Compliance Updates
South Africa: Tribunal Grants Lottoland Interim Relief – Orders Google to Grant Lottoland Access to its Advertising Platform
The Competition Tribunal (“Tribunal”) has issued an interim order directing Google Ireland Ltd and Google South Africa (Pty) Ltd (collectively, “Google”) to permit Lottoland South Africa (Pty) Ltd (“Lottoland”) to access its advertising services known as “Google Ads”, for so long as Google permits any firm in South Africa to utilise Google’s Ads Services to advertise fixed-odds betting on the outcome of lotteries. The Tribunal’s order applies for a period of six months from its date, or the conclusion of a hearing into the prohibited practices alleged by Lottoland, whichever is the earlier.
This platform enables advertisers to display ads to users who utilise Google search, with Google Ireland acting as the service provider for Google Ads in South Africa.
The Tribunal’s order follows an interim relief application by Lottoland, a licensed bookmaker, which, inter alia, offers fixed-odds bets on the outcome of various lotteries around the world, including the South African national lottery, sporting events and other betting contingencies. Lottoland competes with other licensed bookmakers in South Africa such as Hollywood Bets, World Sports Betting, Betway, Betfred (which owns Lottostar) and Netbet (which trades as Sportingbet).
In summary, Lottoland alleged that Google terminated its access to Google Ads without justification while allowing access to its competitors, causing it financial harm and distorting competition in the market that Lottoland operates in, to the detriment of consumers.
Google contended that Lottoland’s offering of fixed-odds bets on the outcome of the national lottery in South Africa contravenes sections 57(1) and 57(2)(g) of the Lotteries Act. It submitted that in terms of its online advertising policies, which are designed to protect users, restrictions are placed on the promotion of certain gambling activities. Of particular relevance, the promotion of lotteries is limited to state-licensed entities and that this restriction is in place to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Lotteries Act.
Reasons for Decision
A non-confidential version of the Tribunal’s reasons will be published in due course once any confidentiality claims in relation to the reasons have been finalised with the parties involved. In deciding the matter, the Tribunal considered the following three factors holistically, balancing each factor against the other to determine what is reasonable and just:
• Evidence relating to the alleged prohibited practice;
• The need to prevent serious or irreparable damage to the applicant (Lottoland); and
• The balance of convenience.
The post South Africa: Tribunal Grants Lottoland Interim Relief – Orders Google to Grant Lottoland Access to its Advertising Platform appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has observed a pattern of websites impersonating MGA-licensed operators and misleading consumers into believing that they are licensed, regulated or otherwise authorised by the Authority in accordance with the Gaming Act (Chapter 583 of the Laws of Malta) and the regulatory instruments issued thereunder.
In light of this, the MGA published a list of three websites impersonating licensed operators. The websites are:
• www.manekicasino.bet
• www.dragonaracasino.uk.com
• www.slot-hunter.at
“The MGA is hereby declaring that it has no connection with the above listed URLs and any other website, platform and/or entity impersonating the Authority and/or MGA-licensed operators. Any reference to the MGA and/or gaming licence/s said to be issued by it, as stated on these domains, are false and misleading,” the MGA noted.
“The MGA would like to remind consumers not to utilise services provided by an entity unless they have ascertained that the entity in question is duly authorised to provide such services by the Authority. Whereas MGA-licensed operators comply with strict legal requirements in the interest of consumers, the activities of unlicensed entities are unregulated, and do not provide the necessary safeguards delineated by virtue of the gaming regulatory framework, making transactions with such entities risky for consumers.”
The post The MGA Publishes Notice on Websites Impersonating Licensed Operators appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Supplier secures AGLC registration and extends its Canadian footprint beyond Ontario, where it has been live since 2022.
Greentube has gone live in Alberta on the day the province opened as a newly regulated iGaming market, marking the supplier’s first launch in the jurisdiction.
The NOVOMATIC Digital Gaming and Entertainment division said it completed regulatory and technical due diligence and secured registration with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) commission to operate in the province. Alberta becomes only the second Canadian province to regulate iGaming after Ontario, with the new framework replacing the monopoly previously held by Play Alberta.
The Alberta launch builds on Greentube’s existing Canadian footprint. The company has been live in Ontario since 2022 and described the Alberta debut as part of its wider North American expansion strategy.
Greentube said Alberta players will initially have access to a curated set of titles including Piggy Prizes
Wand of Riches 2, Rumble Riches Haulin’ Gold and Firecracker Frenzy Money Toad, as well as Silver Lux Big Win Spinner, Starlight Jackpots Captain’s Catch and Charming Lady’s Boom.
David Bolas, Commercial Director at Greentube, said: “Going live in Alberta on the day the market opens is an important step for Greentube and reflects the strong momentum we are seeing in Canada.
“We welcome the opportunity a new jurisdiction offers and look forward to working with locally licensed operators to introduce our established offering to players in Alberta. With a balanced line-up of new releases and proven performers, we are well placed to offer a compelling experience in the province and support our long-term ambitions in the region.”
The post Greentube goes live in Alberta as province opens regulated iGaming appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Greentube, the NOVOMATIC Digital Gaming and Entertainment division, has gone live in Alberta as the Canadian province opens as a newly regulated iGaming market, providing a significant new opportunity for the supplier in North America.
The Alberta market opening marks a key moment for the Canadian iGaming industry, becoming only the second province to regulate after Ontario, and the open framework officially replacing the long-held monopoly previously held by Play Alberta.
Greentube’s go-live follows a rigorous regulatory and technical due diligence process, with the company securing registration with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) commission to operate in the province.
The development builds on Greentube’s established presence in Canada, where the company has been live in Ontario since 2022, and represents a significant step forward in its continued North American expansion strategy.
As part of the Alberta launch, players gain access to a curated selection from Greentube’s portfolio. The initial rollout includes Piggy Prizes Wand of Riches 2, Rumble Riches Haulin’ Gold and Firecracker Frenzy Money Toad, alongside established player favourites Silver Lux Big Win Spinner, Starlight Jackpots Captain’s Catch and Charming Lady’s Boom.
The mix has been carefully selected to reflect Greentube’s newest releases and strongest-performing titles, ensuring broad appeal for Alberta audiences from day one.
David Bolas, Commercial Director at Greentube, said: “Going live in Alberta on the day the market opens is an important step for Greentube and reflects the strong momentum we are seeing in Canada.
“We welcome the opportunity a new jurisdiction offers and look forward to working with locally licensed operators to introduce our established offering to players in Alberta. With a balanced line-up of new releases and proven performers, we are well placed to offer a compelling experience in the province and support our long-term ambitions in the region.”
The post Greentube strengthens Canadian presence with Alberta debut as market opens appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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