Compliance Updates
UKGC Unveils New Guidance to Help Combat Problem Gambling
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) updated its new list of rules on high-risk gamblers. The new consumer protection guidance, which gambling businesses are required to take account of, will help them comply with new rules coming into effect in September.
In April the Commission announced new rules to ensure online gambling businesses do more to identify and take action to protect customers at risk of harm. The updated consumer protection guidance will help gambling businesses understand and comply with the new rules, which come into effect on 12 September.
The existing guidance and additional guidance issued during the COVID-19 pandemic will still apply and be available for operators to refer to until 12 September.
The new guidance provides further information for remote gambling businesses on:
- identifying vulnerable customers
- indicators of harm they must monitor for, including what is considered a “strong” indicator of harm
- when to use automated systems and processes
- how to evaluate the impact of customer interactions.
UKGC Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes said: “Operators must take account of this guidance ahead of the stronger requirements coming into effect. We are giving the industry time to prepare for the changes and expect full compliance by September. Every gambling business has a role to play to prevent gambling harm and this guidance makes clear what we expect to see, which will be supported with enforcement action should we need it.
“In the current context, including the rise in the cost of living, it is more important than ever for operators to meet these requirements to identify customers at risk of harm.”
The new guidance forms part of the Commission’s ongoing drive to make gambling in Britain safer. The Commission will shortly be launching a further consultation on the ways to tackle three key financial risks for consumers: binge gambling, significant unaffordable losses over time and risks for those who are financially vulnerable.
Australia
Roadmap for Gaming Reform report published
The Independent Panel brought together, for the first time, a mix of industry representatives, harm minimisation experts, police, experts in cybersecurity and privacy, academics, community organisations and a person with lived experience of gambling harm.
Specifically, the Independent Panel examined the feasibility and acceptance of implementing cashless gaming technologies in clubs and hotels in NSW to gain insights from the technology to inform the Roadmap report.
Independent Panel for Gaming Reform Chairperson Michael Foggo said the panel’s Executive Committee has put forward an ambitious roadmap for gaming reform for the government to consider.
“This has been challenging and complex work, and I thank each of the panel’s 16 members for their time, expertise and enthusiasm over the 16 months of the panel’s work, and for contributing their views to developing the recommendations,” Mr Foggo said.
“The trial of this new technology was an important step to better understand the benefits and challenges for its implementation, giving technology providers, venues, patrons and government insights on operational issues tested in the real world.
“The trial learnings, advice from experts, research and evidence have informed the recommendations and safeguards to manage gambling harm and money-laundering risks and inform reasonable implementation timeframes to minimise impacts on industry.
“The roadmap also includes recommendations to progress the government’s commitment to reduce the overall number of gaming machine entitlements in NSW, as well as removing unnecessary complexity and further streamlining existing gaming regulatory regimes.”
The Independent Panel provided the government with separate advice on issues including mandating facial recognition technology to identify self-excluded patrons, and the establishment of a statewide exclusion register with third party exclusions.
The Executive Committee noted that further work needs to be undertaken by the government in developing its preferred approach to gaming reform.
Compliance Updates
EGT obtained World Lottery Association Security Control Standard: 2020 Level 2 Certification
EGT is proud to announce that it is already a member of the World Lottery Association (WLA), having successfully attained certification under its security standard WLA Security Control Standard: 2020 (WLA-SCS:2020) Level 2. This standard defines the requirements for information and operational security, as well as ensuring the integrity of the activities in the lottery and sports betting industries.
The main subject of the certification is EGT’s VLT solutions. To receive this designation, the company completed a two-stage process. First, it covered the requirements of the international standard for information security management systems ISO/IEC 27001 at the end of 2023. After that, it met additional lottery-focused security requirements set by WLA.
Mr. Vladimir Dokov, CEO of EGT, commented: “This achievement recognizes EGT’s commitment to sustainable development. It reaffirms our position as a leader in information security and underscores our ongoing dedication to creating products that meet the criteria of international accrediting institutions.”
Compliance Updates
Thunderkick secures new Danish supplier licence
The licence extends Thunderkick’s Danish content provision to 2029
Independent slots studio Thunderkick has obtained a B2B licence from the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden).
The new licence is valid from 1st January and will enable Thunderkick to continue distributing its games to Danish operators through to 2029.
Thunderkick is among the first game suppliers to be granted the newly introduced licence, allowing the studio to maintain and grow its market presence in the coming year.
The Stockholm-based company currently offers its games across several major regulated European markets, and the extension of its commercial operations in Denmark highlights Thunderkick’s dedication to becoming a prominent provider of distinctive content on its home continent.
Wan Kim, Chief Compliance Officer at Thunderkick, said: “Thunderkick continually strives to amplify its position in Europe, partnering with leading operators across target markets to enhance brand visibility and increase our player base.
“Obtaining a B2B licence has been a focus since the Danish Gambling Authority announced the new regulations earlier this year, and our application’s success emphasises the quality of Thunderkick products and our unwavering commitment to adhering to consistently updating regulations.
“The licence will facilitate our continued growth in Denmark, where some of the country’s biggest operators offer our unique content to local players.”
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