Compliance Updates
Anger in the Industry After the Swedish Gambling Authority’s Acquittal of Infiniza
Last Friday, Di wrote about how the Swedish Gambling Authority closed an investigation into the Malta-based casino operator Infiniza, whose online casino, according to the authority’s assessment, is not aimed at Swedes. This is after the company changed the payment operator, i.e. who manages the transfer of gambling money from bank accounts to the casino, and the criteria that determine whether someone directs gambling at Swedes are not considered fulfilled.
Actions Did The Trick For Infiniza
“In light of the measures Infiniza Limited has taken regarding the company’s marketing as well as the payment options and/or payment service providers that were the subject of the current supervisory case, the Swedish Gambling Inspectorate assesses that the company, based on what emerged in the case, ceased to provide gambling aimed at the Swedish market without necessary license”
From the Gambling Authority’s decision that Infiniza review ceases, 21/2 2024.
Gustaf Hoffstedt, general secretary of the licensed gambling operators’ association The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (Bos), is upset.
“It is offensive, and endangers the entire safety and security of the Swedish gambling license system,” he told Di about the Spelinspektionen’s decision, which he read about “with dismay” in Di.
According to Gustaf Hoffstedt, who refers to web traffic statistics that Di has taken part in, Infiniza is one of Sweden’s largest players in online casinos.
“They are estimated to have a significant operation in Sweden, in fact a large part of it is intended to receive Swedish consumers. It is of course extremely profitable, as they do not pay any Swedish gambling tax.”
The Swedish Gambling Authority’s decision has been made after Infiniza’s casinos changed their payment provider to one based in Lithuania. In the past, the Swedish-registered payment services Finshark and Zimpler reviewed by Di have been used.
“That’s exactly how it goes: if someone shines a spotlight on the fact that payment intermediaries ‘blue’ are not okay, payment intermediaries become ‘red’, then ‘green’, then ‘purple’ – and it goes on forever.”
Gustaf Hoffstedt calls for stricter legislation similar to that in the Netherlands, where it is forbidden to even accept domestic players – whereby more people play with the licensed players.
“The basic problem is the scope of the Swedish law, that is to say that unlicensed gambling companies are not explicitly prohibited from passively accepting Swedish players, provided that the company does not target them,” he says.
For several years, BOS has addressed the problem to both governments, investigators and the Gambling Authority and called for the Netherlands’ example to be followed, with the criminalization of passively accepting and enabling Swedish players.
However, the organization has cut stone in stone, and has not received a hearing for its proposal.
“The government does not want this. It claims that the channelization (the percentage of licensed gamblers, Di’s note) is good in Sweden, which unfortunately is not true, that the gambling market is stable, which is also not true, and that this is not a path that Sweden should follow.”
Marcus Aronsson, investigator at Spelinspektionen, told Di that the decision from last Friday only concerns Infiniza’s use of Zimpler, and that the just concluded case was already started in 2021.
He cannot comment on whether the payment company or companies used thereon means that Infiniza can be considered to target Swedes, nor whether a new review of the operator has been initiated after the Zimpler case.
In the decision, however, it is explicitly mentioned that the Swedish Gambling Authority can initiate a new supervisory case if Infiniza can again be considered to target the Swedish market without the necessary license.
Compliance Updates
Cyprus National Betting Authority Warns Public About Illegal Online Gambling and Misinformation
The National Betting Authority (NBA) has urged the public to exercise caution and to verify the legitimacy of betting service providers exclusively through the official website: www.nba.gov.cy.
In recent weeks, the NBA has observed a rise in misinformation and the spread of false claims regarding the legality of certain websites offering online gambling services. Of particular concern is the sharp increase in advertisements for illegal online casinos on popular social media platforms. These operators have not obtained a licence to operate within the Republic of Cyprus. Equally troubling is the unauthorised use of images and videos of well-known individuals in such advertisements, without their consent.
The public is reminded that, under Cyprus’ gambling legislation, the operation of online casinos is strictly prohibited. Participation in these illegal activities poses serious risks, including threats to personal and banking data security, as well as potential harm to players’ financial stability and mental well-being.
According to Article 79 of the Betting Law 37(I)/2019:
• Players participating in illegal gambling or online casinos face up to 1 year in prison and/or a fine of up to €50,000.
• Individuals or companies providing illegal gambling services face up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to €300,000.
The NBA urges the public to verify information received through websites, apps, social media posts, or other advertisements before engaging with any gambling services. The official list of licensed online betting providers is available on the NBA’s website.
The post Cyprus National Betting Authority Warns Public About Illegal Online Gambling and Misinformation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
CT Interactive has announced the certification of 20 new games under the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) regulatory framework, marking an important step in its ongoing expansion across regulated European markets. This certification empowers CT Interactive to offer its premium gaming portfolio to licensed operators throughout Malta and beyond.
