Compliance Updates
Finland starts probe into loot boxes
Finland has started an enquiry into practice of using loot box systems in video games. This is following the official sanction and controversy surrounding loot boxes in European countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands.
Here is a brief history of loot boxes for the uninitiated.
Loot boxes have been part and parcel of some video games for over a decade. The early days of these systems were used in free-to-play games and MMORPGs, but the last few years have seen them creep into regular games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Overwatch, PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS and others.
A number of investigative bodies in different governments have undertaken investigations into the legality of these systems and whether or not they run afoul of gambling regulations. The state of Hawai’i in the United States and The Netherlands have begun movement on some sort of regulation and Belgium’s decisions on the matter have recently caused Blizzard Entertainment to remove the ability to buy loot boxes for Heroes of the Storm and Overwatch in that country. Belgium’s gaming commission has even begun the steps for legal action against Electronic Arts over their decision not to comply with the ruling of loot boxes as gambling. Finland appears to be the next country to begin investigating these practices.
According to a statement from Finland’s Lotteries Administration supplied to Helsingin Sanomat, four conditions must be satisfied for a loot box system to be considered gambling in that country:
Loot boxes can be purchased partly or entirely with real-world money.
Players do not know what they will receive from the box (that is, they’re random).
The box or its contents can be exchanged for real-world money either through the game’s publisher or through a third party.
The publisher of the game does not have a lottery license.
In short, it seems that the primary condition for these systems to run afoul of the law in Finland is the ability to make real-world money on them. Going by my interpretation of these conditions, a game where you cannot sell the boxes or their contents back to the publisher or to a third party like Overwatch would likely not be in breach of the law but games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS may indeed be illegal under those regulations.
Ultimately, whether or not loot box mechanics are legal in Finland is a matter that will have to be decided by the courts interpreting the law as its written. At this point in time, no precedent has been set in this particular area of law. However, the first few complaints have been filed and we may see some decisions coming down in the near future if they advance to a trial.
Source: TechRaptor
Compliance Updates
Danish Gambling Authority Opens Applications for Land-based Bingo Licences
The Danish Gambling Authority has officially opened applications for land-based bingo licences under the country’s new regulatory framework.
The licences will be valid from 1 January 2025 for applicants who meet the required conditions and submit complete applications by 10 December 2024.
This development provides opportunities for operators to offer land-based bingo within a regulated environment.
To assist prospective applicants, the Danish Gambling Authority has created a dedicated “Land-Based Bingo” webpage. Here, operators can access application materials, guidelines and instructions to ensure submissions are completed accurately.
Operators seeking a licence valid from 1 January 2025 must submit their applications by the 10 December deadline. Applications that meet all requirements will be processed in time for the start date.
In cases where additional information or conditions are needed, the authority may issue licences with specific stipulations, granting operators additional time to address outstanding issues.
To support industry stakeholders, the Danish Gambling Authority will host an information meeting about the new land-based bingo rules on 5 December 2024. The session will take place at Englandsgade 25, Odense, and interested parties are encouraged to register by 29 November 2024.
Compliance Updates
CT Interactive announces certification of new games for the Italian market
CT Interactive is thrilled to announce that new titles have officially received certification for the Italian market, ready to bring a fresh wave of entertainment to players across the country. This certification ensures that the games adhere to Italy’s stringent regulatory standards for fairness, security, and quality, reinforcing CT Interactive’s dedication to providing top-tier gaming experiences.
The newly certified games include: 5x Cherry Party, Christmas Storm, Jester Jack, Lucky Kiwi, Mega Gnome, Piggy Crash, Star Girl, The Big Chilli, The New Queen of Fruits, Treasure Chase.
These exciting games offer a diverse range of themes, from the festive charm of Christmas Storm to the whimsical adventures of Piggy Crash and Mega Gnome. Whether players are in the mood for the nostalgic appeal of a classic fruit slot like The New Queen of Fruits, or looking for thrilling treasure hunts in Treasure Chase, there’s something for every type of player.
Each game has been developed with a focus on delivering engaging features, rewarding bonuses, and immersive gameplay. With unique mechanics and visually striking graphics, these releases are designed to captivate Italian players and keep them returning for more.
CT Interactive remains committed to enhancing the Italian gaming landscape by consistently providing fresh, exciting content and introducing new ways to play.
Compliance Updates
MGA Marks Safer Gambling Week by Hosting Focus Group on Addressing Problem Gambling
As part of Safer Gambling Week, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has launched the first in a series of focus groups aimed at addressing problem gambling and its effects on Maltese communities.
Bringing together key stakeholders such as Caritas Malta, Aġenzija Sedqa, the OASI Foundation and the Responsible Gaming Foundation, the session explored a self-assessment tool that the Authority is currently developing, grounded in recent research and industry trends.
The self-assessment tool, which will be available both in English and in Maltese, will guide individuals through a set of questions to help them identify whether gambling is causing harm in their lives. Based on the user’s responses, the tool will provide personalised recommendations and direct them to appropriate support services.
With invaluable input from organisations experienced in supporting individuals affected by problem gambling, the tool will undergo further refinement to maximise its effectiveness and relevance.
Clinical Chair at Aġenzija Sedqa, Anna Maria Vella, hailed the focus group as a “welcome initiative” which brought together a multidisciplinary team of experts.
“Working together and not in silos is always beneficial. We learn from each other to be more effective.”
Louis Bellizzi, Secretary of Caritas’ Foundation for Victims of Usury, said: “The MGA is in a unique position to coordinate the national effort to help alleviate the scourge of gambling addictions.”
In recent years, the Authority has taken significant steps to promote safer gambling practices, ranging from regular supervisory reviews on responsible gambling to enforcing stricter regulations.
The MGA closely monitors operators’ implementation of behavioural monitoring systems, self-exclusion systems and responsible marketing practices.
With a focus on high-risk areas, the Authority is refining its supervisory approach to be more dynamic and data-driven, ensuring responsible gambling practices are maintained and continuously improved to protect players effectively.
The MGA’s efforts align closely with the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA)’s initiative to establish a unified European standard for identifying markers of harm. The MGA is actively engaged in this initiative, working closely with fellow regulators and industry experts to create a comprehensive standard aimed at early identification of behaviours indicative of problem gambling.
The Authority’s proactive involvement in such initiatives underscores its dedication to fostering a responsible and transparent gaming sector, both locally and across Europe.
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