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St8.io Continues Expansion with Entry into Romania

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St8.io, the casino games aggregation platform that empowers operators to integrate new games providers in a matter of days, has received a license from Romania’s National Gambling Office (ONJN).

The Class II license will allow St8.io to supply its platform to approved operators in the fast-growing market.

“Romania has been on our radar for some time and we’re really excited to get to work in the country,” the Chief Executive Officer for St8.io, Vladimir Negine, said. “We see significant growth potential but at the same time operators are telling us they need a content pipeline to deliver the truly exceptional experience players are demanding. We’re confident we can give our operator partners in Romania a competitive edge via deep integrations that provide the type of functionality not usually associated with an aggregator.”

St8.io will be supporting operators in Romania with a platform that makes integration look easy via a seamless API, removing manual work and replacing it with cutting-edge technology.

Created by a team boasting decades of experience across both B2C and B2B gaming, St8.io was built to give control back to casino managers. As well as the content, it comes packaged with a powerhouse back office, real-time data and instant support.

St8.io partners also gain access to all marketing and bonus tools provided by games studios, meaning your players don’t have to miss out.

St8.io has been rapidly onboarding content from many of the industry’s most exciting content studios in recent months including Slotmill, Peter & Sons and BGaming.

To find out more, please visit: https: //St8.io.

softswiss-receives-gli-19-and-gli-33-certifications

SOFTSWISS Receives GLI-19 and GLI-33 Certifications

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Bolstering its commitment to innovation and excellence, SOFTSWISS, a cutting-edge software provider for the iGaming industry, obtains two certifications from Gaming Laboratories International (GLI). The SOFTSWISS Casino Platform clinches the GLI-19 certification for Interactive Gaming Systems, while the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook secures the GLI-33 certification for Event Wagering Systems.

Since its launch in 1989, Gaming Laboratories International, a leading gaming equipment testing company, has been setting vital technical standards for global gaming jurisdictions. GLI-19 and GLI-33 are paramount benchmarks for the technical regulation of iGaming markets. The requirements were developed by scrutinising and incorporating insights from guidelines, regulations, and policies provided by regulators and other industry stakeholders, such as the Nevada Gaming Commission and Gaming Control Board, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, the British Columbia Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch, and others.

GLI-19 and GLI-33 impose rigorous standards that iGaming companies must meet for security, fairness, and player protection. Their specifications cover all aspects of the gaming process, spanning game development to payout mechanisms. Attaining such prestigious certifications marks a huge advancement for SOFTSWISS in its journey to secure country licences, given that these standards cover a significant portion of most local software requirements.

Vitali Matsukevich, COO at SOFTSWISS, comments: “Achieving the highest standards of technical compliance set by GLI for both the SOFTSWISS Casino Platform and Sportsbook is a strategic leap forward for us. This accomplishment not only paves the way for us to enter new regulated markets but also reaffirms the exceptional quality of our software. I would like to thank all the teams involved for reaching another significant milestone for SOFTSWISS.”

At the upcoming SBC Summit Barcelona 2023 in September, SOFTSWISS will be showcasing the ecosystem of its innovative products at stand CG58. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with SOFTSWISS representatives and gain valuable insights for their iGaming businesses.

 

About SOFTSWISS 

SOFTSWISS is an international tech company supplying ISO 27001-certified software solutions for managing iGaming projects. The expert team, which counts more than 1,400 employees, is based in Malta, Poland, Georgia, and Belarus. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides one-stop-shop iGaming software solutions. The company has a vast product portfolio, including the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with thousands of casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013 SOFTSWISS was the first in the world to introduce a bitcoin-optimised online casino solution.

greek-aspirations:-a-legal-perspective-on-soft2bet’s-entry-with-general-counsel-david-yatom-hay

Greek Aspirations: A Legal Perspective on Soft2Bet’s Entry with General Counsel David Yatom Hay

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In a market as dynamic and heavily regulated as iGaming, making the right move at the right time is crucial. As Soft2Bet sets its sights on the Greek iGaming arena, we had the opportunity to speak with the company’s General Counsel, David Yatom Hay. With an eye for detail and a knack for navigating complex regulatory landscapes, David offers invaluable insights into Soft2Bet’s strategic entry into Greece. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the legal challenges, market prospects, and what it really takes to make a mark in a new territory. Stay tuned as David Yatom unveils the intricate layers of Soft2Bet’s Greek Odyssey.

Can you describe the process and challenges, if any, faced in acquiring the A1 License in Greece?

We have the privilege of closely collaborating with the Hellenic Gambling Commission, and we deeply value their commitment to assisting us in securing this license. Their efficient processes, combined with the expertise of our compliance team, have made our interactions seamless. Our team’s prior experience in securing our recent operating license in Greece further streamlined our recent endeavors. Our compliance professionals have continuously been diligently working on multiple license applications, showcasing their proficiency in securing any license the company sets its sights on.

