Expanse Studios Secures Strategic Foothold in Booming Baltic iGaming Markets

LAS VEGAS, NV – March 10, 2026 – In a significant move that underscores the growing importance of regulated European markets, iGaming content provider Expanse Studios has successfully obtained certification to launch its games in Estonia and Latvia. The company, a subsidiary of the global gaming technology firm Meridian Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: MRDN), announced that its popular titles Candy's Bonanza and Leprechaun's Wish have been approved for commercial deployment, opening a crucial gateway into the vibrant Baltic digital gaming sector.

The certification was granted by Gaming Associates, a prestigious UKAS-accredited testing laboratory, confirming that the games meet the stringent technical standards mandated by regulatory authorities in both nations. This approval allows Expanse Studios to immediately deploy its content on licensed online casino platforms, marking a pivotal step in its systematic European expansion strategy.

Navigating Europe's Regulatory Gauntlet

Securing entry into regulated European iGaming markets is a formidable challenge, characterized by a complex patchwork of national laws and technical requirements. The achievement by Expanse Studios is more than a simple market entry; it represents the successful navigation of a demanding regulatory process that typically takes 8 to 12 months and requires substantial financial and operational investment. This creates a significant competitive advantage and a high barrier to entry for many B2B content providers.

Both Estonia and Latvia operate highly structured frameworks that require independent, third-party technical verification before any gaming content can be offered to players. In Estonia, the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA) oversees a transparent but rigorous licensing system. Latvia’s market is governed by the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection (IAUI), which enforces strict compliance and responsible gaming practices. For operators in these jurisdictions, partnering with a pre-certified provider like Expanse Studios de-risks their operations and accelerates the time-to-market for new content.

“This certification gives us a solid foundation for further growth in this part of Europe,” said Damjan Stamenkovic, CEO of Expanse Studios, in the company's announcement. “The approvals in the Baltics allow operators to go live more quickly, and they reflect the way we approach regulated markets. We focus on building compliant, reliable distribution capabilities that create real long-term value.”

Tapping into a Thriving Digital Marketplace

The strategic importance of this certification is magnified by the robust health and growth potential of the Estonian and Latvian online gambling markets. These nations have emerged as dynamic hubs for iGaming, driven by strong digital infrastructure, favorable regulatory adjustments, and shifting consumer preferences.

Estonia's online gambling market, valued at approximately $452.5 million in 2025, is a particularly lucrative target. The market boasts a high average revenue per user (ARPU) of around €150 monthly, indicating strong player engagement. Furthermore, the Estonian government has enacted legislation to progressively lower the online gambling tax from 6% to 4% by 2029, a strategic move designed to attract more international operators and solidify its position as a competitive European iGaming hub, akin to Malta. With online casino games already accounting for over 72% of online revenue in the country, the demand for fresh and engaging slot content is high.

Latvia presents a similar story of digital-first growth. The country's online gambling market reached €170.7 million in 2025, marking an impressive 11% year-over-year expansion. This growth has propelled the online sector to represent 57% of the country's total gambling revenue, a clear signal of a structural shift away from land-based venues. Online casino games are the dominant force, making up over 60% of all online activity. This trend reflects a strong player preference for the interactive and accessible entertainment that studios like Expanse provide.

A Strategic Play Within a Global Framework

This Baltic expansion is a calculated piece of a much larger puzzle for Expanse Studios' parent company, Meridian Holdings Inc. The NASDAQ-listed firm operates a diversified global gaming technology portfolio, with B2B divisions that develop and license proprietary platforms and B2C operations spanning the UK, Mexico, Australia, and a leading sportsbook, Meridianbet, licensed across 18 jurisdictions.

For Meridian, the successful certification in Estonia and Latvia reinforces its strategy of targeting and penetrating regulated markets. By proving its ability to meet complex compliance standards, the company not only unlocks immediate revenue streams but also builds a reputation for reliability that can be leveraged for future expansion across Europe. This move establishes crucial compliance credentials that will streamline entry into other jurisdictions with similar regulatory demands.

Expanse Studios, with its portfolio of over 60 proprietary titles, already powers more than 1,300 casino brands across Europe, Latin America, and North America. The entry into the Baltics allows the company to service its existing operator partnerships in the region more effectively while attracting new ones. In a competitive landscape featuring nearly 30 licensed operators in Estonia and a growing number in Latvia—including major players like OlyBet and Betsafe—the availability of new, certified, and engaging content is a powerful differentiator. The certification ensures that Expanse Studios is not just another provider, but a fully compliant partner ready for immediate integration, a proposition highly valued by operators in heavily regulated environments.