Compliance Updates
GAMING LAW & REGULATORY ATTORNEYS LAUNCH GAMING LAW PRACTICE

Susan Hensel, the former Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) Director of Licensing, and former PGCB attorney Joseph Grad, announced today the launch of Hensel Grad P.C., a boutique law firm focused on providing legal services to domestic and international clients in the gaming industry. At the PGCB, Hensel and Grad’s collaborative work played a key role in developing the licensing regulatory structure for Pennsylvania, which is today the 2nd largest commercial gaming market in the United States.
Hensel and Grad are reuniting through the founding of Hensel Grad P.C. to expand beyond Pennsylvania in serving clients interested in entering or thriving in the rapidly expanding U.S. gaming industry. “We believe the time is right for a law firm with a solid understanding of how U.S. gaming regulation is created, implemented and enforced,” said Hensel.
She added, “we have the knowledge, experience and relationships necessary to serve all of a client’s regulatory needs and believe a boutique law firm is the ideal platform from which to deliver the highest quality gaming law services to clients.”
“The firm’s focus will be on servicing new and recent entrants to the U.S. gaming market, whether they are foreign entities, early stage U.S. companies, or state agencies charged with overseeing the development of new gaming verticals,” said Grad. Grad noted, “from a client’s decision to enter a jurisdiction to post-licensing compliance and at all points in between, we will be their partner in navigating the U.S. gaming landscape.”
The firm will serve gaming operators, manufacturers, suppliers, affiliates, equity investors, start-ups, non-gaming vendors, entrepreneurs, inventors, lenders, and others seeking to participate in the U.S. gaming industry. In addition, Hensel Grad will serve as a consultant to jurisdictions in the U.S. and throughout the world that are embarking on legalizing one or more gaming verticals.
About Susan Hensel
Susan Hensel was the PGCB’s first employee and first Director of Licensing. She has overseen the licensing of more than 100,000 individuals and entities as Pennsylvania evolved from a slots only jurisdiction to one offering the full range of gaming verticals including integrated casino resorts, online gaming, sports wagering, fantasy sports, and video gaming terminals at truck stop establishments. She stepped down from the position in April.
In addition to her work in Pennsylvania, Hensel is among the best known and respected U.S. regulators on an international stage. In 2020, Hensel was named one of the Ten Most Influential Women in gaming by iGaming Business. She is Past President of the International Association of Gaming Regulators having served in that position for two terms. She is an original member of the Advisory Board of the All-In-Diversity Project, an industry-driven not-for-profit initiative to benchmark diversity, equality and inclusion in the global gaming industry and is a strong advocate for women in the gaming industry.
Hensel is a frequent speaker on gaming law and regulation and has spoken throughout the world. She has published articles on gaming regulation and has collaborated with gaming regulators around the globe. Hensel is an adjunct law professor teaching gaming law and regulation.
About Joseph Grad
Prior to co-founding Hensel Grad P.C., Joseph Grad was the founder and Principal of the Law Office of Joseph W. Grad, LLC which had a successful ten-year run providing services in the areas of gaming, corporate and healthcare law to clients of all shapes and sizes.
In his gaming practice, Grad represented individuals and entities in all aspects of gaming law across numerous U.S. jurisdictions, including matters relating to licensing such as multi-jurisdictional and contested licensing, regulatory compliance with state and federal laws, suitability investigations, approval of corporate transactions, appellate litigation and emerging gaming law issues. He has also been a frequent speaker and contributor to gaming conferences around the world and has served as an advisor to U.S. state gaming authorities, including a recent appointment to the Colorado Sports Betting Working Group.
Prior to starting his firm, Grad was one of the first attorneys hired by the PGCB and served in the positions of Assistant Chief Counsel and Special Counsel for Corporate Finance & Governance. During his tenure with the PGCB, he drafted, developed and shaped many of the PGCB’s regulations, policies and procedures, including the PGCB’s licensing regulations. In addition, he served as the PGCB’s legal advisor on matters involving corporate licensees, including all mergers and acquisitions within the PGCB’s jurisdiction.
More information about Hensel Grad P.C. can be found at HenselGrad.com.
Compliance Updates
Intralot informs the investment community about the withdrawal of the Maryland contract award Augu

Intralot S.A. informs the investment community that the Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (USA), despite an initially favorable recommendation, has ultimately rejected the bid submitted by its subsidiary, Intralot, Inc., for the award of a contract for a new Central Lottery Monitoring and Control System in the State. The rejection was based on the alleged failure to meet the minimum required percentage of subcontracting to local subcontractors.
This decision comes as a great surprise, especially considering that Intralot, Inc. had allocated a significantly higher percentage of the project to local subcontractors than the minimum required.
Moreover, the company had provided the Commission with very detailed clarifications, and the Commission was fully aware of the identity and role of these subcontractors. In fact, the Commission innitially ruled that all participants in the bidding process complied with the requirements of the relevant RFP — something the Commission itself acknowledges.
The Company reserves all its legal rights and intends to pursue every legal remedy available to protect the interests of its shareholders. The bid submitted by Intralot, Inc. is technically sound and by far the most financially advantageous, significantly outperforming the second-best offer. Should it not be accepted, the State of Maryland stands to lose a substantial financial benefit.
Compliance Updates
MGCB Issues Cease-and-Desist Orders to Six Illegal Gambling Sites Targeting Michigan Players

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist letters to six unlicensed online gambling platforms attempting to target Michigan residents without state authorization. The action underscores the MGCB’s relentless, ongoing efforts to shut down illegal gambling operations and protect Michigan consumers from financial risk, identity theft, and unfair play.
The targeted sites—Crypto Slots, NitroBetting, NewVegas, Las Vegas USA Casino, Grand Rush Casino, and Slotgard Casino—were found to be operating in violation of Michigan laws that require licensure for internet gaming and sports betting.
“These sites were attempting to exploit Michigan players while operating outside the law. We take this seriously. When unauthorized operators offer games without regulation, Michigan players are left exposed—and we will not tolerate it,” said Henry Williams, MGCB Executive Director.
This enforcement action is part of the MGCB’s larger crackdown on illegal online gambling platforms. In recent months, the agency has issued numerous cease-and-desist letters, with additional investigations currently underway.
The MGCB continues to monitor online gaming activity and urges the public to be cautious when engaging with gambling content on social media or through digital advertisements.
Compliance Updates
SA Gaming Secures GLI Certification in Brazil

SA Gaming, a leading Live Game Solution provider offering premium online entertainment, has announced that its game portfolio and Remote Gaming Server (RGS) have officially obtained Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) certifications in Brazil.
This milestone underscores SA Gaming’s commitment to delivering premium gaming experiences, with a particular focus on the Brazilian market.
A company representative said: “We will continue to strive for excellence, and to show our commitment to compliance and delivering tailored Live Game solutions.”
The regulated Brazilian online gaming market, which launched on January 1, 2025, is projected to become the largest in Latin America. Under the new framework, only licensed operators are legally permitted to offer online gaming and betting services.
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