Compliance Updates
Continent 8 Technologies Gaming Cloud approved in Michigan

Managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and security provider expands its solutions in North America with the first regulated Public Cloud offering in the state of Michigan
Continent 8 Technologies continues to deploy its first-to-market approach in North America after being accredited by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) to launch its regulated Gaming Cloud to operators and suppliers in the state.
Continent 8’s Gaming Cloud is a Public or Community Cloud already available to customers in a number of other regulated North American locations including New Jersey (Atlantic City) and most recently Pennsylvania.
It offers a multi-tenanted, scalable and resilient IaaS platform that allows customers to host infrastructure, containers, data and network edge services.
Continent 8 works closely with regulators across the fast-growing North American market to ensure that its full suite of solutions is fully compliant, allowing its customers to leverage the first-mover advantage in each state.
For Michigan, regulations state that tenants in the Gaming Cloud must be licensed by the MGCB and hardware comprising the Gaming Cloud must be located at the primary and backup locations Continent 8 provides in the state.
The approval of a regulated Public Cloud adds to Continent 8’s existing services in Michigan, one of the largest US markets in terms of revenue, which today comprises data center, network connectivity and cyber security services.
In January 2021, Michigan regulators authorised online gambling and sports betting. Since then, Continent 8 has expanded its solutions to serve customer demand, offering a fully regulated hosting environment.
The latest figures from the regulator show that in July 2022, combined total adjusted internet gaming and sports betting gross receipts were $131.2m. When compared to July 2021, there was an increase in internet gaming adjusted gross receipts by 41% while internet sports betting adjusted gross receipts rose 13%.
Justin Cosnett, Chief Product Officer at Continent 8 Technologies, said: “Achieving approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board for our Gaming Community Cloud is an important strategic development for Continent 8, as demand for secure and compliant cloud solutions continues to rise.
“We understand the power of the first-mover, pay-as-you-grow advantage in such highly competitive states and markets, and strive to offer this to our customers.”
David Brace, Innovation Director at Continent 8 Technologies, added: “We are proud to be the first service provider to offer this regulated Community Cloud solution in the state.
“In terms of infrastructure, cloud offers fast market entry, especially for new licensees, as well as backup or migration capability for those already invested into the state looking to move away from costly hardware investment in a time of supply chain challenges.”
Continent 8 is already live in 24 US states with additional sites set to launch in the coming months as the company continues its mission of being the go-to hosting and connectivity provider in North America.
Canada
Fennica Gaming Granted Supplier License for Ontario Market

Fennica Gaming has announced that it has been granted a gaming supplier license in Ontario, Canada. This milestone marks a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy, allowing it to offer its cutting-edge gaming experiences to gaming operators in one of North America’s most dynamic regulated markets.
The supplier license, granted by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), enables Fennica Gaming to introduce its portfolio of entertaining and high-quality games to gaming operators across the province. This registration empowers Ontarian operators, whether online or land-based, to access the omnichannel offerings developed in the Nordics.
“We are thrilled to receive our B2B supplier license in Ontario and to offer our advanced gaming solutions to operators in the region. After a thorough application process, we can now proudly and prominently display our registration and achievement. We have followed the market in North America for a long time and Ontario is an excellent example of market that is well organized. It represents an exciting market with immense potential, and we are committed to delivering secure, entertaining, and trustworthy gaming experiences tailored to local preferences,” Timo Kiiskinen, Managing Director of Fennica Gaming, said.
Fennica Gaming’s Nordic gaming experience and heritage as an omni-channel gaming operator through its parent company Veikkaus offers a broad range of entertainment for Ontarian operators with a player-first attitude. This registration supports Fennica Gaming’s commitment to a sustainable industry, enabling operation in compliance with Ontario’s local regulatory framework.
Compliance Updates
MGCB Continues Crackdown on Unlicensed Online Casinos

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has taken decisive action against five offshore online casinos, sending cease-and-desist letters for violating state gaming laws. These websites offer a variety of casino games, such as slots, poker, blackjack, Keno, bingo, and game show games, in addition to sports betting.
The following unlicensed operators are now under scrutiny following the MGCB’s action:
BetWhale Casino, Curaçao
Black Lotus Casino, owned by TD Investments Ltd., Belize
Coins Game Casino, Curaçao
Love2play Casino, Curaçao and Costa Rica
Orion Stars 777 Players, Sichuan Province, China
“These illegal platforms not only violate Michigan’s gaming regulations but also put consumers at risk by offering unreliable withdrawal options and lacking essential consumer protections. Our top priority is safeguarding Michigan residents by ensuring that all online gaming activities are conducted legally and safely. These operators must stop their activities or face additional legal consequences,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said.
Investigations into these illegal activities have revealed that the operators are in violation of multiple Michigan state laws.
Despite offering various payment options like Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin and Ethereum), these illegal operators impose strict withdrawal conditions, often requiring players to wager their initial deposits multiple times before they can access their winnings.
The MGCB has given these operators 14 days from the date of receipt of the cease-and-desist letters to halt their illegal activities.
Compliance Updates
Attention: Important Information from the Arizona Department of Gaming Regarding Reporting Gambling Winnings on Taxes

The Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”) has received inquiries from patrons seeking to verify the legitimacy of companies that are issuing tax forms for gambling winnings. As a result, the ADG wants to take this opportunity to remind Arizonans to be cautious this tax season and to thoroughly review and investigate any requests from anyone purporting to be the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).
The ADG would like to remind Arizonans that if they participate in casino gambling, parimutuel/simulcast wagering, event wagering, and/or fantasy sports, they may receive a W-2G or 1099-MISC form for their winnings. It is important to be aware that the gambling institution that you choose to participate in gaming activities with will be the payor, and the payor is responsible for issuing the tax form. The ADG
advises that Arizonans keep accurate records of any winnings from all gambling activities throughout the year to avoid any confusion during tax season. It is further recommended that Arizonans consult a tax professional if they have any questions about income reporting requirements to ensure they file an accurate tax return.
To help ensure Arizonans are aware of common tax scams, the ADG advises Arizonans to review the
following links and articles on the IRS website discussing common tax scams for 2025:
- As stated on the IRS website, the IRS will make initial contact with a taxpayer through a letter
sent via the United States Postal Service. Be wary of anyone purporting to be the IRS or ADG
contacting you by phone, email, or social media requesting personal or financial information. - If you receive a letter from someone purporting to be the IRS, you can verify that the letter is
legitimate through the IRS website. - Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2025: IRS warns taxpayers to watch out for dangerous threats.
- Misleading social media advice leads to false claims for Fuel Tax Credit, Sick and Family Leave
Credit, household employment taxes; FAQs help address common questions, next steps for those
receiving IRS letters.
What to Do If You Encounter Fraud or Identity Theft:
If you believe you or someone you know has been targeted by fraudulent payors or individuals
purporting to be the IRS, file a consumer complaint by visiting azag.gov/consumer. You can also find the
contact information for the Arizona Attorney General’s Office below:
- Phoenix: (602) 542-5763
- Tucson: (520) 628-6648
- Statewide: (800) 352-8431
For more information, check out the Department’s related news releases from this past year:
- ADG PSA: Tips for Safe and Responsible Online Gaming
- Please Remain Vigilant: Department PSA on Gaming Scam Calls
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