Compliance Updates
Digitain set for Maltese expansion with new B2B Licence
Provider secures coveted MGA certification
Leading platform provider Digitain has been awarded a B2B Critical Gaming Supply Licence by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), enabling it to supply a wealth of Tier 1 B2C operators based in the critical jurisdiction.
The certification recognises Digitain’s award-winning platform, casino software solutions and in-house gaming management suite, building on the company’s record-breaking 2019 as it positions itself to become the world’s leading software partner by the end of the year.
The new licence allows Digitain to extend its global player reach and form strategic commercial partnerships in addition to its 100+ partner portfolios covering 65 sports, 7,500 leagues, and over 3,000 markets.
It also offers odds on 35,000 live events each month, while its casino solution has 3,000-plus games from major casino suppliers (such as Novomatic, Microgaming, NetEnt and Playson).
The provider’s state-of-the-art product offering, which last year received RGW, CEEGC, BEGE and EGR Awards for excellence, is set to be showcased at ICE London this February.
Suren Khachatryan, Chief Commercial Officer at Digitain, said: “This new licence deepens our access to a key market, giving further recognition to a market-leading portfolio that received a host of prestigious industry awards last year.
“As well as being an important milestone for the company, the news affords more operators the chance to take advantage of our best-in-class sportsbook and casino technology. From highly advanced turn-key and white-label solutions to our premium quality in-house game collection, we’re on track to deliver another record-breaking year.”
Asia
Indonesian Govt to Form Task Force to Tackle Online Gambling
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has chaired a limited meeting which discussed the efforts taken to eradicate online gambling in the country on Thursday 18 April, at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. Minister for Communication and Information Technology Budi Arie Setiadi, in his press statement after the limited meeting, said that the Government will form a task force to counter online gambling.
“It has been decided that within a week, we will formulate measures to form an integrated task force in order to eradicate online gambling,” Budi said.
Minister for Communication and Information Technology mentioned that forming a cross-ministries/institutions task force is aimed to handle online gambling more thoroughly, collaboratively and efficiently.
“Gambling is an illegal act based on regulations. So, we need to impose measures effectively to settle it,” Budi stated, adding that his ministry will focus on handling online gambling websites and contents, while the law enforcement officers will enforce the law.
“Our authority is only to take down the websites, while the Financial Services Authority (OJK) blocks their financial accounts, and then followed by law enforcement officers, police officers, and the public prosecution service officers,” he remarked.
Similarly, OJK’s Chairperson of Commissioner Board Mahendra Siregar also highlighted the importance of holistic measures in eradicating online gambling in Indonesia.
“Some online gambling activities are not conducted in Indonesia, some are cross-borders, some do not use bank accounts, some needs to be tracked and traced through bank accounts, including transfers and so on. So, the next layers must also be addressed, and that way it leaves no empty rooms,” Mahendra explained.
Mahendra said that according to the institution’s authority, from the end of 2023 to March 2024, OJK has blocked around 5000 bank accounts that indicate its relation to online gambling.
“So far, we have cooperated closely with Communications and Information Technology Ministry. So, if we receive a list of bank accounts suspected to be used or are being used in online gambling activities, we immediately block them, and it has reached up to 5000 bank accounts,” Mahendra mentioned.
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.
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