Compliance Updates

Two reprimands for Danske Licens Spil A/S for breach of the Anti-Money Laundering Act

Published

1 year ago

June 16, 2023

Spillemyndigheden: Certification Programme Adjusted After Consultation

Reading Time: 2 minutes

On June 13th, 2023, the Danish Gambling Authority has reprimanded Danske Licens Spil A/S for lack of compliance with the requirement for enhanced customer due diligences measures of section 17(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act.

The reprimand is given because Danske Licens Spil A/S did not perform enhanced customer due diligence measures concerning a specific player at an earlier stage in the customer relationship, as it should have been assessed that the player constituted an increased risk of money laundering based on the transaction volume and the number of reports to the Financial Intelligence Unit. Thereby, Danske Licens Spil A/S has not complied with the requirement for performing enhanced customer due diligence measures. At a later stage in the customer relationship, Danske Licens Spil A/S performed enhanced customer due diligence measures and subsequently ended the customer relationship.

Moreover, the Danish Gambling Authority has reprimanded Danske Licens Spil A/S for breaching the rules on reporting of section 26(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act.

The reprimand is given in the same customer relationship because Danske Licens Spil A/S in two instances failed to report to the Financial Intelligence Unit despite not being able to dismiss a suspicion of money laundering after the conclusion of an investigation. Thereby Danske Licens Spil A/S has not complied with the obligations on reporting. Previously, Danske Licens Spil A/S had made several reports concerning the customer. The fact that a gambling operator has made reports to the Financial Intelligence Unit concerning a customer relationship does thereby not exempt the gambling operator from its obligation to report subsequent new suspicious transactions.

No obligation to act

The reprimands cause no obligation to act for Danske Licens Spil A/S, because the breaches no longer exist.

The Danish Gambling Authority notes that the rules on enhanced customer due diligence measures and the obligation to report are fundamental parts of the Anti-Money Laundering Act. As a rule, breaches of the rules lead to an order or a reprimand or in serious or repeated cases, they are reported to the police.

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Compliance Updates

IAGR confirms new Board members

Published

16 hours 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.