relax-gaming-granted-the-newly-introduced-swedish-b2b-permit

Relax Gaming Granted the Newly-Introduced Swedish B2B Permit

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Relax Gaming, the iGaming aggregator and supplier of unique content, has been granted approval to operate in Sweden by the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA).

This move marks another major milestone for Relax Gaming, who has significantly improved its global footprint recently obtaining licenses to operate in Ontario and Greece.

The award-winning supplier’s latest market entry further validates Relax Gaming’s mission for regulated market growth across the globe.

The SGA is the body that has been given the task of ensuring the legality, safety and reliability of the Swedish gaming and gambling market. The authority has granted Relax Gaming the recently-introduced permit to supply its market-leading content to Swedish players.

With leading titles including Temple Tumble 2 Dream Drop, Money Train 3 and the recently-released Book of Power, the comprehensive content offering is sure to be a hit with operators and customers alike.

Commenting on Relax Gaming’s permit acquisition, Rachel Winberg, Head of Regulatory Compliance at Relax Gaming, said: “We are thrilled that the SGA has green-lit our products and content, allowing us to continue providing a wealth of safe and entertaining wagering opportunities to players across Sweden. It is no secret that we place great emphasis on broadening our reach and take great pride in showcasing our content across established jurisdictions. We couldn’t be more pleased to be able to continue offering our quality games in a mature market like Sweden.”

Established as one of the industry’s leading B2B suppliers, Relax Gaming was recently named the Best Mobile Gaming Software Provider at the EGR B2B Awards, Casino/Slot Developer of the Year at the SBC Awards and was awarded GGA’s Product Launch of the Year for Dream Drop Jackpots in February.

Relax Gaming provides more than 4,000 online casino games, from its high-performing proprietary slots to a significant and varied library of content from hand-picked third-party studios via its partnership programs.

mga-and-badminton-world-federation-sign-data-sharing-agreement

MGA and Badminton World Federation Sign Data-Sharing Agreement

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The Badminton World Federation (BWF) Integrity Unit has recently established a Data Sharing Agreement with the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).

BWF’s strategic partnership with the MGA forms a key component of monitoring suspicious betting activity in badminton and further demonstrates the BWF Integrity Unit’s ongoing commitment to a clean and fair sport.

Monitoring and investigations are a vital scope of BWF’s anti-match manipulation operations, whereby player information is gathered, matches and competition details are analysed and intelligence is used in investigations into possible match manipulation.

MGA Head of Financial Crime Compliance , Antonio Zerafa said, “I am very pleased to see the Badminton World Federation added to the long list of Sports’ Governing Bodies whom the Authority already assists on a practical level, and we look forward to working with the BWF’s Integrity Unit on any issues that may arise.

“This partnership helps the BWF Integrity Unit protect the integrity of the sport with MGA helping to facilitate the sharing of data between betting operators and the BWF Integrity Unit,” BWF Secretary General, Thomas Lund said.

“We see this as being a deterrent to potential corruptors of the sport as we continue to preserve the integrity of badminton.”

Signing data-sharing agreements with Sports’ Governing Bodies is an essential part of the work conducted by the MGA.

The BWF Integrity Unit is an operational unit within the BWF office in Kuala Lumpur. The unit focuses on keeping badminton free from doping and match manipulation. On a day-to-day basis, the Integrity Unit manages the anti-doping and anti-match fixing programmes, as well as planning and implementing awareness, information, education, and deterrence initiatives within the badminton community.

superbet-decides-to-remove-commercial-messages-from-outdoor-advertising

Superbet Decides to Remove Commercial Messages from Outdoor Advertising

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Superbet has announced that it will remove all commercial messages from its out-of-home advertising. This measure will be implemented in the first half of this year, throughout the entire territory of Romania.

Superbet, as leader of the sports betting industry in Romania, has developed a sustainable business strategy, in which responsible gaming and community involvement are major pillars.

In this context, the company publicly confirmed that it will remove all commercial messages from its out-of-home advertising, in the first half of this year. The removal process of these banners will commence in the near future, with Superbet committing to the fact that they will only keep outdoor advertising which promotes responsible gaming.

Furthermore, Superbet will also remove all types of out-of-home advertising banners, irrespective of size or type of messaging, which are located closer than 100 meters from high school education facilities.

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LeoVegas Group granted new nationwide license in Germany

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LeoVegas Group has been granted a new gaming license by the German Federal States’ Joint Gambling Authority (GGL). Germany is one of Europe’s largest igaming markets, and under the new license, LeoVegas will be able to offer and market virtual slots nationwide.

The German Federal States’ Joint Gambling Authority, Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), has granted LVSports Limited, an entity of LeoVegas Group, a new gaming license, enabling the Group to start offering virtual slot machines across all sixteen German states and conduct nationwide marketing. This is a significant opportunity for the Group that provides access to Europe’s largest igaming market.

