Latest News
Turkey probes money laundering against 13 Cyprus Casinos
Turkish authorities have initiated a money-laundering investigation into 13 casinos that operate in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. It is believed that around $5 billion has been laundered through these casinos. The authorities are questioning the staff from 20 companies involved in the management and operation of these casinos.
On Tuesday, the Havadis, a Northern Cypriot publication, wrote that the Turkish Board of Investigation on Financial Crimes (MASAK) has ordered $100 million to be confiscated from suspects. In an earlier probe, the specialised board found that 13 casinos based in the northern side of the island were involved in large financial transactions done in foreign currency.
These transfers were completed through the personal banking accounts of individuals working in a total of 20 companies. These firms, investigators believe, are linked to the casinos – they are either owned by the casino operators or are managing the gaming operations.
Along with the employees’ accounts that were involved in the scheme, the accounts of seven casino managers were also found to have transferred the money. The police are now tracking the transactions worth around $5 billion, the Havadis reports. Another paper, the Daily Sabah, writes that huge amounts of money were transferred abroad. Investigators believe that these were the proceeds of illegal gambling, the media says. The suspects who are now under investigation had multiple accounts in seven Turkish banks, one of which was Bank Asya. It was closed by Turkish authorities due to its suspected links with the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ).
Apparently, the issue is quite controversial, at least among different Northern Cypriot and Turkish media outlets. Local authorities told the Kibris paper that no such investigation was taking place in Northern Cyprus. They were not contacted by the Turkish police and the only information they had about the issue was from media reports, the publication adds.
Clamping Down on Illegal Gambling Dens
Earlier this month, Turkish police detained 11 individuals on the suspicion of operating illegal betting shops and dens, the Daily Sabah writes. The country is trying to deal with the underground gambling market, possibly worth billions of dollars. As football is the most popular sport in Turkey, authorities are concerned that the illegal betting operations will significantly increase in size during the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Last year, the government passed legislation that helps investigators freeze the bank accounts of companies and individuals linked with illegal gambling. Although law enforcement officials say they work in close cooperation with banks in order to detect and track accounts linked with illegal betting gangs, it is extremely difficult to monitor this activity. Underground bookies have various methods for circumventing the strict monitoring of bank transfers.
The 2018 World Cup is expected to be the most televised sports event of the year and it will certainly be the biggest one when it comes to wagers. The football tournament kicks off June 14 in Russia and matches will be held in various venues across the country until July 15.
Source: casinoreports.ca
Asia
Goa Introduces an Entirely Online Lottery Platform
In a move towards modernising India’s lottery sector, the state of Goa has introduced an entirely online lottery platform, sanctioned by the Directorate of Small Savings and Lotteries. This initiative, known as Great Goa Games, aims to bring transparency and convenience to an industry that has long grappled with allegations of mismanagement and fraud.
Ticket sales commenced Monday, with the inaugural draw set for Sunday. Rhiti Group, led by founder Arun Pandey, was granted the license to operate and market the platform. “Our mission is to democratize opportunities through technology,” Pandey stated, emphasizing the secure and user-friendly nature of the app-based system.
Goa government official Narayan Gad lauded the move as a step forward for the Indian lottery sector. “With our online lottery streamlining processes through technology, we are setting a new standard in the lottery industry,” Gad remarked. “The technology-based product will enhance transparency and ensure improved monitoring and regulation of operations.”
This development follows new rules governing online lotteries, introduced by the Goa directorate in February 2023. Currently, 13 states in India, including Goa, allow lottery games, though others have banned them due to concerns over gambling addiction and operational irregularities.
Latest News
Catena Media Announces Board Changes
Catena Media’s board of directors announced the appointment of Stephen Taylor-Matthews as non-executive director and the departure of Øystein Engebretsen from the board of directors.
Based in London, Stephen Taylor-Matthews is a tech entrepreneur, executive advisor and investor with over two decades of experience in online gaming, sports betting and data analytics.
He is the founder of Polynate, an AI-first company delivering next-generation sports engagement solutions, and has worked at Underdog Fantasy, GoatGaming and Betgenius in previous roles.
Stephen Taylor-Matthews commented: “Catena Media is in a transformation phase and I’m excited to be joining the board at this juncture and to contributing my industry expertise and insight.”
The appointment coincides with the departure from the board of Øystein Engebretsen, who has served as non-executive director since September 2018.
Erik Flinck, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said: “Øystein has made a valuable and important contribution to Catena Media for more than six years. I warmly thank him for his efforts and wish him well in his current and future ventures. At the same time, I am delighted to welcome Stephen Taylor-Matthews to the board. His experience and expertise will be a valuable asset for Catena Media as we move forward.”
Stephen Taylor-Matthews’ appointment will become effective once all necessary filings are made with the Malta Business Registry, and his term will run up until the end of the next annual general meeting, in accordance with the Maltese Companies Act and Catena Media’s articles of association.
Latest News
Endorphina Partners with R. Franco Digital to Expand Reach
The leading online slot games provider, Endorphina, has announced a brand-new partnership with R. Franco Digital, a renowned manufacturer of AWP machines. This collaboration allows Endorphina to expand its reach in the Spanish and Latin American markets.
Endorphina is one of the top iGaming software providers for the B2B market, developing online slots that cater to a wide range of slot enthusiasts. Over the years, the provider has established itself as one of the most innovative slot suppliers in the industry, dedicated to expanding its products to players worldwide.
Zdenek Llosa, Senior Partnership Manager at Endorphina, said: “We are genuinely excited to join forces with R. Franco Digital, a trusted name with a rich legacy in the Spanish and Latin American gaming world. Partnering with a platform that shares our passion for quality and player satisfaction is truly inspiring. Together with the R. Franco team, we look forward to creating memorable, fun experiences that bring joy and excitement to our shared communities across Spain and LATAM. This collaboration feels like the beginning of something truly special.”
Franco Digital, a subsidiary of the Recreativos Franco Group, has been known for providing its customers with the best turnkey solutions for over 50 years. As a pioneering manufacturer of AWP machines, R. Franco Digital is founded on an innovative company culture that uses the best methodologies and technologies available, working with talented and disruptive people to deliver the best solutions.
“At R. Franco Digital, we are always striving to enhance our platform with innovative, top-quality content that resonates with our audiences, particularly in Spain and Latin America. Partnering with Endorphina allows us to bring a fresh, engaging catalog of games to our players, combining our platform’s power with Endorphina’s creativity and expertise. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering premium gaming experiences tailored for Spanish-speaking markets,” said Javier Sacristán, International Business Director of R. Franco Digital.
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