Tag: Compliance Updates

everymatrix-awarded-isle-of-man-licence

EveryMatrix awarded Isle of Man licence

June 19, 2023 Published by
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B2B iGaming provider EveryMatrix has been awarded an international Isle of Man B2B software licence to supply its leading technology and services to a host of worldwide markets.

The licence, awarded by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, will further expand EveryMatrix’s jurisdictional reach and enable it to enter new partnerships with a wide variety of new operators and third parties.

There are many benefits associated with an Isle of Man licence including its international reputation as a body that upholds the highest regulatory standards.

The new Isle of Man licence comes just weeks after the Swedish regulator Spelinspektionen approved EveryMatrix ahead of a July 1st deadline enforcing mandatory licences for all providers offering services in the regulated market.

Ebbe Groes, CEO, EveryMatrix said: “The Isle of Man is one of iGaming’s most reputable licensing regimes and we are pleased to have been granted a software licence to further accelerate our expansion into new territories.

“EveryMatrix is experiencing record growth across all our core areas of casino, sports and platform and securing licences in both established and emerging regulated jurisdictions is a key part of our future growth plans.”

Nathan Lunt, Strategic Partnership Manager, Digital Isle of Man, said: “We are delighted to welcome EveryMatrix to the Island’s ecosystem. The Isle of Man is home to a collection of successful and diverse eGaming and software businesses and this is testament to its proposition which offers an experienced regulator and robust, mature licensing regime.

“As home to some of the most influential companies in the industry, the Isle of Man has proven itself to provide unrivalled benefits for eGaming companies seeking a licence, whether they be a start-up, SME or multinational organisation, and at Digital Isle of Man, we are proud to be able to support businesses, such as EveryMatrix, every step of the way.”

ukgc-imposes-2m-fine-on-videoslots-limited

UKGC Imposes £2M Fine on Videoslots Limited

June 17, 2023 Published by
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The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has imposed a fine of £2 million on Videoslots Limited for social responsibility and anti-money laundering failings.

The Social responsibility failures included:

  • not ensuring that customers displaying risk behaviours were identified as potentially experiencing harm because responsible gambling reviews were not undertaken as early, or as well, as they should have been.
  • failing to identify whether a customer was at risk of experiencing harm by not considering whether the amount being deposited or lost was appropriate.
  • allowing customers showing indicators of harm to continue to gamble significant amounts after interactions despite their behaviour continuing.

The Anti-Money Laundering (AML) failures included:

  • not implementing its own risk-based processes appropriately due to significant delays in conducting the required action, such as an AML review or request for source of funds following a trigger in its processes.
  • not fulfilling elements of customer due diligence as early as intended in accordance with its own risk-based approach.
  • not having sufficient AML analysts to process the volumes of data or undertake the AML account reviews in accordance with its procedures.

All £2 million of the settlement will go to socially responsible causes.

isabelle-falque-pierrotin-was-elected-chairwoman-of-the-gambling-regulators’-european-forum

Isabelle FALQUE-PIERROTIN was elected Chairwoman of the Gambling Regulators’ European Forum

June 10, 2023 Published by
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The annual conference of the Gambling Regulators’ European Forum (GREF) was held from 5 to 7 June in Bergen, Norway. More than 90 participants from around thirty regulators from all over Europe met to discuss subjects of common interest, such as player protection, the fight against illegal gambling and recent technological innovations that could have an impact on gambling.

The General Meeting elected a new Board, which is now chaired by Isabelle FALQUE-PIERROTIN, the  Autorité nationale des jeux’ s chairwoman,  for a 2-year term. The Board is composed of :

  • Anders Dorph (Spillemyndighedens – Danish regulator), Vice-Chairm ;
  • Tim Miller (UK Gambling Commission), Treasurer;
  • Sarah Kelly (Alderney Gambling Control Commission), Secretary;
  • Magali Clavie (Commission des jeux de hasard – Belgian regulator), Atle Hamar (Lottstift – Norwegian regulator) and Kinga Warda (Malta Gaming Authority – Maltese regulator), Ordinary Members.

GREF aims to strengthen cooperation between regulators. In the light of new market challenges, cooperation is crucial to enable regulators to better understand trends and develop effective and legitimate solutions.

An first assessment of the new Board’s activities will be made at the next GREF Annual Conference, to be held in Malta in May 2024.

