Compliance Updates

Norway Expected to Authorise DNS Blocking

Published

2 years ago

April 19, 2023

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Director of the Norwegian Lottery Authority Henrik Nordal said that the government is “in favour” of granting the body new powers to DNS block unlicensed sites, with a speculated implementation date of January 2024.

The new powers granted to the Norwegian Lottery Authority would mark the end of a process that began close to two years ago, when Norway first put DNS blocking unlicensed sites to consultation.

Nordal argued that unlicensed gambling sites represented a particular danger to Norwegian customers due to the “aggressive” nature of the games that make it possible to lose a large amount of money in a short time period.

Highlighting a 2019 population survey, Nordal highlighted the fact that 55,000 Norwegians currently struggle with a gambling problem, while 122,000 are at risk of developing one. Subsequently, problem gambling costs the Nordic country KR5.0bn (€440m) per year in societal costs.

“DNS blocking makes the riskiest gambling games less available and thus protects Norwegian players. It also means that many people are not aware of the risk of playing with the illegal gambling companies. With DNS blocking, the players will be notified and stopped when they are on their way to such a money game. This is an effective information measure that will also have a preventive effect,” Nordal said.

In addition to the blocking Nordal emphasised other measures implemented to mitigate the unlicensed sector in Norway. These include a ban on television advertising and a payment intermediary ban that led to a number of banks severing commercial relationships with the gaming businesses.

“We are getting more and more tools and collectively we see that this has a good effect. We have advocated introducing DNS blocking as soon as possible, because it is a good measure,” said Nordal.

Once the new regulations come into force in 2024, gambling businesses that do not cease from broadcasting unlicensed gambling into Norway will be subject to DNS blocking orders.

The Authority said that it intends to use the intervening time to conduct legal proceedings against such organisations with the threat of a compulsory fine if they do not halt their activities, as the regulator has imposed on Unibet and Betsson in the past.

“We will give this work high priority. When it concerns companies that intend to withdraw from Norway and have implemented measures that show that it is real, we will prioritise guidance over reaction and DNS blocking,” Nordal added.

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Compliance Updates

IAGR confirms new Board members

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2024

George Miller

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has announced the appointment of four new trustees to its Board, each bringing unique expertise and leadership to strengthen IAGR’s global regulatory efforts:

Anders Dorph, Danish Gambling Authority (Europe)
Peter Kesitilwe Emolemo, Gambling Authority of Botswana (Africa)
Kevin Mullally, General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (Asia/Oceania)
Louis Rogacki, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (North America)

IAGR President Ben Haden said, ‘I’m delighted to welcome our four new trustees to the IAGR Board. Their diverse expertise and leadership across different jurisdictions will bring fresh perspectives to our work, further strengthening our global approach to gaming regulation.

‘I look forward to collaborating with Peter, Louis, Kevin and Anders as we continue to foster innovation and drive forward effective, responsible regulation for the benefit of the global gaming community.

‘We also extend a big thank you to Trude Høgseth Felde and Mabutho Zwane for their dedicated service as they complete their terms on the Board, and I’m pleased to announce that Jason Lane will continue for another term as a Trustee.’

As a leading forum for gaming regulators worldwide, IAGR enables members to meet, share information, discuss legislative developments, exchange views and learn best practices in gaming regulation.

In recent news, IAGR has also confirmed that its 2025 annual conference will be held in Toronto, Canada, from 20 to 23 October 2025, with registrations opening in early 2025.

Compliance Updates

MGA Issues First ESG Code Approval Seals to Licensees

Published

4 days ago

November 11, 2024

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has awarded its first-ever ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Code Approval Seals to licensees in the online gaming sector, marking a milestone in the Authority’s commitment to promoting responsible and sustainable industry practices.

This initiative follows the launch of the voluntary ESG Code of Good Practice last year, which invited licensees to submit their ESG disclosure returns. The Code, which covers 19 topics categorised under Environmental, Social and Governance pillars, offers a strategic roadmap for online gaming companies to streamline their reporting efforts.

Following the first annual reporting cycle, 14 gaming operators have been awarded the ESG Code Approval Seal. The Code supports two levels of reporting: Tier 1, which establishes foundational ESG standards, and Tier 2, which represents a more aspirational approach.

Seals are valid for one year, with flexibility for renewal in the subsequent reporting period, allowing operators to advance or adapt their reporting tier year by year.

“We believe this initiative will significantly enhance the industry’s reputation and sustainability credentials,” MGA CEO Charles Mizzi said.

“By integrating ESG considerations into their operations, gaming companies not only contribute to the wellbeing of society and the environment but also strengthen the trust and confidence that consumers, investors, and regulators have in the industry. This initiative sends a clear message: sustainability, in the broadest sense of the word, is integral to the future of the gaming sector.”

Compliance Updates

Turkish Football Federation to Penalise Clubs Promoting Illegal Betting

Published

4 days ago

November 11, 2024

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has introduced new regulations to crack down on illegal betting advertisements in professional football.

According to the TFF, clubs found violating the new rules will face fines and, in case of repeated offenses, the deduction of points.

Under the updated guidelines, any club in the Turkish Super League involved in unauthorised betting promotions will face a tiered penalty system.

The first violation will result in a fine of 2 million Turkish Liras (around $58,000), and the second offense will incur a 5 million lira fine and a third violation will see the fine increased to 10 million liras. For subsequent breaches, clubs will be fined 10 million liras for each offense, along with a three-point deduction from their league standings.

“It is forbidden to promote or advertise betting organizations not licensed by competent authorities. This includes any media, billboards and other equipment used within stadium,” the TFF stated.

The TFF emphasised that the ban also applies to entities affiliated with these betting organisations, including those involved in promoting and advertising activities in a way that suggests endorsement of illegal betting.

The global scale of the illegal betting market is staggering, with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimating its worth at $1.8 trillion. In Türkiye alone, the sector is projected to exceed 100 billion liras, according to the Financial Crimes Investigation Board.