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Compliance Updates

Endorhina’s Head of Legal reports on the Netherlands’ new gambling law

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Endorhina's Head of Legal reports on the Netherlands' new gambling law
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Jakub, Endorphina’s Head of Legal, shares his thoughts in a detailed report on the Netherlands’ new gaming application process. We learned that starting October 1st, 2021, the Netherlands will finally release their new law regulation for online gambling!

Jakub explains that the market now becomes open for all types of licenses, like bets on events during a sports match, bets on horse races, and much more. We also hear that there are no limits to the number of accepted licenses, as long as you meet all the requirements.

Dive into Jakub’s full report below:

As of October 1st, 2021, the online gambling market in the Netherlands will finally open. The Dutch Senate approved of the Remote Gambling Act in February of 2019 after years of delays. Before this, the Netherlands tried to fight only the worst offenders in illegal gaming. Nearly two years later, the law is finally scheduled to enter in full force. The online gambling licensing application process began on April 1st, 2021, and now we can finally look forward to its official beginning on October 1st.

The market only opens for the following types of licenses:

  • Casino games in which the players play against the operator;
  • Casino games in which the players play against each other;
  • Bets on events during a sports match or on the outcome of sports matches; and
  • Bets on the results of horse races and harness racing organized by or under auspices of the Dutch Draf

Market surveillance is done by a regulator – the Netherlands Gambling Authority is responsible also for the licensing process. As mentioned above, the licensing process opened on April 1st 2021, therefore from the date of drafting this article, the applications are just being accepted.

There is no limitation on the number of accepted licenses, therefore anyone who fulfills all requirements of the regulator is entitled to receive a license. The duration of the license is 5 (five) years, and the licensing fee is set at EUR 48,000.

Applicants should have their registered office in the EU or the European Economic Area, some exceptions are, however, admissible. Regarding server location requirements, the Control Database Specification document specifies that: “The legislation requires that the CDB final data repository must be located in the Netherlands physically separated from the operators gambling system. Both may be located in the same data centre if an operator chooses to do so, however, data stored in this main the CDB final data repository must be logistically and safely separated from any other data.”

In order to be entitled to receive the license, the decree states that the continuity of a license must be reasonably guaranteed. Therefore, the applicant for the license shall in any case provide among other assurance report confirming that the applicant is not in bankruptcy, under a moratorium of payments or where the applicant’s assets are not subject to an enforceable attachment.

All online gambling applications shall also be assessed against the criteria as per the policy rules which include operating without a permit. No applicants shall operate on the Dutch market in two years and nine months preceding the date on which the application was submitted and during the processing of the application.

Unauthorized operations are deemed when the following criteria are met:

  • The game offer took place on a website whose extension ended in .nl;
  • The game offer was wholly or partly in the Dutch language;
  • The relevant offer or its provider advertised on TV, radio or printed media aimed at the Dutch market;
  • For the games on offer, there was a use of domain name containing terms typical of the Netherlands in combination with the designation of games of chance;
  • The website(s) on which the games of chance were offered contained any features from which a focus on the Netherlands can be deduced; and
  • For the games of chance offered, it was possible to use means of payment that are exclusively or largely used by Dutch people;

 

Taxes are calculated from the gross gaming revenue of the operators currently the taxation is 30.1%. The taxation rate was increased from 29% to 30.1% from January 1, 2018, due to loss of income for the state caused by delays in the adoption of the Online Gambling Act. According to press release from the regulator, the gambling tax will be released back to 29% six months after the entry into force of the Online Gambling Act.

Expectations from this market are rather high. The Netherlands took its time – and at a cost of multiple delays, hopefully, they’ve prepared their regulation for the high demands of the gambling industry.

And that’s a wrap!

We hope you enjoyed reading Jakub’s official report on the Netherlands’ new gambling law. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime. For now, stay tuned to more insights and new releases coming soon!

Compliance Updates

NOVOMATIC Secures Global Gambling Guidance Group (G4) Recertification

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In an industry that demands innovation and responsibility in equal measure, NOVOMATIC is once again sending a clear signal that player protection is more than just a buzzword. The recertification by the renowned Global Gambling Guidance Group (G4) is proof of NOVOMATIC’s ingrained sense of responsibility and its deep commitment, which goes far beyond what is required by law.

Taking responsibility is in NOVOMATIC’s corporate DNA. Responsible gaming together with the associated player protection and prevention measures are therefore a top priority for the Group. This is a fact demonstrated by the Group’s recertification in accordance with the recognized G4 standard issued by the Global Gambling Guidance Group. The award, created by experts in the field of responsible gaming, is internationally recognized as the most renowned and demanding standard for player protection. As a pioneer and driving force in the area of player protection, NOVOMATIC has been committed to the G4 standard since 2019 and is one of the few gaming companies around the world to meet the demanding criteria of the independent audit. With certified locations in several core European markets – including Austria, Germany, UK, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands – NOVOMATIC is demonstrating its consistent global focus on responsible and sustainable gaming technologies.