Isabelle FALQUE-PIERROTIN commented: “In this time of innovation accelerating and challenging current regulations, and of public opinion concerned about player protection, European level is crucial. We are indeed facing common questions and our exchanges are productive. I believe that in this very complicated period, regulators have a specific voice that needs to be heard, one that listens to the various stakeholders and serves to protect players“.

ukrainians-lend-their-support-to-parimatch-as-25,000-strong-petition-delivered-to-president-zelenskyy

Ukrainians lend their support to Parimatch as 25,000-strong petition delivered to President Zelenskyy

June 9, 2023 Published by
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The petition is asking the President to order a thorough investigation into the arbitrary sanctions imposed on the company

An official petition requesting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to review the decision to impose sanctions against Parimatch LLC has garnered over the required 25,000 signatures 14 days ahead of the deadline, as the Ukrainian public rallies behind the Company in its fight to uphold the rule of law in Ukraine and unblock its popular services in the country.

Under Ukrainian law an official petition that gathers 25,000 signatures is referred directly to the President for consideration. President Zelenskyy now has 10 days to act in the case which has become a touchstone issue for tens of thousands of Ukrainians who want to see their country become a successful democracy where the rule of law is firmly established and respected.

Parimatch, a popular international sports betting and online gambling company that provides its services to satisfied customers across three continents, has strong roots in Ukraine where the business originated. It was sanctioned by Ukraine earlier this year and banned from operating in the country for 50 years, which has impacted hundreds of thousands of citizens who can no longer access or retrieve their funds. The ban was the result of a flawed and unfair investigation that falsely claimed the Company was doing business in Russia.

Parimatch has provided expert independent legal opinion that confirms the Company ended its third-party licence agreements with Russian entities in March 2022, immediately after Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. This entailed terminating software and trademark licensing agreements it previously had with a Russian entity. Full information about the sanctions against Parimatch can be found on the website https://justice4business .com/en/ that provides extensive documentation about the unfair sanctions and the Company’s legal position.

Maxym Liashko, Managing Partner of Energame, Parimatch’s management company, said:

“We are Ukrainian patriots. Our fellow countrymen and countrywomen unequivocally agree with that. We have supported our country against Russia’s full-scale invasion from the first day, and immediately moved to terminate any remaining legacy business in the aggressor country. We are confident that Ukraine is on an irreversible road to becoming a democratic European nation where people can live and do business freely, while enjoying the full protection of the law. We trust that our President, a champion of the rule of law and liberal democratic values, will do the right thing and order a review of the unjust sanctions that were imposed on us in a flawed and unfair process.

“We all agree that it is the right and the duty of Ukrainian authorities to sanction entities or individuals that seek to undermine the country. Sanctions are a powerful tool in the fight against the invaders and their supporters. However, mistakes are sometimes made, as happened in the case of Parimatch. A robust review and appeal system is therefore an essential part of any sanctions regime.”

The petition also highlights Parimatch’s support for the Ukrainian army and wider war effort that so far has totalled 547 mln hryvnia ($14 mln) and is still ongoing. As an international company proud of its strong Ukrainian roots, Parimatch will remain an unwavering supporter of Ukrainian sovereignty in the face of Russia’s illegal war of aggression.

uk-gambling-commission-grants-liveg24-a-license-for-live-bingo-game

UK Gambling Commission Grants LiveG24 a License for Live Bingo Game

June 8, 2023 Published by
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The Gambling Commission, the regulatory authority for the gambling industry in the United Kingdom (UK), has issued a new license to LiveG24, the renowned provider of online gaming solutions, for offering Live Bingo in the British market.

The granting of this license marks a significant milestone for LiveG24, which has demonstrated a consistent commitment to providing safe, transparent and high-quality gaming experiences to its users. The Gambling Commission’s license approval is a recognition of LiveG24’s operational excellence in the gambling sector.

LiveG24’s Live Bingo, developed in partnership with Diecimilauno SpA, offers enthusiasts an engaging and interactive experience through real-time streaming technology. Players can participate in live gaming sessions, communicate with the host and interact with fellow participants, all conveniently from their mobile devices or computers.

“We are extremely proud to receive this license from the Gambling Commission,” the Chief Operating Officer for LiveG24, Angelo De Gobbi, said. “Live Bingo is a significant part of our product offering and this approval further strengthens our presence in the UK market. We will continue to focus on innovation, security and player satisfaction.”

