Compliance Updates
The MGA Hosted GREF 2024 in Malta
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) hosted the Gaming Regulators European Forum’s (GREF) 2024 conference in Malta from May 20 to 22. This prestigious event united gaming regulators from over 25 countries, creating a dynamic platform to tackle pressing industry challenges and exchange invaluable insights.
This year was the first time regulators from other continents were present at the event, inviting a global outlook to the discussions held. Topics discussed ranged from the MGA’s ESG code, responsible gambling, digital and innovation, international perspectives on gambling regulation, anti money laundering and a geographical approach to gambling.
GREF chairperson Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin said she was honoured to open GREF’s 2024 Annual Conference. She underlined the growing maturity of GREF members in their gambling analyses and tools, the urgent need for cooperation between stakeholders, and GREF’s openness to international partnerships. She pointed out that: “European regulators cannot be isolated, apart from the other actors. Even if we have specific and unique responsibilities, we need to work with others to propose effective regulation”.
MGA CEO Charles Mizzi welcomed attendees to Malta for GREF’s 2024 Annual Conference, highlighting the importance of collaboration for effective regulation. He said: “The complexity of the industry demands collaborative efforts. With various stakeholders, including operators, technology providers, and government bodies – all playing critical roles – collaboration allows us to leverage the diverse expertise and perspectives to develop comprehensive and effective regulatory frameworks that address the complexities that are inherent to the industry.”
Additionally, Anna Grech, International Affairs & Policy Outreach Manager at the MGA, delved into the development of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Code as a means to acknowledge licensees’ commitment to sustainability, showcasing and building upon the positive initiatives already being undertaken by the gaming industry.
Rachel Bezzina, the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Manager at the MGA and co-chair of the GREF AML working group, also led a dialogue during the event. She delivered key updates on best practices for effective monitoring and supervision over ML/FT risks.
With over 90 participants representing regulatory bodies from various countries, the conference served as an excellent platform for networking and collaboration among international stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of a unified approach to gaming regulation.
Compliance Updates
eGaming Integrity Launches to Enhance Compliance for OGRA Licence Holders and CSPs
We proudly announce the official launch of eGaming Integrity, a specialised compliance services provider exclusively dedicated to protecting OGRA licence holders and the CSPs that support them.
Our mission is to enable online gambling operators, and the CSPs that support them, with the tools they need to thrive in the Isle of Man, ensuring integrity, transparency, and adherence to industry standards.
The Isle of Man eGaming sector continues to grow at a rapid pace, with the number of OGRA licensees more than doubling in recent years. With the sector having grown so quickly, it has led to a shortage of highly qualified, well trained, and egaming experienced compliance and AML professionals locally. This skills shortage presents a significant challenge for online gambling operators licensed here.
With our team of industry experts and former regulators, eGaming Integrity enables businesses to remain compliant with the stringent regulatory requirements under the Isle of Man licence through our tailored services which include mock audits, remediation, and internal audits.
Speaking about the requirement for such services, Emma Shilling, eGaming Integrity director said “licensed online gambling operators and local Corporate Service Providers have been looking for a credible provider to offer specialist services beyond day-to-day compliance. We’ve already helped several CSPs navigate the sector in previous roles, where eGaming isn’t always the primary area of expertise so businesses have sought our experience and industry knowledge to help them service their clients more effectively.”
Fellow director, Nick Bowden added “our in-depth evaluations prepare operators for regulatory visits, remediation support to bring businesses back into good standing with the regulator, and independent assurance makes sure risk management, governance and internal control processes are operating effectively.
eGaming Integrity are now working with a number of OGRA licence holders and local CSPs, providing customised compliance and regulatory advisory services that align with business objectives and operational intricacies.
Australia
Australia Enforces Credit Card Ban for Online Gambling
Australia has enforced an online gambling credit card ban, meaning that players can no longer use them as a payment method.
Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) and its members have been strong supporters of this measure and have worked with the Commonwealth Government and the financial services industry since 2021 to deliver this credit card ban.
Responsible Wagering Australia CEO Kai Cantwell said that this change was much needed, as Australians should only be gambling with money that they have.
“This is an important measure to protect customers, making it easier for people to stay in control of their own gambling behaviour,” Mr Cantwell said.
“It will complement the existing offering of safer gambling account management tools by RWA members.
“RWA and its members support the extension of this measure to all forms of gambling that have been exempted from the ban such as lotteries and keno.
“If consumer protection measures aren’t consistent across all forms of gambling it will incentivise vulnerable Australians to move to less-regulated types of gambling, where they are more at risk of harm.”
RWA members provide a range of tools to ensure people can gamble safely, many of which have been adopted by the Commonwealth Government as part of the National Consumer Protection Framework (NCPF).
“The NCPF is expected to be evaluated shortly and we look forward to engaging in this process to ensure that consumer protection tools are fit-for-purpose and support a safe and sustainable regulated gambling environment,” Mr Cantwell said.
Compliance Updates
Ukraine Regulator KRAIL Blocks 371 Illegal Gambling Sites
The Ukrainian Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL) has announced that it has blocked 371 unlicensed gambling websites. It said joint action with the security service led to the issue of Order No. 451/2256, which instructs service providers to block the domains using Domain Name System (DNS) servers.
KRAIL said that during April and May it issued 1000 orders to limit access to domain names and subdomains.
While KRAIL remains operational, Ukraine’s parliament voted in April to disband the regulator. There had been criticism of the regulator’s collegial structure, which requires at least five of its six members to be present for meetings to be valid. Amid disruption caused by military service following the Russian invasion, this has often led to meetings being cancelled and long delays for licence applications.
There will be a second reading of the bill before it can be signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The liquidation of KRAIL would put gambling regulation under the digital transformation ministry until a new regulator is established.
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