How do you think this B2B license will change Soft2Bet’s operations within the Greek market, particularly in relation to your recent acquisition of the Greek B2C License?

Securing a license was not only a regulatory obligation for our operations in Greece but also a pivotal step in our long-term company strategy. This move strengthens our B2B approach and empowers us to extend our advanced technological solutions to other operators, including those in the Greek market. With this license, we can cater to both existing and prospective operators in Greece. We pride ourselves on our distinctive products and designs, which give us a competitive edge. We are now ideally positioned to provide these specialized services for operators looking to elevate their offerings, design, user experience, and overall technological operations.

Soft2Bet has a demonstrated commitment to operating within regulated markets across Europe. How does the Greek market fit into your larger European strategy?

Soft2Bet consistently seeks opportunities in regulated markets and remains alert to possibilities for obtaining relevant licenses. While numerous European markets are filled with operators, the Greek market is distinct. It’s competitive but not yet oversaturated, offering Soft2Bet a chance to showcase its gaming expertise. As we move forward, Soft2Bet is committed to broadening its reach to additional regulated markets, emphasizing its dedication to growth and excellence.

Finally, can you share a bit more about the future plans of Soft2Bet, especially in relation to your growth and expansion in other regulated markets?

As mentioned earlier, we continuously strive to secure more licenses and broaden our reach into established and emerging markets. We aim to evolve as a supplier, and the recent acquisition of our B2B license in Greece underscores this strategic vision. Additionally, we remain committed to enhancing our technological capabilities and elevating the gaming experience we offer.

 You mentioned that obtaining this license exemplifies the best of partnerships with HGC. Can you elaborate on the nature of this collaboration?

Soft2Bet is thrilled about the recent B2B license acquisition in Greece, and we have exciting plans for its utilization. Our primary focus is to leverage this license for our B2C operations, ensuring a seamless and efficient process for our own platform.

However, our ambitions don’t stop there. In parallel with our B2C endeavors, we are determined to support and enhance our B2B expansion efforts. Soft2Bet is committed to extending our platform’s capabilities to existing operators in Greece and welcoming any new operators aiming to enter these markets in the future.

What sets us apart from other turnkey providers is our product’s excellence, exceptional design, and player experience including, specifically, our gamification features. These unique qualities not only enhance our own operations but also provide an unparalleled edge to other operators who choose to collaborate with us.

We firmly believe that our services will be a game-changer for operators in Greece, and we are hopeful that they will recognize the value we bring to the table. Soft2Bet is ready to offer top-notch support and expertise to all operators who make the smart choice of partnering with us.

With this recent B2B license, Soft2Bet is poised for an exciting and successful journey in the Greek market, and we look forward to making a positive impact on the industry.

This license enables Soft2Bet to offer supplier services to operators in the Greek market. Can you tell us a bit more about the services you plan to offer?

This license allows us to offer gaming and betting platform services – which is the core of our solutions at Soft2Bet. Our tech especially stands out for its unique gamification features, extensive localization, and broad capabilities for personalization – three crucial aspects of modern iGaming solutions, demanded by all operators striving for leadership positions in any given market. These highly gamified, locally relevant solutions that can be adjusted to certain needs and requirements of the Greek audience, are already anticipated in the market and, I believe, will help us secure a decent share among other providers.

Soft2Bet is dedicated to enhancing its technological offerings. How does the acquisition of this license align with your technology roadmap?

We are always working on innovative technologies and unique features that differentiate us from other providers. Our user-friendly platform with wide customization capabilities, combined with our gamification and localization services, sets us apart from competitors. There’s great demand for these products and services, and we are committed to expanding our reach in Europe and beyond, to ensure sustained growth. Our Greek license is another crucial step in realization of this strategy.

As you focus on expanding your B2B engagements, what types of collaborations are you looking to foster in the Greek market?

Our goal is to reach out to both current and prospective operators in the market to provide our technological package. We are eager to collaborate with operators who share our vision of achieving great things and are searching for innovative solutions to elevate their businesses.

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Independent Panel Gets to Work on NSW Government’s Landmark Gaming Reforms

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The NSW Government has welcomed the first meeting of the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform. The Independent Panel has considered elements of the upcoming cashless gaming trial, as well as matters which will inform its recommendations to the NSW Government on a gaming reform implementation roadmap.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris addressed the Independent Panel at their first meeting in Sydney on Monday, 14 August 2023.

Mr Harris said he was pleased the Independent Panel was considering the design and framework for the upcoming cashless gaming trial carefully and as a matter of priority, including the minimum requirements for venues and technology providers to take part.

