acma-blocks-more-illegal-gambling-websites

ACMA Blocks More Illegal Gambling Websites

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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested the Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block more illegal offshore gambling websites.

The sites include Zebet, Zeturf, Slot Vibe, Arlekin Casino, Johnnie Kash Kings, Lucky Star, Horus Casino, Tangiers Casino, 7 Reels, 21 Dukes, Winward Casino and Thebes Casino.

The ACMA undertook investigations that found these sites to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling. Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 399 illegal gambling websites have been blocked.

Over 160 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal offshore gambling rules in 2017.

adesso-certified-in-accordance-with-wla-standard-as-it-service-provider-for-the-lottery-industry

adesso certified in accordance with WLA standard as IT service provider for the lottery industry

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Impressive milestone for adesso’s lottery segment: after passing the recent WLA security audit, the IT service provider is now certified in accordance with the highly respected Security Control Standard 2020 (WLA-SCS:2020) of the World Lottery Association (WLA). adesso is one of the first software manufacturers to meet this essential security standard for the industry and to offer this certification to its customers. ​

adesso has been supporting lottery companies around the world for over two decades and is very familiar with the challenges digitalization poses for the gaming market. The WLA-SCS:2020 (Level 2) standard of the World Lottery Association is the seal of quality for outstanding information, security and integrity measures in the industry. Level 2 is the highest level of certification and comprises a demanding set of criteria that must be fulfilled not only by lottery and sports betting operators in their international business, but also by their technology service providers and suppliers if they want to remain competitive.

During the certification audit, adesso’s processes as an IT service provider to the industry underwent a comprehensive, smooth assessment and met the requirements for WLA-SCS:2020, Level 2, without any reservations.

The WLA standard is a key benchmark of security, risk management and integrity for the sector. It describes a security management process that is aligned both with international standards and with a common security baseline that represents good practice for lottery and sports betting operators. The standard comprises a large number of controls and requirements for lottery and sports betting operators and their suppliers.

Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Striemer, Senior Vice President Lottery at adesso, views the certification as a way of building trust: “Trust is a vital currency in an industry where lotteries and sports betting operators handle vast sums of the public’s money. Excellence in processes and solutions is the foundation for building trusting relationships with industry stakeholders, national supervisory authorities, and especially players. As a long-standing partner to the sector, adesso is naturally one of the first movers and delighted to receive this certification.”

In the past two decades, adesso has successfully implemented numerous projects at German and international companies in the gaming industry, giving it both a deep knowledge of the sector and a unique position on the market. The IT service provider offers lottery companies organization development along the entire value chain, from strategy consulting and the development of suitable business models in project and process management, through to the roll-out of proven IT solutions. Only last year, adesso caught the industry’s attention with compelling innovations such as LotteryForce, the modular iGaming platform of the future, and adessoDraws, a revolutionary blockchain-based electronic drawing system for digital lotteries.

adesso is a member of the World Lottery Association (WLA), which represents the interests of some 140 state lottery companies worldwide and organizes the World Lottery Summit, as well as of the European Lotteries (EL) and the Asian-Pacific Lottery Association (APLA).

cambodia-blocks-15-illegal-lottery-websites

Cambodia Blocks 15 Illegal Lottery Websites

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The Telecommunications Regulator of Cambodia has blocked 15 new internet sites, most of them originating from Vietnam, including the popular Vietnamese lottery website Vina24h.

The Telecommunications Regulator of Cambodia says it will continue to cooperate with the National Police, relevant authorities and all telecom operators to eliminate all domain names that operate and provide illegal online gambling and lottery services and circulars. These blockings are based on the guideline of the Royal Government No. 07, dated 18 August 2019, on strengthening the management of the electronic gambling business through the Internet, online, domestic and foreign, as well as any other domain name that operates illegally in Cambodia.

The goal is to participate in maintaining security, public order and social order.

The Telecommunications Regulator of Cambodia also calls on the public to report to the Telecommunications Regulator of Cambodia at 6789 during business hours or on Facebook: “Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia” and provide details of any online gambling services, illegal lotteries and the posting of child pornographic images and videos in the Kingdom of Cambodia.

uk-gambling-commission-updates-guidance-on-fair-terms-and-practices

UK Gambling Commission Updates Guidance on Fair Terms and Practices

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The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has updated its guidance for all operators on fair and transparent terms and practices.

The Commission has recently found licensees using terms that are potentially unfair and, in some cases, give them undue discretion to decide if and how they are applied. Examples include:

  • Terms that allow licensees to confiscate customers’ un-staked deposits.
  • Terms regarding treatment of customers’ funds where a licensee believes there has been illegal, irregular or fraudulent play.
  • Promotions for online games that have terms entitling a licensee to void real money winnings if a customer inadvertently breaks staking rules.
  • Terms that unfairly permit licensees to reduce potential winnings on open bets.

