Compliance Updates
EGBA: Finland’s New Gambling Legislation: A Step Forward, With Room For Improvement
Finland’s proposed change to its online gambling legislation marks a significant milestone in European gambling regulation. Finland is the last EU country with a monopoly system for online gambling, and its shift towards a multi-licensing approach is a positive change. It finally brings it into line with the rest of the EU countries who all already have some form of licensing framework for online gambling.
Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of European Gaming and Betting Association, said: “At EGBA, we support the newly proposed legislation, which we’ve advocated for years. Experience shows that a monopoly doesn’t work in the online world, and consumers are best served and protected in a well-regulated but competitive environment, where safety tools such as deposit limits and self-exclusion are made available to players.”
While Finland’s proposal is heading in the right direction, some areas require some fine-tuning to ensure the new licensing framework achieves its goal of ensuring Finns play with locally licensed websites.
Maarten Haijer said: “For starters, the proposed marketing restrictions, especially the ban on affiliate marketing and social media advertising, might backfire. These channels play a key role in guiding consumers to licensed, regulated platforms. Without them, players will drift to black market websites that don’t follow Finnish regulations or prioritise consumer safety.
“Also, the proposed blanket ban on bonuses is concerning. While we support setting boundaries on bonusing, a complete prohibition will simply make any newly licensed operators less competitive against unlicensed ones. This risks pushing players towards unregulated sites, undermining the very consumer protections the legislation aims to establish and strengthen.”
He added: “In our response to the government’s recent consultation, EGBA suggests two key improvements: Bring affiliates into the regulatory framework and allow social media advertising under clear rules. Both are valuable tools for channelling players towards licensed operators. By implementing clear guidelines, such as mandatory safer gambling messages, Finland can harness the power of these marketing channels while maintaining high standards of consumer protection.
“Instead of banning bonuses outright, implement guidelines for their responsible use. For instance, a nuanced approach could involve prohibiting bonuses for players showing signs of problematic behaviour, or setting clear rules on when and how bonuses can be offered. This strategy would allow operators to compete more effectively with unlicensed sites who will undoubtedly use bonuses to try to entice Finnish players away from regulated websites.
“These changes would better align Finland’s approach with the successful models seen across the EU, striking a balance between market competitiveness and robust consumer protection.
“Transitioning to a licensed market is no small feat, but it’s one that ultimately benefits everyone involved. At EGBA we are ready to share our expertise and support Finland in creating a well-regulated, competitive, and safe online gambling market.
“Finland stands at a pivotal moment in the history of its gambling regulation. By crafting a successful online gambling framework, Finland, like its neighbours Denmark and Sweden, can successfully transition from its monopoly to a well-functioning licensing system. Denmark’s transition to multi−licensing in 2012 led to a significant improvement in online channelisation, reaching well over 90 per cent. Sweden has seen similar improvements.
“Addressing the concerns about marketing restrictions and bonus regulations is crucial to ensure the new legislation achieves its objectives, safeguarding Finnish consumers while fostering a healthy, well-regulated online gambling environment.”
Asia
Chinese Football Bans 43 for Life Over Gambling and Match-Fixing Scandal
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.
Compliance Updates
Comtrade Gaming Obtains Romanian License to Distribute Games
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.
Compliance Updates
Betsson Group shortlisted for 4 awards at the Global Regulatory Awards
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.
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