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The regulatory briefing, supported by WH Partners and hosted on Stage 1, brought together gaming law specialists to discuss compliance challenges, cross-border licensing complexities, and emerging product categories facing regulatory scrutiny across the region.
Mexico’s Fiscal and Compliance Transformation
Rodrigo Galván Graf, Partner at L&BC, detailed Mexico’s permit-based regulatory system and significant upcoming changes to the country’s gaming tax structure. The gaming sector faces a tax increase from 30% to 50% effective January 2026, accompanied by strengthened anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements.
A new gaming bill currently under legislative review signals further transformation of Mexico’s regulatory framework. Galván Graf noted that emerging product categories including sweepstakes and skill-based games present regulatory challenges as markets work to balance innovation with oversight.
“Newer forms such as sweepstakes and skill-based games challenge markets to balance innovation with regulation.”
The regulatory focus in Mexico centers on permit legitimacy rather than product diversity, creating a compliance environment distinct from other North American jurisdictions.
United States: State-by-State Expansion
David Yatom Hay, General Counsel at Soft2Bet, characterized the US gaming market as experiencing “careful expansion” following the 2018 PASPA repeal. States continue introducing sports betting regulation at individual paces while evaluating the fiscal benefits of potential iGaming adoption.
The state-specific regulatory approach creates operational complexity for operators managing multi-state licenses. Significant regulatory variations between jurisdictions represent major compliance challenges, requiring operators to maintain separate systems for different state requirements.
Yatom Hay contrasted the US approach with European markets, where regulatory frameworks are trending toward more restrictive conditions and increased compliance burdens for licensed operators.
Canada’s Provincial Divide
Ron Segev, Founding Partner at Segev LLP, outlined the fundamental differences in Canada’s provincial gaming structures. Ontario operates a competitive regulated market open to multiple operators, while most other provinces maintain monopolistic systems that drive gray market growth.
Alberta is expected to transition toward a regulatory model similar to Ontario’s framework, potentially creating new market opportunities and simplified compliance for operators. Segev indicated that Alberta’s developing framework might temporarily recognize Ontario licenses, though advertising regulations may differ as the provincial system evolves.
The monopolistic structures in most Canadian provinces outside Ontario have created conditions where unlicensed operators serve consumers through gray market channels, presenting ongoing challenges for regulatory authorities.
Cross-Border Licensing Complexity
Panel discussions highlighted the operational challenges operators face managing licenses across multiple jurisdictions. The fragmented regulatory environment in both the United States and Europe compounds market entry complexity for gaming companies.
Robert Zammit, Partner at WH Partners in Malta and visiting lecturer in gaming law at the University of Malta, brings expertise spanning gambling business licensing, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and data protection to the discussion of cross-border operational requirements.
The panel examined how regulatory fragmentation affects operator strategies, with companies required to maintain distinct compliance programs for different jurisdictions rather than operating under unified frameworks.
Emerging Products and Regulatory Scrutiny
Sweepstakes products, prediction markets, and skill-based games emerged as key discussion topics, with panelists noting these categories drive industry innovation while attracting heightened regulatory attention. Sweepstakes operate legally but under strict monitoring in Canada, while Mexico’s regulatory approach prioritizes permit validation over product-specific rules.
“Highly restrictive environments push providers to innovate and challenge traditional boundaries.”
David Yatom Hay noted that regulatory restrictions often drive product innovation as operators seek compliant methods to serve consumer demand within legal frameworks.
Cryptocurrency Payment Integration
The panel addressed cryptocurrency adoption in gaming payments, with experts noting that widespread integration depends on operators implementing robust KYC and AML compliance systems. Regional approaches to crypto payments vary significantly across North American jurisdictions.
“Stablecoins are accepted in US casinos, while Canada maintains stringent policies on direct cryptocurrency use.”
Ron Segev noted that US casino operators accept stablecoins for gaming transactions, while Canadian markets maintain stricter policies requiring pre-approved intermediaries for any crypto-related deposits. Ontario specifically prohibits direct cryptocurrency payments, permitting only deposits processed through licensed third-party intermediaries.
Pending legislative developments in Mexico may establish clearer frameworks for crypto licensing and taxation, though current regulations remain under development.
Operational Integrity and Risk Management
David Yatom Hay emphasized the importance of proactive fraud prevention measures, particularly regarding proposition and novelty betting products that have generated regulatory controversy. He warned that regulatory intervention typically follows public scandals rather than preceding them, placing responsibility on operators to identify and address integrity risks before they escalate.
“Cooperation among sportsbooks, betting integrity platforms, and leagues is necessary to prevent abuse.”
Ron Segev highlighted industry collaboration between sportsbooks, integrity monitoring platforms, and sports leagues as critical infrastructure for maintaining market integrity and preventing regulatory crackdowns that could affect broader industry operations.
The panel concluded that operators maintaining strong integrity programs and collaborative relationships with integrity monitoring services are better positioned to prevent incidents that trigger regulatory responses.
Panel Composition
The SiGMA Central Europe regulatory briefing featured four gaming law specialists:
Robert Zammit, Partner at WH Partners in Malta, serves as a visiting lecturer in gaming law at the University of Malta with expertise in gambling business licensing, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and data protection.
Ron Segev, Founding Partner at Segev LLP in Vancouver, specializes in gaming and licensing law with experience advising clients on gaming, technology, and finance law across North America.
David Yatom Hay, General Counsel at Soft2Bet, focuses on online gambling legal strategy, including licensing, AML compliance, and GDPR requirements in North American and European markets.
Rodrigo Galván Graf, Partner at L&BC, provides legal guidance on Mexico’s gaming regulatory environment and emerging compliance requirements.
The discussion provided regulatory insights for operators, legal professionals, and investors working within North American gaming markets facing ongoing regulatory evolution.
Source: Casino Guardian
