Compliance Updates
ANJ Sanctions Committee Imposes €800,000 Fine on SPS Betting
On 22 January 2025, the Sanctions Committee of the French National Gambling Authority (ANJ) met to examine a procedure referred by the ANJ Board concerning the operator SPS Betting, which had allegedly failed to comply with its obligations relating to the self-exclusion system offered to players on the Unibet website and application. The Committee confirmed the breaches and imposed a public penalty of €800,000, justified by the large number of players who were unable to benefit from this protection system. This decision, which is unprecedented in its scope, is a reminder of the Committee’s commitment to penalising operators who fail to meet their obligations to prevent excessive gambling.
In 2021, following reports, the ANJ services discovered a computer malfunction on the “Unibet.fr” application and website for devices using the iOS operating system. According to estimates by the ANJ and the operator, several thousand players who had requested self-exclusion for a period ranging from several weeks to several months were likely to have been able to play again within a few days. In fact, players self-exclusion requests made in months were automatically converted to days. Therefore, a player who requested a twelve-month self-exclusion was only self-excluded for twelve days.
For players who wish to take a break from gambling because they feel vulnerable or need to take a step back, the legislator has introduced a system of self-exclusion from gambling.
Online gambling operators must provide players with a mechanism enabling them to request their exclusion from gambling. Players are free to determine the duration of their exclusion, which must be a minimum of 24 hours and a maximum of 12 months.
The malfunction at Unibet occurred from 2 March 2021 to 11 December 2022 before being fixed by the operator. However, during an update, the malfunction reappeared and affected players playing on an iOS device from 29 December 2022 to 2 February 2023. In total, the anomaly persisted for almost 22 months.
In view of these repeated malfunctions and given their duration and seriousness, particularly regarding the prevention of excessive gambling, the Sanctions Committee confirmed the breaches observed and imposed the following penalties:
• A fine of 800,000 euros;
• The publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the French Republic;
• The display, from 17 to 31 March 2025, on the homepage of the ‘Unibet.fr’ website and the Unibet applications, of a box mentioning this sanction and referring to the press release published on the ANJ website;
• The publication of the non-anonymised decision on the ANJ website, from the date it is pronounced and for one year (until 3 March 2026). After this date, the decision published on the ANJ website and on Légifrance, as well as the associated press release, will no longer allow the operator to be identified.
This decision may be appealed to the Conseil d’État within two months of its notification.
The post ANJ Sanctions Committee Imposes €800,000 Fine on SPS Betting appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced that it is suing Kalshi, Robinhood, Coinbase, Polymarket, Crypto.com, and their affiliates, to halt their alleged facilitation of illegal sports betting, a form of unlawful commercial gambling, in Wisconsin.
“Thinly disguising unlawful conduct doesn’t make it lawful. These companies’ alleged facilitation of sports betting in Wisconsin should be shut down,” said AG Kaul.
Except in limited circumstances, sports betting and other forms of commercial gambling have long been illegal in Wisconsin. Yet, as alleged in these lawsuits, the defendant companies have chosen to flout Wisconsin law through disguising the sports betting they facilitate on their online platforms as “event contracts,” which pay out just like ordinary bets based on the odds of sports-related outcomes.
The complaints further allege that the companies collect a fee for every bet made, meaning they generate revenue from Wisconsinites by violating the state’s gambling laws. Kalshi, as one example, reportedly generates more than $1 billion in annual revenue from its sports contracts, representing around 90% of its total estimated annualized revenue.
As the complaints allege, by making money from the sports bets they facilitate, these companies are engaging in unlawful gambling activity.
Wisconsin DOJ’s lawsuits, filed on last Thursday in Dane County, request a declaration that, by making sports-related event contracts available for trading by customers located in Wisconsin, the defendant companies are violating Wis. Stat.§945.03(1m) and thereby creating a public nuisance. The lawsuits additionally request preliminary and permanent injunctions enjoining and restraining the defendant companies from making sports-related event contracts available for trading by customers located in Wisconsin.
The post Wisconsin DOJ Sues to Stop Alleged Illegal Sports Betting Operations in Wisconsin appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Amusnet has announced its official entry into the Philippine market. In a double milestone for the company’s expansion strategy, Amusnet has successfully gone live with its first local operator, 747Live, and is now officially featured on the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) List of EGLD-Approved Electronic Games. The list currently includes a total of 214 approved titles, representing a significant achievement and reinforcing Amusnet’s position as a trusted B2B partner in the country.
“These are two major achievements for us: a strong PAGCOR-approved portfolio and going live with our first partner in the Philippines, 747Live – both laying the foundation for accelerated growth and a stronger market presence,” said Kalin Angelov, Business Development Manager at Amusnet.
“We are very pleased to welcome Amusnet to our platform, as their reputation for premium content perfectly aligns with our mission to offer the best gaming experience in the Philippines. As Amusnet’s first partner in the region, we are excited to introduce such an extensive selection of approved titles to our audience,” said Enrico Menghini, CEO at 747Live.
The initial integration with 747Live allows local players to experience Amusnet’s world-renowned gaming mechanics, immersive graphics and signature jackpot features. To celebrate this market entry, Amusnet is highlighting a selection of top-performing titles, such as the dynamic 100 Golden Coins: Reel Fishing, the fan-favourite Extra Crown and the high-energy 100 Golden Coins.
This expansion into the Philippines marks a new chapter for Amusnet. The supplier continues to set new standards in the iGaming industry, providing operators with a robust and diversified portfolio of high-quality content. By entering the Philippine market with such a strong lineup, the company establishes itself as a premier partner for local operators, dedicated to bringing premium gaming experiences to a new and growing audience.
The post Amusnet Officially Enters the Philippine Market appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has appointed Kane Purdy, Managing Director at Gamesys Operations Limited, as the new non-executive Chair with immediate effect.
Kane takes on the role after 20 years in the betting and gaming industry, bringing extensive operational experience, deep sector knowledge and a strong track record of leadership across the regulated sector.
In addition to his role at Gamesys Operations Limited – part of Bally’s Intralot – Kane has played an active role in driving industry collaboration, including as Chair of GamProtect, the single customer view initiative designed to enhance player protection and raise standards across the industry.
The Chair position will be filled on a rotating basis by BGC members, with each term lasting 12 months.
Kane succeeds Executive Chair Michael Dugher, who stepped down earlier this year after six years at the BGC.
Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive Officer of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “Kane brings a huge amount of experience, expertise and talent to this role, built over two decades in the industry.
“He is a highly respected leader with a deep understanding of both the opportunities and the responsibilities that come with operating in a regulated environment. He has also demonstrated a strong commitment to collaboration, helping to drive forward initiatives that strengthen standards and protections across the sector.
“I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to champion our members, raise standards and support a well-regulated industry that delivers for customers, the economy and communities across the country.”
Kane Purdy, Managing Director at Gamesys Operations Limited and non-executive Chair of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “I am honoured and delighted to take on the role of Chair of the Betting and Gaming Council.
“After 20 years in the industry, I understand the importance of working collectively to meet challenges, raise standards and ensure the regulated sector continues to thrive.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with Grainne and the team, as well as with members from across the industry, to build on the strong progress already made and help shape the future direction of the BGC.”
The post Betting and Gaming Council Appoints Kane Purdy as New Chair appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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