Compliance Updates
UK’S BGC WELCOME PAUL SCULLY MP AS NEW GAMBLING MINISTER
Standards body the Betting and Gaming Council has congratulated Paul Scully MP on his appointment as Minister responsible for the betting and gaming industry.
BGC chief executive Michael Dugher also congratulated Michelle Donelan MP on her re-appointment to the Cabinet and encouraged both to continue engagement with the industry to find the right balance in the upcoming Gambling Review.
Mr Dugher also paid tribute to outgoing Gambling Minister, Damian Collins MP, who had been leading the Gambling Review and who has now returned to the backbenches.
Paul Scully was previously a Minister of State at the Department for Levelling Up and will also continue in his role as Minister for London.
The Betting and Gaming Council was established in 2019 and represents over 90 per cent of retail betting shops, online betting and gaming operators, casinos and bingo operators. As the single industry body, we work with our members, large and small, to raise standards, create a culture of safer gambling and build public and institutional trust in our world class industry.
Every month some 22.5 million adults have a wager, whether that’s on horse racing, playing the lottery, bingo or casino games, or having a bet on the football and other sports.
We are encouraged by the latest figures from the Gambling Commission which shows the rate of problem gambling among adults in the UK remains low by international standards at 0.3 per cent, down from 0.4 the year previous.
Michael Dugher said: “On behalf of the 119,000 people whose jobs are supported by our members – from the high street to hospitality, from tourism to world-leading British tech – I’d like to congratulate both Paul Scully MP on his new role and Michelle Donelan MP on her re-appointment as Secretary of State for DCMS. Our industry generates £4.5bn in taxes for the Treasury and contributes £7.7bn for the economy in gross value added.
“We are ready to work with DCMS to help find carefully targeted, proportionate measures which achieve the right balance. We want to continue to drive big changes and drive higher standards on safer gambling to better protect the most vulnerable, whilst at the same time ensuring that the 22.5 million punters who enjoy a flutter each month, perfectly safely and responsibly, have the freedom to do so.
“I’d also like to pay tribute to Damian Collins MP, the widely respected outgoing minister who was leading on the Review, for his willingness to engage with the industry and understand the contribution we make to the economy.”
Compliance Updates
Danish Gambling Authority Opens Applications for Land-based Bingo Licences
The Danish Gambling Authority has officially opened applications for land-based bingo licences under the country’s new regulatory framework.
The licences will be valid from 1 January 2025 for applicants who meet the required conditions and submit complete applications by 10 December 2024.
This development provides opportunities for operators to offer land-based bingo within a regulated environment.
To assist prospective applicants, the Danish Gambling Authority has created a dedicated “Land-Based Bingo” webpage. Here, operators can access application materials, guidelines and instructions to ensure submissions are completed accurately.
Operators seeking a licence valid from 1 January 2025 must submit their applications by the 10 December deadline. Applications that meet all requirements will be processed in time for the start date.
In cases where additional information or conditions are needed, the authority may issue licences with specific stipulations, granting operators additional time to address outstanding issues.
To support industry stakeholders, the Danish Gambling Authority will host an information meeting about the new land-based bingo rules on 5 December 2024. The session will take place at Englandsgade 25, Odense, and interested parties are encouraged to register by 29 November 2024.
Compliance Updates
CT Interactive announces certification of new games for the Italian market
CT Interactive is thrilled to announce that new titles have officially received certification for the Italian market, ready to bring a fresh wave of entertainment to players across the country. This certification ensures that the games adhere to Italy’s stringent regulatory standards for fairness, security, and quality, reinforcing CT Interactive’s dedication to providing top-tier gaming experiences.
The newly certified games include: 5x Cherry Party, Christmas Storm, Jester Jack, Lucky Kiwi, Mega Gnome, Piggy Crash, Star Girl, The Big Chilli, The New Queen of Fruits, Treasure Chase.
