Compliance Updates
Swedish Regulator Gets Increased Powers for Online Gambling Intervention
The Swedish government has confirmed that its gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, has been granted further control over licensees.
As a result of the intervention, the Spelinspektionen will be enabled to directly step in when it feels necessary with cases of excessive online gambling.
The government in the region said: “This decision represents a tightening of efforts against gambling problems and strengthens consumer protection.”
It enhances the control and governance of the regulator as it can now set the license holders’ action plans aimed at combating excessive gambling.
Starting from 1 October, Spelinspektionen will have the authority to modify the action plans of individual licensees to meet duty of care requirements.
The Gambling Act requires Swedish online gambling operators to have an action plan that outlines their duty of care procedures, protocols and routines.
However, Spelinspektionen informed the government that its oversight revealed significant differences in how licensees’ action plans protect customers from excessive gambling.
In response, Spelinspektionen requested the power to set specific requirements for these action plans. It emphasised that “all license holders should clearly describe in their action plans their guidelines for gambling responsibility and how these are to be implemented.”
Minister of Financial Markets Niklas Wykman, supporting the expanded powers for Spelinspektionen, added: “There must be order in the gaming market. The new requirement should lead to more detailed action plans, making it clear how gambling companies take responsibility for counteracting gambling-related risks.
“This strengthens Spelinspektionen’s ability to prevent people from being affected by the negative aspects of gambling.”
The post Swedish Regulator Gets Increased Powers for Online Gambling Intervention appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Chinese Football Bans 43 for Life Over Gambling and Match-Fixing Scandal
Chinese football authorities have banned 43 individuals for life due to their involvement in gambling and match-fixing scandals. The list includes three former China international footballers and South Korean World Cup player Son Jun-ho.
China’s extensive football corruption crackdown campaign has been ongoing since 2022. The National Sports General Administration and the Ministry of Public Security have led efforts to address issues of match-fixing and gambling in the sport. They have investigated over 120 matches, involving 83 players, referees, coaches and club officials. To date, 44 individuals have been sentenced, with 34 receiving prison terms.
The recent announcement of these lifetime bans came shortly after the national team’s 7-0 loss to Japan.
Son Jun-ho, who played for Shandong Taishan in the Chinese Super League and represented South Korea in the 2022 World Cup, has been accused of participating in match-fixing and accepting bribes. Son returned to South Korea in March 2024 after being detained in China since May 2023. The authorities initially stated that he was held “on suspicion of accepting bribes by non-state employees” but did not provide further details.
Other notable figures banned include Jin Jingdao, a former Shandong Taishan player, and Chinese international players Guo Tianyu and Gu Chao.
The post Chinese Football Bans 43 for Life Over Gambling and Match-Fixing Scandal appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI) and Congressional Leaders Unveil the SAFE Bet Act to Address Sports Betting Risks
Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI) at the Northeastern University School of Law has supported Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) last week in introducing the SAFE Bet Act, which addresses the risks associated with legalized gambling.
The SAFE Bet Act is the first federal legislative initiative to address the vast public health implications of mobile sports betting since sports betting was legalized in 2018. When the SAFE Bet Act is enacted, federal standards will be set to create a safer and less addictive betting environment. While still allowing the freedom for those who wish to participate, these standards will include addressing advertising, affordability, and artificial intelligence issues.
PHAI’s President and Northeastern University Distinguished Professor of Law, Richard Daynard, said: “PHAI’s mission is to serve the greater good by seeking big ideas to advance public health and justice. That is why we’re fully dedicated to playing a leading role in work to bring about a comprehensive public health response to the looming crisis presented by the out-of-control gambling industry.”
“The gambling industry is following a playbook developed by the tobacco industry and this is a direct threat to public health. At PHAI, we will work tirelessly to address this threat and protect public health. Supporting the SAFE Bet Act is part of this effort,” Daynard added.
PHAI Executive Director Mark Gottlieb said: “It is my desire to play an important role in national and international efforts to develop and implement a public health approach to regulating the gambling industry and online gambling. At PHAI, we utilize a wide range of resources—including litigation and advocacy—to protect public health. It has become apparent that the gambling industry and its partners act with conscious and reckless disregard for public safety. Collaborating with Congressman Tonko and Senator Blumenthal to create the SAFE Bet Act is one part of how PHAI will bring a public health response to the gambling industry.”
“As the Director of Gambling Policy with the Public Health Advocacy Institute it is my role to develop comprehensive public health strategies and advocacy efforts to address the looming crisis being caused by the unprecedented expansion of the gambling industry and online gambling. The ‘responsible gaming’ model of industry self-regulation is unethical and an abject failure. At PHAI, we will help lead a growing movement to expose the failures of the gambling industry’s responsible gaming model. In doing so, we will develop and help implement a series of comprehensive public health reforms designed to regulate the gambling industry, prevent harm, and protect individuals and families. It is a privilege to support Congressman Tonko and Senator Blumenthal as we work to advance the SAFE Bet Act,” said Dr. Harry Levant, PHAI Director of Gambling Policy.
“Since their inception, sports and sporting events have been a chance for family, friends, and strangers to gather together in celebration of beloved teams and athletes in a great American pastime. But now, every single moment of every sporting event across the globe has become a betting opportunity. That resulted in a frightening rise in gambling disorder, which has in turn enacted a horrific toll on individuals, many of whom have lost their home, job, marriage, and their lives. We have a duty to protect people and their families from suffering the tremendous harm related to gambling addiction. Our SAFE Bet Act gets the job done and gives sports back to the American people,” Congressman Tonko said.
At the press conference, Senator Blumenthal said: “Right now, states have legalized gambling, but they failed to protect citizens against those excesses, abuses, and exploitations. State regulation is faint-hearted and half-baked. That’s why we need a national standard–not to ban gambling–but simply to take back control over an industry that is out of bounds.”
Compliance Updates
Comtrade Gaming Obtains Romanian License to Distribute Games
Comtrade Gaming’s CG Games division has announced its approval for the distribution of casino content in Romania.
The license will allow players in Romania to access a range of games from the CG Games portfolio, including Sweet Treasure, Crash Soccer, Wild Miner, Diamond King, Break the Bank and many more.
“This is a key step for CG Games. We have been very successful in the Romanian market for many years, with our iGaming Platform, and this extension of our license means we can increase our offering to our partners. It also now allows us to work with all operators in that market, regardless of the platform they use, and we are very excited to bring our games to this market,” said Comtrade Gaming’s Chief Commercial Officer, Steven Valentine.
The post Comtrade Gaming Obtains Romanian License to Distribute Games appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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