Compliance Updates
ITIA Bans Three Tennis Players for Match-fixing
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has confirmed that three tennis players, Timur Khabibulin, Sanjar Fayziev and Igor Smilansky, have been sanctioned and fined following breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP).
The decision was made by independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO) Janie Soublière, who had previously upheld the ITIA charges against the three players for related match-fixing activity whilst sanctions were considered. The confirmed sanctions are:
- Timur Khabibulin from Kazakhstan has been banned from the sport for life and fined $60,000
- Sanjar Fayziev from Uzbekistan has been banned for three years and six months (with six months suspended) and fined $15,000
- Igor Smilansky from Israel has been banned for two years with a $4000 fine (with $1000 suspended).
Khabibulin, who had a highest ATP doubles ranking of 154, was found liable for 21 individual charges relating to match-fixing between 2014 and 2019. Fayziev, who also had a highest ATP doubles ranking of 154, was found liable for five charges relating to two matches in 2018. Smilansky, who had a highest ATP singles ranking of 451, was found liable for three charges relating to one match in 2018.
The sanctions will begin from the date of the players’ provisional suspensions on 25 July 2023 which means Fayziev will be suspended until 24 July 2026 and Smilansky will be suspended until 24 July 2025 (subject to their fines being paid or repayment schemes agreed).
During such period for Fayziev and Smilansky, and permanently for Khabibulin, they are prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA: ATP, ITF, WTA, Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open, or any national association.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) board of directors elected Michael Rumbolz, Executive Chair of the Board of Everi Holdings Inc., as the association’s new chairman. He will succeed Hard Rock International Chairman and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen, who has served as AGA chairman since January 2022. Rumbolz begins his two-year term in January 2024.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to help shape gaming’s future as the AGA’s next chair,” said Rumbolz. “From stopping illegal gambling to evolving responsible gambling, the AGA is tackling transformational issues and I am eager to build on the progress made during Jim’s tenure.”
Working from a busboy to the c-suite, Rumbolz’s career spans all levels and aspects of the gaming industry with experience encompassing gaming equipment manufacturing and distribution; hotel and casino operations; casino fintech; digital gaming; and gaming legislation and regulation. Rumbolz previously served as President and CEO of Everi, Member and Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and Chief Deputy Attorney General of Nevada.
“It’s an honor to welcome Mike—an industry legend in his own right—as the next AGA chairman,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Mike’s career as an operator, manufacturer and regulator is unparalleled and will be vital to driving meaningful progress on industry priorities.”
During Allen’s tenure as chairman, the AGA supported the industry’s record-setting COVID recovery while working to evolve the industry’s approach to responsible gaming and launching a new effort to stop illegal gambling.
“Jim’s knowledge, insight and guidance have helped the AGA advance our mission and maximize our impact for the industry. He’s been a trusted advisor to me, and I am thankful for his partnership over the last two years,” Miller continued.
“Our industry and this association have never been stronger. I am immensely proud of our success over the last two years accelerating gaming’s recovery while defining and advancing new priorities,” said Allen. “The AGA is well-positioned under Mike and Bill’s leadership.”
The Gambling Regulators European Forum (GREF) Board has taken a significant step in enhancing the exchange of information among its members on the Anti-Money Laundering matters by establishing a new working group. The creation of this new working group underscores GREF’s commitment to a collaborative approach that strengthens the overall integrity and credibility of the industry.
The GREF Board has approved the appointment of Rachel Bezzina from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and Christophe Vidal from the French National Gambling Authority (ANJ) as co-chairs for the AML Working Group.
The AML Working Group marks the fifth addition to the existing working groups established by GREF. It joins the ranks of the Responsible Gambling, Digital & Innovation, InfoStat and Enforcement working groups. Each of these groups plays a crucial role in addressing specific aspects of the gambling industry, collectively contributing to the advancement and sustainability of the sector.
Gaming technology and services provider BetConstruct has received a Virtual Slot Machines License from the GGL, Germany’s iGaming regulator.
By receiving this new licence, BetConstruct can now offer virtual online slot machines in compliance with German gambling laws and requirements. This opens up new horizons and opportunities for everyone interested in the German market, including slot game providers, BetConstruct operators and players alike.
Hermine Gevorgyan, Head of BetConstruct’s Licensing and Certification Department, said: “We are thrilled to announce our successful acquisition of the German virtual slot licence – a remarkable accomplishment that marks the culmination of a challenging and rewarding journey for our entire team.”
“Securing the German slot licence was undeniably a challenging journey, but today, we stand proud as we celebrate this significant achievement. With this licence in hand, we are poised to introduce a new niche to the market, setting higher standards and redefining excellence in the gaming industry with our innovative and award-winning products tailored for the German market,” Gor Mnatsakanyan, BetConstruct’s Regional Director in Germany, said.
-
BettorView5 days agoNorthStar Announces New Partnership Agreement with BettorView
-
Balkans5 days ago
Amusnet Took Part in the Official Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of BBLF
-
Balkans5 days ago
EGT Digital’s Jackpot Top Seller Clover Chance is Live on Everbet
-
Baltics5 days ago
PopOK Gaming games are now certified for Lithuania
-
Eastern Europe5 days ago
7777 gaming goes live on Superbet, Romania’s premier online operator
-
Compliance Updates5 days ago
Videoslots awarded Swedish licence extension
-
Arena Esportiva5 days ago
Xtremepush Partners with Vibra Gaming to Accelerate Growth in Latin America
-
Central Europe5 days ago
CT Interactive’s Content Goes Live with Fortuna Slovakia
