Sweden has issued a draft legislation seeking to "regain control" of its gambling market. For the first time, the said legislation has included provisions on licensing international online operators.

The new legislation gives the state control over land-based casinos, major lotteries and gaming machines outside casinos. However, digital products and virtual sports such as online sports betting, casino, and bingo will be open to all qualified applicants. Licensees who fail to observe their license obligations can be penalized from SEK 5k to as much as 10% of their annual turnover.

The new law also seeks to punish unauthorized operators. Sweden's gambling regulator has the right to compel internet service providers to suspend unauthorized gambling domains, and financial institutions will be required to block payments to and from such sites. Violators could face fines and prison sentences of up to six years.

In this episode, Ed Pownall talks about the first Bitcoin lottery, the attempt of GVC to acquire its rival Ladbrokes, and Unikrn's move to woo new poker players. Plus, he bared a prediction that will blow your mind!

Jimmy Nguyen, CEO of blockchain technologies research and development leader nChain Group, shared why merchants should start exploring Bitcoin Cash and how they would benefit from this digital currency.

The Golden Globe Hotels Pvt Ltd will be transferring its gaming operations from MV Lucky 7, the terribly unlucky ship that ran aground in a sandbar in July, to MV San Domino, a vessel that has been moored for the last eight years due to lack of a casino license.

UK-listed gambling operator GVC Holding will take over Ladbrokes Coral Group for a sum of £3.9b ($5.2b), according to a Reuters report. The acquisition of Ladbrokes will finally push through after two failed attempts, with the two companies currently discussing the final terms of the deal.

U.S. regional casino operator Boyd Gaming continues its acquisition streak, forging its second major deal this week to take over Valley Forge Casino Resort in Pennsylvania. Boyd paid $280.5m in cash to acquire the casino based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

Player Affinity—This refers to the brand that a player enjoys most. Affiliates retain depositing players for longer by establishing this affinity and catering to it via relevant bonuses and special promotions.

The Latvia-based casino platform provider has announced that it has finished the integration of 1X2 Network's products into its platform. This will allow casino operators to add 1X2 virtual sports and casino games to their portfolios.

Congratulations to Jerome Sgorrano for dominating the Eurasian Poker Tour (EAPT) Prague Festival! Sgorrano defeated 825 entrants to win the €126,500 first prize in the Main Event.