Compliance Updates
EGBA Expresses Concerns over Italy’s New Proposals for Online Gambling Licensing
The Italian authorities are currently working on a new tender for online gambling concessions which will limit the number of online gambling licensees in the country to 40 and increase online licensing fees to at least €2.5 million from 2023.
Now, the EGBA has contacted the Italian gambling authority to share its concerns and reminded the authority of its duty to notify its proposal to the European Commission. Notification enables the Commission to scrutinise and determine whether proposed national laws are in full compliance with EU law.
“We have asked the Italian authorities to duly notify the draft legislation to the European Commission. Notification is required by European law, and failure to do so will render the law inapplicable to Italian-licensed companies and its citizens. The Commission’s careful scrutiny of this proposal is needed, also to make sure that the draft legislation will not be contrary to the consumer protection objectives of the Italian online gambling legislation” Maarten Haijer, Secretary-General of EGBA, said.
The tender proposal would reduce the country’s current limit of 120 online gambling licensees to 40, a significant reduction by two-thirds, and seeks to increase licensing fees to at least €2.5 million, 10 times larger than the country’s previous licensing fees. Licensing fees would also be determined through an auction process rather than through a fixed licensing fee like in other European countries. The proposal would take effect from 1 January 2023, at the end of the current licensing term, and apply for 9 years.
This could potentially, EGBA believes, weaken the viability of the country’s regulated and licensed online gambling market, in favour of unlicensed operators who can easily be found online by players in Italy.
If the new tender would enter into force unchanged, it could become much more attractive for players in Italy to look for and play with unregulated operators, who would have much better offers and betting odds because they will not have to pay these fees or taxes. Those players would no longer be protected by Italian consumer protection and gambling legislation, which would be contrary to the stated objective of the regulated online gambling market in Italy.
Powered by WPeMatico
Arshak Muradyan Digitain Group's Chief Compliance Officer
Digitain Group Products are Certified for Brazil
Digitain among the first game and software suppliers to successfully meet Brazil’s new regulatory standards.
Digitain, a leading provider of sportsbook and casino platform solutions, is proud to announce that it is among the first game and software suppliers to successfully meet Brazil’s new regulatory standards.
The Brazilian gaming market is undergoing a significant transformation. With new regulations in place, gaming operators and providers must adapt quickly to meet these evolving requirements. This achievement underscores Digitain’s commitment to delivering high-quality gaming products and ensuring full compliance with local laws and regulations, allowing our partners to continue their operations seamlessly.
Arshak Muradyan, Digitain Group’s Chief Compliance Officer, stated, “Brazil’s gaming industry has witnessed rapid growth over the past few years, with more attention given to regulating and managing this fast-evolving market. In 2024, Brazil introduced stricter rules for gaming providers, including new certification requirements, enhanced player protection measures, and tighter oversight of both games and operators. The certification process, conducted by an authorised testing laboratory of GLI (Gaming Laboratories International), ensures that our products meet the high standards of quality and fairness mandated by Brazilian regulators.”
Ani Mkrtchyan, Chief Sales Officer of Digitain Group, said, “As a company operating on the global stage, Digitain Group has consistently recognised the importance of regulatory compliance. This is why we’ve acted swiftly to meet the new requirements set out by Brazil’s regulatory authorities, positioning ourselves as one of the first companies to successfully navigate this evolving landscape.”
“Digitain Group’s success in securing certification for the Brazilian market is a significant milestone, and we’re proud to be among the first to meet these new regulatory standards. By adhering to the highest standards of compliance, we ensure the integrity of the industry and position ourselves and our partners for continued success in one of the world’s fastest-growing gaming markets.”
The post Digitain Group Products are Certified for Brazil appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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.
“Breaches 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,” Ms Kimmitt said.
“It 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.”
The VGCCC’s 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 Bookmakers’ Association Code of Conduct.
“On 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,” Ms Kimmitt said.
“Industry 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.”
VicBet was given the opportunity to “show cause” 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.
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 Games’ 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, “This 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.”
The post INCENTIVE GAMES RECEIVES FULL PAY-TO-PLAY GAMING CERTIFICATION IN BRAZIL appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
-
BF Games6 days agoBF Games Makes Strategic Entry into Brazilian Market
-
Canada6 days ago
Ottawa Black Bears Announce Partnership Deal with PowerPlay
-
Africa6 days ago
BetBlocker expands to support African markets with the launch of Bemba, Nyanja and Tonga language support
-
Australia4 days ago
Regulating the Game Announced New Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing Masterclass at 2025 Conference
-
Asia5 days ago
Sands China Launches Alipay Tap! in Macao
-
Bragg Gaming Group5 days ago
Bragg Gaming is Live in Brazil’s Regulated iGaming Market
-
FBC Melgar5 days ago
Stake Peru secures official sponsorship of FBC Melgar
-
Latest News6 days ago
Nolimit City resurfaces in the apocalyptic world of xWays Hoarder 2
