Compliance Updates
MGA Representatives Participate in GREF’s Annual Conference in Bergen
The Malta Gaming Authority participated in the Gaming Regulators European Forum’s (GREF) annual conference held in Bergen, Norway, between 5 and 7 June 2023. This year’s conference brought together over 90 representatives from 26 member states.
The event served as a pivotal platform for gaming regulators from across Europe to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange knowledge and collaborate on the latest trends and challenges in the gaming industry.
Representing the MGA were three officials – Senior Legal Counsel, Martina Cilia; Chief Officer for Policy & International Affairs, Kinga Warda; and Chief Officer for Finance & Business Transformation, Peter Spiteri.
Martina Cilia provided updates on the MGA’s Player Protection Directive and the inclusion of markers of harm during the panel discussion on player protection. Throughout the extensive process of developing the amendments of the Player Protection Directive, the MGA adopted an evidence-based approach that served as guidance through data and research literature, as well as a consultation conducted with licensees. In this manner, the MGA was better positioned to appraise the current legislative instrument and continue to prioritise the protection of players.
Peter Spiteri, who is also the co-chair of the GREF’s InfoStat Working Group, provided an update on the group’s work and future ambitions. He stated: “The InfoStat working group serves as a crucial platform for regulators to discuss how to leverage data to improve gambling policies and decision-making processes. As the chair of the Infostat group, I am committed to harnessing the power of data to foster innovation and responsible gambling practices”.
Kinga Warda moderated a panel discussion entitled “Black Market activity: Combatting Illegal Activity”. Kinga, who is also a Board Member of GREF, said: “The exchange of ideas and insights during the conference reinforced the importance of collaboration in further strengthening a responsible and enjoyable environment whilst protecting the interest and well-being of individuals. The diverse perspectives of our fellow regulators are crucial in the process of shaping robust and inclusive policies. By embracing these varied viewpoints and collaborating effectively, we can collectively address the evolving landscape of the gaming industry and ensure its long-term sustainability”.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has fined the Werribee RSL $30,000 for failing to prevent 2 self-excluded customers from gambling.
VGCCC CEO Suzy Neilan said: “This is the first time the VGCCC has taken disciplinary action against a club or hotel for self-exclusion breaches.
“Self-exclusion programs empower people to manage their gambling by registering to be temporarily or permanently blocked from entering gambling areas of clubs, pubs and casinos.
“By failing to respect a person’s decision to self-exclude, a venue may put customers who have decided to take a break from gambling, or quit altogether, at risk of experiencing gambling harm.”
In January 2024, the VGCCC received an anonymous tip-off that a self-excluded person entered the Werribee RSL gaming room and used the poker machines. The venue self-reported a second breach in May 2024, after realising a different customer had gambled at the venue on at least 4 occasions between February and May 2024.
Ms Neilan said: “Taking disciplinary action is the last resort. We would prefer venues take their harm minimisation responsibilities seriously by complying with their legal obligations, including through the effective implementation of tools like self-exclusion.
“Venues and their staff are the last line of defence for self-excluded customers, who should be able to trust that their decision to self-exclude will be respected. They must have the appropriate controls in place to prevent self-excluded people from entering gaming rooms.”
The VGCCC acknowledged that Werribee RSL cooperated with the investigations and has since taken steps to strengthen its procedures. These include improved and regular staff training, daily audits of the self-exclusion register and greater use of technology to identify self-excluded customers who attempt to enter the gaming room.
This remedial action was taken into consideration in determining the amount of the fine.
The post VGCCC Fines Werribee RSL for Self-exclusion Failures appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Konami Gaming Inc. announced successful completion of Gaming-related Vendor Licensing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a key emerging market for commercial gaming. Konami Gaming is among the first in the industry to be awarded a Gaming-Related Vendor License by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), an independent entity of the UAE Federal Government with exclusive jurisdiction to regulate, license, and supervise all UAE commercial gaming activities. A leading global provider of casino games and casino management systems, Konami has been awarded official license to serve the UAE’s developing gaming market with its award-winning products and services.
“Since Konami Gaming’s inception, our global growth has been achieved with an unwavering commitment to compliance. As the United Arab Emirates expands its economy to the regulated commercial gaming space, Konami is dedicated to supporting this market with the same integrity, innovation, and excellence we bring to all 431 gaming jurisdictions we serve worldwide,” said Tom Jingoli, president & chief operating officer at Konami Gaming.
For a quarter century, casino players have enjoyed Konami Gaming’s slot machines for the Class III gaming space, in which game outcomes are determined by random number generators (RNG). The company has since expanded its world-famous casino entertainment to online gaming and a variety of central determination market sectors. Additionally, Konami Gaming has spent over 20 years delivering its industry-leading SYNKROS casino management system to some of the largest and most diverse gaming destinations on earth, with ultra-reliable 99.99% uptime.
The post Konami Gaming Awarded Gaming-related Vendor License in the UAE appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued ReadyBet with a remedial direction after the company marketed to customers who had registered with BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER).
An ACMA investigation found ReadyBet sent 273 texts and push notifications from its mobile app to self-excluded individuals.
Separately, the company also failed to promote the NSER in 2342 push notifications despite it being mandatory to promote BetStop in any marketing electronic messages.
The ACMA issued the remedial direction so that ReadyBet takes action to prevent it breaching the rules in the future.
Under the remedial direction, ReadyBet must commission an independent review of its marketing systems, including its use of third-party suppliers.
ReadyBet must also engage a provider to deliver training to its staff to avoid messages being sent to self-excluded individuals.
The ACMA may seek civil penalties if ReadyBet does not comply with the remedial direction.
The post ACMA: ReadyBet Breaches Gambling Self-exclusion Rules appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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