The next-generation content aggregator St8.io has been awarded an Isle of Man OGRA Software Supplier licence, as the company continues to expand its regulated footprint worldwide.

The licence, granted by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, will allow St8 to supply its product to other IoM-licensed B2B and B2C partners, as well as other Tier 1 operators.

“This is another important step in our mission to serve regulated markets worldwide,” said Vladimir Negine, founder and CEO at St8. “We’ve been really impressed by the robust licensing process of the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, which allows us to deliver innovative technology in a manner that protects both our partners and the end user. As we expand our presence into more regulated markets, the proven reputation that comes with an IoM licence will serve us well.”

Lyle Wraxall, Chief Executive at Digital Isle of Man added: “I would like to congratulate St8 for gaining their Isle of Man Software Supplier Licence and look forward to them joining the thriving business community. St8’s decision to expand its operations here reinforces the Isle of Man’s position as a leading hub for the digital and gaming industries.”

St8 was guided through the licensing process by specialist consultancy Amber Gaming.

“We are thrilled to congratulate our valued partner St8 on securing their licence with the support of our advisory services. This achievement underscores our commitment to delivering expert guidance and driving success together,” said Jade Zorab, Managing Director at Amber Gaming.

Vladimir Negine added: “We chose Amber Gaming because we needed a partner with a complete understanding of this process, a flawless reputation and an efficient approach that matched with our timelines. They delivered perfectly on all of these, and I’d like to thank Lee-Ann, Abi and the entire Amber Gaming team for their fantastic support.”

St8.io’s Isle of Man licence is just the latest that the content aggregator has acquired. Last year, it was granted a licence from Romania’s National Gambling Office, and in June secured a recognition notice from the Malta Gaming Authority.

The company continues to bring world-class innovation to the aggregation space, including a recent major update to its St8 Art Kit, which now features animated thumbnails for high-performing games.

Finland’s proposed change to its online gambling legislation marks a significant milestone in European gambling regulation. Finland is the last EU country with a monopoly system for online gambling, and its shift towards a multi-licensing approach is a positive change. It finally brings it into line with the rest of the EU countries who all already have some form of licensing framework for online gambling.

Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of European Gaming and Betting Association, said: “At EGBA, we support the newly proposed legislation, which we’ve advocated for years. Experience shows that a monopoly doesn’t work in the online world, and consumers are best served and protected in a well-regulated but competitive environment, where safety tools such as deposit limits and self-exclusion are made available to players.”

While Finland’s proposal is heading in the right direction, some areas require some fine-tuning to ensure the new licensing framework achieves its goal of ensuring Finns play with locally licensed websites.

Maarten Haijer said: “For starters, the proposed marketing restrictions, especially the ban on affiliate marketing and social media advertising, might backfire. These channels play a key role in guiding consumers to licensed, regulated platforms. Without them, players will drift to black market websites that don’t follow Finnish regulations or prioritise consumer safety.

“Also, the proposed blanket ban on bonuses is concerning. While we support setting boundaries on bonusing, a complete prohibition will simply make any newly licensed operators less competitive against unlicensed ones. This risks pushing players towards unregulated sites, undermining the very consumer protections the legislation aims to establish and strengthen.”

He added: “In our response to the government’s recent consultation, EGBA suggests two key improvements: Bring affiliates into the regulatory framework and allow social media advertising under clear rules. Both are valuable tools for channelling players towards licensed operators. By implementing clear guidelines, such as mandatory safer gambling messages, Finland can harness the power of these marketing channels while maintaining high standards of consumer protection.

“Instead of banning bonuses outright, implement guidelines for their responsible use. For instance, a nuanced approach could involve prohibiting bonuses for players showing signs of problematic behaviour, or setting clear rules on when and how bonuses can be offered. This strategy would allow operators to compete more effectively with unlicensed sites who will undoubtedly use bonuses to try to entice Finnish players away from regulated websites.

“These changes would better align Finland’s approach with the successful models seen across the EU, striking a balance between market competitiveness and robust consumer protection.

“Transitioning to a licensed market is no small feat, but it’s one that ultimately benefits everyone involved. At EGBA we are ready to share our expertise and support Finland in creating a well-regulated, competitive, and safe online gambling market.

“Finland stands at a pivotal moment in the history of its gambling regulation. By crafting a successful online gambling framework, Finland, like its neighbours Denmark and Sweden, can successfully transition from its monopoly to a well-functioning licensing system. Denmark’s transition to multi−licensing in 2012 led to a significant improvement in online channelisation, reaching well over 90 per cent. Sweden has seen similar improvements.

“Addressing the concerns about marketing restrictions and bonus regulations is crucial to ensure the new legislation achieves its objectives, safeguarding Finnish consumers while fostering a healthy, well-regulated online gambling environment.”

The organisers of the Regulating the Game conference that will be held in Sydney, Australia, from March 10 to 13 have announced the first two confirmed speakers for its 2025 Masterclass Series in Sydney.

Jay Robinson, chief stakeholder relations officer at Focal Research Consultants, will present a masterclass on “Beyond Compliance – Safer Gambling Training and Building a Culture of Customer Care.”

The organisers said: “Jay brings deep global experience in developing and implementing safer gambling strategies that go beyond mere compliance and underpin cogent industry voice and leadership.

“Jay’s session will focus on creating a culture of customer care, equipping participants with practical tools and insights to enhance player protection and responsible gambling practices. Flying in from Canada, Jay’s expertise is highly regarded globally, making this a must-attend session for anyone committed to advancing safer gambling initiatives.”

Jay Robinson said: “Great training is more than a compliance tick box: it sustains an arc of culture building housed in customer care. Effective gambling staff training transcends mere compliance and meets the real needs of both staff and customers.

“This masterclass delves into how industry leaders, regulators, and frontline staff across various jurisdictions can successfully build a culture of safer gambling. It emphasises the critical role of leadership in supporting and sustaining training initiatives.”

Ian Hughes, chief commercial officer at Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) and chief executive officer of GLI Australia, will lead a masterclass on “Technology Disruptors in the Gambling Sector.” This session will dive into emerging technologies within the gaming industry, exploring their potential benefits and risks.

Ian will cover critical innovations such as cashless systems, microservices, AI, and cloud-based solutions, and discuss their impact on responsible gaming, privacy, security, and AML/CTF compliance.

Both Jay Robinson and Ian Hughes are recognised experts in their fields, and their masterclasses will offer attendees unparalleled insights into the latest trends and best practices. These sessions are designed to deep dive into the topics, promote interaction and provide actionable insights to help participants navigate the rapidly evolving gambling regulatory landscape.

Paul Newson, principal at Vanguard Overwatch, said: “We’re thrilled to continue the Masterclass Series at Regulating the Game 2025, featuring world-class experts like Jay Robinson and Ian Hughes.

“These sessions will provide hands-on learning and deep insights into key areas like safer gambling, customer care, and disruptive technologies. It’s an unparalleled opportunity for participants to engage with the latest trends and walk away with actionable strategies for uplifting capability and navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.”