With the acquisition of this license, LiveG24 expands its presence in the UK online gambling market, offering both live casino games and a new and immersive entertainment option for bingo enthusiasts. The company is committed to delivering a quality gaming experience while fully complying with industry norms and regulations.

the-slovak-gambling-authority’s-systematic-check-activities-help-reduce-the-number-of-illegal-gaming-devices

The Slovak Gambling Authority’s systematic check activities help reduce the number of illegal gaming devices

June 1, 2023 Published by
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In Q1 2023, the Slovak Gambling Authority conducted 2511 compliance checks, which is 201 more compared to last year.

The significant year-on-year increase in the number of checks is due to the restructuring of surveillance and the strategic set-up of the supervision by the Authority's top management.

"I am very pleased that the goals set up by the current management are also successfully fulfilled in the gambling supervision area. Of course, a big thank you to our local supervisors, who actively investigate illegal devices and supervise the fulfilment of all legal requirements by legal operators.
Having gambling under systematic supervision is one of the main missions of the Authority as a gambling regulator," said the Director General at the Office for the Regulation of Gambling (URHH), Dávid Lenčéš.

More than a 45 % increase against the same period last year was recorded in checks focused on the search of illegal gambling establishments. In the first quarter of 2023, supervisors conducted 437 compliance checks focusing on unlawful gambling as mining and quiz machines, intending to prevent further operation. As Director General said, “Increased systematic check activities of illegal establishments has its justification and brings results as, compared to 2022, the number of detected illegal gaming machines on the market is significantly reduced. Searching for illegal establishments and seizing illegal devices has a preventive nature and ultimately protects society, especially at-risk groups and the youth.”

According to the Gambling Act, small operators, such as pubs, can't operate gaming machines. The URHH must license each gaming machine since it is the only official body authorised to issue a license. Operating gambling without a given license is prohibited in Slovakia.

The Gambling Regulatory Authority also carries out surveillance remotely. In the Q1 of this year, we are talking about an almost 90 % increase in on-site checks compared with last year. Thanks to online access to the servers of gambling operators, this form of supervision allows more effective control of many establishments without physically leaving the workplace.

Establishing a specialised online gaming department in 2022 also contributed to the overall increase of supervision effectiveness over 2022-2023. The mission of the specialised department is to supervise licensed online gambling or searching for and restrict access to illegal websites operating or promoting gambling without valid licenses.

spinomenal-secures-swedish-b2b-supplier-permit

Spinomenal Secures Swedish B2B Supplier Permit

May 30, 2023 Published by
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Spinomenal, the leading iGaming content provider, has successfully secured its Swedish B2B suppliers permit from the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA).

The Spelinspektionen awarded Spinomenal with its latest European permit, which means Swedish casino players will be able to keep on gaining seamless access to its richly populated games catalogue.

Among the standout titles that are available from Spinomenal in the Swedish market are popular hits Lucky Jack – Dagger Of Destiny, Majestic King and Book of Rampage. An added bonus for Sweden’s iGaming community is that they will also be able to take a journey into Spinomenal’s unrivalled Universe concept which pulls together storylines from many of its favourite titles.

Spinomenal’s CEO, Lior Shvartz, commented: “Sweden plays a significant role in our expansion strategy and we’re elated to announce that we have secured our B2B suppliers permit from the SGA. This permit showcases our commitment to operating lawfully within leading regulated markets and we look forward to keeping on sharing our games with Sweden’s slot players.”

acma-takes-action-against-illegal-“skins”-gambling-site

ACMA Takes Action Against Illegal “Skins” Gambling Site

May 19, 2023 Published by
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Online gaming company Feral Holdings Limited has been given a formal warning and its CS:GO Roll website has been withdrawn from Australia after the company was found to be providing prohibited interactive gambling services.

An Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) investigation found CS:GO Roll was providing casino-style online games, which are illegal under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 if the games are played for money or anything else of value.

CS:GO Roll allowed users to deposit “skins” from popular video game Counter Strike: Global Offensive in exchange for in-game coins that could be used to gamble on casino-style games. Winnings from CS:GO Roll would then be paid out in the form of skins, which could be converted into real money using third-party platforms.

Gaming skins are used to change the look of virtual items or characters and can be won in video games or purchased via third party websites.

ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said gambling sites must follow Australian gambling laws, even if they use virtual items instead of traditional currency.

