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Octoplay Secures Pennsylvania Approval: Expansion into Third US State Confirmed

28 September 20266 Min.by Lisa Lustich
Editorially reviewed by Lisa LustichLast review:
Octoplay expandiert in die USA: Zulassung in Pennsylvania offiziell erteiltAI-GENERATED

iGaming supplier Octoplay has received interim authorization in Pennsylvania, marking its rapid growth in the North American regulated gambling market.

The iGaming content provider Octoplay has reached a significant milestone in its rapid international expansion. On September 28, 2026, the company announced that it has been granted Interim Authorization by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. This regulatory approval allows Octoplay to supply its proprietary games to licensed operators within Pennsylvania, which is widely considered one of the largest and most lucrative regulated online gambling markets in the United States.

This latest achievement continues a trend of swift market entries across North America. Pennsylvania marks the third US state in which Octoplay has been authorized to operate in a period of less than 18 months. The journey began in June 2025 with a debut in New Jersey alongside BetMGM. This was followed by a launch in Michigan in December 2025, where Octoplay partnered with major industry names including FanDuel and Rush Street Interactive. Such consistent growth highlights the effectiveness of the company's regulatory-first approach.

Numbers and facts

Octoplay is now approved to operate in 20 regulated jurisdictions globally. This impressive list includes the United Kingdom, Malta, Romania, Sweden, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Spain. In North America, its footprint extends across New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ontario, and Alberta. The company was founded in November 2022 by Carl Ejlertsson, a former executive at Red Tiger and Evolution, who brought together a team of seasoned professionals to disrupt the market with fresh content.

The leadership team includes Nick Vuchev as Commercial Director, Matina Borg Stevens as Legal and Compliance Director, and Nicola Vella as Finance Director. Octoplay’s initial game portfolio, featuring titles like Pearly Shores, Heavy Anchor, and Hot Harvest, is built on a proprietary game server designed for seamless integration with major operators. The company’s philosophy remains centered on sustainability and player entertainment within legal frameworks.

"OctoPlay is laser-focused on producing ground-breaking content for regulated markets. Our simple philosophy is to be licensed in every possible jurisdiction on the planet. If a licence is available, we will get it as soon as we can." - Carl Ejlertsson, CEO at Octoplay

Background

The move into Pennsylvania is part of a larger North American strategy. Recently, Octoplay went live in Alberta, Canada, from day one with seven tier-one operators, including DraftKings and FanDuel. The authorization in Pennsylvania is particularly noteworthy due to the state's rigorous licensing process. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board maintains high standards for software integrity and corporate ethics, making this approval a badge of quality for Octoplay’s technology and content.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, Octoplay's international success is a strong indicator of reliability and fairness. In the German market, regulated by the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021), safety is the top priority. Companies that pass the stringent tests of US regulators like those in Pennsylvania often find it easier to comply with German standards set by the GGL. The focus on regulated markets ensures that games are fair and that random number generators (RNG) are properly certified.

German players are restricted by a 1 Euro per spin limit and a 1,000 Euro monthly deposit limit monitored via the LUGAS system. Studios like Octoplay, which prioritize licensed environments, are more likely to adapt their game mechanics to these player protection rules. When a provider is trusted by major US brands, it gives German players confidence that the software is secure and the payouts are transparent.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

German casinos listed on the GGL whitelist are constantly seeking high-quality, compliant content to stay competitive. Octoplay’s expanding global footprint makes them an ideal candidate for future partnerships in Germany. Since the studio already holds licenses in major European markets like the UK and Sweden, they are well-versed in the technical requirements needed for European regulated gaming. For GGL-licensed casinos, adding content from a globally recognized studio reduces compliance risks and offers players a recognizable, premium gaming experience.

Frequently asked questions

In which US states is Octoplay currently licensed?

Octoplay holds authorizations in New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. The company also secured licenses for West Virginia, Delaware, and Connecticut during 2025 and 2026.

Who is the CEO of Octoplay?

Carl Ejlertsson is the CEO of Octoplay. He is an industry veteran who previously held leadership roles at major companies such as Evolution and Red Tiger.

What are some of Octoplay's initial game titles?

The company's first portfolio included games such as Pearly Shores, Heavy Anchor, and Hot Harvest. These games are integrated into tier-one operator platforms via Octoplay's own game server.

How many jurisdictions is Octoplay active in?

As of late 2026, Octoplay is authorized to operate in 20 regulated jurisdictions worldwide, including major European and North American markets.

Is Octoplay content legal for players in Germany?

Yes, Octoplay games are legal in Germany provided they are offered through online casinos that hold a valid license from the GGL. These operators must adhere to strict player protection rules like the 1 Euro stake limit.

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About the author

Lisa Lustich

Lisa Lustich

Editor-in-chief & casino tester

Lisa Lustich has been testing German-language online casinos since 1997 and runs the Lustich.de newsroom. More than 400 published reviews, certified player-protection advisor (BZgA training, 2019).

All articles by Lisa Lustich →

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