Compliance Updates

Casinos, gaming machines and online gambling to be overseen by independent regulator in Ireland

Published

7 years ago

January 12, 2018

Reading Time: 2 minutes

It is in compliance with a proposed new law that an Independent regulator should to be established for the gambling industry.

Informing the Cabinet, David Stanton the Minister of State for Equality, Immigration and Integration appealed the consent to draft a new general scheme of the Gambling Control Bill.

Since 2013, a proposed set of laws to straighten out the issue of gambling have been long forsaken and forgotten in the Department of Justice.

Covering ample aspects on the gambling sector, including the curtailments on gambling advertising, the Gambling Control Bill comprises of 90 pages.

The 2013 Bill also advised the establishment of a regulator for the sector within the Department of Justice – which will now be amended.

Alternatively, the establishment of an independent statutory authority to regulate the gambling industry in Ireland is proposed. The industry is autonomous to a large extent.

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Duties of the regulator will be the overseeing of advertising, sports sponsorship, access for young people, a social fund for access to treatment and also prevalent information and research.

Due to the four year delay, a government spokesperson said the Bill needs updating if it is to address the changes in the gambling sector over the last few years, adding that the main concern is to “protect consumers and vulnerable people”.

The Bill will also include changes to the licensing system in Ireland, as well dealing with the issue of gaming machines.

It also includes measures to regulate online gambling, the regulation of casinos and the protection of children against gambling.

The Minister of State said that a large body of work has already been done, and that he will consult with stakeholders on the revised general scheme of the Bill.

The bookies say they also want the industry regulated.

They have also said that they want overseas online companies to be put on an even footing with indigenous Irish operators, with those companies subject to the same scrutiny and obligations as those with physical shops in Ireland.

Sharon Byrne the Chairperson of the Irish Bookmakers Association told TheJournal.ie last year that its members, which includes Paddy Power, Boylesports and Ladbrokes, are in support of legislation coming through.

While there is no specific timeframe for this legislation, Minister Stanton said it is his priority to deliver on gambling regulation this year.

Compliance Updates

IAGR confirms new Board members

Published

23 hours ago

November 14, 2024

George Miller

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has announced the appointment of four new trustees to its Board, each bringing unique expertise and leadership to strengthen IAGR’s global regulatory efforts:

Anders Dorph, Danish Gambling Authority (Europe)
Peter Kesitilwe Emolemo, Gambling Authority of Botswana (Africa)
Kevin Mullally, General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (Asia/Oceania)
Louis Rogacki, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (North America)

IAGR President Ben Haden said, ‘I’m delighted to welcome our four new trustees to the IAGR Board. Their diverse expertise and leadership across different jurisdictions will bring fresh perspectives to our work, further strengthening our global approach to gaming regulation.

‘I look forward to collaborating with Peter, Louis, Kevin and Anders as we continue to foster innovation and drive forward effective, responsible regulation for the benefit of the global gaming community.

‘We also extend a big thank you to Trude Høgseth Felde and Mabutho Zwane for their dedicated service as they complete their terms on the Board, and I’m pleased to announce that Jason Lane will continue for another term as a Trustee.’

As a leading forum for gaming regulators worldwide, IAGR enables members to meet, share information, discuss legislative developments, exchange views and learn best practices in gaming regulation.

In recent news, IAGR has also confirmed that its 2025 annual conference will be held in Toronto, Canada, from 20 to 23 October 2025, with registrations opening in early 2025.

Compliance Updates

MGA Issues First ESG Code Approval Seals to Licensees

Published

4 days ago

November 11, 2024

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has awarded its first-ever ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Code Approval Seals to licensees in the online gaming sector, marking a milestone in the Authority’s commitment to promoting responsible and sustainable industry practices.

This initiative follows the launch of the voluntary ESG Code of Good Practice last year, which invited licensees to submit their ESG disclosure returns. The Code, which covers 19 topics categorised under Environmental, Social and Governance pillars, offers a strategic roadmap for online gaming companies to streamline their reporting efforts.

Following the first annual reporting cycle, 14 gaming operators have been awarded the ESG Code Approval Seal. The Code supports two levels of reporting: Tier 1, which establishes foundational ESG standards, and Tier 2, which represents a more aspirational approach.

Seals are valid for one year, with flexibility for renewal in the subsequent reporting period, allowing operators to advance or adapt their reporting tier year by year.

“We believe this initiative will significantly enhance the industry’s reputation and sustainability credentials,” MGA CEO Charles Mizzi said.

“By integrating ESG considerations into their operations, gaming companies not only contribute to the wellbeing of society and the environment but also strengthen the trust and confidence that consumers, investors, and regulators have in the industry. This initiative sends a clear message: sustainability, in the broadest sense of the word, is integral to the future of the gaming sector.”

Compliance Updates

Turkish Football Federation to Penalise Clubs Promoting Illegal Betting

Published

4 days ago

November 11, 2024

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has introduced new regulations to crack down on illegal betting advertisements in professional football.

According to the TFF, clubs found violating the new rules will face fines and, in case of repeated offenses, the deduction of points.

Under the updated guidelines, any club in the Turkish Super League involved in unauthorised betting promotions will face a tiered penalty system.

The first violation will result in a fine of 2 million Turkish Liras (around $58,000), and the second offense will incur a 5 million lira fine and a third violation will see the fine increased to 10 million liras. For subsequent breaches, clubs will be fined 10 million liras for each offense, along with a three-point deduction from their league standings.

“It is forbidden to promote or advertise betting organizations not licensed by competent authorities. This includes any media, billboards and other equipment used within stadium,” the TFF stated.

The TFF emphasised that the ban also applies to entities affiliated with these betting organisations, including those involved in promoting and advertising activities in a way that suggests endorsement of illegal betting.

The global scale of the illegal betting market is staggering, with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimating its worth at $1.8 trillion. In Türkiye alone, the sector is projected to exceed 100 billion liras, according to the Financial Crimes Investigation Board.