“Providing casino-style games online is prohibited in Australia when playing for money or something of value, whether that’s Australian dollars, cryptocurrency or in this case, online gaming skins,” Ms O’Loughlin said.

“Skins gambling services are particularly concerning as they tap into a youth market and have the potential to convert gamers into gamblers,” she said.

Feral Holdings has been issued with a formal warning for contravening Australian gambling laws.

pagcor-issues-stern-warning-to-offshore-gaming-licensees-and-service-providers-engaged-in-illegal-activities

PAGCor Issues Stern Warning to Offshore Gaming Licensees and Service Providers Engaged in Illegal Activities

May 18, 2023 Published by
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The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCor) issued a stern warning to its offshore gaming licensees and accredited service providers to abide by the Philippine laws and strictly comply with PAGCor’s rules and regulations.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for PAGCor, Alejandro Tengco, enjoined all licensees and service providers to operate only within the bounds of their licenses or accreditations. They were likewise warned that involvement in any criminal activity shall be dealt with severely, to include the possible suspension and eventual cancellation of their licenses or accreditation.

PAGCor’s warning came alongside the suspension order issued to CGC Technologies (CGC), an accredited offshore gaming customer relations service provider, which was subjected to an inter-agency search operation on May 4, 2023. The operations of CGC, whose accreditation was granted in September 2, 2021, came after the Philippine National Police’s (PNP’s) Anti-Cybercrime Group, the Special Action Forces, the Intelligence Group of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the Inter-Agency Council on Anti-Trafficking conducted a special operation inside the Sun Valley Business Hub in Mabalacat, Pampanga, for alleged credit card fraud, serious illegal detention and human trafficking activities.

CGC was found to be operating six buildings in the site but only two were accredited by PAGCor. Personnel working in the hub are of mixed nationalities including Indonesians, Vietnamese, Nepalese, Bhutanese and Chinese. Raiding authorities were able to confiscate over 1,000 computers and devices from the site, which were subjected to forensic investigation. PAGCor said that once the establishments were proven to be involved in illegal activities, the state-run gaming firm will immediately cancel the company’s accreditation.

Tengco said the crackdown on CGC was a result of the agency’s intensified coordination with the Office of the President (OP), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Bureau of Immigration (BI) to combat illegal activities in offshore gaming operations.

“There is more to come,” Tengco said. “We will continuously subject our offshore gaming licensees and service providers to stricter monitoring.”

Meanwhile, PAGCor also expressed full support to the decision of the DOJ and the BI to order the immediate repatriation of the foreign nationals rescued during the incident. This is a strong showing of PAGCor’s firm stance against offshore gaming licensees and service providers participating in illegal activities.

“PAGCor will continue to work hand in hand with law enforcement agencies to ensure a safe and responsible gaming environment not only for Filipinos but also for other nationalities,” Tengco said. “Only through regulated and responsible gaming can we minimize, if not totally eradicate all crimes that are being linked to gaming activities.”

booming-games-granted-b2b-license-by-the-swedish-gambling-authority

Booming Games Granted B2B License by the Swedish Gambling Authority

May 2, 2023 Published by
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Booming Games, a rapidly-growing iGaming content provider, has announced that it has secured a Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) license, enabling it to expand its European presence further.

On Monday, April 24, 2023, Booming Games was officially notified that it had received its B2B gaming license from the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA). The company is now authorized to distribute its content to licensed gambling operators in Sweden. This means that Swedish players can continue to enjoy popular games such as Burning Classics, TNT Bonanza, Cash Pig, Buffalo Hold and Win and Rodfather Megaways.

The license was obtained strategically, as new regulations require all online casino game suppliers to be licensed, effective as of July 23, 2023. The Swedish government aims to increase the channelization of legal markets and protect both the industry’s integrity and consumers’ rights.

The Chief Commercial Officer for Booming Games, Frederik Niehusen, expressed excitement at being one of the first iGaming providers to secure a complete B2B gaming license in Sweden. The company acted quickly in the market, giving it a competitive advantage. The SGA noted that the new licenses are part of its efforts to combat illegal gambling operators and that suppliers of iGaming content must not partner with such entities.

“We are thrilled to have obtained a full Swedish B2B gaming license, which will allow us to expand our presence in the fast-growing Swedish market,” Niehusen said. “Being among the first providers to acquire this license is a testament to our commitment to excellence in the gaming industry. This achievement will enable us to build on our existing strengths and further develop our product offerings to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

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