Compliance Updates
EGBA’s Views on New Spanish Gambling Regulations
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.
“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.
Three people were arrested in relation to allegations of match fixing on a boxing fight.
A 54-year-old woman, a 33-year-old man and a 23-year-old man were arrested in Birmingham as part of an investigation led by the Gambling Commission and supported by West Midlands Police.
The 54-year-old and the 33-year-old were arrested in Kings Norton, while the 23-year-old was arrested in Longbridge.
All three are alleged to have committed the offences under section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005.
The investigation was launched following reports of suspicious betting activity linked to a boxing match held last year.
The post UKGC: Three Arrested on Suspicion of Cheating Offences appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The Minns Government has moved to ban gambling advertising on public transport in NSW.
The prohibition applies to Transport owned and controlled assets, including internal and external advertising on trains, metro, buses, light rail, train stations and ferry terminals.
Transport operates one of the largest portfolios of advertising assets across Australia. This includes 798 advertising boards at Sydney train stations, 49 road facing digital billboards, adverts on up to 3711 urban buses, 76 trams and across the Tangara train fleet.
The ban extends to all casino, lottery and online betting advertising.
The NSW Government will now work with multiple advertising contract holders to implement the required changes over the next 12 months.
Transport’s advertising suppliers must ensure that all advertising material complies with all applicable laws, accepted industry standards and codes of conduct established by the advertising industry for example, the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) Advertiser Code of Ethics and AANA Code of Ethics Practice Note.
There are also additional rules that apply to Transport’s contract holders. These include a ban on political advertising on all assets, which applies equally to all political parties.
Where assets are not owned by Transport (e.g. bus stops, retail outlets or nearby private property), the NSW Government will work with the relevant entitles to see how their advertising can align with the gambling advertising ban.
This is the latest in a suite of reforms introduced by the Minns Labor Government to reduce gambling harm. The reforms include:
• reducing the statewide gaming machine entitlement cap in June 2023
• banning political donations from clubs with electronic gaming machines on 1 July 2023
• reducing the cash input limit on new gaming machines from $5000 to $500 on 1 July 2023
• banning all external gambling signage in venues on 1 September 2023
• banning the placement of any signage or advertising relating to gaming machines either on, or visible from an ATM or EFTPOS terminal with cash withdrawal facilities and introduced Responsible Gambling Officers for venues with more than 20 machine entitlements, on 1 July 2024
• requiring Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) or EFTPOS terminals that allow cash withdrawals to be placed at least 5m from the entry to a gaming room and not be visible from any machine or entry to a gaming room, from 1 January 2025
• established an Independent Panel to conduct a trial of cashless gaming in pubs and clubs throughout 2024
• committing $100 million to harm minimisation – investing in research, treatment, services and reform.
Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said: “Gambling advertising has been a common sight on our public transport for a couple of years now, and I’m pleased our Government is taking action to remove it. Parents are rightly worried about the impact it has on their kids, so its not something that we think that needs to be on our transport network.
“With over 3500 buses, close to 800 advertising assets at train stations, as well as advertising on light rail and trains, Transport’s advertising contracts are vast. Because of the scale it will take some time to implement this change, but we will be working closely with our contract partners over the next 12 months to get this done.”
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said: “Removing gambling advertising from public transport is another demonstration of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to reducing gambling harm in NSW.
“This move will reduce the public’s exposure to gambling advertising and builds on the suite of reforms the government has introduced over the past 20 months to reduce harmful impacts of gambling.”
The post NSW: Minns Government Moves to Ban Gambling Advertising from Trains appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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.
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