“The Panel’s first priority is to confirm the design and regulatory settings for the expanded cashless gaming trial, to ensure it can start as soon as possible,” Mr Harris said.

“This includes deciding which venues will take part, ensuring there is an appropriate mix of hotels and clubs across metropolitan and regional areas.

“By imposing certain mandatory requirements, the Panel can ensure that the trial will have strong data security and privacy protections in place.”

The Independent Panel will also provide advice to the NSW Government on a gaming reform implementation roadmap by November 2024.

This will include making recommendations to the NSW Government on the use of the $100 million harm minimisation fund, expanding the self-exclusion register and providing for third-party exclusions, and the use of facial recognition technology to support the enhanced exclusions schemes.

The panel will also be consulted on a review of the ClubGRANTS Scheme, which is being undertaken by Liquor & Gaming NSW in consultation with The Cabinet Office and NSW Treasury. This review will be undertaken separately, but concurrent with the Panel’s work on gaming reforms.

The inaugural meeting was chaired by former NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing Commissioner Michael Foggo with Dr Ursula Stephens (former Senator for NSW, Australian Labor Party) and The Hon Niall Blair (former Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals) comprising the Executive Committee.

Chair Michael Foggo said the NSW Government had carefully considered the composition of the Independent Panel to ensure it is well placed to provide balanced and expert advice about gaming reform.

Mr Foggo said it was clear from the outset that all panel members are passionate about gaming reform and committed to making a difference in NSW.

“The panel is set up so that a range key stakeholders and experts are represented including industry, gambling harm minimisation experts, academic experts, law enforcement and cyber security,” Mr Foggo said.

“It also has the ability to seek input from other external experts in the field and government bodies such as the NSW Crime Commission, the NSW Information and Privacy Commission and AUSTRAC.”

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Ukraine Reinstates 18% Online Casino Turnover Tax

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The government of Ukraine has reinstated an 18% tax charge to be applied on online casino turnover.

The decision was confirmed via a telegram of Danylo Hetmantsev, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada’s Finance Committee.

The tax charge was reinstated on 10 August, following an update to Article179 of the Ukraine tax code.

The change to the tax code was authorised as the Finance Committee seeks to raise a further UAH1.5bn (€35m) for the national budget in 2023.

Further developments sanctioned last week saw the government order KRAIL – Ukraine’s Gambling and Lotteries Commission – to begin cancelling/terminating gambling licences for failure of market activity or non-payment of licensing fees.

The government authorised its orders citing that gambling businesses must follow the compliance orders of Article 51 of the Ukraine Gambling Law on supervision and licensing duties.

Changes approved by the Verkhovna Rada in 2023 saw Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council take over the regulatory control of the gambling sector.

The change in regulatory supervisor saw KRAIL revoke the licence held by Parimatch – Ukraine’s largest betting group – following sanctions imposed on 287 companies and 120 individuals through Presidential Decree No 145/2023.

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WinSpirit has received the eCOGRA certificate

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Casino WinSpirit is proud to announce that it has been officially awarded the esteemed eCOGRA certification, an independent testing agency dedicated to fairness and security.

eCOGRA is a well-known international organization that focuses on testing and certifying online gambling providers, to ensure they adhere to the highest standards of fairness, transparency and security.

With this certification, WinSpirit sends a strong message to its players that the casino is committed to providing secure and responsible gaming experiences. Players can have the assurance that their gambling funds and personal information is safe, and be confident that the games are fair and adhere to the rules, making them more enjoyable and rewarding.

eCOGRA certification also confirms a RTP of 97.37%, providing players with real chances of winning big.

WinSpirit can now proudly display the agency’s seal on its website as a symbol of reliability and trustworthiness.

WinSpirit’s recent achievements and the positive reception from their players demonstrate an unwavering commitment to excellence. The casino lobby comprises over 2,500 different types of virtual slots, a sizable number of online table games, and megaways, as well as a live casino games and sports section.

vgccc-orders-ban-on-betting-on-minors-in-sport-events

VGCCC Orders Ban on Betting on Minors in Sport Events

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The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) will ban betting on all under 19 sports competitions, and any betting on the performance of individual players who are under 18 in junior and senior sport.

In letters sent last week to the bodies controlling all major sports and to sports betting providers, the VGCCC states it has “determined that permitting betting on minors is contrary to the public interest and poses potential integrity and gambling related harm concerns”.

These concerns include the susceptibility of minors to approaches seeking to undermine the integrity of a sporting event and normalising gambling on events involving children.

The ban prohibits offering bets on:

  • sporting events where all participants are minors
  • sporting events for under-19s
  • open events where minors are playing, meaning a bet can be placed on the open event “team” but not on particular outcomes for players in the team who are under 18 years old.

The ban includes offering bets on outcomes such as “first goal of the game”, “most disposals” or “first player to take a wicket”, where individual players are minors. Bets can still be made on team outcomes in senior sports when minors may be playing.

