Play'n GO has been under scrutiny after it was found that some of its most popular game titles, such as Book of Dead, can be found in several unregulated platforms in regulated markets like Germany and the Netherlands. This comes as a surprise, especially since its CEO made a definitive declaration that it didn't support illegal sweepstakes platforms and that it will not supply its games to these platforms.
Play'n GO, one of the leading developers in the online casino industry, is facing mounting scrutiny following revelations that its games are being offered on unlicensed gambling websites. These platforms, including Goldspin and FoxyGold.com, cater to players in heavily regulated markets like Germany and the Netherlands, despite lacking the necessary approvals to operate there.
The controversy is particularly striking given Play'n GO's recent public declarations positioning itself as a champion of regulatory integrity. Just weeks ago, the company made headlines for its vocal opposition to sweepstakes casinos - sites that operate in a legal gray area under US promotional sweepstakes laws but are not officially licensed as gambling platforms.
A commitment to regulated markets in public
In May, Play'n GO Chief Executive Officer Johan Tornqvist drew a clear line in the sand. He stated unequivocally that the company would not do business with sweepstakes casinos, citing their non-compliance with regulatory standards. Supporting this stance, Shawn Fluharty, Play'n GO's Head of Government Affairs, warned that aligning with such entities could have long-term consequences. "Anyone doing business with sweepstakes casinos today will find it very difficult to do business in a future regulated market," cautioned Fluharty at the time.
The company's strong words aimed to solidify its reputation as a strictly regulation-aligned developer. But the recent discovery of its flagship titles - such as the immensely popular 'Book of Dead' - on sites that fall outside of regulated frameworks has cast a shadow over that narrative.
Games appear on unlicensed sites
Despite its declared commitment to compliance, Play'n GO's games have surfaced on sites operating under Curacao licenses. These platforms, while legal in certain jurisdictions, are considered unauthorized in markets like Germany and the Netherlands, where strict licensing requirements apply.
In response, Fluharty acknowledged the issue but sought to downplay its significance. He suggested that low site traffic and VPN usage may account for the presence of the games. Moreover, he indicated the games could be available via larger reseller networks, complicating enforcement efforts.
"If there is suspicion that they are also providing games to regulated jurisdictions without the proper licenses in place, then the relevant regulators should be notified so they may take appropriate action," said Fluharty.
Industry distribution challenges
The situation sheds light on a persistent challenge within the online gambling ecosystem: the reliance on resellers and content aggregators. While these intermediaries help game developers distribute their products globally, they also pose significant risks in terms of compliance.
In Play'n GO's case, this model may have allowed their games to appear on unauthorized platforms, despite the company's intention to remain within the bounds of legality. However, critics argue that intention alone is not enough.
For a company that has positioned itself as a regulatory standard-bearer, failing to control where its games end up undermines both its credibility and the integrity of the regulated market it claims to support.
Moral high ground in question
Play'n GO's hard stance against sweepstakes casinos now appears more for performance and less about principles. Sweepstakes sites, while controversial, do not involve real-money gambling in the traditional sense and operate under US promotional law frameworks. In contrast, the black market gambling sites where Play'n GO's games are now found pose a far greater risk to consumers - offering real-money betting with no legal protections or oversight.
This discrepancy has led critics to question whether Play'n GO's opposition to sweepstakes casinos was less about regulatory conformity and more about optics. Critics say that if the company truly values compliance and consumer protection, it must ensure consistent enforcement across all distribution channels.