The Commission said it had also seen terms and conditions that are difficult to understand and welcome bonus offers and wagering requirements which may encourage excessive play.

According to the Commission, in light of this, licensees should:

  • Review their terms and conditions to make sure they comply with relevant consumer protection laws, the LCCP and take into account the Commission’s updated guidance. It is an LCCP requirement that licensees must be able to provide evidence to show how their terms are fair and transparent.
  • Review their offers, particularly welcome bonus offers or those with wagering requirements. The LCCP requires rewards and bonuses to be constructed in a way that is socially responsible. Although it is common practice to attach terms and conditions to bonus offers, the Commission does not expect conditions, such as wagering requirements, to encourage excessive play.

The regulator noted that if a consumer is not satisfied with a licensee’s response to a complaint, they can refer it to an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) provider. The Commission expects ADR providers to adjudicate on contractual and transactional disputes between consumers and licensees. The UKGC’s guidance to ADR providers says they must consider consumer protection legislation when looking at disputes. This includes, for example, considering whether a contract term is fair.

slovenia-set-to-liberalise-gaming-market

Slovenia Set to Liberalise Gaming Market

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Slovenia’s National Assembly has approved amendments to the country’s Gaming Act on their second reading. A final vote on the changes will be held in March.

The Gaming Act’s amendments aim to liberalise the gaming market, scrapping most curbs on casino ownership and employee licensing and allowing five lottery organisers rather than the current two.

The changes abolish the requirement that companies wishing to obtain a concession for classic games of chance and special games of chance in casinos have to be organised as joint-stock companies. It will no longer be required that the applicant for a concession for special games of chance be based in Slovenia either. Land-based presence will still be required for classic games of chance.

If the bill passes, it will establish a legal framework that will enable concessions to be granted on the basis of a public tender. The proposed changes will potentially open the door to the Slovenian gambling market to international operators and will ensure compliance with EU legislation.

rivalry-officially-awarded-sports-bookmaker-license-for-australia

Rivalry Officially Awarded Sports Bookmaker License for Australia

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Rivalry Corp., an internationally regulated sports betting and media company, today announced the approval of its sports bookmaker license by the Northern Territory Racing Commission (Australia) (the “NTRC“) pursuant to the Racing and Betting Act 1983 (NT), which allows the Company to legally operate throughout the whole of the country. Australia is Rivalry’s first fully regulated market, representing a key milestone in the Company’s growth strategy.

“Expansion into regulated markets across the globe is a key part of our growth strategy, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to officially receive our license for Australia,” said Steven Salz, Co-Founder and CEO of Rivalry. “We believe the country’s sport and gaming culture is a great fit for our brand and look forward to connecting with existing fans of Rivalry, and creating many new ones. The approval of the NTRC also demonstrates that we are capable of meeting what are undoubtedly some of the world’s highest regulatory standards.”

Australia has been described as the world’s most valuable betting market per capita.1 It has a strong sports betting culture, supported by a robust regulatory framework. Australia has hosted some of the world’s biggest esports tournaments and has a population of deeply engaged esports fans.2

Rivalry is among the first entrants in Australia to focus on esports betting and the younger Millennial and Gen Z demographic. The Company intends to invest in building its brand and acquiring customers through an expanded toolkit of marketing initiatives that have not been available in its existing markets.

Australia is the first regulated market in which Rivalry has obtained a license. The Company has operated in multiple international markets since 2018 through its Isle of Man license. Further expansion into selected regulated markets is a key element of the Company’s growth strategy. On February 4th, 2022 the Company announced that it became one of the first fully registered operators of internet gaming and sports betting in the Province of Ontario.

The Company is planning to officially launch its product to Australian consumers in the coming weeks.

spearhead-studios-to-go-live-in-italy

Spearhead Studios to go live in Italy

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Gaming developer Spearhead Studios is certified for the Italian market and will soon go live with its games and platform in compliance with the market’s requirements.

Spearhead Studios will soon make available a range of titles in the market, including top performers such as Sweet Gems, Blue Diamond Book, and Wild Gold.

It will be the first time Spearhead Studio’s games will be available in Italy, bringing unique, entertaining titles with bonus features and promotions to Italy’s dedicated casino market. These efforts will further strengthen the company’s geographical reach with one of Europe’s top-performing jurisdictions.

Mathias Larsson, Managing Director of Spearhead Studios, comments: “Italy is a very interesting market that is dominated by just a few operators. We are already live with most of them in other markets, so it was about time we entered the Italian one as well.”

endorphina-enters-the-danish-market!

Endorphina enters the Danish market!

