Compliance Updates
Belgium Makes Legal Age to Gamble at 21 from September
Belgium regulators have made new amendments to the gambling laws in the country with the legal gambling age from 18 to 21. This move aims to align the age requirements for sports betting, arcades and bingo with those already in place for land-based casinos. The revised regulations are set to come into effect on September 1, 2024, and have been outlined in a press release by the Gaming Commission, as published in the Belgium Official Gazette.
The decision to increase the legal gambling age in Belgium is part of a broader effort to prioritise player safety and well-being. By raising the age limit, the authorities aim to provide a more secure environment for individuals engaging in gambling activities. The new legislation includes several other measures designed to safeguard players and ensure responsible gambling practices:
- Prohibition of Devices “3.3”: The revised regulations include a ban on the use of specific gambling devices, known as “3.3” devices. This prohibition aims to eliminate potential risks associated with these devices and promote safer gambling experiences.
- Ban on Cumulation of Online Licences: The new laws also prohibit the cumulation of online licenses on the same website. This measure seeks to prevent operators from exploiting multiple licenses to maximise their reach and potentially exploit vulnerable players.
- Ban on Gifts/Bonuses/Free Games: Another noteworthy provision is the ban on offering gifts, bonuses, or free games to players. This restriction aims to minimise the potential for excessive gambling and the associated risks it may pose to vulnerable individuals.
- Ban on Advertising Games of Chance: The revised regulations also introduce a ban in principle on advertising games of chance. This change intends to reduce the exposure of individuals to gambling advertisements, particularly targeting vulnerable populations, such as minors and problem gamblers.
- Age Limit of 21 Years and Refund in Case of No Control: To ensure effective age verification and compliance with the new regulations, individuals who fail to provide proof of age will be eligible for refunds. This provision emphasises the importance of age control measures and strengthens the responsibility of operators in verifying the age of their customers.
The raised legal gambling age in Belgium will have implications for both operators and players within the country’s gambling industry. For operators, it means implementing necessary changes to comply with the new regulations and adapt their marketing strategies to adhere to the ban on advertising games of chance. Additionally, operators will need to ensure strict age verification processes to prevent minors from accessing gambling services.
Players, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 21, will be directly affected by the increase in the legal gambling age. Those who were previously eligible to participate in certain gambling activities may now need to wait until they reach the age of 21. However, it is essential for players to understand that this change is intended to protect them from any potential harm associated with underage gambling. Responsible gambling practices and adherence to legal age limits are crucial for maintaining a safe and enjoyable gambling environment.
While the decision to raise the legal gambling age has been made with the best intentions, there are concerns and criticisms regarding certain aspects of the revised regulations. One notable concern is the potential for the new advertising restrictions to inadvertently benefit illegal operators. The Belgium Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) has expressed opposition to a total ban on gambling advertising, arguing that it could make it more challenging for consumers to differentiate between legal and illegal operators.
Tom De Clercq, Chair of BAGO, emphasises the need for targeted advertising limitations rather than a blanket ban. BAGO advocates for limiting advertising, particularly through traditional media, but warns against the potential negative consequences of a total ban. They believe that a comprehensive approach that combines responsible advertising practices and effective regulation is key to maintaining a healthy and well-regulated gambling industry.
Compliance Updates
Updated FATF Lists of High-risk Jurisdictions
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The Danish Gambling Authority has called attention to FATF’s (Financial Action Task Force) updated lists of high-risk jurisdictions: the Grey List (jurisdictions under increased monitoring) and Black List (call for actions). Among other things, gambling operators must include FATF’s lists of high-risk jurisdictions when risk assessing players.
Jurisdictions listed on the Grey List:
Algeria, Angola, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Cameroon, the Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Haiti, Kenya, Laos, Lebanon, Monaco, Namibia, Nepal, South Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Vietnam, the Virgin Islands and Yemen.
Jurisdictions listed on the Black List:
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran and Myanmar
Gambling operators are required to conduct enhanced customer due diligence (EDD) pursuant to section 17(1) of the Danish AML Act, if a player is assessed to impose a higher risk of the gambling operator being misused for money laundering or terrorist financing.
