Compliance Updates
Gambling Commission Examines LeoVegas Online Casino
LeoVegas, a Swedish mobile gaming company and provider of online casino and sports betting services, has been accused of bombarding a gambling addict with emails before he blew £20,000 on one of the company’s sister sites.
The problem gambler reportedly stole the money from his mother and spent it all on gaming site LeoVegas after receiving the emails encouraging him to keep betting. He reportedly received emails as often as four times every day including offers of free spins and bonuses.
The man then gambled away £20,000 before 21.co.uk, a LeoVegas site, asked for ID verification and eventually blocked his account. His account was initially suspended just days after LeoVegas was fined £600,000 for accepting bets from problem gamblers.
The Gambling Commission is understood to have collected evidence relating to the case and is examining whether LeoVegas breached the conditions of its licence to operate in the UK.
A Gambling Commission spokesman said: “We are absolutely clear with operators about the rules that they must follow to prevent and protect their customers from experiencing harm from gambling. Where we see evidence that those rules are not being followed, we will investigate.”
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.
-
Asia7 days ago
VSPO, the largest esports company in Asia, rebranded Hero Esports to support global growth strategy
-
Central Europe7 days ago
Evoplay enters Czech market with exclusive Fortuna collaboration
-
Latest News7 days ago
Week 45/2024 slot games releases
-
Industry News6 days ago
iGB Affiliate attracts registrations from 55 nations in just six weeks
-
Industry News6 days ago
Endorphina Affiliate Hub: Huge Benefits for Affiliates
-
Compliance Updates7 days ago
Aviatrix lands in the Netherlands
-
Compliance Updates7 days ago
Comtrade Gaming Receives UKGC Approval to Distribute Gaming Content
-
Balkans7 days ago
Endorphina Partners with Volcanobet