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Compliance Updates

BGC Strengthens Ads Rules to Further Protect Under 18s

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The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has unveiled new measures to further prevent under-18s from seeing digital media adverts.

The standards body, which represents the UK regulated betting industry, has announced changes that will be published in the Seventh Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising (IGRG code).

As well as raising advertising standards for young people, the new code will extend the current commitment, which ensures 20% of TV and radio advertising is devoted to safer gambling messaging, to digital media advertising too.

BGC members have already taken major steps to ensure only those legally allowed to bet see online marketing for regulated betting and gaming products.

Previous rules ensured all sponsored or paid for social media adverts must be targeted at consumers aged 25 and over unless the website can prove its adverts can be precisely targeted at over 18s.

Under the new guidelines, the 25+ rule will be extended to all digital media platforms who provide an appropriate age filter.

The new code, which will come into force on 1 December 2023, is the latest example of the BGC’s determination to drive up standards within the betting and gaming industry.

Other measures already introduced include the whistle to whistle ban on TV gambling adverts, cooling off periods on gaming machines, encouraging deposit limits, new ID and age verification checks and massively increasing funding for research, education and treatment.

A BGC code of conduct was also introduced placing a ban on football clubs using their social media accounts – which are popular with youngsters – posting direct marketing on betting odds and sites.

BGC members have also led on a push with social media platforms to allow the public to opt-out from receiving betting and gaming advertising online. BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher wrote to DCMS earlier this year, urging the Department to put pressure on social media platforms to do more.

DCMS Minister Stuart Andrew MP has since confirmed he will convene a meeting to help drive change.

BGC members take a zero-tolerance approach to betting by children. According to the Gambling Commission’s “Young People and Gambling Report” (2022) the most popular forms of betting by children are arcade games like penny pusher and claw grab machines (22%) bets between friends (15%), playing cards for money (5%) and fruit machines (3%) – not with BGC members.

Michael Dugher, chief executive of the BGC, said: “As the standards body for the regulated sector, we are committed to continuing to drive up standards and make big changes across the betting and gaming industry. Helping protect young people is our number one priority.

“BGC Members have already taken significant steps to ensure adverts by our members only reach the right audiences. With more help from the platforms, we can do even more.

“Safer gambling messaging is also absolutely crucial. It is about ensuring that customers use safer gambling tools like setting deposits limits and time outs, but also it is about the vitally important work of signposting the help that is out there to help the minority of gamblers who might be struggling with their betting and gaming.

“The new edition of the IGRG Code is further evidence of our determination to continue to ensure that standards are rising and are as high as they can possibly be.”

BGC worked alongside Bacta, Bingo Association and the Lotteries Council to formulate these new rules and ensure it was a cross industry effort.

Around 22.5 million UK adults enjoy a bet each month. The regulated betting and gaming industry in the UK contributes £7.1bn to the economy in GVA and generates £4.2bn in taxes which fund essential public services, the industry also supports 110,000 jobs across the country.

Participation in gambling by children (11-16 years) has fallen significantly since 2011 – from 23% of children participating in some form of gambling on a past-week basis to 7% in 2022 (GC Young People and Gambling Report 2022).

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.

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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.

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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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