Global Casino Licensing Expansions Accelerate in Regulated Markets

Key Takeaways

• Malta Gaming Authority grants three new remote gaming licenses to operators targeting European expansion, enhancing compliance standards.
• Ontario's AGCO approves two innovative responsible gambling tools for new entrants, prioritizing player protection in Canada's digital landscape.
• New Zealand advances online casino framework with up to 15 licenses planned for 2026, signaling entry into regulated i Gaming.
• Armenia doubles licensing fees effective April 2025 to boost revenue and curb problem gambling, reshaping Eastern European market dynamics.

Malta Grants New Remote Gaming Licenses to Emerging Operators

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) issued three remote gaming licenses on October 15, 2025, to Aspire Global Ltd., Nektan (Gibraltar) Limited, and a new entrant from Every Matrix Software Ltd., enabling their platforms to operate across EU jurisdictions under the Class 1 framework for online casinos and sports betting. Aspire Global, a publicly listed company with roots in iGaming platform development since 2005, secured the license (MGA/B2C/106/2004 renewal with expansions) after demonstrating robust anti-money laundering protocols and integration of Be Gamble Aware partnerships. Nektan, known for its B2B aggregation services, received approval for its proprietary casino aggregation platform, while Every Matrix's Oddswinner brand targets Scandinavian markets with a focus on localized content.

This development underscores Malta's role as Europe's premier licensing hub, where over 400 operators hold active permits amid a competitive landscape dominated by incumbents like Evolution and NetEnt. The approvals, processed within 16 weeks per MGA's streamlined 2025 guidelines, allow launches by Q1 2026, injecting €150 million in projected investments. For players, it means enhanced access to verified RNG-certified games and mandatory self-exclusion tools, reducing cross-border risks. Regulators benefit from elevated tax revenues—estimated at 5% of gross gaming revenue—while stakeholders anticipate a 12% market growth in compliant EU online casinos, fostering innovation without compromising integrity.

Source: Malta Gaming Authority Official Database

Ontario Enhances Responsible Gambling with Tool Approvals for New Platforms

On October 17, 2025, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) certified two advanced responsible gambling (RG) tools—AI-driven session monitoring from Mindway AI and biometric spending alerts from Geo Comply—for integration into new iGaming platforms entering the province's market. These approvals target operators such as the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) affiliates and Bet MGM's Canadian arm, which has been owned by Entain Plc since 2022, ensuring compliance with the province's 2022 Digital Gaming Framework. Mindway's AWARE tool analyzes behavioral patterns in real-time, flagging anomalies with 92% accuracy, while Geo Comply's alerts cap deposits based on user-verified biometrics.

In Ontario's €2.5 billion regulated i Gaming sector—launched in April 2022 with 50+ operators—this move addresses a 15% rise in self-reported harm incidents, per Responsible Gambling Council data. New platforms must implement these by January 2026, alongside mandatory 24/7 helplines, promoting a safer ecosystem amid competition from DraftKings and FanDuel. Players gain proactive interventions, potentially lowering addiction rates by 20%, while regulators enforce fines up to CAD 50,000 for non-compliance. Industry stakeholders, including the Canadian Gaming Association, hail it as a blueprint for North American markets, balancing growth with welfare in a landscape where 70% of players are mobile-first.

Source: AGCO Regulatory Filings

New Zealand Outlines Framework for Up to 15 Online Casino Licenses

New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs unveiled its Online Gambling Bill framework on October 14, 2025. This paves the way for up to 15 operator licenses by February 2026 through a competitive auction, marking the nation's first regulated online casino regime. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden emphasized a vetting process prioritizing operators with proven RG records, such as those licensed in Malta or the UK, with initial focus on international firms like Flutter Entertainment's ventures. The bill, under Select Committee review until mid-2025, mandates 15% gross gaming revenue taxes and partnerships with local harm prevention groups like the Gambling Helpline.

This shift addresses a €300 million unregulated market dominated by offshore sites, where 80% of online activity evades oversight, per government estimates. Competitive bidding, starting Q4 2025, requires €5 million capital minimums and localized Kiwi-themed content, positioning New Zealand as an emerging Pacific hub alongside Australia. Players will access geofenced platforms with mandatory age verification and loss limits, curbing problem gambling rates at 5%. For regulators, it promises €45 million annual revenue; stakeholders foresee 25% market formalization, spurring tech investments in VR slots while challenging incumbents in Asia-Pacific.

Source: New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs Press Release

Armenia Increases Licensing Fees to Strengthen Regulatory Oversight

Armenia's National Assembly approved amendments to its gambling law on October 16, 2025. The changes double online casino licensing fees to AMD 300 million (€600,000) effective April 1, 2026, and increase fees for sportsbooks by € 200,000. These changes aim to generate €50-70 million in state revenue and reduce venues by 15%. The reforms, overseen by the Ministry of Finance's new Gambling Control Commission, target operators like Armenia's Armbet and international entrants from SoftSwiss Group, requiring enhanced KYC and RG certifications from eCOGRA.

In a market valued at €400 million—dominated by land-based casinos in Yerevan—this escalation counters a 10% illicit sector share, per official audits, amid Eastern Europe's tightening frameworks. New licensees must launch by Q3 2026 with AI fraud detection, benefiting players through transparent RTP disclosures and self-exclusion portals. Regulators anticipate halved operator numbers, fostering consolidation. Stakeholders, including the Eurasian Gaming Association, project an 18% GGR uplift, signaling Armenia's maturation as a regulated gateway between Europe and Asia.

Source: Armenia Ministry of Finance Official Records