Compliance Updates
Better Collective reflects on the initiatives from the ongoing UK Gambling Act review and expects limited to no financial impact
The UK Government published a “White Paper” as part of a Gambling Act review. Better Collective welcomes the long awaited proposed initiatives with a stronger focus on safer gambling. Given the already taken compliance measures from the sportsbooks, and Better Collective’s continued focus on safer gambling, the Group estimates the proposed measures to have zero to limited financial impact on the Group.
Regulatory Release no. 24/2023
The UK Gambling act review
The UK gambling act review was initiated in 2020 and is said to be wide-ranging and evidence-led to strike the right balance between protecting the vulnerable, whilst not spoiling the enjoyment of those who enjoy betting as entertainment.
Better Collective welcomes the review and believes it provides an opportunity to drive further changes on safer gambling. This is fully aligned with Better Collective’s mission to make sports entertainment more engaging and fun while preventing problem gambling through the education of our users.
The impact on Better Collective will be zero to limited
The potential impact from the proposed regulatory changes mentioned in the White Paper will have zero to limited financial impact on Better Collective given the following reasons:
- Since the review of the UK gambling act was initiated, UK sportsbooks have strengthened and implemented new compliance measures such as affordability checks, which impacted the Group’s sports win margin during that period. We have now seen a normalized sports win margin and do not expect for this to change given the proposed measures.
- Better Collective has always had a core focus on safer gambling as shown in the below mentioned examples of RAiG and Mindway AI.
Financial targets remain unchanged
Better Collective’s financial targets for 2023 and 2027 remain unchanged. Better Collective will continue to monitor the global regulatory developments and potential changes in market dynamics, and will provide updates to any changes to future financial expectations.
Better Collective remains committed to safer gambling
In 2019, Better Collective entered into a partnership with its peers Spotlight Sports Group and Oddschecker to co-found the UK based trade association, Responsible Affiliates in Gambling (RAiG). Through RAiG, an independent body set up to help raise standards in the sector, we promote socially responsible marketing of gambling products and a safer gambling environment for users.
Mindway AI (part of the Better Collective Group) specializes in supporting the gambling industry with various safer gambling tools and solutions. This supports our ambition to make betting safer and provides the sportsbooks with a chance to take initiative in developing sustainable gaming through Mindway AI tools and software, already in use by Tier 1 sportsbooks in the UK market.
Compliance Updates
IAGR confirms new Board members
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
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
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.
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