Compliance Updates
Kansspelautoriteit chair René Jansen: ‘Online gambling market will hopefully be open by 1 January 2021’
The Netherlands Gambling Authority (Ksa) expects the Remote Gambling Act (Wet kansspelen op afstand) to come into effect on 1 July 2020. In that case, licence applications can be processed from that date onwards, so the online gambling market can be open from 1 January 2021.
This message was communicated by René Jansen, chair of the Ksa, during the annual conference of the Gaming in Holland platform. René Jansen emphasised that managing the licensing process properly in the context of the Remote Gambling Act will be a priority in the coming two years.
Conditions
The Remote Gambling Act, which was adopted by the Dutch Senate on 19 February 2019, legalises online gambling under strict conditions. Pursuant to the current legislation, it is not possible to apply for a licence to offer online gambling. This situation will change under the new law. The Ministry of Justice and Security is currently drafting the subordinate legislation related to the Remote Gambling Act. As soon as this process has been finalised, the Ksa will be able to draft the licence conditions. ‘Such an operation places quite a high demand on an organisation the size of the Ksa’, says Jansen. ‘However, we are doing everything in our power to get it done. If we cannot manage with our permanent staff, we will hire external staff.’
Safe online offer
The law intends to create a safe, legal online gambling offer. By granting licences to reliable companies, it will be possible to lay down conditions and exercise the necessary supervision at the same time. The law grants the Ksa additional powers to tackle illegal online offers.
Form
René Jansen made a strong appeal to his audience today to fill in the ‘I would like to become a Ksa licence holder’ registration form on the Ksa website. René Jansen: ‘It is important for the Ksa to know how many licence applications we can expect in the future. This information will allow us to organise the licensing process properly. A smooth process is not only in our own interest but also in the interest of the companies that are going to apply for a licence.’
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.
Compliance Updates
Aviatrix lands in the Netherlands
Aviatrix, the award-winning crash game, has received its certification in the Netherlands, meaning Dutch players can enjoy the popular title for the first time.
The certification in the Netherlands opens up yet another important regulated market for Aviatrix, which was recently named ‘Game of the Year’ at the EGR Operator Awards 2024.
Gross gaming revenue in the Netherlands hit €1.39 billion in 2023, and is expected to continue to grow over the coming years.
Dutch operators will now be able to capture this growth via Aviatrix’s innovative title, which is proving hugely popular in regulated markets worldwide.
Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “The Netherlands has been on our radar for some time, so this is a big day for us here at Aviatrix. We can’t wait to see Dutch players enjoying the title, and we will be working closely with some very special partners in the Netherlands to ensure this game is widely available very soon.”
Part of what makes Aviatrix so successful is the constant updates to the game, which keeps it fresh and exciting for players.
This has included a full redesign with new, 3D assets, as well as a first-of-its-kind free bets function via in-game promo codes.
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