A representative from the Gibraltar Gambling Division, who specialises in sports integrity matters, has attended a high- level workshop hosted jointly by the International Olympic Committee and UEFA at Olympic House in Lausanne Switzerland. The cost of the trip was funded by the international sports governing bodies.

With both the Olympics and the Euros being held later this year, the meeting was an opportunity for all stakeholders, including gambling regulators in a number of jurisdictions (including Gibraltar) to discuss a coordinated strategy to identify suspicious betting activity and to prevent match (competition) fixing on a proactive basis.

In 22/23, the Gambling Division received 42 betting integrity reports from gambling operators, 13 requests for assistance from the Olympic movement Unit of the Prevention of Manipulation of Sports competitions and was involved with a large number of disseminations to domestic and international sports governing bodies (including FIFA and UEFA); as well as engagement with law enforcement authorities.

Last month, the GFA hosted a UEFA Seminar on match fixing in Gibraltar which was also attended by representatives from the Gambling Division.

Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner Andrew Lyman said: “Sports integrity work and liaising with stakeholders on match fixing is an important, but often unseen part of our work. Operators are obliged to report suspicious activity in this area and the Gambling Division applies its expertise to enhance intelligence and support the lawful flow of information to the appropriate authorities, including sports governing bodies, for further investigation.

“The manipulation of sports competition by spot fixing or match fixing undermines the very essence of fair and unpredictable sporting outcomes. The forthcoming Gambling Bill will introduce a criminal offence of cheating at gambling which will serve to further deter such activity.”

B2B gaming supplier Push Gaming is the latest studio to partner with the new UK-facing online casino from the brains behind the popular affiliate site Slots Temple.

Push Gaming’s formidable line-up of games includes all its famous titles, live on the fresh, new entrant to the UK market. Razor Returns, Retro Tapes and Big Bamboo can all be enjoyed by Slots Temple players.

The highly anticipated sequel Retro Sweets will soon be available, along with the rest of Push’s upcoming new games roadmap, including Cats of Olympuss and The Grand Show.

A group of online gaming enthusiasts runs Slots Temple with decades of industry experience. Together, they have brought their combined knowledge and passion to bear with one of the fastest-growing new sites in the UK market.

The partnership marks another step forward in Push Gaming’s recent impressive global growth as it maintains its momentum in the latter stages of H1.

Fiona Hickey, Chief Business Development Officer at Push Gaming, said: “It’s not often you see established affiliate sites taking the step into real-money operating but the move speaks volumes for the experience and ambition of the team at Slots Temple.

“That kind of drive and vision mirrors how we develop at Push and so it’s a pleasure to work with them and add our leading slot library to its ranks. It also strengthens our position in the key UK market as we continue expanding in regulated markets.”

Fraser Linkleter, Director at Slots Temple added: “Push Gaming and its renowned collection of games needs no introduction to UK players. It’s a brand we absolutely had to have in our lobby and we think our players will wholeheartedly agree.

“We’re all about quality, choice and today’s best slots. Push Gaming gives us that in abundance and we’re delighted to welcome its content to our platform.”

The NSW Independent Casino Commission has found Crown Sydney suitable to retain its casino licence after nearly three years of intensive remediation.

Chief Commissioner, Philip Crawford, said Crown has come a long way and must now demonstrate its long-term commitment to maintaining suitability.

“The NICC is confident the Crown we deemed suitable today has a strong model to keep operating into the future,” Mr Crawford said.

The NICC’s suitability assessment established that Crown Sydney has fundamentally reformed its business and is operating the casino within the objects of the Act, the requirements of the suitability deed, and in compliance with its regulatory obligations.

In addition to proving it can run the casino lawfully, Crown has remediated its business in other meaningful ways such as building a culture of transparency and accountability across its integrated resort.

“Hard work and transformation aside, the NICC has not forgotten the level of misconduct exposed in 2021 when Crown was found unsuitable,” said Mr Crawford.

“Crown Sydney has ongoing work to reach steady state and it must continue to lift standards and maintain its cultural transformation.

“There is and will always be room for improvement, but Crown is a changed business that is looking toward the future.

“Likewise, the NICC is a changed regulator with enhanced powers, a singular focus on casinos, and a mandate to address the risks of harm.

“This decision is a positive outcome for Crown Sydney, its staff, and the community – who can be sure the NICC will use all of its powers to keep the casino in check.”

In addition to the implementation of hundreds of new internal controls, the Bergin-based reforms have been reflected in a new licence and new regulatory agreement between Crown Sydney, the NSW Government and the NICC.

These agreements include updated settings, such as the removal of fetters to the NICC’s powers, as well as previous compensation trigger clauses that are no longer part of the casino legislation.

Mr Crawford said: “Crown cannot disregard the responsibility and privilege that comes with holding a casino licence. Crown Sydney’s ability to provide a destination hospitality and entertainment venue underpinned by the restricted gaming facility is contingent on its steadfast commitment to continuing suitability, accountability and compliance.”