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British Columbia has announced a new Gaming Control Act for 2026, seeking to clamp down on money laundering and fraud.
Coming into effect on April 13, 2026, British Columbia’s Gaming Control Act will update the existing regulatory framework and introduce new regulations for the gambling industry, with a specific focus on illegal activities like money laundering and fraud. The act was passed back in 2022, sparked by a need to more effectively address money laundering and off the back of two recommendations from independent reviews.
Those recommendations, coming from the German Report and Cullen Commission, included the creation of an independent gambling regulator, clarifying the separate roles of the regulator and the BC Lottery Corporation, creating standards-based regulations, putting money laundering under the responsibility of the regulator, and giving the regulator the power to issue directives without the consent of the minister.
“Money laundering is a serious issue in our province and across the country, and strong oversight is needed to prevent it,” said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “The new act creates a strong regulatory framework so that the Independent Gambling Control Office, our new independent regulator, can more effectively address criminal activity and protect people in B.C.”
Based on the recommendations and modern gambling regulation guidance, the Gaming Control Act incorporates policies designed to deter money laundering, foster responsible gambling, and ensure the gambling sector adheres to both new and old regulations.
The first steps to tackling money laundering in British Columbia
As well as the steps laid out above, the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) will transition to an independent gambling control office. The new office will have the responsibility of regulatory oversight of gambling conducted and managed by the BCLC, charitable gambling, and the horse-racing industry.
Specifically, the office will implement new requirements that will help to detect and prevent problem gambling and illegal activities like money laundering across the industry.
ReadWrite has reached out to British Columbia’s Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General for comment.
Featured image: Flickr, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
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Homeowners used to assume a handshake and a business card meant the person standing in their driveway was qualified. That confidence has been fading. People are more cautious now, not out of fear, but because big-ticket home projects demand transparency and accountability. When someone is repairing wiring, rebuilding a deck, or installing a major system, credentials signal whether they are serious professionals or simply passing through town. More homeowners are learning how to evaluate the people they hire, and that shift is already reshaping the trades in a healthy way.
The Push For Professional Standards
One reason homeowners scrutinize credentials is the sheer cost of homeownership. Insurance rates are climbing, materials cost more than ever, and any repair that goes wrong becomes even more expensive to fix later. That reality makes people double-check licenses, certifications, and business registrations. It is not about suspicion. It is about investing wisely. People want reassurance that the contractor they choose has real expertise and stands behind their work.
The conversation around contractor fraud has also made homeowners more alert. When people hear news stories about unlicensed operators taking deposits and disappearing, it raises awareness across the board. Instead of relying on instinct alone, homeowners now cross-reference state databases, confirm insurance status, and ask for clear contracts. Professional tradespeople who maintain strong credentials appreciate this change because it elevates the entire industry. The more informed the client, the more valuable real qualifications become.
Technology Is Becoming Part Of The Screening Process
Modern homeowners often do a full digital sweep before calling anyone. This is where contractors with well-organized systems quietly stand out. When scheduling, estimates, communication, and project updates feel consistent and professional, homeowners trust the process more. Behind the scenes, many pros now use platforms designed to keep everything in order. Tools marketed as the best CRM for electrical contractors, plumbers or HVAC techs are showing up everywhere because they streamline lead management and create a clear paper trail.
Homeowners might not know which software a contractor uses, but they can feel the difference when someone sends a detailed proposal, replies quickly, and shares project updates without needing constant reminders. These touches signal that the business is built to last. Reliability tends to show up in the small details long before the big work begins.
