Compliance Updates
Hellenic Gaming Association Intensifies its Efforts to Combat Illegal Online Gambling
The Hellenic Gaming Association (HGA) has intensified its efforts against the phenomenon of illegal online gambling, which has reached enormous proportions in recent years with incalculable economic and social impacts.
Following a lawsuit recently filed by the organisation under President Christos Panagopoulos against an internationally active company conducting illegal gambling in Greece without the necessary licensing from the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC), a new lawsuit targets two well-known Greek influencers. These influencers, through their social media content, promote unlicensed gambling websites.
These internet personalities have posted a series of videos encouraging their mostly young audience, including minors, to visit these sites by sharing how they “managed” to win tens of thousands of euros by betting and playing on these illegal platforms. However, they conceal the fact that these are illegal gambling companies while enticing viewers with the promise of easy money.
It is important to highlight that their audience includes minors, who find an open door in the unlicensed environment where there are no controls or restrictions, unlike legal online companies where one must be at least 21 years old to open an account and play.
Besides the two Greek influencers, the association is planning to file reports to social media platforms and online services hosting ads and promoting unlicensed providers. Initially, they will approach the relevant departments of these organisations, and they may even take the matter to prosecutorial authorities. The initiatives undertaken by the HGA to combat illegal gambling often aim to fill the void left by the State, which is fundamentally responsible for addressing this open wound with appropriate actions, rather than a private entity.
The massive scale of illegal gambling in Greece was confirmed by a recent official survey conducted by the HGC in collaboration with KAPPA Research, shedding light on the hidden side of this illicit activity. According to the survey, 900,000 Greeks, or nearly 1 in 10, participated in illegal gambling at least once in the past 12 months, with an estimated astronomical expenditure of 1.7 billion euros in the unlicensed environment.
Of the total 1.7 billion euros, 1.1 billion was spent on illegal online games, and the remaining 600 million euros were associated with money spent in physical networks, such as unlicensed clubs and casinos. The average annual amount spent per player online reached approximately 1200 euros, while for land-based gambling, the corresponding amount was 738 euros.
The post Hellenic Gaming Association Intensifies its Efforts to Combat Illegal Online Gambling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Registered online bookmaker VicBet has been fined $130,000 for 2 breaches of its customer care obligations.
Announcing the fine, Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) CEO Annette Kimmitt AM reminded the gambling industry of the potential for people to experience severe harm when rules are not followed.
“Breaches can have serious consequences, not only in terms of punitive actions against the companies we catch out, but for people whose lives are affected by this behaviour,” Ms Kimmitt said.
“It is an egregious betrayal of trust, for example, to continue to send marketing materials to a person who has self-excluded from a gambling venue or closed a betting account.”
The VGCCC’s investigations into complaints about VicBet found the bookmaker had:
• offered and provided a $1,800 bonus bet to a customer after they asked for their betting account to be closed in September 2022. VicBet was fined $50,000.
• repeatedly sent gambling promotional material to a customer after they permanently self-excluded from VicBet in March 2020. The penalty was an $80,000 fine.
It is an offence for a bookmaker to encourage or offer any credit, voucher or reward, or other benefit to induce an account holder to keep an account open after they have requested its closure.
Similarly, sending correspondence or promotional material to customers who have self-excluded contravenes the Victorian Bookmakers’ Association Code of Conduct.
“On these occasions, VicBet failed to live up to both its legal and social licences to operate, which include minimising the risk of harm to customers,” Ms Kimmitt said.
“Industry must respect the wishes of people who decide to have a break from, or quit, gambling. This means taking all reasonable steps to enforce harm prevention initiatives that customers commit themselves to, such as self-exclusion programs.”
VicBet was given the opportunity to “show cause” as to why disciplinary action should not be taken. Submissions from its legal representative were considered prior to a determination being made.
The post VGCCC: Bookmaker Fined for Customer Safety Breaches appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Incentive Games, a leading B2B games provider specialising in player acquisition and retention, today announced it has received full certification from Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) to offer its Pay-to-Play games in the Brazilian market.
This certification encompasses Incentive Games’ entire suite of games, random number generator (RNG), and remote gaming service (RGS), paving the way for the company to expand its reach into the thriving Brazilian gaming market.
Stewart Gove, COO of Incentive Games, commented, “This GLI certification is a huge milestone for us, and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Incentive Games team. It demonstrates our commitment to delivering the highest quality and most secure gaming experiences to players worldwide. We are delighted to now offer our P2P games to licensed operators in the dynamic Brazilian market.”
The post INCENTIVE GAMES RECEIVES FULL PAY-TO-PLAY GAMING CERTIFICATION IN BRAZIL appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
FBMDS proudly announces its certification to operate in the Brazilian iGaming market, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy. This achievement reinforces FBMDS’s leadership in the video bingo category and its commitment to deliver spotless quality, innovation and compliance to Brazilian operators and players.
With this certification, FBMDS becomes one of the few iGaming providers authorized to deliver certified, high-quality games tailored to the Brazilian market in which the brand is deeply enrooted because of its cultural background. This development not only strengthens the brand’s position in a rapidly growing sector but also offers Brazilian players and operators access to a portfolio of games that combine cutting-edge technology, cultural match, and world-class security standards.
“This certification represents a pivotal moment in our journey,” said Renato Almeida, Director at FBMDS. “It demonstrates our commitment to the Brazilian market, ensuring a safe, exciting, and fully compliant gaming experience for players, while empowering operators with premium certified content that drives engagement and growth.”
For FBMDS, this milestone aligns with its 2025 narrative: a roadmap focused on market expansion, innovation, and leadership in key iGaming segments. Brazil’s rapidly expanding market provides a prime opportunity to bring FBMDS’s renowned expertise in video bingo to a whole different level.
For operators, FBMDS’ certified games provide assurance of compliance with Brazilian regulations, while its innovative products and collections are designed to captivate players and drive business growth.
On what Brazilian players is concerned, online casino gaming enthusiasts can look forward to a personalized gaming experience that reflects their culture, preferences, and expectations, underpinned by the highest standards of excellence and safety.
Following this certification, FBMDS will launch a series of targeted marketing campaigns, event participations such as the SBC Summit Rio, in Rio de Janeiro, this February, and direct engagements with new clients. In the first quarter, FBMDS plans to strengthen its partnerships with operators and expand its footprint in Brazil through strategic initiatives and localized offerings.
FBMDS has long been a pioneer in the video bingo category, delivering innovative, culturally relevant titles that resonate with global audiences. Certification in Brazil is simply the recognition of its expertise and dedication to raising the bar in iGaming. By aligning its operations with local regulatory requirements, FBMDS ensures that its games offer a seamless, enjoyable experience while meeting the market’s unique demands.
The post FBMDS obtains certification to operate in Brazil appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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