The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has received four final applications for the Fourth National Lottery licence competition.

The competition for the fourth licence was launched in August 2020 and now moves into the final stage with four applicants submitting their applications for final evaluation. This is the highest number of final applications received since the first licence was awarded in 1994.

“We are delighted by the final number of applications we have received, which is unprecedented since the start of the National Lottery. The Commission will now evaluate these applications in a clear and robust process. Our job is to run the best competition we possibly can – one that is open and fair and results in the best outcome for players and good causes. We look forward to appointing a licensee that will build on the National Lottery’s legacy and maximise the opportunities for innovation and creativity whilst protecting the special status of the National Lottery,” Fourth National Lottery Licence Competition (4NLC) executive director John Tanner said.

The Malta Gaming Authority is hereby publishing a series of amendments to the Gaming Authorisations and Compliance Directive (Directive 3 of 2018). The amendments mainly relate to the following:

• The overall number of key function roles and their underlying responsibilities;
• The deadlines by when certain key function requirements are to be observed;
• The persons who shall shoulder responsibility in the absence of duly appointed key function holders;
• The manner and form in which declarations and assurances are to be made by auditors on behalf of licensees during submission of audited financial statements; and
• The applicability of suspicious betting reporting requirements.

These amendments are being published together with a Policy on the Eligibility and Ongoing Competency Criteria for Key Persons. This Policy is intended to revise and collate the existing eligibility criteria while also introducing authorisation renewal requirements related to continuous professional development for existing key persons. Moreover, the Policy clarifies the MGA’s position regarding the compatibility of key function roles with each other in light of the amendments to the Directive.

Following soft launch period, Dutch players have full access to the global poker room

GGPoker today confirms that the poker room received an online gaming license from the Dutch regulator (KSA) on October 1 and, after a soft launch period, is now accepting players at full capacity in the Netherlands.

Any delays encountered by new GGPoker.nl players during the soft launch period have now been resolved, and the account set up and funding processes have been streamlined wherever possible.

GGPoker is among the very first global operators to receive a Dutch license. The local site ggpoker.nl allows Dutch players to enjoy the best poker software and the most exciting tournaments and cash game action.

The Dutch-licensed operation of GGPoker also offers the Responsible Gaming and other safer gambling features required by local regulation, ensuring each player’s peace of mind and control over their gambling activity.

“The online poker landscape has changed a lot since the closure of the Dutch market, several years ago. Arguably, the biggest difference is that GGPoker is now the largest poker site in the world and the place where everyone loves to play. We’re really excited to welcome Dutch players to GGPoker to compete for the most prestigious poker achievements or just to have some fun at the tables” said Marco Trucco, Head of Europe at GGPoker.