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Malta: The Jurisdiction Of Choice For Blockchain Businesses?

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The Jurisdiction Of Choice For Blockchain Businesses?
Dr Joseph F. Borg, WH Partners - Photos credits: Alan Carville
Reading Time: 5 minutes

The below interview has been conducted by Jo Caruana (MaltaChamber.org.mt) – View original source here.

Dr Joseph F. Borg, an advocate and partner at WH Partners, talks through the history of Blockchain and highlights its potential path for the future.

There is an absolute buzz about cryptocurrencies at the moment, as well as whether to invest in them, or to put them down to a scam. Either way, the business world is fascinated.

One expert on the subject is Dr Joseph F. Borg, an advocate and partner at WH Partners, who heads the Blockchain Advisory and the Gaming and Gambling Advisory sections of the firm. On top of that, he is the Vice-President and Co-Founder of BitMalta, which is a non-profit organisation that promotes and stimulates discussion about Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in Malta.

“Let’s begin by explaining what a cryptocurrency actually is,” Dr Borg says. “Essentially, it is a type of convertible virtual currency secured by cryptography that is built on top of the Blockchain – a type of distributed ledger technology which does away with the need for a third-party clearinghouse and central issuer. As a result of their underlying decentralised technology, cryptocurrencies have introduced much-needed competition in the digital payments industry and have the potential to contribute positively to citizens’ welfare and economic development, including in the financial sector. Some of the most popular touted benefits of cryptocurrencies are their ability to lower transaction and operational costs, to promote financial inclusion, to enhance the resilience and speed of payment systems, and to increase users’ security and privacy, among others.”

Nevertheless, the idea presented by cryptocurrencies – the first of which was Bitcoin – was not in fact new. A number of similar virtual currency systems including e-Cash, Bit Gold and RPOW, were introduced in the 1990s.

“The true innovation of cryptocurrencies following the ‘Bitcoin model’ is their innovative approach to addressing the ‘double spending problem’,” Dr Borg continues. “This refers to the inherent difficulty of sending money or anything valuable over the internet since a digital asset essentially comprises a digital file that can be duplicated or falsified.”

Pre-Bitcoin, existing virtual currency systems required the use of an intermediary or clearinghouse to manage and verify the transaction (and ensure that the same money was not spent twice). The Blockchain, which underlies cryptocurrencies, does away with the need for such an intermediary by keeping a record of every transaction on a time-stamped database that is dispersed among the different users of the network. “Blockchain’s solution to the ‘double spending problem’ has been described as its ‘revolutionary promise’ and the hype factor surrounding the technology has now led multiple companies to unveil a multitude of Blockchain initiatives,” the advocate continues.

“The hype is really about Blockchain and not cryptocurrencies per se. Cryptocurrencies are really the very first application of Blockchain technology, and which have the potential to disrupt the payments industry, once they have achieved the level of mainstream use.”

On the other hand, Blockchain has more widespread potential applications, in myriad industries, including but not limited to the spheres of finance, healthcare, energy and entertainment. “The buzz surrounding Blockchain technologies continues to grow, and this is most evidently illustrated by the rapid increase in the creation of not only new cryptocurrencies (the so-called ‘altcoins’), but also by the creation of self-executing digital contracts (smart contracts), intelligent assets which may be controlled over the Internet (smart property), and decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs) which can operate over a network of computers without human intervention, among many other applications,” Dr Borg says.

Locally, Government approved its National Blockchain Strategy in April 2017 and, just a few months later, launched a Blockchain Taskforce with a view to establish the Maltese legal system as the leading international hub for digital technology innovation.

“Currently, the only concrete step undertaken by Government towards achieving a comprehensive regulatory framework for operators wishing to provide services incorporating Blockchain technology is the Supplementary Rules for Collective Investment Schemes Investing in Virtual Currencies, issued by the local financial regulator, the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA),” Dr Borg says.

Following on from this, a consultation document was published on 16th February 2018 proposing three legislative instruments: the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) Bill, the Technology Arrangements (TAs) Bill and the Virtual Currency (VC) Bill. The MDIA Act is envisaged to provide for the establishment of a national regulatory body that will oversee the voluntary certification of TAs such as smart contracts and cryptocurrency platforms, and the registration of Technology Service Providers (TSPs) including the auditors and administrators of TAs. The MDIA will be responsible, inter alia, for the protection of users and consumers which interface or use DLT, the harmonisation of practices and the adoption of standards in the Maltese sector, and the promotion of legal certainty in the application of laws to DLT businesses, in both a national and a cross-border context.

