Novomatic has secured UAE gaming vendor licence from GCGRA
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the United Arab Emirates has granted a Tier 1 vendor licence to Novomatic. This makes Novomatic one of the first suppliers approved to enter the UAE’s gaming market.
With this new licence, Novomatic can now provide its land-based gaming technology to licensed operators in the country. While the market currently includes only a regulated state lottery, Novomatic will be authorised to supply products to the upcoming Wynn Resort on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.
The UAE only recently began allowing regulated gambling. In October, the GCGRA awarded the first-ever UAE casino licence to Wynn Resorts for its island development project. Novomatic now joins an exclusive group of just three gaming companies with licences to operate in the region.
Stefan Krenn, Executive Board Member at Novomatic AG Group, called the licence a major achievement: “Being among the first gaming technology providers to receive this licence is a milestone. It reflects our commitment to responsible gaming and innovation as we expand into the UAE.”
Thomas Schmalzer, VP of Global Sales and Product Management at Novomatic AG, added: “The UAE is a fast-growing market. We’re proud to bring our latest gaming technology here. Our solutions are designed to offer top-tier performance and a world-class player experience.”
Experts urge MPs to tighten gambling rules and advertising
Top UK researchers have called for stronger restrictions on land-based slot machines and gambling ads. They spoke at a recent meeting of the parliamentary Health and Social Care Committee.
The panel included: Professor Sam Chamberlain, University of Southampton, Professor Heather Wardle, University of Glasgow, Lucy Hubber, Director of Public Health Nottingham.
Professor Wardle welcomed new online stake limits and financial checks. But she warned that land-based slots still lack proper safeguards. She criticised plans to expand machine numbers in casinos. Wardle said tighter rules must also apply to gambling adverts. She stressed the need to protect young people and reduce gambling-related harm.
Professor Chamberlain backed tougher advertising laws. He also highlighted risks with the new gambling levy, which launched this month. It replaces voluntary industry donations with a mandatory £100m levy to fund gambling research and support. The NHS will now manage these funds. But researchers raised concerns over transparency and control. Chamberlain said past funding from industry-linked sources had discouraged many top researchers.
Last month, the UK Gambling Commission announced new regulations on gambling bonuses.
Euromat has called on Croatia to pause gambling law over EU breach
The European Gambling and Amusement Federation (Euromat) has called on the Croatian Government to delay enforcing its new Gambling Act. The law, due to take effect in just eight days, may violate EU rules.
Euromat has raised the issue with the European Commission. The concern is that Croatia failed to follow the mandatory Technical Regulation Information System (TRIS) procedure. This process requires member states to notify the EU of any new laws that could restrict trade or services within the Single Market.
The new Croatian law introduces key changes:
- Mandatory player ID checks for venue access
- A national self-exclusion register;
- Tighter advertising rules;
- Location restrictions for gambling venues;
- Limits on operating days;
- Higher licensing fees and taxes.
According to EU law, any such measures must be reviewed by the Commission before implementation. Failure to do so could lead to legal action and fines.
Euromat President Jason Frost commented: “We understand the European Commission is now in contact with the Croatian Government. We hope this leads to compliance with EU law. The Single Market relies on clear and fair rules. Business needs legal certainty.”
Filip Jelavic, Secretary General of the Croatian Gaming Association, added: “We welcome the Commission’s response. The legislative process must follow EU procedures. This protects market stability and avoids financial harm to both businesses and citizens.”
Sweden targets tougher rules on unlicensed online gambling
Sweden is facing major challenges in cracking down on unlicensed online gambling. A new analysis by the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) highlights gaps in the current laws.
Unlicensed gambling sites remain easily accessible. However, only a small group—fewer than 5% of Swedish gamblers—actively seek them out.
The main issue lies in outdated legislation. Authorities can only act against sites that clearly target Swedish users, such as through marketing or Swedish-language content. This narrow definition limits enforcement.
Spelinspektionen is now calling for change. The regulator wants a shift from targeting websites to focusing on the user. This “participant perspective” would require all gambling that involves Swedish players to be licensed in Sweden.
Director General Camilla Rosenberg supports a full review of the Gambling Act. The government began the process in February 2025. A final report is expected by 17 September 2025.
Despite legal limitations, Rosenberg insists the Authority’s current efforts still have impact. She stresses the importance of ongoing enforcement during the review process.
Earlier, Swedish betting operator ATG raised concerns about unlicensed gambling.
CJEU has heard case C-440/23 on Germany’s online gambling laws and EU compliance
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has heard arguments in case C-440/23. This case questions whether Germany’s gambling laws align with EU legislation. At the centre of the dispute is Germany’s historic ban on online casinos and its state-controlled lottery monopoly.
The case began in Malta, raised by the Prim’Awla tal-Qorti Ċivili. It focuses on restrictions that barred unlicensed operators from offering secondary lottery bets in Germany. These restrictions were in place before July 2021.
The issue now under review is whether these limits breach Article 56 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which guarantees the free movement of services across EU member states.
A German lawyer brought the case on behalf of a local player. The claim seeks reimbursement for money lost through secondary lottery bets placed with Lottoland, a Malta-based operator.
A key question for the CJEU is whether Germany’s ban can be justified by the need to protect consumers. The Court will also examine if Germany’s legal distinction between its state-run lottery and private betting operators is consistent with EU rules.
