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Compliance Updates

CMA announces results of online gambling probe

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CMA announces results of online gambling probe
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The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the regulatory body responsible for competition and consumer enforcement in the UK, has released the report of the investigation that it started two years ago about the unfair practices in online gambling industry.

The main focus of the probe the options for players to withdraw their funds and CMA pressure has led to two more companies removing obstacles put in place to keep players money in the game, even when they are not interested in continuing to gamble.

Progress Play and Jumpman Gaming, two smaller UK online gambling operators, had set in place elaborate terms and conditions that would keep their players from withdrawing their funds if they had not logged in to their accounts within a certain amount of time or if they were too slow in proving their identity.

Unfair trade practices

In its guidance note, the CMA concluded that such practices were unfair in light of Part 2 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA) and under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Practices 2008 (CPRs) law.

At the beginning of the report explaining the investigation, the CMA outlined the key questions they were seeking answers for. Under the CRA, all contract terms must be fair and transparent, and the CMA was looking to see whether certain terms in online gambling contracts created “a significant imbalance, contrary to the requirement of good faith, to the detriment of the consumer.”

Under the CPRs the regulator was looking at possible “unfair commercial practices, in particular misleading acts or omissions” as well as “behaviour contrary to the requirements of professional diligence.”

Progress Play and Jumpman gaming now join a short list of other online operators including PT Entertainment Services, Ladbrokes and William Hill in adjusting their practices to fall into line with the CMA’s requirements.

Giants like William Hill, Ladbrokes and PT Entertainment had been involved in creating restrictions on players cashing out while using a casino bonus offer. While they were earning or using their bonus gamblers on these sites were prevented from cashing out or required to forfeit the proceeds they had earned off the bonus is they wanted their money. Such practices were deemed unfair trading practices by the CMA.

As a result, all of the firms have now adopted policies that reflect the flowing conditions:

“Promotional Play Restrictions and Wagering Requirements (if applicable) do not apply to any play by a consumer with their Deposit Balance except where ingame mechanisms automatically prevent a consumer from placing a wager that contravenes the Promotional Play Restrictions.”

In a nutshell, this is designed to ensure that a player may cash out even while the bonus is in play and that their request to withdraw funds from their own account will not void the bonus as operators are not prohibited from offering such terms and conditions.

The CMA pointed out that this method of sanctioning players who wish to withdrawal their own funds creates unacceptable and unfair pressure on players to continue to keep gambling even when they have decided they are no longer interested in doing so.

Sarah Gardner, Executive Director of the UK Gambling Commission stated, “We back the action taken by the CMA today. Gambling firms must treat their customers fairly and not attach unreasonable terms and conditions to their promotions and offers.

We expect all Gambling Commission licensed businesses to immediately review the promotions and sign up deals they offer customers and take whatever steps they need to take, to the same timescales agreed by the three operators, to ensure they comply.”

Source: usaonlinecasino.com

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Compliance Updates

Comtrade Gaming Obtains Romanian License to Distribute Games

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Comtrade Gaming’s CG Games division has announced its approval for the distribution of casino content in Romania.

The license will allow players in Romania to access a range of games from the CG Games portfolio, including Sweet Treasure, Crash Soccer, Wild Miner, Diamond King, Break the Bank and many more.

“This is a key step for CG Games. We have been very successful in the Romanian market for many years, with our iGaming Platform, and this extension of our license means we can increase our offering to our partners. It also now allows us to work with all operators in that market, regardless of the platform they use, and we are very excited to bring our games to this market,” said Comtrade Gaming’s Chief Commercial Officer, Steven Valentine.

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Compliance Updates

Betsson Group shortlisted for 4 awards at the Global Regulatory Awards

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Betsson Group shortlisted for 4 awards at the Global Regulatory Awards
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Betsson Group has managed to secure four award nominations for the 8th edition of the Global Regulatory Awards. Held annually since 2017, the awards hosted by Vixio, a leading provider of regulatory intelligence solutions, recognise the achievements of individuals, teams, and organisations in the gaming industry that have excelled in compliance, corporate social responsibility, and safer gaming.

