The Fire Joker has returned, his blazing grin wider than ever. He’s back in control of the reels, where classic fruits and symbols light up under his fiery touch. But this time, there’s more than just mischief in the air. The heat has intensified, the stakes are higher, and this scorching slot is cranked up to a full 100.
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The Fire Joker has returned, his blazing grin wider than ever. He’s back in control of the reels, where classic fruits and symbols light up under his fiery touch. But this time, there’s more than just mischief in the air. The heat has intensified, the stakes are higher, and this scorching slot is cranked up to a full 100.

Compliance Updates

MediaTroopers Secures Maryland License

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MediaTroopers Have Obtained All Possible US Revenue Share Licenses

 

MediaTroopers, the pioneering digital marketing agency specializing in online sports betting and casino, announced this week that it received its Maryland license and is planning to launch activities in the Old Line State. Approved by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, MediaTroopers is now able to offer its decades of combined expertise and top-quality sports betting and casino services to avid bettors in the state.

MediaTroopers’s Maryland Casinos/Sports Wagering Vendor License

MediaTroopers has established itself as a leading publisher in the sports betting, casino, poker, and iGaming US regulated markets. Similarly, the company is also an innovative agency in many newly legalized states.

MediaTroopers is licensed in 10 US states that require a license, and the company operates in a total of 19 states where online gambling is legal, and in Washington DC. MediaTroopers recently also launched its regulated Canadian operations in Ontario. Like many of its US states, Canada has been proven a roaring success with sports bettors looking for legal, safe betting.

MediaTroopers’ current operating grounds include several of Maryland’s close neighbours. The company has seen success in states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia. Therefore, by bringing its quality marketing services to Maryland, the company can reach a brand new audience base and deliver up-to-date news on all things sports betting and online gambling.

Sam Segal, the CEO of MediaTroopers, noted, “We are beyond thrilled to have received a Casinos/Sports Wagering Vendor License with the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. While we already hold valid licensing and regulation in over a dozen US states, adding Maryland to our substantial portfolio enables us to continue providing our pioneering services to the Mid-Atlantic region of the US.”

MediaTroopers have grown exponentially, more than doubling the number of US states it is operational in over the past year. After being like in 7 states at the end of 2020, the prominent affiliate company is now active in over 16 US states, with Maryland following close behind. This solid expansion has been made possible thanks to MediaTroopers being one of the first companies to obtain licenses and enter new states as soon as they go live.

Exciting Time For Old Line State Bettors

Maryland welcomed its first retail sportsbooks back in December 2021, but the state is yet to launch its online sports betting market. Yet, online betting may come to the state much sooner than you think. John Martin, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency director, stated that online sports betting will launch in the fall of 2022, just in time for the 2022 NFL season.

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Nonetheless, Old Line State bettors will likely have a vast number of sportsbook operators available in the future, as Maryland’s legislation allows up to 60 mobile licenses.

Notable newcomers to Maryland’s betting market may include Barstool Sportsbook, whose parent company (Penn National) acquired a land-based casino in the state in 2020. Ultimately, this would pave the way for an online Barstool sports betting platform in MD. Furthermore, both FanDuel and DraftKings offered significant financial backing to efforts supporting the legalization of sports betting in Maryland in 2020. Therefore, we will likely see both brands launch online operations in the state.

MediaTroopers already has a strong portfolio of dozens of leading US gambling operators and sportsbooks under its belt, including DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, Unibet, and more. As such, thanks to the marketing agency’s long-standing partnerships with the country’s biggest brands, MediaTroopers can promote its partners in MD once legal online betting goes live.

The Future of Maryland Sports Betting

When asked about the future potential of the state, Segal continued, “With the potential for up to 60 mobile betting operators to gain a license in Maryland, the state has the possibility to become one of the US’ most significant online betting markets.”

“Ultimately, Maryland is a state we here at MediaTroopers are really looking forward to working in,” Segal added. “We highly anticipate bringing Maryland bettors even more fun and excitement with legal, safe, and responsible sports betting.”

 

Compliance Updates

Football Season Kicks Off: Arizona Department of Gaming Warns of Gambling Scams and Highlights Consumer Protection Tools

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September is Responsible Gaming Education Month, and the Department is reminding fans to play it safe with tools like Check Your Bet, self-exclusion, and the 1-800-NEXT-STEP helpline.

With the football season underway, the Arizona Department of Gaming (“the Department”) is warning Arizonans about the growing risks of unlicensed online casinos and sportsbooks. September also marks Responsible Gaming Education Month, making this an important time to remind fans that if you choose to play, play it safe by choosing a regulated operator.

Regulated gaming offers important consumer protections, helping ensure fair play, data security, accountability, and a safer overall experience. The Department has seen an increase in consumer complaints about unlicensed gambling operations in recent months, a trend expected to intensify as football season kicks off and the busiest event wagering period of the year begins. Common issues include unfair or misleading terms, difficulty withdrawing winnings, and accounts being frozen without explanation, often after a withdrawal request.

“Responsible Gaming Education Month is the perfect time to remind Arizonans that while legal, regulated gaming options are available to all Arizonans ages 21+, there are also deceptive operators eager to take advantage of fans during football season,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. “Unregulated platforms lack responsible gaming safeguards, age verification, and offer no consumer protections, which puts Arizonans at risk. That’s why the Department is promoting resources to give every Arizonan the tools they need to make informed choices and play responsibly.”