Apps Are Quietly Redefining What Professionalism Looks Like
Another shift is happening on job sites. A growing number of field pros rely on digital tools that track jobs, materials, and service histories in real time. Many homeowners never see the interface, but they notice when techs arrive prepared, with accurate information and fewer surprises. That level of readiness is often powered by a field service technician app that keeps everything organized.
These tools can log equipment specs, document issues with photos, provide safety checklists, and coordinate team schedules. When used well, they make a business feel polished without forcing the homeowner to navigate the technology themselves. The result is a smoother experience that feels transparent and predictable. Contractors who adopt strong digital habits often find that homeowners refer to them more because the entire interaction feels easier.
Credentials Are Becoming Part Of Reputation
Homeowners talk. Neighborhood message boards, online reviews, and local community groups shape reputations quickly. When someone has licenses, continuing education credits, certifications, or long-standing local ties, it becomes part of the story people tell each other. Clear proof of skill builds trust, and trust reduces the uncertainty that usually comes with hiring someone for a big project.
This shift is not about paperwork for the sake of paperwork. It is about making sure the person handling a home system knows the code requirements, safety standards, and practical realities behind the job. Credentials are shorthand for competence. They reassure homeowners who may not know the technical details themselves but still want confidence that the work will be sound.
The Momentum Behind Better Hiring Decisions
All of this points to a bigger movement. Homeowners feel more empowered to make informed choices, and contractors who invest in credentials and organization find themselves rising above the noise. The trades have always relied on reputation, but reputation now grows from a mix of skill, clarity, and consistency. That combination helps homeowners feel comfortable approving large projects without second-guessing every step.
As homeowners become more careful and better informed, the contractors who thrive will be the ones who choose transparency instead of resisting it. Contractor credentials, communication habits, and well-managed systems work together to show clients that their home is in capable hands. That confidence creates a healthier market for everyone, and it rewards the professionals who take pride in doing things the right way.
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The Danish Parliament is considering a bill that would introduce a new bingo license for playing using walkie-talkies and local radio.
The new license, announced on Tuesday (December 2), would allow operators to run bingo games via walkie-talkie and on local radios, if passed by the Danish government. If successful, the Danish Gambling Authority estimates that the rules could come into force from January 1, 2026. Operators would be able to apply for a license from then on.
There are a number of stipulations attached to the license, including requiring operators to complete a report on the first year of offering gambling. In addition, the new licence will cost DKK 1,000 per year ($156), which is significantly less than the current casino licence cost of DKK 327,500 ($51,000).
Turnover for operators is capped at DKK 1 million ($156,250), with a focus on keeping bingo a community game rather than a commercial one. There will also be a 28% levy on profits after prize payouts and at least 80% of stakes are required to be returned to players as prizes.
Bingo as a community activity in Denmark
Bingo in Denmark is seen largely as a community offering and a means of fundraising for local groups, rather than a commercial gambling avenue. That attitude appears to be carrying into this bill, notably with the criteria requiring money to be returned to players and capping turnover at DKK 1 million.
Former Tax Minister Rasmus Stoklund has championed the bill, pushing for those measures to be put in place to discourage big gambling businesses and attract smaller associations. The goal of the bill, which has been widely well-received by community groups and local radio stations, is to protect Danish communities, especially in rural areas, while also balancing compliance with gambling regulations. This comes as gambling revenue in Denmark increased this year, especially in the online space.
Featured image: Canva
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Gaming Corps has officially announced a partnership with Buzz Group, as stated in a recent press release.
The company, based in Sweden, is expected to take Buzz Group to new heights and feature some of Gaming Corps’ titles, including 3 Pigs of Olympus and Anubis vs. Horus: Twin, among several others.

