MGM Resorts and German Supplier CountR GmbH Fined by Pennsylvania Regulators

The regulatory pressure in the United States is intensifying as the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) recently approved two consent agreements involving MGM Resorts International and CountR GmbH. The companies will pay more than $100,000 in combined fines due to their failure to adhere to basic licensing and compliance requirements. These incidents demonstrate that even major industry players and specialized technology suppliers are subject to rigorous scrutiny when it comes to administrative due diligence.

Of particular interest is the case of CountR GmbH, a firm based in Kleinmachnow, Germany. The company, which provides kiosks and ticket redemption units to casinos globally, was targeted for an unapproved change of control and failure to pay required licensing fees. As a holder of table game and slot machine licenses in Pennsylvania, the supplier is directly under the state's oversight. Such failures are taken seriously in a highly regulated market like the US, where any change in ownership must be vetted in advance.

Numbers and facts

The specific amounts serve as a signal to the entire industry. MGM Resorts was fined $50,250 for failing to timely file a principal licensing application. According to Pennsylvania regulations, any officer or director required to be licensed as a principal must submit a personal history disclosure form within 30 days of starting their duties. MGM missed this deadline, which is legally considered employing an unlicensed individual in a position that requires licensure.

CountR GmbH was fined $50,000 to settle its unpaid license fees and the aforementioned unapproved change of control. In addition to the monetary penalty, the company agreed to several conditions. This includes the obligation to immediately notify the PGCB confidentially regarding any changes in ownership or financial status. Furthermore, CountR must ensure that all information provided regarding affiliates, subsidiaries, and key employees is absolutely correct.

Background

These recent fines are just the tip of the iceberg in a larger wave of enforcement actions. In March 2026, BetMGM was already fined $100,000 by the PGCB for inadequate know-your-customer (KYC) protocols. These gaps allowed fraud rings to open over 1,500 accounts using stolen identities and wager millions of dollars. One ring alone wagered over $229,000, while other groups funneled nearly $900,000 through the system.

Comparing this to the massive fines in Nevada makes the scale of regulatory control even clearer. There, fines totaling nearly $27 million were imposed in 2025 against operators like Caesars, MGM, and Resorts World. These cases primarily involved severe violations of anti-money laundering (AML) laws related to illegal bookmakers such as Mathew Bowyer. MGM had to pay $8.5 million in Nevada in April 2025 because executives reportedly allowed illegal bookmakers to gamble despite clear warnings.

Why it matters for German players

For German players operating in the local market, these international reports are an important indicator of operator professionalism. In Germany, the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) regulates the market extremely strictly. The Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) maintains a whitelist. Only providers listed there are legally allowed to offer online slots or sports betting. Those who play with such a provider benefit from strict limits: the monthly deposit limit is generally €1,000, and stakes on online slots are limited to €1 per game.

The LUGAS system monitors these limits across all providers. The news from Pennsylvania shows that authorities worldwide do not tolerate errors in licensing. Anyone playing at a provider without a GGL license in Germany has little legal recourse in case of disputes. The strict controls on MGM and CountR should encourage German users to use only legal platforms, as the personal reliability of those behind the companies is strictly vetted by the GGL, similar to what the PGCB is now enforcing.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For operators with a GGL license in Germany, the fate of CountR serves as a warning. In Germany, changes in management or ownership structures must also be reported immediately. The reliability check is the cornerstone of German regulation. If a company like CountR is sanctioned in the US for lack of communication, it could theoretically impact their reputation in Europe. The networking of global gaming authorities is increasing. Violations of compliance rules, whether in the US or Germany, now lead more quickly than ever to heavy fines or even the loss of a license.

„It is unlawful for a person to work or be employed in a position that requires licensure without obtaining the requisite license." - Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) statement