Compliance Updates
Regulated Dutch market wide open following high-profile departures
The exit of major operator brands in the newly regulated Dutch market has left it without an obvious leader, Casino Reviews, the leading iGaming reviews portal has found.
Just six weeks into the opening of one of Europe’s last remaining new jurisdictions, Casino Reviews research using Google Trends discovered that previously dominant operators in the Netherlands each saw a significant drop in search volume following the legal market opening on 1st October.
Unibet and Bwin, the two largest casinos, saw their combined search volume drop by approximately 450,000 monthly queries, with a similar trend experienced by PokerStars, LeoVegas and Casumo.
Casino Reviews’ data shows that search volume for new, regulated casinos is more evenly distributed. Unibet’s previously leading market share has not led to a direct successor, with BetCity, bet365, GGPoker, Holland Casino and state-owned TOTO gaining search traction within a similar range.
Search volume for illegal casinos stalling appears to be good news for regulated casinos and the Dutch gambling authority Kansspelautoriteit’s (KSA) projected goal of an 80% channelisation rate by 2024.
The study also shows how six stakeholders – game and payment providers, affiliates, operators, the KSA and players – can assist in the channelisation drive. The licensing of content from leading developers is highlighted as an important issue, as is the role played by payment providers still offering their services to Dutch players at illegal online casinos.
Affiliates can also help the channelisation process, the report argues, by pointing out the risks posed by playing at illegal casinos, while operators are encouraged to put in place more streamlined affiliate programmes.
The research also points out that smaller, unregulated casinos could potentially opt not to pay what the KSA estimates is a cost of between €1 million and €1.6 million for a Dutch licence, a higher figure than most comparable jurisdictions.
Casino Reviews’ research goes on to detail a potential sweet spot for small-scale illegal casinos who can go under the KSA’s radar while making enough money to cover a fine if and when it should occur. That could leave players using these unregulated casinos open to uncertified games and an unsafe, non-secure playing environment.
David Overmars, Traffic and Conversion Lead at Casino Reviews, said: “Our extensive research into this newly regulated market has provided us with some fascinating insights. The loss of the ‘Big Five’ from the legal market has left a gaping hole that newly licensed operators are battling to fill, with no clear winner emerging.
“Those big operators will certainly come back and pick up licences at some stage and, by then, it is possible we will see the sort of channelisation of players the KSA originally envisaged.
“It is important the six stakeholders listed in our report do all they can to encourage players to play through legal channels, and this means offering them an experience that is safer and more enjoyable than that provided by unregulated offshore operators.”
Click here to view the full analysis.
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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested the Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block more illegal online gambling sites, after investigations found these services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
The latest sites blocked include Best Aussie Pokies, winspirit.online, win-spirit.online, winspirit.team and winspirit1.com.
Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling. Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 1279 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. Around 220 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal online gambling rules in 2017.
The post ACMA Blocks More Illegal Online Gambling Sites appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
As CEO of Prime Skill Games Inc., I feel compelled to address recent comments made by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario regarding so-called unapproved gambling machines in convenience stores across the province.
Let me be perfectly clear
Our machines are not gambling devices. They are entirely skill-based, fully compliant with the law, and built on the fundamental idea that players are in control. The outcome of every session is determined solely by the player’s ability, not by random chance.
Prime Skill Games is proud to be the only true skill game operating in Ontario today.
We categorically reject any suggestion that our products fall under the definition of unregulated gambling. Such statements are inaccurate, misleading, and fail to recognize the critical distinction between games of skill and games of chance.
We stand firmly behind the legality of our machines and the integrity of our operations. We will demonstrate this through every available means, whether through legal documentation, expert analysis, or, if necessary, before the courts. We are prepared and unafraid to defend the truth.
To our players, partners, and business community, we want to reassure you that our mission has not changed. We are committed to offering a responsible, transparent, and innovative entertainment experience. We will not be intimidated by broad and baseless accusations, and we will continue to move forward with strength and clarity.
Sincerely
Matt Zamroźniak
Chief Executive Officer
Prime Skill Games Inc.
The post Prime Skill Games Inc. Official Response to AGCO Press Release appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Betsson Group, a leading global online gaming operator, has strengthened its commitment to quality, sustainability and responsible business practices through the achievement of three ISO certifications and two independent assessments in Italy. These were awarded to Azzurri Ltd, the Group’s locally licensed entity, by Bureau Veritas – a leader in testing, inspection and certification – following extensive audits of the Group’s Italian operations.
With a presence in over 25 markets and a strong focus on regulatory compliance, ESG and customer experience, Betsson Group continues to embed responsible practices across all areas of its business.
The following internationally recognised standards were awarded:
• ISO 9001 – Quality Management: Recognises effective quality management systems that consistently deliver services meeting customer and regulatory requirements.
• ISO 14001 – Environmental Management: Focuses on reducing environmental impact through responsible resource use and environmental stewardship.
• ISO 26000 – Social Responsibility: Reflects a commitment to ethical behaviour, transparency and contributing to sustainable development.
• ISO 30415 – Human Capital: Diversity and Inclusion: Validates inclusive workplace practices that respect human rights and promote equal opportunities.
• ISO 50001 – Energy Management: Acknowledges systematic efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption across operations.
“These certifications reflect our Group-wide commitment to operating responsibly, ethically and sustainably. While the audit was conducted for our Italian operations, the values underpinning these standards – from quality and environmental care to diversity and social responsibility – are deeply embedded across Betsson Group,” said Corinne Valletta, General Counsel at Betsson Group.
“Thanks to Betsson’s strong culture and drive towards operational excellence, continuous improvement and commitment towards ESG, the certification process was fairly straightforward. Kudos to the whole team for their commitment and strong knowledge across all disciplines. Their proactive approach to implementing best practices across multiple disciplines is commendable and aligns with the highest international standards,” said Peter Cain, Country Manager at Bureau Veritas Malta.
The post Betsson Group Obtains 3 ISO Certificates and 2 Attestations in Italy appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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