Compliance Updates
Regulatory Changes in the Online Casino Industry in Europe: Impacts and Implications
Introduction
The online casino industry has witnessed a significant transformation in Europe in recent years due to regulations imposed by governments across the continent. Concerns about gambling addiction, consumer protection, and money laundering have driven the changes.
Impact of Regulations on Online Casinos
These regulations have impacted online casinos in several ways, including the types of games they offer, the way they advertise, and the manner in which they handle customers’ personal and financial information.
Types of Games Offered
One of the most significant impacts of regulation on online casinos is the types of games they offer. In many European countries, the rules require online casinos to offer games with low volatility and low maximum bets, such as slot machines, rather than high-risk games like roulette and blackjack. These restrictions are designed to protect consumers from losing large amounts of money quickly and developing a gambling addiction.
Advertising Restrictions
Regulations also restrict the way online casinos can advertise. Many countries have banned or heavily restricted gambling advertisements on television, radio, and other media platforms. Additionally, online casinos are required to include warnings about the risks of gambling addiction and provide links to resources for problem gambling.
Personal and Financial Information Handling
Regulations also dictate the manner in which online casinos handle customers’ personal and financial information. Online casinos are required to comply with strict data protection laws and ensure that customer information is kept secure and confidential. This includes measures such as encryption and two-factor authentication.
Example of a Country without Regulation
Iceland is an example of a country without regulation on online gambling. While gambling is technically illegal in Iceland, there are no specific laws prohibiting online gambling. As a result, many Icelanders gamble on international websites that are not licensed or regulated in the country. This lack of regulation puts Icelandic consumers at risk of fraud and identity theft, and it also allows illegal operators to operate with impunity.
The Need for Regulation in Iceland
As the popularity of online gambling continues to grow in Iceland, there is an urgent need for the government to regulate the industry. Without regulation, consumers are at risk of being exploited by unscrupulous operators, and the government is missing out on potential tax revenue. By regulating online gambling, Iceland can ensure that operators are licensed and accountable and that consumers are protected from fraud and addiction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, regulatory changes in the online casino industry in Europe have had a significant impact on the way online casinos operate. These changes are designed to protect consumers from the risks of gambling addiction and fraud while also ensuring that online casinos operate in a responsible and accountable manner. Iceland serves as a reminder that the lack of regulation can put consumers at risk and highlights the importance of governments taking action to regulate the online gambling industry.
Compliance Updates
GoldenRace is now certified in the Netherlands
GoldenRace, global provider of award-winning Virtual Sports and betting solutions, has recently obtained a certification for its highly acclaimed Virtual Sports and Games in the Dutch market.
GoldenRace successfully navigated the stringent regulatory landscape of the Netherlands, and now will be providing its impressive betting products into the Online Dutch market, which will be an important advancement in our operational expansion.
The Netherlands betting scene is on the cusp of a substantial growth phase and with GoldenRace’s latest certification, we introduce to the Dutch market a range of highly popular games tailored to desktop and mobile, in both scheduled and on-demand modes.
Among the offer, players will enjoy our most-played Virtual Football line-up – including Football Single, Leagues, World Cup and Euro Champions-, adrenaline-pumping 3×3 Basketball and MMA and top-notch races as Horse Racing, Greyhound Racing and Grand Prix Indianapolis 60. Last but not least, our Number Games, such as Spin2Win. All ready to captivate Dutch players.
Asia
PAGCor Welcomes Lawyer Wilma Eisma as New President and Chief Operating Officer
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCor) today welcomed its new President and Chief Operating Officer, lawyer Wilma Eisma, who took her oath of office before Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin in Malacanang this morning.
“We are happy to welcome Atty. Wilma Eisma as PAGCor’s new President and Chief Operating Officer,” PAGCor Chairman Alejandro Tengco said. “We know she will be a great asset and her vast experience in both the government and private sectors will surely be put to good use here.”
Tengco said he witnessed Eisma’s oath-taking in Malacanang this morning. She then immediately joined her first PAGCor board meeting in the afternoon as the agency’s first ever woman President and Chief Operating Officer.
A lawyer by profession, Eisma earned her law degree from the Ateneo de Manila University and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Development Bank of the Philippines before joining the state gaming firm.
Prior to that, she also served as the first woman Administrator and Chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).
Her private sector stints include leadership roles in PMFTC Incorporated, the Philippine affiliate of Philip Morris International.
She also held key positions at the Department of Trade and Industry where she worked at the Office of the Secretary and in the Office of the Majority Leader in the House of Representatives, among others.
Eisma succeeded Atty Juanito Sanosa Jr who resigned as PAGCor President and Chief Operating Officer last January.
Compliance Updates
MGA: Update to the Incident Reporting Requirements
The Malta Gaming Authority would like to inform its licensees of updates made to the Incident Report mechanism available through the Licensee Portal The information hereunder outlines relevant guidance and procedures for the submission of an Incident Report through the updated reporting instrument entitled the ‘Technical – Information Security Incident’.
As mandated by Articles 37(2)(c) and (d) of the Gaming Authorisations and Compliance Directive (Directive 3 of 2018), “Licensees shall notify the Authority forthwith, and in any case no later than three (3) working days after, the following:
(c) Any breach of the licensee’s information security that adversely affects the confidentiality of information relating to players;
(d) Any breach of the licensee’s information security that precludes players from accessing their accounts for a period exceeding twelve (12) hours.”
In this regard, Licensees are obliged to submit an Incident Report in order to notify the Authority of the circumstances relating to an information security breach that meet the above specified criteria. Additionally, Licensees are advised to remain mindful of any further obligations emanating from the General Data Protection Regulation (EU/2016/679) and any relevant legislation.
The Technical – Information Security Incident option will be accessible through the “New/Change” dropdown menu via the Portal. Upon selection, users will be directed to the applicable sections of the ‘Technical – Information Security Incident’ where all compulsory fields and any relevant documentation must be submitted to the Authority.
Upon submission, the Incident Report shall undergo review by the Authority. Any missing information that may be identified by the Authority, shall be requested accordingly from the Licensee. It is imperative that any pending clarifications are addressed in a timely manner.
If no further clarifications are deemed necessary by the Authority, the Incident Report will be closed off accordingly, and any relevant documentation will be securely filed for record-keeping purposes.
Any Incident Reports left in ‘Draft’ form (i.e. opened but not effectively submitted) for a period of ninety (90) days shall be automatically discarded.
-
Compliance Updates4 days ago
Bet on Compliance: Navigating the Stakes with the UK’s Affordability Checks
-
Industry News4 days ago
Real Dealer Studios: Offering a fresh spin on classic roulette
-
Industry News4 days ago
Cheltenham and Grand National 2025 start now
-
eSports4 days ago
Denis ‘electroNic’ Sharipov is a New Virtus.pro Player
-
Gambling in the USA4 days ago
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – April 8-14
-
Asia4 days ago
Aurora Gaming Crowned Champions of $350,000 Skyesports Masters 2024, Earns Spot in Skyesports Championship
-
eSports4 days ago
NODWIN Gaming Partners with Global Esports Federation as Portfolio Management Company for Key Emerging Markets
-
Asia4 days ago
Asian Regional Qualifiers Host Announced