Compliance Updates
JOA Group Becomes the First French Operator to Meet the ECA’s Responsible Gambling Framework Criteria
France-based casino operator, JOA Group, has achieved certification according to the ECA Responsible Gambling Framework following an independent audit conducted by Pieter Remmers, Chairman of the Board of G4 (Global Gambling Guidance Group). Certification of its 33 casino estate ensures that JOA is operating in adherence with the latest standards in Responsible Gambling upheld by the licensed land-based casinos industry in Europe.
“Compliance strengthens the confidence of our customers in our business. It also contributes to the positive image of our industry and that of our company, as the first French group certified at a European level,” Pauline Boyer Martin, Chief Marketing Officer at JOA Group, said.
Seeking to achieve the goals set forth within the framework, JOA realised it needed to take its own responsible gambling action plans to a new level.
“We have put in place e-learning for 100 per cent of the front and back-office teams and we have also implemented training in regards to responsible alcohol policy. The process is very comprehensive and involves participation from the entire company to meet the certification goals. Many different teams have been working on the process: the gaming division of course, but also the digital department, HR, the communication teams, the GMs, the compliance team, etc. Certification requires that we consider the customer journey from a new perspective to ensure we offer the best protection to the players who choose to visit our land-based casinos,” Pauline Boyer Martin said.
JOA joins an ever-increasing list of ECA members currently certified according to the Responsible Gambling Framework 2018, which includes Casino Cosmopol (Sweden), Casino 2000 (Luxembourg), Spielbanken Niedersachsen, Spielbanken Baden-Württemberg and Spielbanken Sachsen Anhalt (Germany) Holland Casino, Casinos Austria and the Veikkaus casinos in Tampere and Helsinki, with several other leading operators currently undergoing the process of certification.
“The continued adoption of the ECA’s Responsible Gambling Framework by our members is a source of pride for the whole land-based gaming sector in Europe. Upholding the highest levels of responsible gambling practices and ensuring our guests experience only the best customers service combined with leading player protection principles is a goal for all members of the association. We congratulate JOA Group for participating in the process and achieving certification,” Per Jaldung, Chairman of the ECA, said.
Laurent Lassiaz, President and CEO, JOA Group and ECA board member, has been closely involved in the JOA process of certification.
“For me, it is key for the future of our industry that 100 per cent of members adopt the standards because we need to move the lines and show that our industry is virtuous and clean, which is not always the feeling in the general opinion. We must act for the better, for the future,” Laurent Lassiaz said.
The ECA communicates the views of its members across a wide range of industry critical topics, including anti-money laundering policy, anti-corruption and the fight against illegal gaming. Included within this remit is the responsibility of all land-based operators to ensure player protection is maintained to the highest possible standards.
“For JOA, playing is a relaxation and must remain a pleasure. The achievement of this certification, a seal of excellence, is a source of great satisfaction for all JOA Group employees, because it confirms the relevance and soundness of our years-old practices in responsible gaming. It recognises all the efforts that are invested in it. This certification is a reflection of who JOA is: an innovative and responsible operator. The certification process represents a tremendous amount of work, investment and enthusiasm on the part of the teams, which I am sure will be very proud that JOA is the first French casino operator to obtain this certification at European level,” Pauline Boyer-Martin said.
The main criteria of the ECA Responsible Gambling Framework covers the following topics:
- Employee Training
- Player Education
- Entrance Policies
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Advertising and Marketing
- Research and Awareness
Balkans
Expanse Studios Launches in Bulgaria with Inbet
Expanse Studios, a leader in online gaming innovation, has secured a Bulgarian iGaming license and is now live on Inbet’s website. This expansion brings Expanse Studios’ popular game offerings including turn-based strategies gamified for iGaming, classic slots, traditional card games and the highly-acclaimed ones like Titan Roulette, Clown Fever Deluxe, Wild Icy Fruits, White Wild Whale and Joker Poker to Bulgarian players.
Diverse Gaming Portfolio Now Available to Bulgarian Players
With the Bulgarian market entry, Expanse Studios introduces a versatile gaming experience to Inbet’s platform. The offerings include a dynamic range of games tailored to diverse player preferences:
- Turn-based strategy games: Leveraging gamification, these games transform traditional strategy gameplay into engaging iGaming experiences, suitable for both novice and experienced players.
- Classic slots: Players will enjoy a variety of themed slots that combine traditional gameplay with modern graphics and sound.
- Traditional card games: A selection of popular card games offer something for every card game enthusiast.
- Titan Roulette: This standout feature, known for its immersive experience and innovative design, continues to be a favorite among roulette players.
Commitment to Quality and Compliance
Expanse Studios not only cultivates a diverse gaming library but also adheres to stringent regulatory standards to ensure a secure and fair gaming environment. The acquisition of the Bulgarian iGaming license is a testament to Expanse Studios’ commitment to compliance and excellence in the gaming industry.
