Compliance Updates
WFH could mean your Grand National workplace sweepstake is illegal
Traditional office sweepstake risks falling foul of gambling law if participants enter remotely
Gambling regulation expert provides guidance on how to comply with law when setting up workplace pool
The recent trend towards flexible working means many businesses are at risk of falling foul of gambling legislation, if organising the traditional office Grand National sweepstake, a leading law firm is warning.
With this weekend’s big race at Aintree attracting the interest of not just racing fans but the general public at large, it is typically one of the most popular events for an office sweepstake.
In pre-Covid times there was little risk involved in such a contest, other than perhaps an excess of workplace rivalry, especially given the event’s propensity for surprises and upsets.
However, Poppleston Allen, a leading gambling licensing law firm, says that with the shift towards hybrid working, organisers now need to be more cautious.
“While formal gambling activity is heavily regulated by the Gambling Commission, there is an exception designed to allow the general public to have a bit of fun by taking part in what is officially called a work lottery,” says Richard Bradley, associate solicitor and gambling regulation expert at Poppleston Allen.
“But what many people may not realise is that the rules are very clear in that you can only sell physical tickets and all players must work in the same office – contests running across different office locations of the same company are not allowed.
“Therefore, if the pandemic has led to staff working from other offices or largely working from home, extra care needs to be taken when running a Grand National sweepstake.
“Organisers, whether employers or employees, must make sure they do not sell any tickets via email or over the phone. Any staff member who wants to play must visit the office and buy a physical ticket. If these rules aren’t followed, organisers and players would technically be involved in illegal gambling.”
Bradley says other rules to make sure a workplace sweepstake doesn’t land anyone in hot water with the Gambling Commission include the following:
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All players must pay the same amount for a ticket;
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Horses must be decided by chance, for example, drawn out of a hat;
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No one can make a profit and all stakes must be returned as prizes, though an organiser can deduct administration costs for running the contest;
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The sweepstake can only be advertised at the work premises; and
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There must be a winner – the prize cannot be rolled over.
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Compliance Updates
KSA Issues Warning to 711 BV
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The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has issued a warning to 711 BV, an online gambling provider, for using an influencer to advertise online gambling. This violates the ban on using role models to advertise online gambling. The purpose of these rules is to protect vulnerable groups, such as young people and at-risk and problem gamblers, from gambling advertising.
Role model ban
Online gambling providers are prohibited from using role models, such as professional athletes, actors, models and influencers. The Royal Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has informed 711 that all expressions in which the influencer promotes the gambling provider must be removed. This means, among other things, that the expressions may no longer be seen in the videos. 711 has confirmed that the collaboration has ended and has initiated the removal of the content in question.
The KSA emphasized that gambling providers must be careful about who they use for promotion.
In addition, the KSA addressed 711 about offering tournaments in which players were automatically entered, without having to register or agree to the bonus terms. This can lead to inappropriate gaming behaviour. 711 has confirmed that it has stopped this practice.
The post KSA Issues Warning to 711 BV appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
eGaming Integrity Celebrates Two Years of Independent Compliance and Audit Expertise
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eGaming Integrity Ltd marks its two-year anniversary, celebrating a period of growth, trust, and continued delivery of independent regulatory, compliance, and audit expertise to eGaming operators, suppliers, and Corporate Service Providers.
Founded by former regulators and senior compliance leaders, eGaming Integrity was established with a clear mission: to help protect licences and reputations through practical, regulator-ready assurance. Two years on, the firm continues to provide objective, expert support designed to strengthen governance and reduce regulatory risk.
A Trusted Partner for Assurance
In just 24 months, eGaming Integrity has become a trusted partner for organisations seeking confidence in their control environments. The team delivers:
- mock regulatory audits and inspection readiness;
- independent internal audit programmes;
- targeted remediation and advisory support.
Emma Shilling, Director, highlighted the firm’s commitment to meaningful, independent assurance: “Reaching our second anniversary is a proud moment. From day one, our focus has been to provide independent assurance that adds real value. We help embed governance and compliance into everyday operations to protect licences and reputations for the long term.”
Robert Penfold, Head of Internal Audit, highlighted the importance of objective insight in strengthening client operations: “Over the past two years, eGI has shown how truly independent audit and compliance support can reduce risk and give boards confidence that controls are working as they should. Our role is to provide clear, workable solutions that prepare businesses for scrutiny and support their ongoing success.”
Looking Forward
As it enters its third year, eGaming Integrity remains committed to delivering expert,
impartial, and commercially practical assurance. Whether preparing businesses for regulatory engagement, providing independent internal audit services, or supporting targeted remediation, the firm’s goal remains simple: to be the trusted partner that helps protect licenses and reputations.
The post eGaming Integrity Celebrates Two Years of Independent Compliance and Audit Expertise appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
Regulators Call for Stronger Measures Against Illegal Online Gambling
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Regulators of Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal and Spain issued a joint institutional statement.
The fight against illegal online gambling is one of the paramount tasks facing regulated jurisdictions. Its borderless nature and the speed of technological innovation make it easier for illegal operators to evade regulatory oversight. This creates significant risks for consumer and public health protection, endanger public order and harms the activity of legitimate operators. In short, illegal online gambling undermines the entire regulatory framework designed to protect the public interest.
The statement reads: “We express our common concern regarding the increasing proliferation of advertising targeting our jurisdictions by unauthorised operators, particularly through digital channels such as social media, video platforms, and affiliate networks. These activities not only violate our national laws but also expose citizens — including minors and vulnerable individuals — to significant risks associated with illegal gambling.
“We wish to express our strong commitment to consumer protection, market integrity, and compliance with national and international regulations within the respective legal framework by:
• sharing information on illegal operators among us
• calling on digital platforms and social media networks to strengthen their control mechanisms to prevent the dissemination of advertising content from unauthorised operators
• reaffirming our commitment to share knowledge and better practices in identifying, investigating, and sanctioning operators acting outside the law.
This statement marks a renewed and united commitment by our jurisdictions to strengthen the integrity of the regulated gambling sector and to protect citizens from the risks posed by illegal gambling activities.”
The post Regulators Call for Stronger Measures Against Illegal Online Gambling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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