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Endorphina, a leading B2B online slots game provider, has just announced that their trendy games have been certified in Denmark. As they continue to make a pleasant entrance in new markets, this brand is also providing attractive slot games to players across regions. This time, Danish players will be able to enjoy some top hits from Endorphina such as Hell Hot 100, Golden Ox, 2021 Hit Slot, Chance Machine 40, Cash Tank, and many more.

Michal Konuch, Head of Legal at Endorphina, shares a few words about Endorphina’s new certification: “Endorphina’s entry into the regulated Danish market was facilitated by our recently acquired ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certificate for our Information Security Management System. This also reinforces our commitment to supply innovative online slot games that meet the highest industry standards.”

Endorphina’s CEO, Jan Urbanec, also comments on the new expansion: “2022 is shaping up to be a record-breaking year for Endorphina in terms of entering new markets. We’ve highlighted this even further by getting our games certified for the Danish market during the first month of this quarter. Well done team Endorphina!”

esa-gaming-boosts-global-footprint-with-romania-licence

ESA Gaming boosts global footprint with Romania licence

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Innovative games provider ESA Gaming has further enhanced its global reach after receiving a licence to offer its products in Romania.

ESA Gaming’s library of EasySwipe™ titles are now available to Romania’s licensed online operators, offering great cross-sell opportunities to sportsbooks by allowing users to enjoy the best quality casino games without disrupting the sports betting experience.

The portfolio now consists of six titles including best-performing Goal Mine and FruitStaxx, as well as recent releases Joker Poker and Egyptian Reels, with an exciting roadmap planned for 2022.

The Romanian online gambling market has seen significant growth over the last few years and 29 operators now hold a licence to offer its services in the country.

The new licence is an important milestone for ESA Gaming as it continues to expand its global reach in regulated markets around the globe. The supplier now holds certifications in Portugal, Italy, and Colombia as well as an MGA and Greek supplier licence with further expansion expected in 2022.

Zorica Smallwood, Director at ESA Gaming, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded yet another local licence which will see us introduce our content in the Romanian market.

“Our EasySwipe™ games have been performing strongly in all markets where we are active, providing operators with an important cross-selling option in an ever-increasingly competitive marketplace. We look forward to partnering with Romanian operators and to offering our exciting products to a new audience.”

iagr-melbourne-2022:-call-for-speakers

IAGR MELBOURNE 2022: CALL FOR SPEAKERS

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A Kickstart for Collaboration conference, Call for Speakers now open: IAGR 2022 Call for Speakers: Registration and Call for Speakers: Pamphlet

The International Association of Gaming Regulators are proud to announce that the Call for Speakers to their eagerly anticipated annual conference, Melbourne 2022: A Kickstart for Collaboration is now open.

To be held in Melbourne, Australia from 17 to 20 October 2022, IAGR 2022: A Kickstart for Collaboration will build on the wide-ranging discussions IAGR delegates had in Boston, at the 2021 conference, on disruption and sparking global regulatory innovation.

Held in conjunction with host partners, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation, the IAGR 2022 conference is focused on continuing the theme of disruption and sparking regulatory innovation to advance the efficiency and effectiveness of gambling regulation globally. The event will draw from all areas in the gaming sector, including updates on international gaming, distributed gaming, igaming / ilottery, esports, and more.

“IAGR and the Board of Trustees are excited to be able to bring members together once again,” IAGR President Dr Jason Lane said.

“As we are all living through the greatest disruptive event of our generation, the IAGR 2022 conference will look at the lessons learnt through this time of disruption and the lens of innovation to see how members can help us point to a more front-foot regulatory future.”

Acting CEO of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) Scott May said, “We’re honoured IAGR has chosen Melbourne to host this year’s conference.

“The conference is a great opportunity to share our experiences and learn from our respective responses to the various regulatory challenges we each faced, and continue to face, during the global pandemic.

“The past two years have been an unprecedented time for gambling regulators from all jurisdictions. We’ve had to think on our feet and amend the way we work, often at very short notice, in a period of great change.

“The conference is also an excellent forum to share regulatory best practices, identify the challenges of the future, discuss the latest research and industry trends and build on our combined efforts to ensure the effective and efficient regulation of gambling around the world.

“My VGCCC colleagues and I are looking forward to welcoming our international regulatory colleagues and government officials to our great city in October 2022.”

With the call for speakers closing on 6 March 2022, speakers are being asked to consider a series of questions, including: How have the last two years changed your way of thinking? Where has it strengthened your resolve on what we knew before? How has it encouraged us to throw off old thinking, processes or policies and to best reflect the cultural, technological and consumer change we have witnessed?

 

Potential speakers are able to register their submission and presentation here.

Further information about the IAGR Melbourne 2022: A Kickstart for Collaboration Call for Speakers is available here.