Compliance Updates
UK House of Lords Calls for Urgent Regulation of Loot Boxes
The House of Lords Gambling Committee has urged the UK government to classify video game loot boxes as “games of chance.” The recommendation came as part of a wide-ranging report in which the committee suggested a number of changes to the gaming industry.
“If a product looks like gambling and feels like gambling, it should be regulated as gambling. The government must act immediately to bring loot boxes within the remit of gambling legislation and regulation,” the report says.
Loot boxes have long been controversial in video games. They offer players a chance at a randomised reward when opened. To further complicate matters, boxes can often be bought for real money, and the rewards can sometimes be traded.
Lord Grade, chairman of the committee, said that lots of other countries have already started to regulate loot boxes because “they can see the dangers” which is teaching “kids to gamble.”
He said the Gambling Act was “way behind what was actually happening in the market” but he added that the “overwhelming majority” of the report’s recommendations “could be enacted today” as they do not require legislation.
The Lords report is wide-ranging, covering the entire gambling industry, but focuses in part on new forms of gambling, and those targeted towards children.
“There is academic research which proves that there is a connection, though not necessarily a causal link, between loot box spending and problem gambling,” it says.
The Lords report concludes that ministers should make new regulations which explicitly state that loot boxes are games of chance. It also says the same definition should apply to any other in-game item paid for with real money, such as FIFA player packs.
The government told the committee that its planned future review of the Gambling Act would focus on loot boxes. But the Lords report warns: “This issue requires more urgent attention.”
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Registered online bookmaker VicBet has been fined $130,000 for 2 breaches of its customer care obligations.
Announcing the fine, Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) CEO Annette Kimmitt AM reminded the gambling industry of the potential for people to experience severe harm when rules are not followed.
âBreaches can have serious consequences, not only in terms of punitive actions against the companies we catch out, but for people whose lives are affected by this behaviour,â Ms Kimmitt said.
âIt is an egregious betrayal of trust, for example, to continue to send marketing materials to a person who has self-excluded from a gambling venue or closed a betting account.â
The VGCCCâs investigations into complaints about VicBet found the bookmaker had:
⢠offered and provided a $1,800 bonus bet to a customer after they asked for their betting account to be closed in September 2022. VicBet was fined $50,000.
⢠repeatedly sent gambling promotional material to a customer after they permanently self-excluded from VicBet in March 2020. The penalty was an $80,000 fine.
It is an offence for a bookmaker to encourage or offer any credit, voucher or reward, or other benefit to induce an account holder to keep an account open after they have requested its closure.
Similarly, sending correspondence or promotional material to customers who have self-excluded contravenes the Victorian Bookmakersâ Association Code of Conduct.
âOn these occasions, VicBet failed to live up to both its legal and social licences to operate, which include minimising the risk of harm to customers,â Ms Kimmitt said.
âIndustry must respect the wishes of people who decide to have a break from, or quit, gambling. This means taking all reasonable steps to enforce harm prevention initiatives that customers commit themselves to, such as self-exclusion programs.â
VicBet was given the opportunity to âshow causeâ as to why disciplinary action should not be taken. Submissions from its legal representative were considered prior to a determination being made.
The post VGCCC: Bookmaker Fined for Customer Safety Breaches appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Incentive Games, a leading B2B games provider specialising in player acquisition and retention, today announced it has received full certification from Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) to offer its Pay-to-Play games in the Brazilian market.
This certification encompasses Incentive Gamesâ entire suite of games, random number generator (RNG), and remote gaming service (RGS), paving the way for the company to expand its reach into the thriving Brazilian gaming market.
Stewart Gove, COO of Incentive Games, commented, âThis GLI certification is a huge milestone for us, and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Incentive Games team. It demonstrates our commitment to delivering the highest quality and most secure gaming experiences to players worldwide. We are delighted to now offer our P2P games to licensed operators in the dynamic Brazilian market.â
The post INCENTIVE GAMES RECEIVES FULL PAY-TO-PLAY GAMING CERTIFICATION IN BRAZIL appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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FBMDS proudly announces its certification to operate in the Brazilian iGaming market, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy. This achievement reinforces FBMDSâs leadership in the video bingo category and its commitment to deliver spotless quality, innovation and compliance to Brazilian operators and players.
With this certification, FBMDS becomes one of the few iGaming providers authorized to deliver certified, high-quality games tailored to the Brazilian market in which the brand is deeply enrooted because of its cultural background. This development not only strengthens the brandâs position in a rapidly growing sector but also offers Brazilian players and operators access to a portfolio of games that combine cutting-edge technology, cultural match, and world-class security standards.
âThis certification represents a pivotal moment in our journey,â said Renato Almeida, Director at FBMDS. âIt demonstrates our commitment to the Brazilian market, ensuring a safe, exciting, and fully compliant gaming experience for players, while empowering operators with premium certified content that drives engagement and growth.â
For FBMDS, this milestone aligns with its 2025 narrative: a roadmap focused on market expansion, innovation, and leadership in key iGaming segments. Brazilâs rapidly expanding market provides a prime opportunity to bring FBMDSâs renowned expertise in video bingo to a whole different level.
For operators, FBMDSâ certified games provide assurance of compliance with Brazilian regulations, while its innovative products and collections are designed to captivate players and drive business growth.
On what Brazilian players is concerned, online casino gaming enthusiasts can look forward to a personalized gaming experience that reflects their culture, preferences, and expectations, underpinned by the highest standards of excellence and safety.
Following this certification, FBMDS will launch a series of targeted marketing campaigns, event participations such as the SBC Summit Rio, in Rio de Janeiro, this February, and direct engagements with new clients. In the first quarter, FBMDS plans to strengthen its partnerships with operators and expand its footprint in Brazil through strategic initiatives and localized offerings.
FBMDS has long been a pioneer in the video bingo category, delivering innovative, culturally relevant titles that resonate with global audiences. Certification in Brazil is simply the recognition of its expertise and dedication to raising the bar in iGaming. By aligning its operations with local regulatory requirements, FBMDS ensures that its games offer a seamless, enjoyable experience while meeting the marketâs unique demands.
The post FBMDS obtains certification to operate in Brazil appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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