The newly certified titles include several standout Buy Bonus games such as Doctor Winstein Buy Bonus, Duck of Luck Buy Bonus, Fruits & Sweets Buy Bonus, Hyper Cuber Buy Bonus, Nanook the White Ghost Buy Bonus, 100x Crypto Magic, 100x Fresh and 100x Coffee Hot. These games have demonstrated strong performance internationally and now bring their dynamic bonus features to an even wider audience.
A highlight of the new portfolio is Lucky Clover 10, a refreshed edition of CT Interactive’s most popular slot, Lucky Clover. Featuring vintage-inspired graphics and nostalgic gameplay elements, Lucky Clover 10 delivers a captivating experience that combines classic charm with modern vision.
“Providing new game titles certified under the MGA framework marks a key step in our regional growth strategy. This market demands high-quality, fully compliant content. Our portfolio of Buy Bonus games and refreshed classics like Lucky Clover 10 are ideally suited to meet the local preferences and deliver premium gaming experiences,” said Martin Ivanov, COO of CT Interactive.
This certification reinforces CT Interactive’s position as a trusted provider of regulation-ready gaming content, enabling operators to offer a diverse and engaging portfolio fully aligned with MGA requirements.
The post CT Interactive Expands Presence with MGA-certified Game Portfolio appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Arizona Department of Gaming
Arizona Department of Gaming Launches First-Ever Statewide Campaign to Empower and Protect Consumers
The Arizona Department of Gaming has launched its first-ever statewide Public Education Campaign focused on protecting consumers, promoting public awareness, and reducing the harms associated with unregulated gambling. This is a significant milestone in the Department’s ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure a safe and responsible gaming environment.
Arizona offers a variety of legal, regulated gaming options throughout the state, including tribal casinos, event wagering, fantasy sports, and parimutuel wagering. For 30 years, ADG has safeguarded the integrity of Arizona’s gaming industry through rigorous oversight, licensing, and enforcement in accordance with the Tribal-State Gaming Compacts. This new campaign expands on that mission by educating Arizonans on how to avoid illegal gambling and access support services when needed.
The campaign is designed to inform and empower the public by emphasizing the risks of engaging with unlicensed operators and providing them with tools to identify legal, regulated options. It aims to reduce consumer vulnerability, prevent exploitation, and help individuals make informed decisions if they choose to participate in gaming activities.
The campaign kicks off with a series of Public Service Announcements (PSAs), developed in collaboration with the Arizona Media Association, which will be aired across TV, radio, print, and digital platforms. Available in both English and Spanish, the PSAs will:
• Educate the public on how to identify legal, regulated gaming operators in Arizona
• Emphasize consumer protection and the safeguards provided by regulated gaming environments
• Highlight the role regulated gaming plays in supporting Arizona communities and essential services
• Promote the 1-800-NEXT STEP helpline, which connects individuals to confidential, 24/7 support for problem gambling.
To complement the PSAs, ADG has launched the Check Your Bet webpage, which serves as a centralized resource to verify regulated gaming and access consumer protection tools. The webpage includes:
• A searchable list and interactive map of authorized Tribal Casinos in Arizona
• A searchable list and interactive map of licensed Event Wagering and Fantasy Sports Operators and their retail locations
• Information on Advanced Deposit Wagering Providers (ADWPs), Off-Track Betting (OTB) locations, and permitted horse racing tracks in Arizona
• How to access the Division of Problem Gambling’s Helpline, a confidential Problem Gambling Self-Screening Quiz, and additional supportive resources
• How to request Self-Exclusion, a voluntary program to prohibit oneself from Tribal Casinos and Event Wagering and Fantasy Sports Contests
• Guidance on submitting tips about suspected illegal gambling to the Department and filing consumer complaints with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
“We are proud to celebrate 30 years of providing world-class gaming regulation and consumer protection. This campaign is about empowering Arizonans who choose to participate in gaming with the knowledge to make informed, responsible decisions. As illegal and unregulated options on the market increase, the Check Your Bet webpage serves as a key resource for the public to verify licensed operators and access support. By directing viewers from our PSAs to this tool, we’re helping ensure people not only play safely, but also know where to turn if they or a loved one are struggling with problem gambling,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming.
Since its founding in 1995, the Department has worked tirelessly to ensure that Arizona’s gaming industry operates with transparency, integrity, and responsibility. The campaign will run through the end of March 2026 and reflects ADG’s commitment to a safe, transparent, and well-regulated gaming landscape in Arizona.
The post Arizona Department of Gaming Launches First-Ever Statewide Campaign to Empower and Protect Consumers appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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