-time data orchestration, AI-driven personalisation, and a seamless architecture that adapts faster than the market itself.

2025 was the year FIRST stopped chasing momentum and started defining it. With new strategic partnerships alongside Light & Wonder, Pixbet, and others already in motion, the company is not just participating in the race for innovation – it’s setting the pace. These collaborations are not about validation but about leadership: where others adapt, FIRST dictates direction.

Beyond commercial growth, FIRST has also advanced its regulatory roadmap, securing approvals and pursuing licences in multiple regulated markets, ensuring full compliance and future-ready scalability for its operator base.

Tom Light, Founder & CEO of FIRST – Best in Sports, commented:
“This recognition reflects our commitment to building the most advanced sportsbook technology in the market – one that’s fast, scalable, and truly local. But more than that, it celebrates the mindset of our entire team: we don’t follow trends, we create them. We set the standard for what a sportsbook partner should be.”

As the industry continues to evolve, FIRST remains focused on innovation that drives measurable impact – delivering the performance, reliability, and intelligence that define the future of sports betting.

The post Best in Sports named as “Sports Betting Supplier of the Year” by 5 Star iGaming Media Starlet Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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SA Gaming partners with EGT Digital to offer extraordinary gaming experiences

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SA Gaming is delighted to announce our new partner, EGT Digital, one of the largest gaming platforms in Europe. This agreement will see our games available on EGT Digital’s platform.

This collaboration marks an important milestone for both of us as it enhances our brand visibility and allows us to reach a broader audience. This alliance is also bringing elevated gaming experience to players on the platform of EGT Digital.

As one of the fastest-growing brands in Europe, EGT Digital has an extensive network and a comprehensive product portfolio that attract a diverse player base from numerous markets around the world. As players of EGT Digital now have access to our wide range of Live Games, which are certain to attract players – this new partnership certainly fulfills the business objectives of both EGT Digital and SA Gaming.

EGT Digital’s spokesperson commented, “For us at EGT Digital, the priority number 1 is always to give our customers the best gaming experience. That is why we are very pleased to have the opportunity to offer them SA Gaming’s titles, standing out with great thematic diversity, highly engaging mechanics and captivating bonuses. We believe that this partnership will both enrich our platform and enhance the game developer’s reach, while providing players with access to the high-quality gaming content they are looking for.”

As we continue to provide top-notch entertainment, this agreement creates new room for both of us to grow and flourish. We are eager to embark on this journey together and look forward to the infinite possibilities that would deliver exceptional value to all players.

The post SA Gaming partners with EGT Digital to offer extraordinary gaming experiences appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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