Compliance Updates
ANJ Removes 179 Sporting Events from Permitted Betting List
French gambling regulator the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) has removed 179 sports competitions from its list of events approved for betting.
Since 2010, the regulator has published a list of sporting events on which bets can legally be placed in France. The list is updated regularly and was thoroughly reviewed in December 2023, with a view to making it more coherent and easier to understand.
Having been updated regularly since 2010, the ANJ said the previous list had “lost its readability and consistency.”
It has, therefore, now been rewritten, in consultation with the Sports Directorate of France’s Ministry of Sports and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as French sports federations and leagues, and betting operators.
By publishing a limited selection of events which are approved for betting, the ANJ aims to prevent the manipulation of sports, prohibit bets that do not rely on knowledge of a sport (e.g. bets on the colour of a player’s socks), and limit betting to certain competitions.
To achieve all of its objectives, the regulator also publishes a list of approved bet types – determining which in-event occurrences customers may bet on, so that they may not place bets on factors which are purely down to chance such as the result of a coin toss or whether a game will feature an odd or even number of goals.
In total, 179 sports competitions have been removed from the list in the overhaul. The list now includes 772 approved competitions for betting.
The ANJ said it had removed several competitions because they no longer exist, or because they no longer meet the legal criteria for inclusion on the list.
One reason for removal from the list could be a competition’s lack of significance, to which the ANJ attributed the removal of first level Armenian football, or the risk of sports manipulation, for which reason the first level Tunisian football championship was removed.
The ANJ also identified a particular risk of sports manipulation in US college sports, and for that reason removed all games but the final of the popular March Madness basketball competition.
On the other hand, several competitions were added back onto the list, including friendly matches played by the French men’s football and rugby teams.
A ban on handicap betting in tennis was also removed, as was a ban on bets on the number of points scored by a player in a basketball game, regardless of whether they score more or less than 20 points.
The new list will come into force on 1 March this year and will be evaluated at the end of the year “in consultation with all stakeholders.”
Compliance Updates
Danish Gambling Authority Opens Applications for Land-based Bingo Licences
The Danish Gambling Authority has officially opened applications for land-based bingo licences under the country’s new regulatory framework.
The licences will be valid from 1 January 2025 for applicants who meet the required conditions and submit complete applications by 10 December 2024.
This development provides opportunities for operators to offer land-based bingo within a regulated environment.
To assist prospective applicants, the Danish Gambling Authority has created a dedicated “Land-Based Bingo” webpage. Here, operators can access application materials, guidelines and instructions to ensure submissions are completed accurately.
Operators seeking a licence valid from 1 January 2025 must submit their applications by the 10 December deadline. Applications that meet all requirements will be processed in time for the start date.
In cases where additional information or conditions are needed, the authority may issue licences with specific stipulations, granting operators additional time to address outstanding issues.
To support industry stakeholders, the Danish Gambling Authority will host an information meeting about the new land-based bingo rules on 5 December 2024. The session will take place at Englandsgade 25, Odense, and interested parties are encouraged to register by 29 November 2024.
Compliance Updates
CT Interactive announces certification of new games for the Italian market
CT Interactive is thrilled to announce that new titles have officially received certification for the Italian market, ready to bring a fresh wave of entertainment to players across the country. This certification ensures that the games adhere to Italy’s stringent regulatory standards for fairness, security, and quality, reinforcing CT Interactive’s dedication to providing top-tier gaming experiences.
The newly certified games include: 5x Cherry Party, Christmas Storm, Jester Jack, Lucky Kiwi, Mega Gnome, Piggy Crash, Star Girl, The Big Chilli, The New Queen of Fruits, Treasure Chase.
These exciting games offer a diverse range of themes, from the festive charm of Christmas Storm to the whimsical adventures of Piggy Crash and Mega Gnome. Whether players are in the mood for the nostalgic appeal of a classic fruit slot like The New Queen of Fruits, or looking for thrilling treasure hunts in Treasure Chase, there’s something for every type of player.
Each game has been developed with a focus on delivering engaging features, rewarding bonuses, and immersive gameplay. With unique mechanics and visually striking graphics, these releases are designed to captivate Italian players and keep them returning for more.
CT Interactive remains committed to enhancing the Italian gaming landscape by consistently providing fresh, exciting content and introducing new ways to play.
Compliance Updates
MGA Marks Safer Gambling Week by Hosting Focus Group on Addressing Problem Gambling
As part of Safer Gambling Week, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has launched the first in a series of focus groups aimed at addressing problem gambling and its effects on Maltese communities.
Bringing together key stakeholders such as Caritas Malta, Aġenzija Sedqa, the OASI Foundation and the Responsible Gaming Foundation, the session explored a self-assessment tool that the Authority is currently developing, grounded in recent research and industry trends.
The self-assessment tool, which will be available both in English and in Maltese, will guide individuals through a set of questions to help them identify whether gambling is causing harm in their lives. Based on the user’s responses, the tool will provide personalised recommendations and direct them to appropriate support services.
With invaluable input from organisations experienced in supporting individuals affected by problem gambling, the tool will undergo further refinement to maximise its effectiveness and relevance.
Clinical Chair at Aġenzija Sedqa, Anna Maria Vella, hailed the focus group as a “welcome initiative” which brought together a multidisciplinary team of experts.
“Working together and not in silos is always beneficial. We learn from each other to be more effective.”
Louis Bellizzi, Secretary of Caritas’ Foundation for Victims of Usury, said: “The MGA is in a unique position to coordinate the national effort to help alleviate the scourge of gambling addictions.”
In recent years, the Authority has taken significant steps to promote safer gambling practices, ranging from regular supervisory reviews on responsible gambling to enforcing stricter regulations.
The MGA closely monitors operators’ implementation of behavioural monitoring systems, self-exclusion systems and responsible marketing practices.
With a focus on high-risk areas, the Authority is refining its supervisory approach to be more dynamic and data-driven, ensuring responsible gambling practices are maintained and continuously improved to protect players effectively.
The MGA’s efforts align closely with the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA)’s initiative to establish a unified European standard for identifying markers of harm. The MGA is actively engaged in this initiative, working closely with fellow regulators and industry experts to create a comprehensive standard aimed at early identification of behaviours indicative of problem gambling.
The Authority’s proactive involvement in such initiatives underscores its dedication to fostering a responsible and transparent gaming sector, both locally and across Europe.
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