Compliance Updates
New Survey Shows Huge Public Support for Gambling Law Reforms in Northern Ireland
According to a new poll, the majority of people in Northern Ireland support reforming the country’s gambling laws. The research was carried out by the polling company LucidTalk on behalf of social policy charity CARE NI, which is campaigning for gambling law change.
Northern Ireland’s gambling legislation dates back to 1985 and critics argue it is not in line with the digital age.
According to the Department for Communities’ 2017 research, the north has a problem gambling prevalence rate of 2.3% – more than four times higher than England where it stands at 0.5%. In Scotland, the figure is 0.7% and in Wales 1.1%.
The department held a public consultation last year on the issue, but the final report has not yet been published.
When polling company LucidTalk asked what best described their position, 92% said maximum stakes and prizes online should be regulated by law, with only 8% saying there should be no limit.
Meanwhile, 90% either strongly support (68%) or support (22%) the idea of a mandatory levy for gambling firms, while just 5% were either strongly opposed or opposed to the idea of the levy. There were 1878 responses to the survey.
Public policy officer Mark Baillie described current laws as “hopelessly out of date and belong to a different era where online gambling didn’t exist.”
“Times have changed and the recent lockdown here in Northern Ireland has only increased the pressure on people with gambling addictions.
“The uncomfortable truth is that Northern Ireland has a real problem with gambling related harms and this means it’s all the more urgent to reform our current laws.
“This polling very clearly shows doing so would be hugely popular with the general population with the clear majority supportive on stake and prize limits on online games regulated by law and a mandatory levy on betting firms.
“CARE NI responded to the Department of Communities consultation on problem gambling and we look forward to the results being published soon.
“Our politicians must make this issue a priority and address the exploitation of vulnerable people thanks to a poorly regulated gambling industry.”
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.
Compliance Updates
Comtrade Gaming Receives UKGC Approval to Distribute Gaming Content
Comtrade Gaming has obtained a supplier license from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Players in the UK can now enjoy a variety of games from Comtrade Gaming’s portfolio, including the latest Witch Crash’d, Pilot Piggy, Sweet Treasures, Wild Minner, Diamond King, Diamonds in the Sky, White Elephant and many more.
“This is a significant achievement for Comtrade Gaming. The UK market is a core part of our growth strategy, and this license allows us to bring our games to more operators and players. We’re excited to work with all operators in the UK market and provide a unique gaming experience for their audiences,” said Steven Valentine, Chief Commercial Officer.
This milestone marks a pivotal step for Comtrade Gaming as it continues to grow within regulated markets and reach new players globally.
Compliance Updates
Spillemyndigheden: Anti-Money Laundering: Screening of Sanctions Lists
Gambling operators must comply with the EU’s sanctions regarding freezing of assets. Freezing of assets means that it is prohibited to make funds and assets directly or indirectly available to individuals who are subject to the EU’s sanctions.
Freezing of assets must take effect immediately when an individual, business or organisation is added to a list of sanctions. Consequently, a gambling operator must screen their costumers in accordance with the existing and updated lists.
The EU keeps several sanctions lists that are updated regularly. Therefore, the EU has created a database, EU Sanctions Map, which includes all current sanctions lists concerning anti-money laundering. The map can also be used to search across the lists. Individuals, businesses and organisations that are subject to a requirement for freezing of assets is marked with a frost symbol.
In addition to the individuals listed in the EU regulations, gambling operators are also obligated to ensure that the operator’s customers do not appear from the UN’s consolidated asset freeze list. The list is available on the Danish Business Authority’s website: UN’s freezing of assets list.
Gambling operators are responsible for ensuring that funds are not made available to a sanctioned individual – for example by paying out winnings. Please note that breaches of sanctions adopted by the EU or UN may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.
See more information on sanctions and asset freeze on the Danish Business Authority’s website, where a guide on freezing of assets is also available.
-
Gambling in the USA5 days ago
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – October 28-November 3
-
Asia5 days ago
FeedConstruct Secures Exclusive International Streaming and Data Collection Rights for Korean Volleyball Leagues
-
Latest News6 days ago
Springbok Casino’s Wild November Feature ‘Backyard Gangsters’ Offers 25 Free Spins on new Clue Chronicles: Mirror Mansion slot
-
Latest News4 days ago
Atlaslive Partners with Oddin.gg to Elevate Esports Betting in LATAM, Offering 24/7 Betting Markets and Cutting-Edge Odds Feed
-
Asia3 days ago
Red Bull, Nissin Cup Noodles, and Kreo Join College Rivals Season 2 as Associate Sponsors
-
Latest News4 days ago
Tom Horn Takes Players on a Hold & Win Adventure in Max Gold. Exploring the Unknown
-
eSports5 days ago
SOFTSWISS Sportsbook Doubles Esports Turnover in Q3 2024
-
eSports4 days ago
IESF and ITTI Open Applications for Scholarships in Esports Management