Compliance Updates
BetComply launches ComplyCheck to steer operators through Netherlands duty of care
BetComply, iGaming’s most trusted technical and regulatory compliance firm, has launched a new self-assessment / audit hybrid designed to help licence holders in the Netherlands navigate increasingly complex requirements – including tightened supervision planned by the regulator this year.
ComplyCheck is an innovative self-assessment tool, powered by SG Certified, that begins with a set of questions, presented in simple language, that operators can complete and substantiate with evidence in their own time, before submitting to the BetComply team for review.
This is then analysed by BetComply regulatory experts, who provide a full report highlighting any gaps where the operator may not be compliant presently, as well as insights into whether they’ll be compliant with the new guidance currently in consultation.
Mike de Graaff, Chief Compliance Officer at BetComply, said: “The KSA has made it very clear that licence holders in the Netherlands are at genuine risk of sanctions if they are not proactive when it comes to providing a duty of care to their customers. With ComplyCheck, we take the guesswork out of meeting compliance requirements in an efficient and cost-saving manner that works with the daily operations of your business.”
Last year, the KSA published a report on the duty of care expected of licensed online casino operators in the Netherlands, pledging increased supervision in 2024. This was reinforced in February with the KSA again confirming duty of care to be one of the main priorities in enforcement.
This means companies must be proactive in protecting customers against developing gambling addiction and/or excessive participation. The new guidance will play a central role in KSA supervision during 2024.
Since launching last year, BetComply is already helping several operators meet the requirements of the Netherlands’ ever-evolving gaming ecosystem.
Co-founder and Chief Compliance Officer Mike de Graaf has a strong reputation in the Netherlands for assisting with licence applications and overhauling frameworks. He has assisted more than a third of all Netherlands’ granted licences.
Compliance Updates
Play’n GO celebrates award of Malta Gaming Authority ESG-C Seal
Swedish gaming giant the only B2B company awarded Tier 2 seal in recognition of “aspirational level” of ESG reporting
Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced it has received the Malta Gaming Authority’s ESG-C Tier 2 Seal in recognition of its efforts and reporting of ESG activities.
Earlier this year, the legendary games studio released its 2023 Sustainability Report, outlining its commitment to a sustainable future, both for the iGaming industry and the planet as a whole. The report covered everything from Play’n GO’s commitments to “Net Zero”, greener working practices, and the company’s “Culture of Belonging” in a Digital First world.
Play’n GO recently became the only iGaming business to be nominated at the 2024 Corporate Star Awards, where its Sustainability Report was recognised alongside global leaders such as SONY Entertainment and Globo.
Vanessa Arenram, CSR Director at Play’n GO, commented “We’re pleased to have our commitment to a sustainable world recognised in this way by the Malta Gaming Authority. Our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility goes far beyond mere words- it’s reflected in our actions, initiatives, and the positive impact we strive to create, both within our industry and the wider world. Our 2023 Sustainability Report received very positive feedback, both internally and externally, and we look forward to publishing the 2024 version early next year. We would like to thank the Malta Gaming Authority for this award, and pledge to continue the work for many years to come.”
Compliance Updates
MGA Publishes Skills Gap Report, Unveiling Insights into Workforce Trends and Industry Challenges
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has released its latest report analysing the skills gap in the online gaming industry, based on surveys conducted between 2020 and 2024. The findings, reflecting data from 2019 to 2023, provide valuable insights into workforce trends, challenges, and opportunities across MGA-licensed activities in Malta.
Key Findings from the Report
Positive Labour Market Dynamics
75.8% of surveyed respondents rated Malta positively in areas such as labour market trends, skills availability, and training opportunities when compared to other jurisdictions.
Vacancy Trends in 2023
At the end of 2023, 74.9% of job vacancies had been open for less than three months.
There were 92.5 vacancies per 1000 employees in MGA-licensed activities, with a total of 885 open positions reported by online gaming companies in Malta.
Vacancy Breakdown by Level
79.2% of open positions were at the operational level.
18.8% were at middle management, while top management roles accounted for 2.0% of total vacancies.
Roles in Demand
Marketing roles (including customer care) represented 21.1% of vacancies, while technology-related positions made up 16.8%.
Top Barriers to Recruitment
The most common reasons for unfilled vacancies over the reporting period were:
Lack of work experience.
Competition from other firms.
Insufficient qualifications.
Recruitment Trends in 2023
84.9% of surveyed firms hired personnel from other companies within the industry.
Only 25.8% recruited directly from university graduates, underscoring the need for better alignment between educational programmes and industry needs.
Addressing Skills Gaps
71.7% of firms implemented in-house training or mentoring programmes to address skill shortages.
55.4% intensified employee retention efforts as a strategy to close skills gaps.
MGA CEO, Charles Mizzi, commented on the report’s findings:
“As Malta’s gaming industry evolves, it is essential to adapt and strengthen the foundations that support its success.”
“The Skills Gap Report reveals important insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead, particularly the need for targeted skills development and stronger partnerships between educational institutions and industry. By addressing these priorities, we can ensure sustainable growth and maintain Malta’s leadership in the global gaming ecosystem.”
Australia
VGCCC: Shepparton Hotel Operator Fined $100,000
Goulburn Valley Hotel (GVH) Shepparton Pty Ltd has been issued a $100,000 fine for providing false information to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC).
In November 2022, GVH applied for a licence to operate 40 poker machines at the Shepparton hotel but did not disclose that the licence nominee had been found guilty of 2 counts of negligently dealing with the proceeds of crime, without conviction, in June 2022.
VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt AM said it is a requirement under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (Vic) that criminal offending is disclosed as part of the licence application process.
“By providing wrong information, an applicant impedes the regulator from fully assessing their suitability to hold a licence,” she said.
“We expect applicants to abide by the law and provide complete and accurate information. This is a critical part of ensuring that the gambling industry operates with safety and integrity and is free from criminal influence or exploitation.”
Ms Kimmitt said GVH’s cooperation with the investigation was taken into account in determining the fine.
“The $100,000 fine reflects the severity of the offence and should demonstrate to other applicants and operators that we’re serious about compliance with legal obligations.”
Additional licence and reporting conditions have been applied to GVH and another venue operator licence associated with the nominee, Pan Hotels Pty Ltd.
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