Compliance Updates

Lifetime Ban And $200,000 Fine For Joao Olavo Soares De Souza After Conviction On Match-fixing Charges

Published

6 years ago

January 28, 2020

31-year old Brazilian currently ranked 742 in ATP singles has been Provisionally Suspended from professional tennis since March 2019

Brazilian tennis player Joao Olavo Soares de Souza has received a lifetime ban together with a fine of $200,000 after being convicted of multiple match-fixing and associated corruption offences.

A Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) investigation established that between 2015 and 2019 the player committed numerous breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP). These included repeated incidents of match-fixing at ATP Challenger and ITF Futures tournaments held in Brazil, Mexico, the United States and Czech Republic.

In addition to match-fixing offences, the player was also found to have:

failed to report corrupt approaches
failed to fully co-operate with the TIU, including destroying evidence
solicited other players to not use best efforts

The case against Mr Souza was considered by independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer Prof Richard H. McLaren at a disciplinary Hearing held in London on 14 January 2020.

Prof McLaren’s decision to impose a lifetime ban means that with effect from 24 January 2020 the player is permanently ineligible to compete in or attend any sanctioned event organised or recognised by the governing bodies of the sport.

In March 2019, and prior to being charged with corruption offences, Mr Souza had been Provisionally Suspended from professional tennis, pending completion of the TIU investigation and case against him.

The 31-year old is currently ranked 742 in ATP singles, with a career-high of 69 reached in April 2015. As a doubles player his highest ranking was 70, achieved in January 2013.

The breaches of the TACP he has been found guilty of are as follows:

Section D.1.d. No Covered Person shall, directly or indirectly, contrive or attempt to contrive the outcome or any other aspect of any Event.

Section D.1.e. No Covered Person shall, directly or indirectly, solicit or facilitate any Player to not use his or her best efforts in any Event.

Section D.1.f. No Covered Person shall, directly or indirectly, solicit or accept any money, benefit or Consideration with the intention of negatively influencing a Player’s best efforts in any Event.

Section D.2.a.i. In the event any Player is approached by any person who offers or provides any type of money, benefit or Consideration to a Player to (i) influence the outcome or any other aspect of any Event, or (ii) provide Inside Information, it shall be the Player’s obligation to report such incident to the TIU as soon as possible.

Section F.2.b. All Covered Persons must co-operate fully with investigations conducted by the TIU including giving evidence at hearings, if requested. No Covered Person shall (i)tamper with, damage, disable, destroy or otherwise alter any evidence or other information related to any Corruption Offense or (ii) solicit or facilitate any other person to tamper with, damage, disable, destroy or otherwise alter any evidence or other information related to any Corruption Offense.

The Tennis Integrity Unit is an initiative of the ATP, WTA, ITF and Grand Slam Board, who are jointly committed to a zero tolerance approach to betting-related corruption in professional tennis.

Source: tennisintegrityunit.com

Central Europe

GGL Study Says Regulated Online Offerings Make Up the Majority of the Market

Published

3 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Wladimir P.

ggl-study-says-regulated-online-offerings-make-up-the-majority-of-the-market

The Joint Gambling Authority of the German Federal States (GGL) has published the results of the study “Investigation of the Black Market and Channeling of Online Gambling Based on a Survey of Gamblers”. The study was commissioned by the GGL and conducted by Blockchain Research Lab gGmbH.

The study concludes that the market volume of illegal and unregulated online gambling is 22.97%. This results in a channeling rate of 77.03%, meaning that legal or regulated offerings account for more than three-quarters of the online gambling market.

“The scientifically calculated channeling rate confirms our previous assumptions about the size of the black market. The results support the fact-based regulatory approach within the framework of the 2021 Interstate Treaty on Gambling,” said Ronald Benter, CEO of GGL.

The study also confirms the methodological approach of the GGL.

The investigation also confirms the GGL’s methodological approach to analysing the black market. The study’s findings are essentially consistent with the agency’s existing knowledge.

In particular, the method of reference value-based analysis, which has been used by the countries so far and adopted by the GGL, has been scientifically assessed as suitable for estimating the size of the illegal gambling market on the Internet.

Contribution to the evaluation process of the State Treaty on Gambling

The study has already been presented to the state gambling authorities. The results will be incorporated into the ongoing evaluation process of the 2021 Interstate Treaty on Gambling.

“We are in discussions with the states regarding the extent to which the results of this study may necessitate adjustments to the legal requirements. Furthermore, we are awaiting the results of the currently ongoing study on online player protection,” said Benter.

