Compliance Updates
Dutch gambling regulator to discuss legislation with industry leaders in September
The Dutch gambling regulator the will discuss the fresh proposals about the Remote Gambling Bill that with the industry leaders in the country.
Sander Dekker, the Minister for Legal Protection of the Netherlands, proposed a revised framework for licensed operators to enhance consumer protection measures.
His letter to legislators revitalises a bill that had been lying dormant for nearly two years following approval by the parliament’s lower house.
Speaking at iGB Live! in Amsterdam on Wednesday, Netherlands Gambling Authority’s board member Joop Pot said a meeting of the Committee of Justice and Security on 13 September would provide the platform for the first formal parliamentary reaction to Dekker’s letter.
The regulator is also keen to resolve what would appear to be the major potential sticking point in the legislative proposals – providing a clear separation between social gaming and gambling – by hosting a meeting with operators to discuss how to stop an “interweaving of products”, Pot said.
The date for the meeting with industry stakeholders is to be confirmed and will take place a few days before the Dutch Gambling Authority’s new chairman officially begins in his or her new role on 1 October.
Pot said that the new chairman, to replace the outgoing Jan Suyver, has already been identified and, following the required due diligence checks, the identity of the individual is likely to be revealed next month.
“We call on providers of gambling and games to participate in this meeting in September,” Pot added in his briefing. “The best solution usually comes from a joint effort.”
Pot said that the authority had identified “gambling advertising on gaming websites and vice versa.”
He also insisted that while Dekker’s letter should “remove the main roadblocks” to long-awaited upper-house approval, it will be vital to “introduce greater barriers between social gaming and gambling.”
To that end, Pot added that the regulator, also known as the Kansspelautoriteit, had changed its name recently from the Netherlands Gaming Authority to the Netherlands Gambling Authority to better reflect its focus.
“The bill will enable us to better protect the consumer and give us additional enforcement power to prevent gambling addiction,” he said.
“We have commissioned research that has shown that blurring the boundaries encourages young people to gamble.”
The other stand-out proposals in Dekker’s letter were the requirement of operators from outside the European Union or European Economic Area to have a physical presence in the country.
Also for all licensees to have a local representative responsible for gambling addiction prevention.
With Dekker having pushed the bill to the new coalition government and called for law-makers to resume the legislative process “vigorously”, Pot told iGamingBusiness.com that he is confident “the time is right” for parliamentary approval of the legislation “in a short time.”
He added: “I cannot say for sure, but by the end of 2019 it could be in place. Realistically it could be the first half of 2020 as I know the parliamentary process can take time.”
Earlier this month it was announced that Marja Appelman, the pro-business CEO of the authority, would be quitting her role after five years in charge, with the board covering her tasks from the start of August while a review of the regulator’s management structure completes.
Source: igamingbusiness.com
Compliance Updates
IAGR confirms new Board members
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
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
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.
-
Cryptocurrency4 days ago
Kyrrex to host online panel discussion on MiCA and the future of crypto in Europe
-
Asia3 days ago
Hong Kong Construction Titan Turned Macau Casino Boss Lui Che-Woo Dies Aged 95
-
Australia5 days ago
Light & Wonder Signs Multi-year Systems Deal with SkyCity Entertainment
-
Asia4 days ago
Skillhub Online Games Federation Launches SOG Grandmasters Series, Targets Discovery of 1 Lakh Gaming Talents Nationwide
-
eSports4 days ago
Welcome to the World Esports Championship 2024!
-
Compliance Updates5 days ago
Turkish Football Federation to Penalise Clubs Promoting Illegal Betting
-
Latest News5 days ago
Altenar Betslip Boost feature gives extra winning power to the players
-
Africa4 days ago
SunBet Extends Online Betting Platform Contract with Bede Gaming Amid Record-Breaking Performance