Gustaf Hagman, CEO at LeoVegas Group, said ”We are looking forward to launching LeoVegas in Germany under the new nationwide license. With our track record of regulated markets, we will ensure the greatest igaming experience with a high level of consumer protection.”

gameart-acquires-malta-gaming-authority-(mga)-licence

GameArt Acquires Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) Licence

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GameArt is now a proud holder of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) Licence and can expand its business to MGA-licensed operators.

GameArt, a developer of high-quality HTML5 slot games for both online and land-based casino operators, is proud to announce its latest acquisition, which comes in the form of a Critical Gaming Supply Licence (B2B Licence) obtained from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). 

The MGA is responsible for the governance of all gaming activities in Malta and is considered by many to be the preferred and most trusted global remote gaming regulator.  

By obtaining this licence, GameArt will be able to expand the reach of its slot games within Malta’s jurisdiction and additionally enjoy greater cooperation with and trust from its existing and potential partners worldwide. 

Nevena Aleksieva, Head of Sales at GameArt, said: “With the MGA licence under our belt, we will proceed to finalise deals with MGA-licensed operators and expand our business in regulated markets even further.”  

Peter Mihelj, CEO at GameArt, said: “We are delighted to have received the B2B Licence from the Malta Gaming Authority, as it represents a significant milestone in our company’s history. It also confirms our credibility and the quality of our products and services. We are looking forward to building new partnerships with MGA-licensed operators.  

“We would like to thank Mr Roger A. Strickland Jr., Director of CSB Group, for his support throughout the application process and his team for their excellent work. 

india:-mns-general-secretary-manoj-chavan-writes-to-state-govt-to-implement-casinos-act

India: MNS General Secretary Manoj Chavan Writes to State Govt to Implement Casinos Act

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Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) general secretary Manoj Chavan has addressed a letter to the state government requesting it to formulate a gaming policy for revenue generation and allowing gaming zones in the state.

In the letter, Chavan emphasised that allowing gaming zones will lead to revenue and employment generation in the state. He stated that the neighbouring state of Goa has six offshore and eight onshore casinos which give a boost to its tourism industry, ultimately leading to greater revenue generation.

Chavan gave the example of Sikkim stating that it has a five-star hotel casino while Maharashtra, despite being the most advanced state in the country, falls behind on this front due to its regressive mentality.

The MNS general secretary had pressed on this matter last year in November as well by saying that Maharashtra can also make good use of its coastal belt and set up casinos to make the state a tourist hotspot like Goa.

The Maharashtra Casinos (Control and Taxation) Act, 1976 that was passed on 19 July 1976 is not being implemented according to Chavan. Rules under the Act are yet to be framed and notified. He also asked about the status of the study group that was formed for visiting Goa, Macau, Nepal, Sikkim and report back their findings.

Chavan also stated that several welfare policies are facing fund shortages. As a result, the state government cannot afford to ignore the potential of casinos.

The MNS general secretary mentioned a study by American company “Global Market Advisors” which stated that setting up casinos in Maharashtra can generate around $1.1 billion in revenue and with 28% GST levied on the industry, the government can earn $308 million in tax revenue in addition to earning recurring and non-recurring revenues through license fees from casino operators.

By setting up tourism, entertainment, hospitality-related services the state can create massive employment which can put Maharashtra on the global tourism map.

sisal-secures-sports-betting-license-in-morocco

Sisal Secures Sports Betting License in Morocco

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Sisal, the leading online operator in Italy and part of Flutter Entertainment, has been awarded the sports betting concession license in Morocco by La Marocaine des Jeux et des Sports (MDJS). The eight-year agreement includes a possible 2-year extension and an operational launch on 1 January 2024.

Leveraging the power of the “Flutter Edge,” the Moroccan business will combine Sisal’s leading omni-channel capabilities, with Flutter’s market-leading Pricing & Risk management, which is powered by over 1000 specialists globally. Together with Sisal’s recent contract win in Tunisia, this gives Flutter its first licensed exposure to the exciting African sports-betting market.

The tender marks an important milestone in Sisal’s international strategy, consolidating its position in Morocco as the sole online and retail sports betting operator in Morocco with a customer led and innovative product portfolio. The offering will be exclusively distributed by Sisal Jeux Maroc through an extensive network of retail outlets and online.

Marco Caccavale, CEO of Sisal Jeux Maroc and International Managing Director of Sisal, said: “We are extremely pleased to announce the consolidation of our offering in Morocco. The decision by MDJS is testament to the quality of our work and how much we have achieved in the last three years, in a country with a strong growth trajectory and great potential. This is our fourth successful international tender, all of which have been highly competitive, recognising the commitment, investment and know-how that make us unique in the market. Being part of Flutter enhances our value proposition and enables us to develop joint products and services for different market segments.”

pagcor’s-efforts-pogo-related-crimes

Pagcor’s efforts POGO-related crimes

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On January 31, 2023, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) learned through a news report that Soleil Chartered Bank issued a statement denying the issuance of a bank certification to Global ComRCI, PAGCOR’s third-party auditor for offshore gaming licensees, whose contract commenced in December 2017.