Consistent fight against illegal online gambling

The GGL’s aim is to further reduce the share of illegal online gambling offerings. The authority pursues a holistic approach, addressing the entire value chain of illegal online gambling, from game developers and providers to payment service providers and marketing and platform structures.

“Our measures will also be reflected in market shares in the medium term. However, the fight against illegal online gambling is a marathon, not a sprint,” explains Benter.

Networking and coordinated approaches are crucial here. A key component of the strategy is therefore cooperation with legal providers and other European regulatory authorities to limit the reach of illegal operators. The GGL reiterates its appeal to legal providers to make greater use of their options to curb illegal services.

In order to be able to observe developments over time, the GGL plans to continue the survey in a suitable form.

“A reliable database is crucial for effective regulation of the gambling market. Therefore, we will continue to systematically incorporate scientific findings into our work,” said Benter.

The post GGL Study Says Regulated Online Offerings Make Up the Majority of the Market appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Compliance Updates

MGCB Launches Expanded Website with New Resources to Support Responsible Gaming

Published

3 hours ago

March 19, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

mgcb-launches-expanded-website-with-new-resources-to-support-responsible-gaming

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has announced the launch of its newly expanded website during Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The updated site features additional tools, educational content, and support resources to help individuals make informed decisions about gambling.

The updated website builds upon the campaign’s existing platform with new pages dedicated to recognizing the signs of problem gambling, understanding risk factors, accessing confidential help services, and supporting loved ones who may be struggling. The enhanced site also includes streamlined navigation and improved mobile accessibility to ensure visitors can quickly find the information they need.

Owned and operated by MGCB, Don’t Regret the Bet was created to raise awareness about responsible gaming and provide clear, stigma-free access to support. In Michigan alone, thousands of residents seek help each year by calling the state’s problem gambling helpline, and increased online gambling access has contributed to the growing demand for support services and responsible gaming resources. The website refresh reflects the Board’s continued commitment to public education and player protection as gaming options expand across the state.

“Responsible gaming starts with awareness and access to reliable information. By expanding our website, we are making it easier for Michiganders to understand the risks associated with gambling and to connect with help if they need it,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

New features of the expanded website include:

• Expanded educational content about responsible gaming practices

• Clear guidance on identifying warning signs of problem gambling

• Dedicated resources for friends and family members

• A new Youth Gambling Prevention section featuring research-based information for parents, educators, and community leaders

• Data highlighting that children introduced to “harmless betting” by age 12 are four times more likely to engage in problem gambling later in life

• Prevention tools and conversation guides to help adults address early exposure

• Direct links to confidential support services, including the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline

• Updated FAQs and prevention resources

The new youth-focused section underscores the importance of early awareness. Research shows that early exposure to casual or “harmless” betting behaviors significantly increases the risk of developing gambling-related problems later in life. For example, according to the Economic & Social Research Institute, studies have found that individuals who gambled before age 18 were nearly twice as likely to experience problem gambling as adults. By providing parents and guardians with practical tools and clear information, the campaign aims to reduce stigma and encourage early intervention.

The post MGCB Launches Expanded Website with New Resources to Support Responsible Gaming appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Compliance Updates

REEVO Obtains Certification in Portugal

Published

1 day ago

March 18, 2026

Wladimir P.

REEVO, the fast-growing online game provider, announced that its portfolio of in-house games has officially been certified for the Portuguese market, marking another important milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion across Europe’s regulated iGaming sector.

With certification secured, REEVO games are now approved for licensed operators in Portugal, enabling the company to introduce its innovative slot titles and immersive gameplay experiences to players across the country.

Portugal represents one of Europe’s most respected regulated markets, and the certification underscores REEVO’s commitment to delivering high-quality, compliant gaming content that meets the strict requirements of regulated jurisdictions while maintaining the creativity and performance that define the REEVO brand.

Portuguese operators will now gain access to:

• REEVO’s premium portfolio of in-house slot games

• High-performance, mobile-first gameplay

• Innovative features designed to enhance player engagement

• Fully certified and regulator-approved content

“Achieving certification in Portugal is an exciting milestone for REEVO and an important step in our European growth strategy. We are thrilled to bring our in-house games to Portuguese operators and players, continuing our mission to deliver engaging, high-quality content across regulated markets,” said Karl Grech, Head of Business Development at REEVO.

The post REEVO Obtains Certification in Portugal appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.