Sports controlling bodies — sporting organisations that control, regulate and are approved by VGCCC to oversee betting on their sport — have been directed to vary their agreements with betting providers to ensure that they prohibit the offering of markets involving minors.

The VGCCC is also instituting the same ban for any other sports that are not governed by an approved sports controlling body.

Bodies controlling all major sports and betting providers will have 60 days to comply with the new requirements, after which it will be an offence to allow bets on games and outcomes relating to individual players in a team or participating in the sports betting event who are under 18.

VGCCC chair Fran Thorn said: “The idea that it is okay to bet on minors just doesn’t stand up. We think minors deserve to be protected. It also raises integrity issues, with the prospect of people attempting to influence how minors might behave playing sport.

“If sports controlling bodies and betting providers do not comply with this decision we will take action, which may include revoking our approval of sports controlling bodies and prosecuting betting providers.”

The letters state: “The VGCCC is of the view that betting on contingencies in sporting events relating to the performance of an individual minor in that sporting event is contrary to the public interest.”

“It will, therefore, be prohibited to offer bets on an outcome such as ‘first goal of the game’, ‘most disposals’ or ‘first player to take a wicket’, where the outcome relates to an individual player that is a minor. For the avoidance of doubt, bets will still be able to be offered on the open team performance,” Ms Thorn said.

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The Mill Adventure Awarded New Swedish B2B License

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The Mill Adventure secured the new B2B license required by the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA), enabling the company to continue supplying its iGaming platform to licensed operators in Sweden.

The application process for the new licenses — strengthening SGA’s efforts to combat illegal gambling and increase the protection of the industry and its consumers — has just opened for B2B suppliers on the 1st of March 2023. Acquiring the new license not only further solidifies The Mill Adventure’s competitive edge in regulatory compliance, but significantly boosts its influence across iGaming’s most dynamic markets.

Commenting on this key development, Bjørnar Heggernes, Commercial Director at The Mill Adventure, said, “As more markets move towards increased regulations, we take pride in our team’s compliance expertise and our platform’s adaptability to ever-evolving laws and requirements across jurisdictions.”

“We already have a strong presence in Sweden. This new license, together with our in-depth experience in the market, opens up bigger opportunities for us to help enrich the Swedish iGaming landscape, as well as step up our strategies for growth there.”

The new Swedish B2B license joins The Mill Adventure’s current licenses and platform certifications in highly-competitive iGaming markets such as Germany, Georgia, the Netherlands, Romania, and Malta, with further market entries set to follow.

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RocketPlay is honoured to receive the eCogra certificate

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RocketPlay Casino is proud to announce that it has been awarded the eCOGRA certification. This independent British agency specializes in testing and certifying online gambling sources. It provides players with confidence in the fairness, transparency, and security of licensed online casinos.

eCOGRA stands for eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance. It is an internationally recognized testing agency. With the variety of testing processes, eCOGRA verifies that gaming operators and software providers meet the highest standards of compliance. For an online gambling website to meet the eCOGRA standard, there is a strict code they must abide by. Once all the requirements are met, the casino or software provider can proudly display the eCOGRA seal on its website.

RocketPlay Casino’s eCOGRA certification is a testament to its dedication to delivering a trustworthy and enjoyable gaming environment. A link to the corresponding certificate can be found in the website’s footer. The presence of the eCOGRA certification seal serves as a symbol of reliability and security for any licensed online casino.

RocketPlay is an online casino that prioritizes player satisfaction and a thrilling gaming experience. The casino has exceptional customer loyalty, reflected in outstanding ratings on AskGamblers and Trustpilot. It holds an 8.7 out of 10 rating on AskGamblers and has certificates of trust from Chipy .com and Casino.guru. RocketPlay offers a loyalty program with bonus rewards and a selection of 3000+ slots, along with responsible gaming tools. RocketPlay remains committed to excellence and continues to innovate, making it a strong competitor in the online casino industry.

leovegas-group-granted-a-gaming-license-in-the-netherlands

LeoVegas Group granted a gaming license in the Netherlands

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The LeoVegas Group has been granted a license for online gaming in the Dutch market. The Group plans to go live on the Dutch market during the second half of 2023.

 LeoVegas Group, via 21 Heads Up Limited, has been granted a five-year gaming license for casino, live casino, and sports betting by the Dutch regulatory authority KSA (Kansspelautoriteit). The Group plans to go live on the Dutch Market during the second half of 2023.

Gustaf Hagman, CEO of LeoVegas Group, said “LeoVegas Group has been granted a gaming license in the rapidly growing Dutch market! We are thrilled to look to the future and fully focus on resuming our Dutch journey: the Netherlands has great potential and we look forward to it becoming an important market in our global growth journey.