Compliance Updates
ASA Warns Betfair and William Hill After Gambling Ads Appear in Looney Tunes App
The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has warned William Hill and Flutter Entertainment to refine their advertising targeting strategies, after their promotions appeared in Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem, an app seen as being of particular appeal to minors.
Flutter Entertainment responded that the ad had been placed by mobile engagement platform Tapjoy. Following the ASA’s complaint, it discovered that the app’s publisher had mistakenly opted in to accepting advertising content at a “mature-plus” level for the app.
William Hill also said the fault lay with the game publisher, but added that it should not have appeared in the app regardless of who was at fault. It had blacklisted the app, meaning its ads would no longer appear in Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem, via Tapjoy or any other affiliate.
ASA upheld its complaint, pointing out that the app had a PEGI 7 rating in the UK Google Play store, meaning it was suitable for players aged seven and above. “Given the use of cartoon characters, cartoonish violence and the relatively simple nature of the game, we considered it was likely to appeal to many under-18s,” ASA said.
It added that the app was likely to be of particular appeal to minors and that its player base was likely to include under-18s. It noted that Tapjoy’s platform allowed advertisers to target campaigns using interest-based data gathered from gaming preferences and self-reported demographic data, such as dates of birth.
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.
-
Cryptocurrency5 days ago
Kyrrex to host online panel discussion on MiCA and the future of crypto in Europe
-
Asia3 days ago
Hong Kong Construction Titan Turned Macau Casino Boss Lui Che-Woo Dies Aged 95
-
Australia5 days ago
Light & Wonder Signs Multi-year Systems Deal with SkyCity Entertainment
-
Asia5 days ago
Skillhub Online Games Federation Launches SOG Grandmasters Series, Targets Discovery of 1 Lakh Gaming Talents Nationwide
-
eSports5 days ago
Welcome to the World Esports Championship 2024!
-
Africa4 days ago
SunBet Extends Online Betting Platform Contract with Bede Gaming Amid Record-Breaking Performance
-
Conferences in Europe5 days ago
Aviatrix approved for Sweden take-off
-
Greece5 days ago
Stakelogic Live Pens Deal with Novibet for Mexican and Greek Markets