It’s time to harmonise global gaming regulation

The future of compliance lies not in more local rules, but in shared global standards, says Play’n GO’s Head of Compliance, Paresh Rughani.

Opinion.- The global gambling industry is a contradiction right now. In many senses, we’ve never been so connected, with online operators and suppliers scaling across continents.

But at the same time, we remain very fragmented.

Those same operators must navigate a maze of differing licensing requirements. Suppliers are certifying the same content under wildly different standards. Compliance teams are building multi-jurisdictional frameworks that resemble patchwork quilts stitched together out of necessity rather than choice.

Meanwhile, regulators are attempting to exert national oversight over an industry that increasingly operates in a borderless, digital world.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand that a single set of universal regulations is not feasible due to a myriad of cultural, economic and legal reasons.

But there is a clear opportunity for our entire global industry to align around some core, shared principles. In fact, having reviewed core mission statements from dozens of regulators around the world, I see plenty of common ground.

We all want to keep crime out of gambling by including robust measures against money laundering and terrorist financing.  

It is vital that we ensure games and products are fair and safe, with technical standards and independent testing. 

We must conduct reputational and financial checks on licence applicants to guarantee integrity, including performing due diligence on Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) and key personnel.

And we should be reviewing corporate financial records to better assess sustainability and transparency. 

Collaborative framework

These collective goals form the foundation for a collaborative regulatory framework. 

Today, I’m calling on the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) and the North American Gaming Regulators Association (NAGRA) to lead the development of common regulatory standards, as well as explore the creation of a centralised due diligence agency to support both regulators and licensees.

Let’s look at how we can make real progress on the key issues.

I firmly believe a harmonised approach should begin with corporate due diligence. 

Currently, application formats, eligibility criteria and documentation requirements vary widely across jurisdictions. This lack of consistency often leads to duplicated efforts, delays and increased costs for licensees, especially those active in multiple markets.

To address this, regulators should adopt a unified application format, consistent eligibility criteria, harmonised documentation requirements and transparent timelines. Such standardisation would not only benefit licensees but also empower regulators to make faster, more informed decisions. 

On AML protocols, I’m calling for more cross-border cooperation and data-sharing mechanisms, so regulators can coordinate enforcement. All this in addition to tailored risk-based monitoring and greater training.

Compliance should be proportionate, targeted and focused on genuine risk indicators, as over-regulation can stifle innovation and divert resources from meaningful oversight.

Regulators should establish interoperable frameworks for technical standards, which are the backbone of fair and secure gaming. These frameworks should be neutral and undergo regular renewal and reassessment.

Such a harmonised technical ecosystem would significantly simplify integrations, strengthen trust among players and facilitate cross-border licensing.

And finally, on the topic of UBOs and due diligence, we need full disclosures, ongoing monitoring and centralised verification. This could be achieved via an independent, centralised due diligence agency under IAGR and NAGRA oversight.

Such an agency would serve as a trusted third party, enhancing regulatory confidence and streamlining compliance across jurisdictions. It would also support smaller regulators with limited resources, enabling them to benefit from shared intelligence and infrastructure. 

Why this is key

Of course, my proposals constitute a major undertaking. But I’m convinced of their benefits, for licensees, regulators, and most importantly, the players themselves.

With clear, consistent rules, we can build greater public confidence. Players are more likely to engage with platforms that are transparently regulated and demonstrably fair.

By streamlining processes to reduce regulatory friction, licensees can allocate resources more effectively, prioritising innovation and responsible growth. Standardisation reduces duplication in documentation, testing, and due diligence, lowering compliance costs for both regulators and licensees. 

Common standards also foster cross-border enforcement. Regulators can cooperate more easily, exchange data, and coordinate responses to emerging threats. Remember, unified oversight deters financial crime and unethical practices. It creates a level playing field and discourages bad actors from exploiting regulatory gaps.

And with clearer rules and faster approvals, licensees and applicants can bring new products to market more quickly, boosting competitiveness and consumer choice.

I strongly believe that fragmented regulation is no longer sustainable in an interconnected digital landscape. Now is the time to take a purposeful step toward a more secure, transparent and efficient gaming ecosystem.