Compliance Updates

SMP eGaming plays key role in licensing process

Published

6 years ago

March 29, 2019

George Miller

SMP eGaming plays key role in licensing process

Jade Zorab, Head of Corporate Development for SMP Partners

Reading Time: 2 minutes

SMP eGaming has been instrumental in obtaining a Software Suppliers Licence on behalf of a client, which has become one of the Isle of Man’s first software licensees.

The licence was granted by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) and sees an amendment to the Online Gambling Regulation Act to assist with the licensing of gambling software suppliers.

This move and the creation of a central register of approved software, which will be held by the Commission and licensed software providers, will allow products and services to be listed publicly and for registered games to be offered to players more efficiently.

As part of the application process, applicants are required to provide test certificates for their games or software and, in turn, the Commission will place these games on the register which will be publicly available for review.

Listing these games allows greater efficiency for gaming operators as they can now offer registered games to their players without having to duplicate the provision of a test certificates to the GSC and await approval.

Tony Ure, Head of eGaming at the Department for Enterprise, commented: ‘This licence will help us streamline the processes for businesses and create consistency in the high standards we expect from both software suppliers and operator licensees.

‘In this age of heavily regulated compliance, this licence promotes games fairness and allows software developers to forge partnerships with licensed operators safe in the knowledge that they are doing everything they can to ensure their games are fair.’

Jade Zorab, Head of Corporate Development for SMP Partners, said: ’We are extremely proud to have supported one of the first companies to be granted this type of licence which provides plenty of benefits. The time taken for operators to offer games to players will be significantly reduced and revenue streams will be attained much quicker, providing a significant competitive advantage.

‘Importantly, holding an Isle of Man licence offers credibility in the market place and allows developers to strike deals with licensed operators all around the world. As such, we believe this development is a major step forward for both SMP eGaming and the Island’s gaming industry, and further promotes the Isle of Man as a strong, forward-thinking and pro-active licensing jurisdiction.’

SMP eGaming Limited, is the eGaming division of leading corporate and trust services provider, the SMP Partners Group. It provides consultancy, managed services and training.

Compliance Updates

IAGR confirms new Board members

Published

1 day 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.