Compliance Updates
Stakers Exits UK Market
Online betting and casino brand Stakers has surrendered its UK gambling licence and has ceased all operations, following the dismissal of its appeal against its licence suspension.
First-Tier Tribunal Judge Aleksander issued a written decision dismissing Stakers’ appeal against the suspension of its licence.
The firm’s initial application to appeal had been refused by the Tribunal, and so by the time of the hearing its remote casino operations in the UK had been “effectively extinguished”.
Stakers’ licence was initially suspended by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) in March 2020 due to a “number of compliance issues,” under sections 116 and 118 of the 2005 Gambling Act.
The UKGC subsequently informed Stakers that it should advise players not to place any bets through the website, and should also support customers in withdrawing funds in their accounts.
Throughout the appeal process, a “significant number of regulatory issues and alleged compliance failings” were addressed, whilst Stakers questioned whether the Gambling Act permitted the UKGC to compel operators to participate in compliance assessments via Skype.
The judge concluded that he considered assessments conducted over Skype to be lawful for production of documents and records, but also found that UK gambling legislation does not require operators to display live operational environments to the UKGC via the platform, and firms are also not required to provide test accounts.
Additionally, although evidence of compliance failings could be a criminal offence under the Act, the Judge ruled that Commission officers were not required to caution individuals under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act prior to recorded compliance assessments undertaken via Skype.
Richard Williams, the solicitor from Joelson law firm who represented Stakers, noted that a total of 12 months had passed since the company’s licence was initially revoked, including the six months between the final hearing and the Tribunal’s decision – which damaged Stakers’ chances of maintaining its operations.
He remarked: “Operators whose licence has been suspended, even where they do not agree with the Commission about alleged regulatory failings, will understand that appealing a suspension to the First-tier Tribunal may not be a viable option if they want to keep their business open.”
Powered by WPeMatico
eCOGRA, a leading international authority in Testing, Inspection and Certification services for the iGaming industry, has secured new regulatory approvals across three key jurisdictions: Arizona, Indiana and Panama. With these developments, eCOGRA strengthens its position in the U.S. and Latin American markets, offering excellence in compliance through their Quality, Speed, and Service promise.
This strategic expansion allows eCOGRA to conduct independent compliance audits and certification services in each region, addressing the growing demand for rigorous regulatory oversight in the fast-evolving global iGaming industry.
Securing approval in Arizona, where eCOGRA has now been licensed as an Event Wagering Ancillary Supplier, enables the International Testing Laboratory (ITL) to audit event wagering licensees in line with Arizona’s expanding regulatory landscape. Indiana, which introduced online sports betting in September 2019, has authorised eCOGRA to perform regulatory compliance audits, providing licensed operators with crucial assurance in meeting the state’s high standards.
In Panama, the Board of Gaming Control officially recognised eCOGRA as an Authorised Entity for Compliance Certification, specifically for slot machines and gaming software. This endorsement reinforces eCOGRA’s role as a trusted partner for operators seeking to meet stringent regulatory requirements in Latin America’s emerging iGaming sector.
“Our recent approvals in Indiana, Arizona, and Panama underline our dedication to continually expand our offering, to support our growing portfolio of clients with their global growth plans. We are committed to ensuring that we bring the same quality, speed and service that marks us out to both our clients and regulators in these dynamic markets,” said Will Shuckburgh, Group CEO of eCOGRA.
Bradley Khoury, Chief Technology Officer at eCOGRA, said: “Securing licensure as an Event Wagering Ancillary Supplier in Arizona and an Authorised Entity in Panama underscores our dedication to supporting responsible and sustainable iGaming operations. We are committed to driving trust and accountability within the industry by providing compliance solutions that uphold the highest standards.”
The Danish Gambling Authority has officially opened applications for land-based bingo licences under the country’s new regulatory framework.
The licences will be valid from 1 January 2025 for applicants who meet the required conditions and submit complete applications by 10 December 2024.
This development provides opportunities for operators to offer land-based bingo within a regulated environment.
To assist prospective applicants, the Danish Gambling Authority has created a dedicated “Land-Based Bingo” webpage. Here, operators can access application materials, guidelines and instructions to ensure submissions are completed accurately.
Operators seeking a licence valid from 1 January 2025 must submit their applications by the 10 December deadline. Applications that meet all requirements will be processed in time for the start date.
In cases where additional information or conditions are needed, the authority may issue licences with specific stipulations, granting operators additional time to address outstanding issues.
To support industry stakeholders, the Danish Gambling Authority will host an information meeting about the new land-based bingo rules on 5 December 2024. The session will take place at Englandsgade 25, Odense, and interested parties are encouraged to register by 29 November 2024.
The post Danish Gambling Authority Opens Applications for Land-based Bingo Licences appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
CT Interactive is thrilled to announce that new titles have officially received certification for the Italian market, ready to bring a fresh wave of entertainment to players across the country. This certification ensures that the games adhere to Italy’s stringent regulatory standards for fairness, security, and quality, reinforcing CT Interactive’s dedication to providing top-tier gaming experiences.
The newly certified games include: 5x Cherry Party, Christmas Storm, Jester Jack, Lucky Kiwi, Mega Gnome, Piggy Crash, Star Girl, The Big Chilli, The New Queen of Fruits, Treasure Chase.
These exciting games offer a diverse range of themes, from the festive charm of Christmas Storm to the whimsical adventures of Piggy Crash and Mega Gnome. Whether players are in the mood for the nostalgic appeal of a classic fruit slot like The New Queen of Fruits, or looking for thrilling treasure hunts in Treasure Chase, there’s something for every type of player.
Each game has been developed with a focus on delivering engaging features, rewarding bonuses, and immersive gameplay. With unique mechanics and visually striking graphics, these releases are designed to captivate Italian players and keep them returning for more.
CT Interactive remains committed to enhancing the Italian gaming landscape by consistently providing fresh, exciting content and introducing new ways to play.
The post CT Interactive announces certification of new games for the Italian market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Africa6 days agoSouth Africa: Tribunal Grants Lottoland Interim Relief – Orders Google to Grant Lottoland Access to its Advertising Platform
-
Balkans6 days ago
CT Interactive Shortlisted in Two Categories at BEGE Awards 2024
-
21VIRAL6 days ago
21VIRAL Integrates Air Dice Group Games
-
Balkans6 days ago
NOVOMATIC Presents New Gaming Highlights at the BEGE
-
Latest News6 days ago
Stakelogic Wraps Up Deal with Bet25.dk
-
Chris Christie6 days ago
Chris Christie bets on Texas to approve OSB in 2025
-
Amusnet6 days ago
Amusnet Expands Latin American Presence Through Strategic Partnership with bet365 in Peru
-
Balkans5 days ago
Amusnet Powers BEGExpo’s 15th Edition with its Latest iGaming and Land-based Products