We’re excited to announce that #GamingCorps games are now live at #BuzzBingo!
Ready to play?
18+ | Please Gamble Responsibly | https://t.co/S8ZJRlmCCK#NewGames #Slots pic.twitter.com/qnNJNoJm4z
— Gaming Corps (@gamingcorps) December 3, 2025

Buzz Group are, of course, the company behind Buzz Bingo, which is the UK’s largest bingo operator featuring over 1 million members.
Established five decades ago, Buzz Bingo now has 79 bingo halls across the country where over 100,000 people visit weekly. Its digital offering enables those unable to attend physical locations the chance to play bingo, as well as plenty of slot offerings.
“Buzz Bingo has a unique place in British entertainment,” said Adam Pentecost, Director of Customer Success at Gaming Corps.
“Few brands have such deep community roots or such a loyal, cross-generational audience. That makes this partnership particularly meaningful for us.
“Our goal is always to build games that feel engaging from the very first interaction, and Buzz’s focus on sociable, inclusive play is a natural home for our content. We’re looking forward to supporting their continued growth across both digital and in-club channels.”
David Swaine, Head of Product Slots and Games at Buzz Bingo added: “We’re pleased to bring Gaming Corps titles to buzzbingo.com as we continue expanding our online games library.
“Their mix of inventive mechanics, bold themes and easy-to-pick-up gameplay fits well with what our players enjoy, both in-club and online. We’re excited to add more of their releases over the coming months.”
Gaming Corps’ latest partnership further boosts their UK footprint
At the start of November, Gaming Corps announced a content partnership with Begame Group, a UK-based operator known for its casino brands.
This deal saw Gaming Corps’ portfolio of slot games integrated into BeGame’s online casino brands.
Elsewhere, in August this year, Gaming Corps entered into a partnership with Slots Temple in order to further establish their iGaming offering in the UK.
“We’re delighted to partner with Slots Temple as they continue their exciting journey from affiliate to operator. Their player-first mindset, commitment to social responsibility, and unique approach to gamification aligns perfectly with our own ambitions,” said Danielle Calafato, Chief Commercial Officer at Gaming Corps, after the announcement.
Given how productive the Swedish-based company have been in recent months, 2026 could see plenty more partnerships with UK brands.
Featured Image: Gaming Corps
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After Australia’s ban on credit cards for online gambling, the policy proved effective — just not in reducing gambling-related harm.
With credit cards banned for use in online gambling for over a year now, since June 2024, new research shows that, while it made gambling using debt more inconvenient, it didn’t deter those most negatively affected by gambling. The Australian government hoped that the ban would prevent people borrowing to support gambling habits, thereby reducing gambling harms.
However, research from the e61 Institute shows that credit cards made up only a small share of online sports gambling before the ban was in place, with just 2% of credit card accounts being used for gambling at the beginning of 2024.

Credit cards played a small role in online sports gambling before the ban.
By early 2024, less than 2% of credit cards were used for gambling – likely because gambling transactions were treated as cash advances, with higher fees and rates of interest. 2/7 pic.twitter.com/VaqXEByzt5
— e61 Institute (@E61Institute) December 2, 2025

What’s more, those who did gamble with a credit card typically had a stronger financial position than other users, often having higher incomes and more cash on hand. This meant that, despite using debt to gamble, they were likely not financially at risk as a result of online gambling.
Credit card users’ gambling habits did change
Nonetheless, the policy did succeed in reducing online gambling for this group, with online gambling expenditure falling by around AUD $50 ($33) per fortnight. Around a third of the affected group of credit card users stopped gambling altogether, or at least had no recorded gambling transactions in the six weeks following the ban.

The ban reduced online sports gambling for this group. Gambling expenditure fell by about $50 per fortnight, driven by a 15% fall in the probability of gambling each fortnight.
One-third of the affected group stopped gambling altogether in the 6 weeks following the ban. 4/7 pic.twitter.com/oozmdTGZnb
— e61 Institute (@E61Institute) December 2, 2025

“These effects reflect inconvenience rather than credit constraints,” explained authors Aditya Maitra and Matthew Maltman. “Declines in participation were largest for small bets (spending less than $10 per week) and were not correlated with financial outcomes such as liquidity constraints or debt holding.”
While the data shows that a policy change certainly influenced gambling behavior, the focus of this policy doesn’t seem to have targeted those most at risk of gambling-related harm. The Institute noted that other policies would likely be more effective, such as targeting poker machines where “harms appear to be more concentrated”.
Other policies currently up for debate in Australia to reduce gambling-related harm include improving age verification processes to protect young people and social pressure to reduce gambling ads.
Featured image: Unsplash
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