According to the official website of the Global Regulatory Awards, Vixio received a record number of submissions this year, making 2024 their most competitive year by far.

The 2024 Global Regulatory Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on 4th December 2024.

Betsson Group is shortlisted for three company awards and one individual award.

1. Commitment to Compliance by an Operator

This award celebrates a leading compliance initiative by a gambling operator that has significantly improved internal expertise and set a new standard for industry best practices. The judges will look for an initiative that demonstrates transformative improvements in processes, technology, reporting, and training, while also promoting best practices across the sector.

2. Chief Compliance Officer of the Year – Corinne Valletta

This award celebrates an exceptional compliance leader who consistently exceeds expectations, expertly navigates regulatory challenges, and has significantly elevated the compliance standards within their organisation through pragmatic solutions, operational transformation, and thought leadership. The award seeks a leader who actively collaborates with management, their team, and regulatory bodies to foster a culture of compliance. Judges will look for concrete examples of the nominee’s impact, including industry conference appearances, introduced training initiatives, and demonstrations of thought leadership.

3. Compliance Team of the Year

This award honours a compliance team within an organisation that actively fosters a culture of compliance, responding effectively to regulatory changes and driving their organization to lead in new compliance standards. Judges will evaluate how the team has cultivated a compliance-focused culture, collaborated across the organisation, initiated training, and influenced business practices and industry engagement, including with trade associations. Special consideration will be given to teams that have led their organisation into new compliance jurisdictions in emerging markets.

4. Legal Team of the Year

This award recogises a legal team that protects the company’s reputation by ensuring compliance with regulations, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and organisational skills, and proactively advising management. Judges will assess how the team promotes best practices, keeps the business ahead of regulatory changes, and minimises the impact on both the bottom line and daily operations.

In conclusion, the above nominations highlight Betsson’s strong compliance culture and commitment to raising its standards in compliance to ensure a safe and stable business.

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Compliance Updates

St8.io granted Isle of Man licence

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St8.io granted Isle of Man licence
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The next-generation content aggregator St8.io has been awarded an Isle of Man OGRA Software Supplier licence, as the company continues to expand its regulated footprint worldwide.

The licence, granted by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, will allow St8 to supply its product to other IoM-licensed B2B and B2C partners, as well as other Tier 1 operators.

“This is another important step in our mission to serve regulated markets worldwide,” said Vladimir Negine, founder and CEO at St8. “We’ve been really impressed by the robust licensing process of the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, which allows us to deliver innovative technology in a manner that protects both our partners and the end user. As we expand our presence into more regulated markets, the proven reputation that comes with an IoM licence will serve us well.”

Lyle Wraxall, Chief Executive at Digital Isle of Man added: “I would like to congratulate St8 for gaining their Isle of Man Software Supplier Licence and look forward to them joining the thriving business community. St8’s decision to expand its operations here reinforces the Isle of Man’s position as a leading hub for the digital and gaming industries.”

St8 was guided through the licensing process by specialist consultancy Amber Gaming.

“We are thrilled to congratulate our valued partner St8 on securing their licence with the support of our advisory services. This achievement underscores our commitment to delivering expert guidance and driving success together,” said Jade Zorab, Managing Director at Amber Gaming.

Vladimir Negine added: “We chose Amber Gaming because we needed a partner with a complete understanding of this process, a flawless reputation and an efficient approach that matched with our timelines. They delivered perfectly on all of these, and I’d like to thank Lee-Ann, Abi and the entire Amber Gaming team for their fantastic support.”

St8.io’s Isle of Man licence is just the latest that the content aggregator has acquired. Last year, it was granted a licence from Romania’s National Gambling Office, and in June secured a recognition notice from the Malta Gaming Authority.

The company continues to bring world-class innovation to the aggregation space, including a recent major update to its St8 Art Kit, which now features animated thumbnails for high-performing games.

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