In relation to this report, PAGCOR would like to reiterate that since the assumption of its new management in August 2022, all contracts – including that of Global ComRCI – were put under review last September 2022.

PAGCOR’s new management is revalidating the veracity of the documents submitted by its third-party auditor, Global ComRCI. Should PAGCOR be able to prove that the documents submitted were spurious, it will immediately take legal action and cancel the contract of its third-party auditor, if found warranted.

PAGCOR would like to thank Senator Sherwin Gatchalian for shedding light on this issue during the senate investigation on January 23, 2023.

The state-run gaming firm reassures the public that it is conscientiously looking into the matter and will take the necessary actions to safeguard public interest. Further, PAGCOR upholds strict adherence of its offshore licensed operators and accredited service providers to whatever laws which may be applicable to them.

 

On offshore gaming-related crimes

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported during the Senate Hearing on January 31, 2023 that there was a rise in the number of recorded crimes related to offshore gaming operations in the country from 2019 to 2022.

PAGCOR denounces these criminal acts and will not sit idly in the face of these injustices.

Hence, to safeguard the integrity of the offshore gaming industry in the country, PAGCOR will continue to monitor the lawfulness of the activities of its accredited licensees and service providers. Should they be found guilty of engaging in criminal acts, the state-run gaming agency will not hesitate to impose sanctions and penalties, as provided by the law.

Further, PAGCOR will continue to strengthen its collaboration with concerned government agencies such as the PNP, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to combat all crimes being linked to offshore gaming operations.

PAGCOR would like to underscore that as a result of the inter-agency cooperation meeting held last September 2022 involving abovementioned agencies, there have been no reported criminal activities or kidnapping-related incidents of workers in the offshore gaming industry for over three months.

PAGCOR believes that while gaming operations – including offshore gaming – contribute significantly to government revenues, they must not be used as a vehicle for abuse and injustices. As the country’s gaming regulator, PAGCOR condemns these dreadful acts and will ensure that the local gaming industry will maintain the integrity of its operations.

igt-and-greentube-sign-patent-cross-licensing-agreement-for-remote-game-server

IGT and Greentube Sign Patent Cross-Licensing Agreement for Remote Game Server

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International Game Technology PLC (IGT) and Greentube, the NOVOMATIC Digital Gaming and Entertainment division, announced that they have signed a patent cross-licensing agreement that includes valuable patents related to remote game server (RGS) technologies for providing games over a network.

With the execution of this agreement, IGT can offer the global gaming industry a patent license to the combined RGS portfolios of IGT and Greentube. The financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

“This agreement continues the spirit of collaboration and innovation that IGT seeks to foster in our industry. We look forward to providing the entire gaming industry with the opportunity to license the combined RGS portfolios of IGT and Greentube which cover compelling technologies for delivering games to customers wherever they play,” Renato Ascoli, IGT CEO Global Gaming, said.

“We are very pleased to reach this significant intellectual property agreement with IGT, as Greentube continues to expand its premium gaming products and solutions. The combined RGS portfolios of Greentube and IGT are truly state-of-the-art, representing a combined prowess and gaming industry leadership that is well-positioned to fuel continued success,” Thomas Graf, CEO of Greentube, said.

ex-gsc-inspector-nick-bowden-joins-solutionshub-as-head-of-regulatory-affairs

Ex-GSC inspector Nick Bowden joins SolutionsHub as Head of Regulatory Affairs

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Douglas-based regulatory service SolutionsHub has appointed former Gambling Supervision Commission Inspector Nick Bowden as Head of Regulatory Affairs.

Nick spent much of his career in new business and compliance management roles, before becoming an Inspector for the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) in September 2020, where he gained invaluable insight into gambling regulation and the application of policy.

Nick graduated from university with a BSc degree in Health & Sport Studies, has since gone on to complete the International Compliance Association Specialist Certificate in Money Laundering Risk in Betting & Gaming and is currently studying towards the International Diploma in AML.

SolutionsHub helps companies with regulatory and licensing processes in the blockchain and gambling industries and has an unrivalled track record of success in helping clients acquire gambling licences and designated business registrations.

Nick said: “I greatly enjoyed my time at the GSC and worked with a wonderful team, so the decision to move was not an easy one, but SolutionsHub are one of the most trusted names in the industry and developed a reputation for leading new markets, especially blockchain and esports. I’m excited to get started in my new role as Head of Regulatory Affairs and to be working with such an innovative team, driving new markets and promoting the Isle of Man as the premier jurisdiction for the location, regulation and administration of gaming companies.”

SolutionsHub Chief Executive Officer Lee Hills said: “We are always looking for talented, results-driven people and Nick fits the profile perfectly. As a former Inspector, Nick brings a wealth of knowledge and is a fabulous resource for our clients, so we are thrilled to have him onboard.”