Compliance Updates
Dutch Gambling Ad Ban to Enter into Force by July 1
Franc Weerwind, the Dutch minister for legal protection, has pledged that the country’s ban on untargeted gambling ads will come into effect by July 1 at the latest. That’s the same date that neighbouring Belgium also plans to introduce a gambling ads ban.
Weerwind made the statement in a written response to parliamentary questions. Announced in July last year, the ban will initially cover all advertising on television, radio and in public places. Football sponsorship will be phased out by 2028.
The ban had been due to come in on January 1 but was delayed due to extended consultation. MPs had been calling for the ban because of the public response to the saturation of gambling adverts that followed the launch of the Netherlands’ online gambling market in October 2021.
Previously several MPs have called for the implementation of a “two strikes and you’re out” approach to operators who breach advertising rules, which would see operators’ licences revoked after a second breach. However, Weerwind argued that penalties must be “proportionate”.
He noted that the regulator, the KSA, may already issue binding instructions to operators as well as periodic penalty payments and fines.
He said: “This requires customisation and I think it’s important that the regulator has the scope to provide this customisation. A two-strikes-you’re-out model does not fit with that.”
He added: “I am committed to more information. In collaboration with the KSA and the ministry of health, welfare and sport (VWS), I am exploring how we can raise awareness of the risks of online games of chance among young people.
“In order to not encourage this group to participate, I look at targeted activities that are also largely intended for the environment of young people, such as teachers and parents. I am in discussion with various parties about this, including addiction experts and experts in the field of financial health.”
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.”
-
Asia6 days ago
CyberPowerPC gives gamers the chance to win premium PCs for free at one of India’s biggest gaming festivals
-
Australia6 days ago
Australia’s Government Delays Gambling Ad Ban
-
Latest News6 days ago
Amino Fuels Next Frontier for Low Latency Enterprise Video and Digital Signage with Leading Betting Operator Paddy Power
-
Latest News6 days ago
Innovations Redefining iGaming: What Operators Need to Know
-
eSports7 days ago
GIANTX announces its Valorant team for 2025
-
Industry News6 days ago
Quixant to Exhibit at ICE 2025
-
Balkans6 days ago
SYNOT HAS BEEN GRANTED LICENSE FOR THE BULGARIAN MARKET
-
Asia5 days ago
SuperGaming’s Indus Battle Royale surpasses 5 million downloads; concludes first international playtest in Manila