The partnership between Expanse Studios and Inbet marks a significant milestone in Expanse Studios’ expansion efforts. By combining Expanse Studios’ innovative gaming solutions with Inbet’s established market presence, both entities are set to offer a superior gaming experience to players in Bulgaria and potentially beyond. As Expanse Studios continues to develop and release new games monthly, Bulgarian players can look forward to a continually evolving and enriching gaming landscape.
Compliance Updates
EGBA Welcomes European Parliament’s Approval Of New EU Anti-Money Laundering Framework
The EU’s new anti-money laundering package aims to create a more consistent regulatory framework and will benefit online gambling operators by standardising AML rules and reporting requirements across member states.
Brussels, 24 April 2024 – The European Parliament has approved the EU’s new anti-money laundering (AML) package at its plenary sitting today, marking a significant milestone towards a new EU framework for combatting financial crime. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), representing Europe’s leading online gambling operators, welcomes the Parliament’s approval of the new AML package and believes the incoming rule changes will strengthen the EU’s approach to tackling money laundering.
The new package will contain:
- A single rulebook regulation – with provisions on conducting due diligence on customers, transparency of beneficial owners and the use of crypto-assets.
- The 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive – containing national provisions on supervision and national AML authorities, as well as on the access of authorities to necessary and reliable information, e.g. beneficial ownership registers.
- The establishment of the European Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) – which have supervisory and investigative powers to ensure compliance with AML requirements, operating in conjunction with national AML authorities.
EGBA believes the new rules will benefit Europe’s online gambling operators by ensuring a consistent regulatory approach across EU member states. Another important feature, under the competence of AMLA, will be the creation of a harmonised reporting format for Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs). This will ensure that Europe’s online gambling operators encounter the same STR requirements across all EU member states, thereby setting clear and consistent expectations that will reduce administrative burdens and costs.
To assist online gambling operators in complying with the EU’s new AML rules, EGBA has developed industry-specific guidelines on anti-money laundering which apply a risk-based approach and include practical measures that operators can take – on customer and business risk assessments, customer due diligence processes, suspicious transaction reporting, and record keeping. EGBA members already apply the guidelines and submit annual reports to EGBA that summarise their progress in implementing its measures. The guidelines are also open to all operators based in the EU and EGBA encourages operators to sign up to them.
The AML package now awaits formal adoption by the Council of the EU, expected in May, before being published in the EU’s Official Journal.
“We welcome the European Parliament’s approval of the new anti-money laundering package. The new framework will set high standards and ensure greater consistency in the application of AML rules across the EU. Online gambling operators, especially those operating in multiple countries, will benefit from a single rulebook and harmonised reporting requirements that will unravel national complexities. We will look to review our industry guidelines on AML to ensure their alignment with the new EU rules. By signing up to the guidelines, operators can already prepare themselves for the incoming changes in the EU rules and join our members in their efforts to proactively and positively contribute to the EU’s fight against money laundering.” – Dr. Ekaterina Hartmann, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, EGBA.
Source: EGBA
Australia
Crown Reinstated at Sydney Casino
The NSW Independent Casino Commission has found Crown Sydney suitable to retain its casino licence after nearly three years of intensive remediation.
Chief Commissioner, Philip Crawford, said Crown has come a long way and must now demonstrate its long-term commitment to maintaining suitability.
“The NICC is confident the Crown we deemed suitable today has a strong model to keep operating into the future,” Mr Crawford said.
The NICC’s suitability assessment established that Crown Sydney has fundamentally reformed its business and is operating the casino within the objects of the Act, the requirements of the suitability deed, and in compliance with its regulatory obligations.
In addition to proving it can run the casino lawfully, Crown has remediated its business in other meaningful ways such as building a culture of transparency and accountability across its integrated resort.
“Hard work and transformation aside, the NICC has not forgotten the level of misconduct exposed in 2021 when Crown was found unsuitable,” said Mr Crawford.
“Crown Sydney has ongoing work to reach steady state and it must continue to lift standards and maintain its cultural transformation.
“There is and will always be room for improvement, but Crown is a changed business that is looking toward the future.
“Likewise, the NICC is a changed regulator with enhanced powers, a singular focus on casinos, and a mandate to address the risks of harm.
“This decision is a positive outcome for Crown Sydney, its staff, and the community – who can be sure the NICC will use all of its powers to keep the casino in check.”
In addition to the implementation of hundreds of new internal controls, the Bergin-based reforms have been reflected in a new licence and new regulatory agreement between Crown Sydney, the NSW Government and the NICC.
These agreements include updated settings, such as the removal of fetters to the NICC’s powers, as well as previous compensation trigger clauses that are no longer part of the casino legislation.
Mr Crawford said: “Crown cannot disregard the responsibility and privilege that comes with holding a casino licence. Crown Sydney’s ability to provide a destination hospitality and entertainment venue underpinned by the restricted gaming facility is contingent on its steadfast commitment to continuing suitability, accountability and compliance.”
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