Compliance Updates
Relax Gaming and studio partners ready to take Dutch market by storm
2021’s most award-winning provider ready to boost Netherland’s debut as regulated jurisdiction
Relax Gaming, the igaming aggregator and supplier of unique content, has announced its launch in the Netherlands as the provider looks to further establish its leading European position.
The news sees Relax brings its 24 studio partners, via its Powered By Relax and Silver Bullet programmes, as well as its market-leading platform suite, to the Dutch market following its full certification to the standards set by the country’s regulator, the Netherlands Gambling Authority (NGA).
Testament to Relax’s outstanding success this year, the agility of its technical set up and its commitment to being present in new markets has ensured that Relax’s impressive portfolio and a variety of suppliers from its aggregation programmes are already active in the market.
Having completed the regulatory and certification requirements so quickly, the provider’s expertise and focus on expanding in highly regulated markets showcases its constant commitment to strong safeguards around integrity and player protection, which it upholds to the highest standards.
Following successful audit processes with multiple operators now licensed by the Dutch Gaming Authority, Relax content was live in the Netherlands at the first opportunity. Each operator is set to be announced shortly.
Commenting on its entrance, Alexia Smilovic-Ronde, Chief Regulatory Officer at Relax Gaming, said: “We see this latest success as a key milestone for both Relax Gaming and our highly valued partners as the market regulates and starts to grow.
“We believe this will be a highly valuable and successful market entry for all associated parties as we provide our best-in-class product suite and unique concepts to players in the Netherlands. This is a continuation of the drive that underpins our hard-earned reputation for driving differentiation in the industry.”
Now regarded as one of the industry’s leading aggregators, Relax Gaming provides its partners with upwards of 2,000 online casino games.
This encompasses a wide range of titles, from its high performing proprietary slots to an expansive library of content from hand-picked third-party studios via its partnership programmes.
In tandem with its continued success, the leading supplier secured the award for Unique Gaming Company of the Year at the UK’s International Gaming Awards in September.
This was preceded by four EGR B2B Awards in July, including Innovation in Mobile and Casino Software Provider, as well as two CasinoBeats Developer Awards at the SBC Summit in Malta.
Asia
Uzbekistan Legalises Online Betting and Lotteries
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree on April 19 titled “On Measures to Improve the Regulation of the Organization and Conduct of Lotteries and Risk-Based Games in the Republic of Uzbekistan”. The document abolishes the ban starting from January 1, 2025, and introduces a legal framework for the organisation of risk-based games online and betting activities.
The issue of legalising betting activities has been a long-standing topic in Uzbekistan. In December 2019, the president signed a decree to legalise bookmakers, but this decision was revised in April 2022. In April 2023, the head of state instructed the development of a regulatory framework for betting activities.
The National Agency for Advanced Projects (NAAP), the authorised state body for regulating and licensing activities in this sector, provided insights on the necessity of introducing state regulation in the gambling sector in Uzbekistan. The agency emphasised the need to prevent illegal gambling businesses, protect players’ rights and generate additional income for the state budget.
The president’s decree aims to introduce advanced foreign experience and modern technologies in regulating the organisation of risk-based games and lotteries to increase investment attractiveness, tourist potential and attract additional funds to the country.
The measures outlined in the decree include the creation of legal foundations for the legalisation of activities related to risk-based games online, betting activities, and lotteries, implementation of mechanisms to protect citizens’ rights and interests, prevention of gambling addiction and the generation of additional state budget revenue.
Starting from January 1, 2025, a taxation system will be introduced for license holders, where organisers of online games, betting activities and lotteries will pay a turnover tax. This system aims to prevent the concealment of taxable revenue and is expected to generate additional tax revenues for the state budget.
Overall, the implementation of the decree is intended to establish a reliable foundation for the legal regulation of activities related to organising risk-based games online, betting activities and lotteries in Uzbekistan, protect citizens’ interests, combat gambling addiction and provide additional sources of income for the state budget.
Compliance Updates
IAGR & IMGL Open Ticket Sales for 2024 Conference in Rome
The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has opened registrations for its annual conference, taking place in Rome, Italy, from October 21 to 24.
With the theme Navigating the Future of Gaming Regulation in a Transforming World, this year’s event is a partnership with the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL).
“IAGR and IMGL’s Rome conference is a four-day event that brings together regulators, industry thought leaders and experts to share ideas and shape the future of gaming regulation across the world,” the President for the IAGR, Ben Haden, said.
The conference follows last year’s event in Gaborone, Botswana, which brought together the largest number of attendees in IAGR’s history.
“This year, participants can look forward to diving into themes that are at the forefront of the gaming regulation landscape including advancements in technology, the evolving regulatory challenges and strategies for future-proofing the global gaming industry,” Haden said. “In an era where technology is rewriting the rules of our industry, the question isn’t whether to adapt, but how swiftly we can. IAGR 2024 is about coming together as a global community to not only keep pace with change but to drive it.”
Confirmed speakers will be announced from May.
Conference highlights:
- Expert-led sessions and panel discussions on the latest in gaming regulation
- Joint conference sessions and events with IMGL, providing further networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities
- Networking events set in the heart of Rome including an opening reception and gala dinner featuring the International Regulatory Awards ceremony
Early-bird pricing is available until July 31 with super-early bird prices available until May 31. Head to the IAGR website for more details and ticket sales.
Asia
Indonesia Establishes Task Force to Combat Online Gambling
Indonesia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (Kominfo) has revealed plans to establish a task force to combat online gambling.
In a statement, Kominfo said the task force would comprise representatives of multiple government agencies including the Financial Services Authority (OJK), Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) and the police.
It will also work with Interpol to combat cross-border cases given the government’s lack of past success in blocking foreign operators.
“Kominfo will oversee the digital space, OJK will manage accounts and PPATK will handle fund flows, and the police will carry out arrest and investigation duties,” said Usman Kansong, the Ministry’s Information and Public Communications Director.
Minister Budi Arie said: “The Ministry has also issued a warning to all social media platforms, cellular operators and internet service providers not to facilitate any form of online gambling promotion. We have done everything within the authority of Kominfo.
“We from the Ministry of Communication and Information are fully determined. At the beginning of the week I gathered all our teams at Kominfo to work together to eradicate online gambling.”
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