Responsibility at the Highest Level

The fact that the G4 standard is subject to ongoing development means that it is necessary to seek recertification every three years. As one of the world’s leading gaming technology companies, NOVOMATIC rises to this challenge time and again with its full commitment and innovative solutions.

“This certification is proof of our pursuit of excellent and responsible entertainment. As a globally active technology supplier and operator of international casinos, the recertification is clear evidence of our ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe and sustainable gaming experience,” the Executive Board of the NOVOMATIC AG Group said.

Ynze Remmers, G4 Lead Auditor, said: “NOVOMATIC AG, as a supplier to the industry, sets the bar for responsible gambling with cutting-edge biometric technology, robust player protection tools, and a commitment to global standards – driving player safety and innovation across the gaming industry.”

The G4 certification comprises over 100 criteria – from comprehensive internal guidelines to intensive employee training, transparent customer risk education and responsible marketing. NOVOMATIC is a pioneer in responsible entertainment, consistently integrating responsible gaming into its business strategy at the highest level. Having renewed its G4 certification, NOVOMATIC remains a driving force behind global player protection.

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Compliance Updates

Play’n GO celebrates award of Malta Gaming Authority ESG-C Seal

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Play’n GO celebrates award of Malta Gaming Authority ESG-C Seal
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Swedish gaming giant the only B2B company awarded Tier 2 seal in recognition of “aspirational level” of ESG reporting 

Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced it has received the Malta Gaming Authority’s ESG-C Tier 2 Seal in recognition of its efforts and reporting of ESG activities.  

Earlier this year, the legendary games studio released its 2023 Sustainability Report, outlining its commitment to a sustainable future, both for the iGaming industry and the planet as a whole. The report covered everything from Play’n GO’s commitments to “Net Zero”, greener working practices, and the company’s “Culture of Belonging” in a Digital First world. 

Play’n GO recently became the only iGaming business to be nominated at the 2024 Corporate Star Awards, where its Sustainability Report was recognised alongside global leaders such as SONY Entertainment and Globo.  

Vanessa Arenram, CSR Director at Play’n GO, commented “We’re pleased to have our commitment to a sustainable world recognised in this way by the Malta Gaming Authority. Our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility goes far beyond mere words- it’s reflected in our actions, initiatives, and the positive impact we strive to create, both within our industry and the wider world. Our 2023 Sustainability Report received very positive feedback, both internally and externally, and we look forward to publishing the 2024 version early next year. We would like to thank the Malta Gaming Authority for this award, and pledge to continue the work for many years to come.” 

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Compliance Updates

MGA Publishes Skills Gap Report, Unveiling Insights into Workforce Trends and Industry Challenges

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The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has released its latest report analysing the skills gap in the online gaming industry, based on surveys conducted between 2020 and 2024. The findings, reflecting data from 2019 to 2023, provide valuable insights into workforce trends, challenges, and opportunities across MGA-licensed activities in Malta.

Key Findings from the Report

Positive Labour Market Dynamics

75.8% of surveyed respondents rated Malta positively in areas such as labour market trends, skills availability, and training opportunities when compared to other jurisdictions.

Vacancy Trends in 2023

At the end of 2023, 74.9% of job vacancies had been open for less than three months.

There were 92.5 vacancies per 1000 employees in MGA-licensed activities, with a total of 885 open positions reported by online gaming companies in Malta.

Vacancy Breakdown by Level

79.2% of open positions were at the operational level.

18.8% were at middle management, while top management roles accounted for 2.0% of total vacancies.

Roles in Demand

Marketing roles (including customer care) represented 21.1% of vacancies, while technology-related positions made up 16.8%.

Top Barriers to Recruitment

The most common reasons for unfilled vacancies over the reporting period were:

Lack of work experience.

Competition from other firms.

Insufficient qualifications.

Recruitment Trends in 2023

84.9% of surveyed firms hired personnel from other companies within the industry.

Only 25.8% recruited directly from university graduates, underscoring the need for better alignment between educational programmes and industry needs.

Addressing Skills Gaps

71.7% of firms implemented in-house training or mentoring programmes to address skill shortages.

55.4% intensified employee retention efforts as a strategy to close skills gaps.

MGA CEO, Charles Mizzi, commented on the report’s findings:

“As Malta’s gaming industry evolves, it is essential to adapt and strengthen the foundations that support its success.”

“The Skills Gap Report reveals important insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead, particularly the need for targeted skills development and stronger partnerships between educational institutions and industry. By addressing these priorities, we can ensure sustainable growth and maintain Malta’s leadership in the global gaming ecosystem.”

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