Compliance Updates

Melco Cyprus becomes first European operator to receive RG Check accreditation

Published

3 years ago

December 16, 2021

Melco Cyprus becomes first European operator to receive RG Check accreditation

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Melco Cyprus, operator of Cyprus Casinos (C2) and the upcoming integrated resort, City of Dreams Mediterranean, announces C2 has been accredited with the esteemed third-party accreditation for Responsible Gaming — RG Check, establishing C2 as the first in Europe to receive the endorsement. The achievement further establishes Melco as the first and only integrated resort operator in the world to be recognized by RG Check in all its jurisdictions of operations. The accreditation has been awarded to all four C2 venues, namely Limassol, Nicosia, Ayia Napa and Paphos. Tied to Melco’s commitment to safeguarding the community’s wellbeing is its effort to promote Responsible Gaming. Melco surpasses mandated regulatory requirements in all its jurisdictions of operation, and seeks continuous improvement to ensure a fair and safe experience for all guests.

C2’s RG Check accreditation is a demonstration of Melco’s commitment to Responsible Gaming across its global operations. As announced earlier, the Company was the first in Macau and the Philippines to attain RG Check certifications. Melco’s entire global portfolio, including Altira Macau, City of Dreams Macau, Studio City, City of Dreams Manila, and now Cyprus’ C2, are accredited by RG Check, making Melco the only operator to receive RG Check certifications for its entire portfolio in Macau, the Philippines and Cyprus.

Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman & CEO of Melco, said, “Melco is dedicated to being the industry’s leader in the promotion of Responsible Gaming. Providing a safe and fair gaming experience for guests continues to be at the core of the Company’s commitment to society. The sustainable development and continued implementation of a Responsible Gaming culture is prioritized within every jurisdiction that we operate. We wish to thank the RG Check organizers for the honor, and our colleagues in Cyprus for making this achievement possible.”

Ms. Shelley White, CEO of Responsible Gambling Council (RGC), said, “RGC is thrilled that Melco has once again demonstrated its commitment to responsible gaming by achieving the RG Check accreditation in Cyprus for each of its four operating Cyprus Casinos properties. This is the third jurisdiction in which Melco has successfully completed the RG Check Accreditation. Throughout this process, Melco has demonstrated its transparency as an operator and has made duty of care a priority in its operations. In particular, we commend Melco on a best in class score in the Standard Areas of RG Policy, Strategy and Culture which recognizes Melco’s strong responsible gaming leadership and its comprehensive and integrated approach to building a responsible gaming culture that demonstrates awareness of the potential harms caused by gambling, as well as prevention and mitigation measures. RG Check is an invaluable tool for managing risk and increasing the effectiveness of RG programming. RGC is proud to provide continuous support to Melco’s harm minimization efforts throughout their properties around the world.”

RG Check is the world’s most comprehensive and rigorous responsible gaming accreditation program. It is designed to meet or exceed all existing responsible gaming regulatory requirements and is valid for three years. Accreditation is reviewed by a prestigious and independent panel of responsible gaming specialists.

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Compliance Updates

IAGR confirms new Board members

Published

20 hours ago

November 14, 2024

George Miller

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has announced the appointment of four new trustees to its Board, each bringing unique expertise and leadership to strengthen IAGR’s global regulatory efforts:

Anders Dorph, Danish Gambling Authority (Europe)
Peter Kesitilwe Emolemo, Gambling Authority of Botswana (Africa)
Kevin Mullally, General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (Asia/Oceania)
Louis Rogacki, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (North America)

IAGR President Ben Haden said, ‘I’m delighted to welcome our four new trustees to the IAGR Board. Their diverse expertise and leadership across different jurisdictions will bring fresh perspectives to our work, further strengthening our global approach to gaming regulation.

‘I look forward to collaborating with Peter, Louis, Kevin and Anders as we continue to foster innovation and drive forward effective, responsible regulation for the benefit of the global gaming community.

‘We also extend a big thank you to Trude Høgseth Felde and Mabutho Zwane for their dedicated service as they complete their terms on the Board, and I’m pleased to announce that Jason Lane will continue for another term as a Trustee.’

As a leading forum for gaming regulators worldwide, IAGR enables members to meet, share information, discuss legislative developments, exchange views and learn best practices in gaming regulation.

In recent news, IAGR has also confirmed that its 2025 annual conference will be held in Toronto, Canada, from 20 to 23 October 2025, with registrations opening in early 2025.

Compliance Updates

MGA Issues First ESG Code Approval Seals to Licensees

Published

4 days ago

November 11, 2024

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has awarded its first-ever ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Code Approval Seals to licensees in the online gaming sector, marking a milestone in the Authority’s commitment to promoting responsible and sustainable industry practices.

This initiative follows the launch of the voluntary ESG Code of Good Practice last year, which invited licensees to submit their ESG disclosure returns. The Code, which covers 19 topics categorised under Environmental, Social and Governance pillars, offers a strategic roadmap for online gaming companies to streamline their reporting efforts.

Following the first annual reporting cycle, 14 gaming operators have been awarded the ESG Code Approval Seal. The Code supports two levels of reporting: Tier 1, which establishes foundational ESG standards, and Tier 2, which represents a more aspirational approach.

Seals are valid for one year, with flexibility for renewal in the subsequent reporting period, allowing operators to advance or adapt their reporting tier year by year.

“We believe this initiative will significantly enhance the industry’s reputation and sustainability credentials,” MGA CEO Charles Mizzi said.

“By integrating ESG considerations into their operations, gaming companies not only contribute to the wellbeing of society and the environment but also strengthen the trust and confidence that consumers, investors, and regulators have in the industry. This initiative sends a clear message: sustainability, in the broadest sense of the word, is integral to the future of the gaming sector.”

Compliance Updates

Turkish Football Federation to Penalise Clubs Promoting Illegal Betting

Published

4 days ago

November 11, 2024

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has introduced new regulations to crack down on illegal betting advertisements in professional football.

According to the TFF, clubs found violating the new rules will face fines and, in case of repeated offenses, the deduction of points.

Under the updated guidelines, any club in the Turkish Super League involved in unauthorised betting promotions will face a tiered penalty system.

The first violation will result in a fine of 2 million Turkish Liras (around $58,000), and the second offense will incur a 5 million lira fine and a third violation will see the fine increased to 10 million liras. For subsequent breaches, clubs will be fined 10 million liras for each offense, along with a three-point deduction from their league standings.

“It is forbidden to promote or advertise betting organizations not licensed by competent authorities. This includes any media, billboards and other equipment used within stadium,” the TFF stated.

The TFF emphasised that the ban also applies to entities affiliated with these betting organisations, including those involved in promoting and advertising activities in a way that suggests endorsement of illegal betting.

The global scale of the illegal betting market is staggering, with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimating its worth at $1.8 trillion. In Türkiye alone, the sector is projected to exceed 100 billion liras, according to the Financial Crimes Investigation Board.