Compliance Updates

EGBA’s Views on New Spanish Gambling Regulations

Published

5 years ago

January 13, 2020

The new governing parties in Spain have indicated that they intend to introduce new regulations for gambling, including additional consumer protection measures, stricter restrictions for gambling advertising and a review of taxation for online gambling.

While it is too early to predict the specific measures that will be introduced, general policy commitments were outlined in a 50-page accord published on December 30 by the PSOE (Socialist) and Podemos (Left) parties who form the country’s new coalition government.

EGBA welcomes policy measures which genuinely strengthen consumer protection in Spain’s online gambling market but reiterates that such measures should be balanced, proportionate and designed in such a way that they support rather than undermine the regulated market.

“In the past, we have seen, in various jurisdictions, the introduction of well-meaning consumer protection measures which had an actual counterproductive effect because they pushed online players towards unregulated, off-shore websites which exposes them to dangerous practices and a lack of legal recourse when their consumer rights and protections are being trampled on,” EGBA said.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

“The Spanish government should pay attention to this risk and ensure that new measures, which might be considered, are mindful of the need to ensure a high participation rate of players in the Spanish regulated market, rather than the offshore market. As far as we are aware, there is no research or studies that conclude that the volume of advertising for gambling impacts the risk of problem gambling. However, at the same time, EGBA obviously recognizes the need to ensure that advertising is responsible and helps protect vulnerable consumers and minors,” EGBA added.

“Gambling advertising does play an important role in informing consumers of which websites are regulated and licensed in Spain, and where they can play in a safe and regulated environment that takes into account their need to be protected. In most EU countries, advertising is also required to provide information about the risks of gambling and where and how consumers can obtain help if they need it,” EGBA added

“While we recognize that advertising can be seen to be excessive by regulators or public opinion, a certain level of advertising is required to ensure that consumers remain within the regulated online environment,” Maarten Haijer, Secretary-General of EGBA said.

Compliance Updates

Soft2Bet Secures General Licence for Other Games in Spain

Published

14 hours ago

January 28, 2025

Niji Narayan

soft2bet-secures-general-licence-for-other-games-in-spain

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Soft2Bet, a leading iGaming provider and operator, has acquired a General Licence for other games by the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) in Spain. This licence authorises Soft2Bet to offer casino products in the Spanish market, reinforcing the company’s commitment to providing a safe, secure and fully compliant online gaming environment that meets the highest standards of responsible gaming.

This regulatory milestone allows Soft2Bet to expand its portfolio and deliver tailored casino gamification experiences to Spanish players. By focusing on localised content and innovative features, Soft2Bet continues to align with Spain’s evolving market landscape and player preferences.

Operating across multiple markets, Soft2Bet provides highly customisable solutions powered by its proprietary Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA). The company’s flexible approach combines off-the-shelf solutions with bespoke options, ensuring the right level of customisation to meet the diverse needs of its partners.

Leveraging its extensive B2C experience, Soft2Bet has successfully developed and operated multiple brands, such as CampoBet, Betinia, Don.ro across various highly competitive markets. This has served as a strong proof of concept, delivering high-performance results, increased retention and strong acquisition rates.

David Yatom Hay, General Counsel of Soft2Bet, said: “Securing this licence in Spain marks a significant step in our ongoing expansion and reinforces our commitment to compliance and responsible gaming. Our rapid growth and dedication to industry standards enable us to provide exceptional gaming experiences tailored to the needs of Spanish players and market alike.”

The post Soft2Bet Secures General Licence for Other Games in Spain appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Africa

Delasport Enters the South African Market

Published

2 days ago

January 27, 2025

George Miller

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After successfully complying with Brazil’s brand-new regulations, Delasport’s sportsbook is now officially certified for the South African market as well.

Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) issued an Affirmative Statement of Compliance to the global B2B supplier, making their expansion possible in numerous SA jurisdictions: Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, North West, and Limpopo.

This functional certificate opens the door to cutting-edge sports betting features for the South African audience. Advanced personalization through My Sportsbook, My Event Builder, and My Combo makes Delasport’s solution a critically acclaimed product.

South Africa and Africa in general are becoming more and more important points on the global iGaming map, since they have a rising population of more than 1.5 billion people according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Nearly 60% of the population are aged 25 or below. This contributes to the fact Africa is the fastest-growing mobile market with a ‘leapfrogging phenomenon’ – millions of people’s first experience of the internet is via their mobile devices.

‘We are excited to enter such a promising regulated market like South Africa and show what real localization looks like,’ Delasport’s CEO Oren Cohen Shwartz comments. ‘At Delasport, we believe in being both global and local – always thinking about the big picture while not losing sight of the smallest details. For us, entering the South African market doesn’t simply mean translating the interface, but tailoring the experience according to their habits, local providers, regional content, and much more.’

The post Delasport Enters the South African Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Compliance Updates

Michigan Gaming Control Board Orders MyBookie.ag to Cease Operations in the State

Published

2 days ago

January 27, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

michigan-gaming-control-board-orders-mybookie.ag-to-cease-operations-in-the-state

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a cease-and-desist letter to Duranbah Limited N.V., the operator of MyBookie.ag, based in Curaçao. The site offers a variety of casino-style games, such as slots, poker, and live-dealer games like blackjack, roulette, and craps. It also allows users to place bets on sporting events and horse races.

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams stressed the agency’s dedication to safeguarding consumers and ensuring compliance with Michigan’s gaming regulations.

“Our investigation into MyBookie.ag found that their operations were accessible to Michigan citizens, which violates state laws. We are taking strong action to uphold the principles of fair and legal gaming,” Williams said.

MyBookie.ag offers numerous payment methods for deposits and the funding of players’ accounts, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, various cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and others), and MoneyGram. However, withdrawals can only be made via Bitcoin or bank wire transfer.

The MGCB’s investigation revealed that MyBookie.ag’s operation of online casino-style games for paying customers, without a valid Michigan gambling license, breaches several state laws, including:

• Lawful Internet Gaming Act: Internet gaming is only permitted by licensed operators. Only casinos licensed under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act and federally authorized tribal casinos within Michigan may apply for such a license.

• Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act: Operating a gambling business without an MGCB-issued license is a felony, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.

• Michigan Penal Code: Gambling, which involves consideration, prize, and chance, is broadly prohibited. Accepting money or anything of value with the understanding that it will be paid based on the outcome of an uncertain event is illegal.

Duranbah Limited N.V. has 14 days from receipt of the letter to cease offering gambling services to Michigan residents, as required by the cease-and-desist letter. If the company fails to comply, the MGCB is prepared to collaborate with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office for further legal actions.

The post Michigan Gaming Control Board Orders MyBookie.ag to Cease Operations in the State appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.