“Mindful that the disruptive nature of Blockchain technology renders it apt to have spill-over effects in an array of sectors, the MDIA Act is proposed to prescribe a Joint Coordination Board with the responsibility of fostering effective cooperation between National Competent Authorities like the MFSA and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA),” Dr Borg continues. “The consultation document also proposes a VC Act which will largely follow the principles laid down in the MFSA’s discussion paper on ICOs, virtual currencies and related service providers. It is projected that the VC Act will provide for a Financial Instruments Test which will determine whether a particular cryptocurrency, within the context of an ICO or on a stand-alone basis, constitutes a ‘financial instrument’ which must comply with applicable local and EU investment services legislation.

“With this in mind, Government evidently looks favourably upon Blockchain-based businesses and is actively seeking to create a workable regulatory framework to further promote this nascent industry and to become a pioneer in regulating DLT and Blockchain technology. While other jurisdictions have chosen to regulate Blockchain-related operations in a piecemeal fashion, focusing only on the areas that the respective governments/states consider to be of importance (such as issues of taxation or money laundering), the Maltese Government is considering a holistic, all-encompassing regulatory approach to creating the most attractive environment for Blockchain start-ups to choose Malta as their base. Evidently, the recent announcement by cryptocurrency exchange Binance (the largest cryptocurrency in the world in terms of volume) is proof that Malta is indeed becoming a melting pot for Blockchain businesses, start-ups and industry giants alike.”

Finally, Dr Borg assesses the main challenges that lie ahead of making Malta the jurisdiction of choice for companies engaged in Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies.

“While the debate surrounding the possibility for centralised rules to regulate decentralised technologies remains unsettled, there seems to be consensus by the stakeholders and market players of the Blockchain and cryptocurrency industry that some form of regulation (especially in the form of guidance) is important,” he says.

“The greatest challenge to make Malta the jurisdiction of choice for Blockchain-based businesses therefore rests in any proposed regulatory framework not falling prey to over-regulation. The test for local policymakers and regulators will be the development of a regulatory system which addresses the primary policy concerns of Blockchain technologies (such as money laundering and illicit activities), without smothering the benefits which the new technology and its various applications are poised to provide to legitimate users, including companies.”

 

Source:  MaltaChamber.org.mt

 

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SOFTSWISS and Evolution Launch Evo Prime Drop Campaign

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SOFTSWISS and Evolution Launch Evo Prime Drop Campaign
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The SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator, a multipurpose gamification system for managing promotional campaigns, launched the Evo Prime Drop campaign in partnership with Evolution Gaming Group AB in March. The Evo Prime Drop aims to enhance player engagement and highlight captivating games integrated with Evolution. 

Evolution is a leading B2B solution provider for casino operators offering live casino, live game shows, slots and more. The Evo Prime Drop leverages Evolution’s extensive portfolio, available through the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator, to feature premium games from such developers as NetEnt, Red Tiger, and Big Time Gaming (BTG). 

An exceptional aspect of the Evo Prime Drop is its accessibility to casino operators within the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator network at no extra charge. This arrangement between Evolution and SOFTSWISS supports their partners in enhancing player engagement and retention. 

The campaign’s jackpot prize pool is another highlight, featuring a generous 50,000 euro. The campaign is designed to be inclusive, allowing players to participate with a minimum bet of just 1 euro. The campaign started on 11 March and will conclude on 31 March. 

The prize distribution is thoughtfully structured to maximise the number of winners, with 20 top prizes of 1,000 euro each, 100 prizes of 100 euro, and 400 prizes of 50 euro. This tiered system adds to the appeal of the Evo Prime Drop, making it a highly anticipated event in the online gaming calendar. 

This inaugural campaign, launched in collaboration with a game provider, paves the way for further initiatives for SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator clients. The Jackpot Aggregator’s unique mechanics and the Game Aggregator’s user-friendly settings make the launch seamless and fast.

Aliaksei Douhin, Head of SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator, comments: “We see immense potential in such campaigns because they present a win-win solution for all parties involved. 

Beyond addressing the casino’s primary objective of retaining and attracting players, these mechanics offer providers additional opportunities to promote their games. Furthermore, players gain new experiences, exactly what draws them to us. 

Thanks to the quick and easy launch, we view these campaigns as a positive development for the industry. 

