Compliance Updates
Isle of Man GSC introduces software suppliers’ licence
In a move that is set to make life simpler for gaming operators and suppliers on the Island, the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission is introducing a licensing scheme for software suppliers that will go hand-in-hand with the creation of a centralized software database.
The Isle of Man has announced that it will shortly be rolling out a brand-new software suppliers’ licence that will make it easier and quicker for operators to launch new products from trusted firms.
Under the new rules, B2B firms now have the option to apply for a licence which will allow them to list their games and software on a register of pre-approved products. Rather than having to produce specific certification for a new slot or third-party product, the Island’s gaming operators can refer to the register to see which products they are able to deploy immediately.
The move promises to streamline processes for both regulators and B2Cs on the Island, offering an innovative way to deliver efficiency to the gaming community, while maintaining high regulatory standards.
Mark Rutherford, deputy chief executive of the Gambling Supervision Commission, said: “Over the years we’ve had a number of software developers come to us and ask us if the Isle of Man was considering licensing their business model, so this year at ICE, for the first time, we’re delighted to be able to say ‘yes’.
“The benefit for the Isle of Man operators – the B2Cs – is that they get to see what products they can deploy straight away, secure in the knowledge that the GSC has already approved them, and it’s possible, with a following wind, that it’ll become a sort of directory of games.
“We’re not expecting everyone to want to jump on straight away, but so far, we’ve had an immensely positive reception from operators. We also recognise that for suppliers, the register may have the benefit of making their games and products more prominent, although that’s not its primary purpose.”
Commenting on the application process for suppliers, he added: “It’s essentially the same law that we’ve used for B2Cs, so the process in essence is the same, but without actually having control over players an awful lot of our consumer-protection law doesn’t really apply. So, while we will be still be as thorough with our diligence as we are with our B2Cs, software suppliers will need to supply a lot less information and therefore the application process should be swifter.”
Software suppliers who want to take advantage of the new register will be able to apply for a licence from the 22 February.
Isle of Man eGaming will be exhibiting at ICE Totally Gaming in London ExCel Centre from 5-7 February at Stand N6-220, N7. Contact Tony Jones on [email protected] or stop by the stand to arrange a meeting.
Compliance Updates
BC.GAME Secures New Curacao LOK License, Enhancing Legal Compliance and Global Reach
BC.GAME has secured a new gaming license that fully complies with Curacao’s updated regulatory framework, the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK). This achievement reaffirms BC.GAME’s unwavering commitment to providing a secure and legally compliant gambling environment for its global user base.
Jack Dorsey, CEO of BC.GAME, said: “We are immensely grateful for Curacao’s robust regulatory framework, which has been pivotal in the gambling industry. Obtaining this license is a vital milestone in BC.GAME’s ongoing development and our commitment to providing a trustworthy and secure gambling experience.”
The introduction of the LOK legislation, designed to replace the previous National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (NOOGH) framework, has set a new precedent in the gambling license domain. Under the NOOGH regime, BC.GAME operated under a sub-license issued by Curacao Interactive Licensing NV (CIL). The new LOK framework, however, brings about significant changes, including the discontinuation of new sub-license issuance and stringent requirements for existing licensees seeking renewal.
Curacao was one of the pioneering nations in establishing regulations for gaming activities. Consequently, this small Caribbean island nation has become a hub for gaming businesses worldwide aiming to adhere to the country’s comprehensive gaming legal framework. BC.GAME has set up a local office to ensure compliance with regulations and to offer support to fulfill the requirements of the local gaming ecosystem.
Acquisition of the license, specifically designed for LOK services, coincides with BC.GAME’s efforts to enhance user trust, forge new partnerships and broaden the accessibility of its comprehensive gaming services. Obtaining licenses and ensuring compliance are crucial steps in solidifying BC.GAME’s position as a dependable and well-regulated global online gaming platform.
“Curacao is an essential first step in our broader global strategy. As we continue to accelerate our expansion, expect more exciting developments and good news in the near future,” Jack Dorsey said.
Australia
ACMA Reveals Illegal Gambling Crackdown Results
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) revealed the outcome of a crackdown on illegal online gambling services operating around the time of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The report published shows that 200 offshore services were reviewed in the lead-up to and during the event. Of those services, 21 were investigated as they appeared to be directly targeting Australians. As a result, 18 services were found to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Following notification of the ACMA’s findings, three of those services withdrew from the Australian market, while the remaining 15 services had their websites blocked by internet service providers at the request of the ACMA.
ACMA authority member and online gambling lead Carolyn Lidgerwood said the sites were unlicensed to provide wagering services in Australia and in some cases also offered interactive gambling services such as online casinos and slots or online in-play betting, which are all banned in Australia.
“Illegal gambling operations often take advantage of high-profile sporting events to push their services onto fans. These sites also offer none of the consumer protections that apply to licensed wagering services in Australia. Using these sites is more than a gamble as you have no rights and even if you win, you may never see the money,” Ms Lidgerwood said.
Since 2019, the ACMA has been asking internet service providers to block gambling websites found to be operating in breach of Australian interactive gambling laws. Over that time, more than 900 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked.
More than 220 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing illegal offshore gambling rules.
Minimising gambling harm is a current ACMA compliance priority and Australians can check on the ACMA’s online register to see if a wagering service is licensed to operate in Australia.
More information about online gambling is available on the ACMA’s website, including information on how to protect yourself from illegal gambling operators and instructions on how to make a complaint about an illegal site.
Compliance Updates
Bulgarian Tennis Umpire Receives Lifetime Ban for Breaching Anti-Corruption Programme
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has announced that Bulgarian tennis official Pavel Atanasov has been banned from the sport for life due to multiple breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Programme (TACP).
Atanasov, a national-level official, initially contested the charges before withdrawing their appeal ahead of a hearing before an independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO). The case was ruled on by AHO Richard Young, who also issued Atanasov a $10,000 fine. The ban is effective from 4 March 2024.
In withdrawing from proceedings, Atanasov effectively admitted liability for numerous TACP offenses between 2019 and 2023, including the manipulation of scoring data of matches for betting purposes, facilitating wagering, conspiring to commit corruption offenses, wagering on tennis matches and failure to report corrupt approaches.
Atanasov, who has officiated at ITF $15K and $25K tournaments in Bulgaria, is permanently prohibited from officiating at or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association.
The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.
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