Gambling operators shall conduct this risk assessment based on Annex 3 to the AML Act (high-risk factors) which includes the FATF high-risk country lists (the so called black list and grey list)
It is not required that gambling operators perform EDD if a country is listed on the FATF’s list. EDD are only a requirement for players from jurisdictions listed in the EU Regulation of High Risk Third Country list pursuant to. 17(2) of the AML Act.
The post Updated FATF Lists of High-risk Jurisdictions appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
bingo
Spillemyndigheden: New licence type coming soon: Bingo via walkie-talkie and local radio
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Soon it may be possible to play bingo via walkie-talkie and on local radios. A bill is currently being considered by the Danish Parliament to introduce a new type of licence for bingo via walkie-talkie and local radio. The Danish Gambling Authority expects the rules to come into force as early as 1 January 2026.
If the bill is passed, providers of walkie-talkie bingo and local radio will be able to apply for a licence from 1 January 2026. The Danish Gambling Authority will update this news article when the rules are finally adopted.
How to apply for a licence
If you want to offer bingo via walkie-talkie or radio, you need a licence from the Danish Gambling Authority. You can expect to apply as early as 1 January 2026.
When applying for a licence, you must use the form “Apply for a walkie-talkie or radio bingo licence” (no. 1-02). The form will be available on the page “revenue-restricted licenses”.
The application form will also be published in a digital version, but it will not be available on virk.dk until January.
The Danish Gambling Authority strives to process all applications as quickly as possible.
As an applicant, you will be assigned a contact person who can guide you through the legislation during the application process. The contact person will generally remain the same throughout the period of validity of your licence.
Report on the first year of offering games
Licences for radio and walkie-talkie bingo are regulated by the Gambling Act and the Executive Order on Online Casino. The legislation sets out a number of requirements for licensed gambling operators. Among other things, the licence holder must complete a report on the first year of offering gambling.
The report is prepared one year after the licence has been put into use and must be sent to the Danish Gambling Authority no later than 14 months after the date when the licence has been put into use.
The licence holder can fill out the report themselves.
The report must account for how the licence holder has provided gambling in accordance with the conditions of the licence and legislation during the past year.
The report template will be available on the Danish Gambling Authority’s website as form no. 1-04.
The post Spillemyndigheden: New licence type coming soon: Bingo via walkie-talkie and local radio appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Andrew Jackson
Scientific Games Adds to Information and Security Management Certifications, Continues Setting Global Industry Gold Standard
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Scientific Games’ UK, Channel Islands and Ireland facilities are the latest in the company’s global operations to achieve international certifications, further strengthening its information security framework and commitment to setting the lottery industry’s gold standard for integrity. The newest certifications are from the World Lottery Association and the British Standards Institute, as Scientific Games continues to expand its business serving government-regulated lotteries worldwide.
Scientific Games’ new National Logistics Centre in Warrington, UK serving The National Lottery, SG Studios digital game development center in Jersey, Channel Islands and lottery retailer technology facility in Ireland have earned certification to the WLA’s Level 2 Security Control Standard. This international security standard for WLA members specifies the required practices for an effective security management structure to maintain the integrity, availability and confidentiality of information vital to the company’s secure operation.
All three facilities also earned a Certificate of Registration for Information Security Management System, achieving the International Standards Organization’s ISO/IEC 27001:2022, the world’s best-known standard for information security management systems. This certification confirms that Scientific Games has implemented a comprehensive framework to manage risks related to data security in accordance with internationally recognised best practices and principles.
“Earning these certifications is about much more than compliance—it’s about trust. Our customers and their players rely on us to protect data and uphold the integrity of every transaction. These certifications reflect the dedications of our teams in the UK, Channel Islands and Ireland, and across our worldwide operations, to maintaining the highest standards of excellence when it comes to information security,” said Andrew Jackson, VP of Corporate Responsibility for Scientific Games.
Scientific Games has also achieved international certifications for operational best practices, including Quality Management Systems (ISO: 9001), Environmental Management (ISO: 14001), Occupational Health and Safety (ISO: 45001) and the World Lottery Association’s Responsible Gaming certification.
With operations spanning five continents and serving 150 lotteries in 50 countries, Scientific Games earned its latest information security management certifications following an extensive independent, international auditing process.
The post Scientific Games Adds to Information and Security Management Certifications, Continues Setting Global Industry Gold Standard appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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