Compliance Updates
ASA Bans 7 Crypto Ads in the UK
UK advertisements watchdog has banned seven cryptocurrency ads by categorising them as “red-alert priority”. The banned ads include ones by Coinbase and Papa Johns.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said its rulings follow proactive monitoring of cryptoasset ads, and form part of a wider project that will eventually shape specific guidance around advertising these products in 2022.
It added that consumers need to know about the risks of investing in cryptoassets and companies should make sure that their ads aren’t misleading or socially irresponsible, and don’t take advantage of consumers’ lack of awareness around these “complex and volatile products”.
A Twitter bio for a cryptocurrency trading platform Coinburp, cryptocurrency promotion by Papa John’s and a digital poster for online cryptocurrency exchange Payward were all banned, mainly for “irresponsibly taking advantage of consumers’ inexperience.”
The Coinburp ad also failed to illustrate the risk of the investment, ASA said.
A YouTube video promoting Exmo Exchange, an in-app ad for Luno Money, a paid-for Facebook ad for Coinbase Europe, along with an ad for eToro were also among the offenders.
“We’ll continue to review cryptoasset ads over the next few months, not just for cryptocurrencies but also for nonfunglible tokens and fan tokens, and this will feed into our future enforcement work and guidance,” the authority said.
“Cryptoassets are a red-alert priority issue for us, so we’re conducting proactive monitoring and interventions where we find issues,” said Miles Lockwood, director of complaints and investigations.
“Our rulings published today and over the next few weeks will shape follow-up enforcement work in the new year to bring all cryptoassets ads into line with our expectations and will form the basis of updated guidance.”
“We won’t hesitate to take action against ads that break our rules. We encourage anyone with any concerns about ads they’ve seen to get in touch.”
Elizabeth Rayment, director at Your Mind Media, said the ban of the crypto-related ads by the UK watchdog “comes as regulators move to set up rules around the crypto industry in general, be it trading or advertising to protect retail users”.
“While cryptocurrencies have gained significant popularity recently they are still unknown to many consumers. The understanding of cryptocurrencies, their financial impact and the risk they involve remains limited among the general public and as such, advertising to them can be seen as concerning.”
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WorldMatch, leading provider of online casino games, is pleased to announce that it has obtained the Recognition Letter from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). This important milestone officially authorizes WorldMatch to provide its services to B2C operators holding an MGA license.
The acquisition of the Recognition Letter represents a significant step forward for WorldMatch, greatly expanding its commercial opportunities in regulated markets beyond those it currently serves, and further strengthening the company’s position in the online gaming sector.
“We are extremely proud to have received the Recognition Letter from the Malta Gaming Authority,” said Andrea Boratto, CEO of WorldMatch. “This recognition not only confirms our commitment to high standards of compliance and transparency, but also serves as a key lever to consolidate our presence in regulated markets and grow our customer base globally. In many ways, it’s a return to Malta and at the same time a new opening toward growth opportunities.”
The Malta Gaming Authority is widely recognized for the excellence and rigor of its regulatory standards. Obtaining the Recognition Letter complements a series of certifications already acquired by WorldMatch in major European markets, further strengthening the company’s reputation as a reliable, compliant, and innovative partner.
With this new authorization, WorldMatch is ready to strengthen its presence in international markets, providing its B2C operator partners with a broad library of high- quality, technologically advanced games.
The post WorldMatch gains Malta Gaming Authority recognition appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
BMM Testlabs, the world’s original gaming test lab renowned for exceptional product compliance and certification services, today announced the promotion of Sacha McLaughlin to Vice President of Global Quality Assurance.
BMM’s President of Land-Based Gaming & Inspections, Kirk White, said, “Sacha has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, operational excellence, and a customer-first attitude. Her experience and passion will be critical as we continue to grow our QA services to meet the always-evolving needs of the global gaming industry.”
With over 18 years of experience in software implementation and seven years in the gaming industry, McLaughlin brings extensive knowledge of both agile and waterfall development methodologies, test planning, project management, and cross-regional team leadership. She is recognized for her ability to build and scale QA organizations that deliver quality, speed, and value to customers.
McLaughlin joined BMM in 2018 and has held roles of increasing responsibility within the Company, most recently serving as Senior Director of Quality Assurance. Throughout her tenure, she has been instrumental in expanding BMM’s QA capabilities and helping customers launch products into the global gaming market more quickly, with a focus on regulatory compliance, functionality, fairness, and security.
The post BMM TESTLABS PROMOTES SACHA MCLAUGHLIN TO VICE PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL QUALITY ASSURANCE appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
On the occasion of the four-year anniversary of the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) on 1 July 2025, Sandro Kirchner, State Secretary in the Bavarian State Ministry of the Interior, for Sport and Integration, has taken over the chairmanship of the GGL Administrative Board, succeeding Reiner Moser, Head of Office in the Ministry of the Interior, for Digitalisation and Municipalities for Baden-Württemberg.
During Reiner Moser’s term as Chairman of the Board of Directors, the GGL further established itself as a reliable institution for the supervision and monitoring of the online gambling market.
“The online gambling market has developed rapidly in recent years. The GGL has met the resulting challenges with great commitment and can already demonstrate remarkable results both in combating illegal gambling and in regulating and supervising the legal market. The exchange between the states and the GGL is always trusting and results-oriented. I would like to sincerely thank the Board of Directors and all GGL employees for this constructive cooperation over the past year,” said Head of Department Moser.
State Secretary Kirchner takes over the chairmanship at a time when the GGL is pursuing ambitious goals, including stronger international networking, particularly to further curb the illegal gambling market.
“The consistent prosecution of illegal offerings and player protection are my highest priorities. The work of the GGL must continue to be significantly geared towards ensuring that the business model of illegal gambling is not profitable in Germany,” said Sandro Kirchner.
With regard to his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors, he added: “I look forward to continuing the successful work of everyone involved over the past four years. We will certainly continue to face many challenges. However, I believe the GGL is well positioned to achieve this.”
The Board of Directors is the supervisory and steering body of the GGL. It consists of the heads of departments or state secretaries of the ministries responsible for gaming supervision in the 16 member states. The chair of the Board of Directors rotates annually on July 1st in alphabetical order of the member states.
The post Change of Chairmanship in the GGL Board of Directors as of 1 July 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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