These exciting games offer a diverse range of themes, from the festive charm of Christmas Storm to the whimsical adventures of Piggy Crash and Mega Gnome. Whether players are in the mood for the nostalgic appeal of a classic fruit slot like The New Queen of Fruits, or looking for thrilling treasure hunts in Treasure Chase, there’s something for every type of player.
Each game has been developed with a focus on delivering engaging features, rewarding bonuses, and immersive gameplay. With unique mechanics and visually striking graphics, these releases are designed to captivate Italian players and keep them returning for more.
CT Interactive remains committed to enhancing the Italian gaming landscape by consistently providing fresh, exciting content and introducing new ways to play.
Compliance Updates
MGA Marks Safer Gambling Week by Hosting Focus Group on Addressing Problem Gambling
As part of Safer Gambling Week, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has launched the first in a series of focus groups aimed at addressing problem gambling and its effects on Maltese communities.
Bringing together key stakeholders such as Caritas Malta, Aġenzija Sedqa, the OASI Foundation and the Responsible Gaming Foundation, the session explored a self-assessment tool that the Authority is currently developing, grounded in recent research and industry trends.
The self-assessment tool, which will be available both in English and in Maltese, will guide individuals through a set of questions to help them identify whether gambling is causing harm in their lives. Based on the user’s responses, the tool will provide personalised recommendations and direct them to appropriate support services.
With invaluable input from organisations experienced in supporting individuals affected by problem gambling, the tool will undergo further refinement to maximise its effectiveness and relevance.
Clinical Chair at Aġenzija Sedqa, Anna Maria Vella, hailed the focus group as a “welcome initiative” which brought together a multidisciplinary team of experts.
“Working together and not in silos is always beneficial. We learn from each other to be more effective.”
Louis Bellizzi, Secretary of Caritas’ Foundation for Victims of Usury, said: “The MGA is in a unique position to coordinate the national effort to help alleviate the scourge of gambling addictions.”
In recent years, the Authority has taken significant steps to promote safer gambling practices, ranging from regular supervisory reviews on responsible gambling to enforcing stricter regulations.
The MGA closely monitors operators’ implementation of behavioural monitoring systems, self-exclusion systems and responsible marketing practices.
With a focus on high-risk areas, the Authority is refining its supervisory approach to be more dynamic and data-driven, ensuring responsible gambling practices are maintained and continuously improved to protect players effectively.
The MGA’s efforts align closely with the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA)’s initiative to establish a unified European standard for identifying markers of harm. The MGA is actively engaged in this initiative, working closely with fellow regulators and industry experts to create a comprehensive standard aimed at early identification of behaviours indicative of problem gambling.
The Authority’s proactive involvement in such initiatives underscores its dedication to fostering a responsible and transparent gaming sector, both locally and across Europe.
-
Africa7 days ago
South Africa: Tribunal Grants Lottoland Interim Relief – Orders Google to Grant Lottoland Access to its Advertising Platform
-
Latest News4 days ago
Make every pixel personal: Opera GX facelift lets you match your browser to your setup down to the smallest detail
-
Latest News4 days ago
Casino Management System Market to Reach USD 29.09 Billion by 2032 | Enhanced Security and Operational Efficiency Drive Growth | Research by S&S Insider
-
Latest News4 days ago
Fast Track Celebrates Third Year as a Great Place to Work Certified™ Tech Company
-
Latest News5 days ago
IBIA Upgrades Technology Platform to Strengthen Global Betting Integrity Efforts
-
Latest News5 days ago
Crypto Sportsbook, Sportsbet.io’s player wins huge $3.2m jackpot from $5 spin
-
Latest News4 days ago
ACR POKER ADDS BLITZ BONUS BOOST TO NOVEMBER CALENDAR AS $20 MILLION GTD WINTER OSS ENTERS FINAL DAYS
-
Industry News7 days ago
FDJ Announces its First Bond Issue