Chinese football authorities have banned 43 individuals for life due to their involvement in gambling and match-fixing scandals. The list includes three former China international footballers and South Korean World Cup player Son Jun-ho.

China’s extensive football corruption crackdown campaign has been ongoing since 2022. The National Sports General Administration and the Ministry of Public Security have led efforts to address issues of match-fixing and gambling in the sport. They have investigated over 120 matches, involving 83 players, referees, coaches and club officials. To date, 44 individuals have been sentenced, with 34 receiving prison terms.

The recent announcement of these lifetime bans came shortly after the national team’s 7-0 loss to Japan.

Son Jun-ho, who played for Shandong Taishan in the Chinese Super League and represented South Korea in the 2022 World Cup, has been accused of participating in match-fixing and accepting bribes. Son returned to South Korea in March 2024 after being detained in China since May 2023. The authorities initially stated that he was held “on suspicion of accepting bribes by non-state employees” but did not provide further details.

Other notable figures banned include Jin Jingdao, a former Shandong Taishan player, and Chinese international players Guo Tianyu and Gu Chao.

Comtrade Gaming’s CG Games division has announced its approval for the distribution of casino content in Romania.

The license will allow players in Romania to access a range of games from the CG Games portfolio, including Sweet Treasure, Crash Soccer, Wild Miner, Diamond King, Break the Bank and many more.

“This is a key step for CG Games. We have been very successful in the Romanian market for many years, with our iGaming Platform, and this extension of our license means we can increase our offering to our partners. It also now allows us to work with all operators in that market, regardless of the platform they use, and we are very excited to bring our games to this market,” said Comtrade Gaming’s Chief Commercial Officer, Steven Valentine.

Betsson Group has managed to secure four award nominations for the 8th edition of the Global Regulatory Awards. Held annually since 2017, the awards hosted by Vixio, a leading provider of regulatory intelligence solutions, recognise the achievements of individuals, teams, and organisations in the gaming industry that have excelled in compliance, corporate social responsibility, and safer gaming.

According to the official website of the Global Regulatory Awards, Vixio received a record number of submissions this year, making 2024 their most competitive year by far.

The 2024 Global Regulatory Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on 4th December 2024.

Betsson Group is shortlisted for three company awards and one individual award.

1. Commitment to Compliance by an Operator

This award celebrates a leading compliance initiative by a gambling operator that has significantly improved internal expertise and set a new standard for industry best practices. The judges will look for an initiative that demonstrates transformative improvements in processes, technology, reporting, and training, while also promoting best practices across the sector.

2. Chief Compliance Officer of the Year – Corinne Valletta

This award celebrates an exceptional compliance leader who consistently exceeds expectations, expertly navigates regulatory challenges, and has significantly elevated the compliance standards within their organisation through pragmatic solutions, operational transformation, and thought leadership. The award seeks a leader who actively collaborates with management, their team, and regulatory bodies to foster a culture of compliance. Judges will look for concrete examples of the nominee’s impact, including industry conference appearances, introduced training initiatives, and demonstrations of thought leadership.

3. Compliance Team of the Year

This award honours a compliance team within an organisation that actively fosters a culture of compliance, responding effectively to regulatory changes and driving their organization to lead in new compliance standards. Judges will evaluate how the team has cultivated a compliance-focused culture, collaborated across the organisation, initiated training, and influenced business practices and industry engagement, including with trade associations. Special consideration will be given to teams that have led their organisation into new compliance jurisdictions in emerging markets.

4. Legal Team of the Year

This award recogises a legal team that protects the company’s reputation by ensuring compliance with regulations, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and organisational skills, and proactively advising management. Judges will assess how the team promotes best practices, keeps the business ahead of regulatory changes, and minimises the impact on both the bottom line and daily operations.

In conclusion, the above nominations highlight Betsson’s strong compliance culture and commitment to raising its standards in compliance to ensure a safe and stable business.