After securing entry into its second US state, and with a third firmly in sight, RubyPlay is sharpening its compliance strategy to balance speed with precision. Amanda Slonzon, VP of Compliance and Regulatory Strategy, explains how the company’s US Playbook is helping to turn regulation into a growth engine, from leveraging New Jersey as a benchmark, to preparing for Pennsylvania’s unique challenges, and building trust-based relationships with regulators and partners across the industry.

When people think about compliance in the US iGaming industry, they often imagine it as the handbrake that slows expansion and stifles innovation. For me, it is the opposite as compliance sits in the driver’s seat. It is not simply a support function but a product in itself that enables us to grow faster, enter new markets with confidence and strengthen our relationships across the industry.

The US online casino market is both highly promising and highly fragmented. Only seven states currently regulate iGaming and each has its own framework. Navigating this landscape requires a deep understanding of both the common threads between states and the subtle differences that can make or break a market entry.

This is why we have developed a US Playbook at RubyPlay, which is a detailed, in-house framework for understanding and applying state-by-state requirements in a way that is tailored to our products and infrastructure. With it, our compliance and regulatory specialists break down each regulation, interpret it in the context of our business, and share that knowledge across the company.

Market comparisons

New Jersey will always be the starting point for most operators and suppliers entering the US. It was the pioneer of state-level regulation and, in many ways, still sets the standard for others to follow. Meeting New Jersey’s requirements ensures a company is well-prepared for other states, many of which recognise its certifications. Delaware, for example, places direct reliance on New Jersey approvals, a pragmatic approach that can streamline entry for those already licensed in the Garden state. But even with these efficiencies, each state demands its own level of preparation and adaptation.

Regulators in the US take compliance very seriously and ensure that every technical aspect of a business meets their requirements. Unlike some EU markets, where providers may not need a B2B license, every US state requires B2B licensing through a thorough, state-specific process. While major shifts are rare, when they occur they can significantly impact the industry. Right now, sweepstakes is the most talked-about development, and with New Jersey’s Governor having recently signed the ban into law, we are seeing a wave of prohibition that will have a major impact across the industry. Our role is to remain attentive, follow changes daily, and ensure we stay as compliant as we intend to be.

Every state also has its own technical standards, licensing requirements, tax structures, and approaches to product approval. For example, Pennsylvania applies the highest tax rate on operators in the country yet remains one of the most attractive among operators. It also has a deeply ingrained gaming culture and a large, active player base. Entering a state like Pennsylvania, which is a key target for RubyPlay in 2026, is not just about passing compliance checks but more about understanding the regulator’s expectations, the market’s economic realities and the cultural context of its players.

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Fostering close relationships

One of the most important aspects of operating in the US is the strength of relationships with key stakeholders across the entire ecosystem. I have always believed that a strong relationship with the regulator is just as critical as meeting their requirements on paper. We work to ensure that regulators see us as partners who bring solutions, not problems. We communicate openly and demonstrate that we take their rules as seriously as they do. The same process applies to how we work alongside our industry partners. From platform providers or operator customer, we approach every partnership as a collaborative effort to succeed together.

Culture plays a vital role in how we approach regulation. Compliance is considered a technical discipline, but ultimately it is powered by people who care about getting processes and frameworks robust. I am proud to lead a team that is collaborative and solution-oriented. One of my proudest moments recently came during a recruitment process where I was speaking with a candidate for a role within our compliance team. She told me she had been following RubyPlay closely and was so impressed by our company culture, the pride we take in our work and the way we treat our people, that she was willing to relocate to another country just to join the team. It is a real story that speaks to the environment we have built.

Regulation in the US is not going to advance overnight. The state-by-state approach will remain and evolve, and new product categories will emerge that challenge existing frameworks. My perspective is that the companies who thrive will be the ones who embrace this complexity, invest in understanding it deeply, and treat compliance as a strategic asset rather than an operational hurdle.

The US Playbook we have developed is our way of making that happen. It is an ever-evolving strategy that keeps us compliant, competitive and ready for whatever comes next.

The popular crash game Aviatrix has entered a strategic partnership with Brazilian operator Todos Querem Jogar (TQJ) to bring the hit title to the recently launched brand Bet do Milhão.

TQJ is a Brazil-licensed operator and an investee company of the Silvio Santos Group, one of the country’s largest media conglomerates. Its first brand, Bet do Milhão, is inspired by Show do Milhão, the iconic Brazilian TV game show, and debuts with a full portfolio of sports betting and online gaming, with a strong focus on innovation, security, and responsible play.

Through the partnership, Bet do Milhão players will now enjoy the full Aviatrix experience, including one of the most dynamic and engaging crash game mechanics in the world.

Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “This partnership with TQJ and Bet do Milhão is a perfect fit. Aviatrix is about delivering exciting and intuitive gameplay, which aligns perfectly with the Bet do Milhão concept. This is another key milestone in establishing Aviatrix as one of the most popular online casino games in Brazil.”

Leonardo Sampaio, Chief Operating Officer at Todos Querem Jogar, added: “We want to combine the Brazilian way of having fun with the very best in technology and content available in the market. That’s why bringing Aviatrix to our new brand was a priority. We are excited to build a long-term relationship with the team and are confident the game will be hugely successful with our players.”

Aviatrix has been rapidly expanding in Brazil in recent months. In April 2025, the game received full federal certification to operate via licensed operators nationwide, as well as a dedicated certification for the state of Paraná.

Pioneering iGaming technology company becomes the latest member of North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries trade group, reinforcing its commitment to advancing the lottery sector through innovative digital solutions

Bede Gaming, the data-driven iGaming technology provider known for its market leading software and full-service platform solutions, announced this month that it has officially joined the prestigious North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries trade group as an Associate Member.

NASPL is the largest trade association in the lottery space, representing 53 state and provincial lottery members throughout North America. The group plays a pivotal role in advocating for lottery organisations on matters of general policy and best practice, while also leveraging collaboration, communication, education, and information for the betterment of the industry.

“NASPL is pleased to have Bede Gaming as our newest Associate Member Partner; we look forward to collaborating this year and beyond with the goal of strengthening our industry.” Jake Coy, Director of Partner Relations, NASPL.

Reflecting on the company’s new NASPL membership, Colin Cole-Johnson, Chief Executive Officer at Bede Gaming, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be joining NASPL as an Associate Member. As a company that’s passionate about supporting lottery customers in achieving their digital transformation goals, this membership provides an opportunity for us to further demonstrate our capabilities and do so in alignment with the highest industry standards.

“Bede is looking forward to working closely with NASPL members and partners to learn about the challenges that they face. Our goal is to explore how our pioneering platform technology can best support their needs, while also contributing to the broader advancement of the lottery industry.”

The NASPL ’25 Annual Conference and Tradeshow this month presents the first opportunity for Bede to do precisely that, with many NASPL members attending, including event host and current Bede partner, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).

As existing members of both the World Lottery Association and European Lotteries, Bede holds a strong commitment to supporting the future of the industry through innovative digital solutions. In the North American market, this is exemplified by the company’s ongoing successful partnership with OLG, which was a key factor in the decision to pursue NASPL membership and a move that was wholeheartedly supported by the provincial lottery.

“Bede has been a trusted partner to OLG for five years, providing us with innovative products and technical solutions that continue to enhance the digital lottery experience for our players in Ontario,” confirmed Andrew Darley, VP of iCasino and iLottery at OLG. “We were happy to recommend them for this esteemed membership and believe that by joining NASPL, they’ll now have the perfect platform to showcase how their expertise can assist the industry going forward.”

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