Relax Gaming has broadened its presence in the US by launching with BetMGM in Pennsylvania, marking its second state entry following its debut in New Jersey last December, also in partnership with BetMGM.
Through this new agreement, a range of Relax Gaming’s gaming content will now be accessible to players in Pennsylvania via BetMGM’s platform.
Relax Gaming CEO Martin Stålros stated: “We’re thrilled to advance our US presence with our Pennsylvania launch. Our successful introduction in New Jersey alongside BetMGM has been very promising, and we’re pleased to see our games resonate so strongly in this market.”
For Relax Gaming’s Chief Regulatory Officer Alexia Smilovic Ronde, this move signifies an important milestone in the company’s rapid expansion. “Pennsylvania represents a crucial phase in our journey to expand our presence in the North American regulated market,” she commented.
BetMGM’s Vice President of Gaming Product & Content, Oliver Bartlett, highlighted the significance of being the first operator to introduce Relax Gaming’s offerings to the US market. “Their games are highly popular, and now, with their availability on BetMGM casino sites in Pennsylvania, even more players will have access to them,” Bartlett added.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Romania has determined that restrictions on land-based gambling need a constitutional review.
In April, the Romanian parliament passed Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu’s directive, known as Legea Păcănelelor, aimed at prohibiting gambling activities in small rural towns. The measure garnered support from 243 deputies, with four abstentions. Initially scheduled to take effect ten days after its approval, the ban encountered a legal setback.
The Supreme Court of Cassation and Justice intervened, ruling that before being enacted as federal law, the restrictions must undergo a constitutional review by the Constitutional Court of Romania. The court found that the gambling ban violated Romania’s bicameral principle.
Under Ciolacu’s directive, land-based slot machines would be banned in towns with fewer than 15,000 registered inhabitants, including approximately 90% of all localities in Romania. The directive also outlined penalties ranging from three months to one year of imprisonment for violators. Additionally, the issuance of a false population size certificate by a town hall would carry a sentence of six months to three years of imprisonment.
Critics pointed out flaws in determining which towns would fall under the ban and raised concerns about the lack of compensation for affected operators. Furthermore, the enforcement mechanisms lacked clarity, particularly in small localities with limited municipal resources.
Despite these challenges, Ciolacu expressed confidence that the ban would eventually be enforced. If implemented, it would result in the closure or relocation of betting offices operated by Romania’s 27 licensed operators.