Special thanks to Evolution for their pivotal partnership in Evo Prime Drop. Evolution’s support is instrumental in bringing these gaming opportunities to life, showcasing the strength of collaborative efforts in advancing the gaming industry.”

Nicholas Peters, Chief Business Development Officer Europe at Evolution, adds: “We are excited to partner with SOFTSWISS in the Evo Prime Drop campaign. Collaborating with the expert team behind the Jackpot Aggregator, and given the excellence of SOFTSWISS’ software solutions and the premium games from providers integrated by Evolution, we are confident in the campaign’s success.

We are constantly looking for new technologies and mechanics to maintain a leading position in the market and provide innovative solutions to our customers. We are pleased that our collaboration with the SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator has proven to be mutually beneficial. “

 

About SOFTSWISS 

SOFTSWISS is an international tech company supplying software solutions for managing iGaming projects. The expert team, which counts over 2,000 employees, is based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides one-stop-shop iGaming software solutions. The company has a vast product portfolio, including the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with thousands of casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS was the first in the world to introduce a Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution.

 

About Evolution

Evolution Group is a leading B2B provider of online casino content. Evolution’s brands are synonymous with outstanding solutions and the widest choice in the online gaming world. As well as being a world-leader of live dealer gaming with its Evolution and Ezugi brands, the NetEnt, RedTiger, Big Time Gaming and Nolimit City studios produce some of the industry’s most innovative and commercially successful slots. The Digiwheel brand is the developer of the world’s first patented HD spinning gaming wheel, offering opportunities to bring the very best of wheel based online games to land-based casinos. Livespins is an innovative B2B social streaming game provider that enables.

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BetConstruct Introduces 3 New Advanced Services: Zone Solutions, Pro DDOS Protection and Business Dashboard

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BetConstruct, a global leader in iGaming technologies committed to constant progress, has launched 3 services aimed at the high performance and growth of its partners: Zone Solutions, Pro DDOS Protection and Business Dashboard.

These services are precisely crafted to address the diverse needs of BetContruct’s partners providing them with leading-edge solutions to foster success in the competitive world of iGaming.

Zone Solutions

Zone Solutions is an all-encompassing suite of domain management services and solutions tailored specifically for Turnkey partners with domain management on their side to upgrade online operations and handle domain management with ease and confidence. From proactive strategies to meeting regulatory compliance measures, Zone Solutions helps businesses enhance an efficient online presence.

Pro DDOS Protection

Pro DDOS Protection is a comprehensive cybersecurity solution tailored specifically for White Label and Turnkey Partners, with domain management handled on the provider’s side. This leading-edge product is designed to combat Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) attacks and safeguard web applications. With its instant threat detection, enhanced WAF capabilities, and rapid response, the DDOS mitigation service provides security and reliability of the digital assets of White Label and Turnkey Partners.

Business Dashboard

Business Dashboard is a powerful analytics platform that delivers real-time insights and simplifies gaming business management. This comprehensive tool allows to track key metrics across finances, player acquisition, and website traffic. It helps to optimise casino & sportsbook performance and make data-driven decisions for success.

Embracing these services, partners can confidently navigate challenges, elevate their online operations, and seize opportunities for growth in the dynamic world of iGaming. With BetConstruct as a trusted ally, the future of online gaming holds limitless potential for those who dare to innovate and succeed.

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Booming Games launches another smash hit with Lucky Oasis

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Let your players be transported to a world of opulence and excitement with Booming Games’ latest hit slot – Lucky Oasis.

Lucky Oasis, is a 5×3, 20-payline video slot that has been designed to immerse players into a world full of engaging new features, set against a backdrop of showgirls and the rolling of dice which will have your players quickly feeling like a high roller.

With just 3 or more Scatter symbols, players can unlock up to 12 Free Spins. Additionally, the game’s unique ‘Random Selection’ feature cranks up the excitement further, by providing players with a simple auto-selection mechanism to enhance their overall gaming experience.

However, one of the standout features of Lucky Oasis is its Wild Multipliers, which can substitute for all symbols except the Scatter, with the potential to multiply wins by up to 3,024x.

Moritz Blume, Director of Product at Booming Games commented, “Lucky Oasis is such a great addition to our game portfolio because it’s where two worlds collide. It’s packed full of innovative features that players have come to love about our games, combined with the nostalgic feel of a casino you’d find sheltering under the Nevada sun.

“We love what we do and I think this is mirrored in the games that we release and Lucky Oasis is no exception. We are really excited to see this game go live and it’s impending success.”

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