Compliance Updates
eCOGRA Authorized to Operate as Independent Testing Laboratory in Connecticut

eCOGRA, the globally renowned Independent Testing Laboratory, has announced its recent authorization by the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Gaming Division to offer its comprehensive range of services in Connecticut. This milestone brings eCOGRA’s total number of U.S. Jurisdictions to six, and its total number of global jurisdictions to 36, cementing its position as a market leader in providing independent testing, inspection, and certification services to the online gambling industry.
With over two decades of experience, eCOGRA has become synonymous with integrity, reliability, and excellence in the field of independent testing. By expanding its operations to Connecticut, eCOGRA aims to further enhance its commitment to ensuring fair and transparent gaming practices, both for players and industry operators within the state.
Connecticut became the sixth U.S. state to legalize online casino gambling in 2021 as part of a wider legislative move which also included legalizing online and retail sports betting. Now known for its vibrant gaming community and growing online gambling sector, Connecticut represents a crucial market for eCOGRA’s services. As a trusted independent testing agency, eCOGRA will provide its expertise to assess and validate the fairness and security of online gaming platforms, bolstering player confidence and regulatory compliance across the state.
eCOGRA’s comprehensive range of services covers a wide spectrum of critical areas in online gaming, including software testing, RNG (Random Number Generator) evaluations, cybersecurity assessments, and regulatory compliance reviews. By adhering to the highest industry standards and best practices, eCOGRA ensures that all its clients meet the necessary regulatory requirements and provide a safe and secure gaming environment for their players.
Shaun McCallaghan, CEO of eCOGRA, said: “We are thrilled to extend our services to the dynamic market of Connecticut. With our independent testing, inspection, and certification expertise, we aim to foster a transparent and secure online gambling ecosystem that benefits players, suppliers and operators.”
As eCOGRA enters the Connecticut market, it plans to forge partnerships with local gambling operators and software providers. By collaborating closely with industry stakeholders, eCOGRA will help shape the gambling landscape in Connecticut, ensuring the highest standards of integrity and player protection.
Bradley Khoury, CTO of eCOGRA, said: “eCOGRA’s authorisation to provide services in Connecticut is a testament to the company’s expertise, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the gambling industry. As the market leader in independent testing, inspection, and certification, eCOGRA continues to champion fairness, trust, and accountability.”
Canada
High Roller Submits Gaming License Application in Ontario

High Roller Technologies, operator of the premium online casino brands High Roller and Fruta, announced the submission of its Internet Gaming Operator license application in Ontario, Canada, targeting the launch of its flagship brand HighRoller.com in the second half of 2025.
“The submission of our licensing application to access Ontario’s regulated online gambling market is an important milestone in our Company’s journey. Once our application is approved, we anticipate that we will have the opportunity to launch our online casino product into the market later this year,” said Ben Clemes, Chief Executive Officer at High Roller.
Ontario is one of the largest regulated online gambling markets in the world as measured by gross gaming revenue. In 2024, regulated online gambling operators within the province generated approximately $2.3B in gross gaming revenue, and growth continues to be recorded in the first half of 2025. Recently, the province of Alberta passed enabling legislation to establish a regulatory framework for online gambling. Once available, the Company also intends to pursue licensure in Alberta to expand its regulated market footprint in Canada.
“Ontario is missing an elegant brand like High Roller. We’re excited to roll out the red carpet for our new customers, and we’re looking forward to showcasing our tremendous product,” said Clemes.
Canada
IAGR announces program for IAGR2025 conference in Toronto

The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has released the program for its upcoming annual conference, to be held in Toronto from 20-23 October.
With the theme ‘Resilient regulation: Exploring what works, why and what’s next’, the event brings together global regulators and thought leaders to examine how regulatory frameworks can evolve to meet today’s challenges.
The four-day program explores timely issues, including the rise of AI and behavioural analytics, the impact of converging technologies, cross-border collaboration and the continued push to strengthen responsible gambling policies.
IAGR President Ben Haden said the program offers a strong preview of the content and conversations delegates can expect in Toronto.
‘This year’s program showcases the breadth and complexity of the challenges facing gambling regulators worldwide, from protecting player wellbeing to tackling illegal markets and understanding new technologies,’ Haden said.
‘I encourage regulators, researchers and policy professionals from around the world to join us in Toronto. The conference is a space to learn, share experience, challenge assumptions and shape the future of effective, collaborative regulation.’
Confirmed speakers and panellists include:
- Andrew Rhodes, CEO, Gambling Commission, Great Britain
- Anders Dorph, Director, Danish Gambling Authority, Denmark
- Dr Karin Schnarr, CEO and Registrar, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, Canada
- Mark Vander Linden, Director of Research and Responsible Gaming and Carrie Torrisi, Chief of Sports Wagering Division, Massachusetts Gaming Commission, United States
- Bashir Are, CEO, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Nigeria
- Teo Chun Ching, Chief Executive, Gambling Regulatory Authority, Singapore
- Ladipo Abiose Akolade, Founder, GamblePause Initiative Africa, Nigeria
- Rasmus Kjaergaard, CEO, Mindway AI, Denmark
- Tracy Parker, Senior Vice President, Accreditation, Advisory and Insights, Responsible Gambling Council, Canada
- Pedro Romero, Chief of Safer Gambling Partnerships, BetBlocker, Gibraltar
- Sonia Wasowska, Head of Supervision, General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, United Arab Emirates
- Steven Blackburn, Partner, Ashurst Risk Advisory, Australia
The event will be held at The Westin Harbour Castle on Toronto’s waterfront.
Compliance Updates
PA Gaming Control Board Removes Gambling Privileges for 14 Individuals

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (Board) has taken actions to place 14 individuals on its various Involuntary Exclusion Lists. Placement on an Involuntary Exclusion List prohibits individuals from either gaming in a casino in Pennsylvania, via an online betting site regulated by the Board, or a Video Gaming Terminal (VGT) location.
These matters, presented by the Board’s Office of Chief Counsel and Office of Enforcement Counsel, raise the number of individuals now on the Board’s various Involuntary Exclusion Lists to 1391.
The actions by the Board include placement of five individuals on the Involuntary Casino Exclusion List including one who left minors unattended while gambling in a Pennsylvania casino:
A female patron who left her 7-month-old twins in a vehicle in the valet area of Valley Forge Casino Resort for 5 minutes in order to obtain a cash out at the sportsbook.
Actions such as these to deny statewide gambling privileges serve as a reminder that adults are prohibited from leaving minors unattended in the parking lot or garage, a hotel, or other venues at a casino since it creates a potentially unsafe and dangerous environment for the children. To complement the efforts by casinos to mitigate this issue, the Board created an awareness campaign, “Don’t Gamble with Kids”.
Additionally, nine others were placed on the Board’s Involuntary Interactive Gaming Exclusion list for fraudulent actions involving online gambling.
The Gaming Control Board is scheduled to meet next at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 in the Board’s Public Hearing Room located on the second floor of the Strawberry Square Complex in Harrisburg. More information, including the agenda, will be posted on the Board’s website prior to the meeting.
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