Compliance Updates
Lifetime Ban And $200,000 Fine For Joao Olavo Soares De Souza After Conviction On Match-fixing Charges
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 McLarenâs 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
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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 companyâs 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 Spainâs 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 companyâs 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: âSecuring 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.â
The post Soft2Bet Secures General Licence for Other Games in Spain appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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After successfully complying with Brazilâs brand-new regulations, Delasportâs 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 Delasportâs 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 âleapfrogging phenomenonâ â millions of peopleâs first experience of the internet is via their mobile devices.
âWe are excited to enter such a promising regulated market like South Africa and show what real localization looks like,â Delasportâs CEO Oren Cohen Shwartz comments. âAt Delasport, we believe in being both global and local â always thinking about the big picture while not losing sight of the smallest details. For us, entering the South African market doesnât simply mean translating the interface, but tailoring the experience according to their habits, local providers, regional content, and much more.â
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
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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 agencyâs dedication to safeguarding consumers and ensuring compliance with Michiganâs gaming regulations.
âOur 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,â Williams said.
MyBookie.ag offers numerous payment methods for deposits and the funding of playersâ 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 MGCBâs investigation revealed that MyBookie.agâs 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 Generalâs 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.
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