Compliance Updates
ANJ Removes 179 Sporting Events from Permitted Betting List
French gambling regulator the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) has removed 179 sports competitions from its list of events approved for betting.
Since 2010, the regulator has published a list of sporting events on which bets can legally be placed in France. The list is updated regularly and was thoroughly reviewed in December 2023, with a view to making it more coherent and easier to understand.
Having been updated regularly since 2010, the ANJ said the previous list had “lost its readability and consistency.”
It has, therefore, now been rewritten, in consultation with the Sports Directorate of France’s Ministry of Sports and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as French sports federations and leagues, and betting operators.
By publishing a limited selection of events which are approved for betting, the ANJ aims to prevent the manipulation of sports, prohibit bets that do not rely on knowledge of a sport (e.g. bets on the colour of a player’s socks), and limit betting to certain competitions.
To achieve all of its objectives, the regulator also publishes a list of approved bet types – determining which in-event occurrences customers may bet on, so that they may not place bets on factors which are purely down to chance such as the result of a coin toss or whether a game will feature an odd or even number of goals.
In total, 179 sports competitions have been removed from the list in the overhaul. The list now includes 772 approved competitions for betting.
The ANJ said it had removed several competitions because they no longer exist, or because they no longer meet the legal criteria for inclusion on the list.
One reason for removal from the list could be a competition’s lack of significance, to which the ANJ attributed the removal of first level Armenian football, or the risk of sports manipulation, for which reason the first level Tunisian football championship was removed.
The ANJ also identified a particular risk of sports manipulation in US college sports, and for that reason removed all games but the final of the popular March Madness basketball competition.
On the other hand, several competitions were added back onto the list, including friendly matches played by the French men’s football and rugby teams.
A ban on handicap betting in tennis was also removed, as was a ban on bets on the number of points scored by a player in a basketball game, regardless of whether they score more or less than 20 points.
The new list will come into force on 1 March this year and will be evaluated at the end of the year “in consultation with all stakeholders.”
AUSTRAC intelligence sparked an investigation that helped the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) to uncover a NSW police officer who sold more than $1.3 million in family gold bars to fund a gambling addiction.
The officer was found by the LECC to have engaged in serious misconduct after taking 12 gold bars, weighing 50 ounces each that belonged to his uncle and was stored underneath his mother’s house.
He falsified know your customer forms to sell the bullion to 2 dealers, claiming the gold was a birthday gift or inheritance and then he used the proceeds on sports betting apps and later admitted to the false information stating he “needed the money”.
AUSTRAC first raised the alarm by flagging transactions, including significant gold sales to a bullion dealer with reported money laundering links.
Operation Dartmoor was launched and uncovered the full extent of misconduct.
The officer resigned from the NSW Police Force and has been referred to the Department of Public Prosecutions.
AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas said the case highlights the risks facing the bullion sector.
“Gambling harm doesn’t just drain bank accounts, it can drive desperate people into crime,” Mr Thomas said.
“When gambling turns to addiction, people often look for fast money and that can mean stealing, fraud or money laundering.
“Bullion is portable, valuable and attractive to people wanting to use it illegitimately.
“If you trade in bullion, you are part of the front line in stopping its exploitation.
“Your AML/CTF controls are the difference between being a trusted dealer or a weak link for crime.
“Every transaction is a potential red flag – it’s your responsibility to look twice, and if needed, report it.”
The post AUSTRAC Intelligence Helps Crack Gold Laundering Case Linked to Gambling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist letters to four unlicensed online casinos—Betty Wins, Orbit Spins, Pacific Spins Casino, and Yabby Casino—all operated by Tech Zone Inc., a company registered offshore in the Union of Comoros.
The enforcement action is part of the MGCB’s ongoing commitment to protect Michigan residents from illegal gambling platforms that lack oversight, player safeguards, and responsible gaming protections.
“These offshore operators lure players with flashy ads and promises of big winnings, but in reality, they put consumers at serious financial and personal risk. We will continue to take strong action against unlicensed sites to ensure gambling in Michigan is legal, fair, and secure,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of MGCB.
Under Michigan law, only MGCB-licensed operators are authorized to offer internet gaming and sports betting. Tech Zone’s four brands were found to be illegally targeting Michigan residents, violating the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and sections of the Michigan Penal Code.
“Illegal operators may use familiar branding or social media ads to appear trustworthy. But if the site isn’t licensed by the MGCB, it isn’t safe. We encourage all players to check before they bet,” Williams said.
The post MGCB Orders Four Offshore Online Casinos to Cease Operations in Michigan appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
CT Interactive is strengthening its presence in Romania’s regulated iGaming market by certifying 20 new games, bringing its total portfolio in the country to 101 titles. This is a significant achievement in the company’s European growth strategy.
Among the new certified releases are fan favorites such as Lucky Clover 10, the latest addition to the beloved Clover series featuring vintage-inspired graphics and nostalgic design elements, and 20 Mega Star, a classic fruit-themed slot that combines familiar gameplay with modern visuals to keep players engaged. Both titles have already proven their success across multiple international markets with strong player engagement.
Additionally, CT Interactive is launching its new Buy Bonus product line in the Romanian market. This exciting lineup includes Doctor Winstein Buy Bonus, Duck of Luck Buy Bonus, Fruits & Sweets Buy Bonus, Nanook the White Ghost Buy Bonus, and Hyper Cuber Buy Bonus — all offering thrilling bonus features and enhanced gameplay tailored to local player preferences.
“Certification in Romania is an important part of our European growth strategy,” said Martin Ivanov, COO of CT Interactive. “This expansion not only strengthens our presence but also enables us to offer a diverse and premium range of content to the regulated Romanian market.”
With these new certifications, CT Interactive continues to be a trusted provider of engaging gaming content, offering Romanian operators a broad range of advanced titles fully aligned with local regulatory standards.
The post CT Interactive grows its certified portfolio in Romania appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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