To help protect Arizonans, the Department has launched a new Responsible Gaming website and is spotlighting three key resources this month:

  • Check Your Bet– If you choose to participate in gaming, opting for legal, regulated operators is the best way to protect yourself. Playing responsibly means knowing your operator is licensed and that you meet Arizona’s legal gaming age of 21+. This online resource helps Arizonans confirm they’re using a legal site, which helps protect against fraud, identity theft, and other risks.
  • Self-Exclusion Program– A free, confidential program that allows people to voluntarily limit their access to Arizona’s regulated gaming. The statewide self-exclusion program was established in 2004 for casinos and expanded in 2021 to include retail sportsbooks, event wagering platforms, and fantasy sports platforms. More than 550 Arizonans enrolled in the last fiscal year, and over 11,000 have chosen this option since the program began.
  • 1-800-NEXT-STEP – A confidential, 24/7 helpline for anyone seeking support right now, whether for themselves or someone they care about. The helpline connects Arizonans with caring professionals who can provide immediate assistance, low and no-cost treatment referrals, and financial counseling.

These resources, along with more tips and tools, are available at the Department’s new webpage: gaming.az.gov/ResponsibleGaming.

Top 5 Signs of an Unlicensed Gambling Site

The Department urges Arizonans to be cautious and watch for these warning signs that a site or app may be fraudulent or unlicensed:

  1. No Responsible Gaming Protections – Licensed operators are required to provide responsible gaming tools, including age verification to ensure no one under the age of 21 can play, deposit limits, time limits, self-exclusion options, and access to the 1-800-NEXT-STEP helpline. If you don’t see these tools, it’s a red flag.
  2. Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers – Promises of “guaranteed wins,” oversized bonuses, or “risk-free” bets are common scam tactics.
  3. Trouble Getting Paid and No Dispute Resolution – Unregulated sites often delay or deny withdrawals, with little to no process for resolving disputes.
  4. Unusual Payment Methods – Sites that only accept cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards instead of secure, standard payment options are a major warning sign.
  5. Copycat Branding or Poor Site Quality – Some fraudulent sites impersonate legitimate Arizona casinos or sportsbooks, using misspellings, broken links, or look-alike names to trick players into downloading their app or visiting their site.

“Licensed operators in Arizona are required to provide responsible gaming safeguards. When people play on unregulated sites, those protections are missing and people are more vulnerable,” said Elise Mikkelson, Director of the Division of Problem Gambling. “That’s why Arizona’s helpline exists: to ensure every Arizonan has access to the support they need. With more than 11,000 Arizonans choosing to enroll in the state’s self-exclusion program since it began, it’s clear that no one is alone in taking steps to protect themselves. And if you or someone you know is struggling, help is always available.”

How to Report Suspicious Gambling Activity, Fraud, or Identity Theft:

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Arizonans who believe they may have encountered an unlicensed or suspicious gambling site are encouraged to report it directly to the Arizona Department of Gaming. Reports help the Department investigate and take action to protect consumers statewide. If you find a website, app, or business that claims to offer legal gaming in Arizona but does not appear to be licensed or authorized by the Department, follow these steps:

  1. Document the website URL, app, business name, and any promotional materialsassociated with the platform or operator.
  2. Report itto ADG at [email protected] and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Consumer Information and Complaints Unit at (602) 542-5763 or by visiting azag.gov/consumer.
  3. Cease activity on the platform and monitor financial accounts for unauthorized transactions.
  4. If you suspect identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”): for help in English, go to IdentityTheft.gov, and for help in Spanish, go to RobodeIdentidad.gov.

The Department takes complaints about all illegal gambling seriously. Reports can be made anonymously.

 

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California Gambling Control Commission Issues New Precedential Decision on Licensing Requirements

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California Gambling Control Commission Issues New Precedential Decision on Licensing Requirements

 

The California Gambling Control Commission has issued a new Precedential Decision that addresses licensure requirements for funding sources of Third-Party Providers of Proposition Player Services (TPPPS).

The decision, formally titled Precedential Decision 2025-01, was adopted on August 21, 2025, and is now available on the Commission’s Precedential Decisions page

along with all prior precedential rulings.

This latest decision provides further clarity on licensing obligations and regulatory expectations for individuals and entities involved in funding TPPPS operations—a key aspect of maintaining integrity and oversight in California’s regulated gambling industry.

Stakeholders and members of the public can stay informed by subscribing to receive notifications when new Precedential Decisions are under consideration or adopted. The Precedential Decisions Subscription Signup Form, along with other subscription options for Commission meeting agendas, newsletters, and rulemaking updates, is available on the Commission’s website.

For questions or additional information, contact the Commission at (916) 263-0700 or via email at [email protected]

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Compliance Updates

Arizona Department of Gaming Issues Cease-and-Desists on “Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes”

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The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) issued cease-and-desist orders to Raffall, a company based in the UK, and to an Arizona resident using the platform to promote the “Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes,” currently advertised online and through a separate website, winthisazhome.com, which is marketing the chance to “Win a Luxury $1.3M Arizona Mountainside Home”.

According to the Department’s investigation, the promotion required participants to purchase entries for a prize to be awarded and promised either a home transfer or a cash payout, depending on sales volume. The investigation further determined that the organizers intended to profit from ticket sales. Based on these findings, the Department alleges the activity constitutes an illegal gambling operation under Arizona law.

As part of the enforcement action, Raffall has been directed to remove all gambling-related drawings or giveaways targeting Arizona residents, and the Arizona resident has also been ordered to cease promoting or conducting any unlawful gambling activity.

“Illegal gambling can take many forms and it does not matter if it is labeled a sweepstakes, raffle, giveaway, or drawing. Unregulated operations put Arizonans at risk because there is no oversight, and therefore no accountability or safeguards in place. The Department will continue to take enforcement action to protect consumers, and we urge the public to learn what is legal before participating in or hosting any gambling activity,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming.

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