Compliance Updates
Germany: First esports tournaments and leagues qualify for simplified visa application process

The German Esports Federation (eSport-Bund Deutschland, ESBD) and game – the German Games Industry Association have jointly announced the first esports tournaments and leagues for which professional esports players from third countries will be able to take advantage of a new, simplified visa application process. Competitions that have qualified under the German Ordinance on the Employment of Foreigners (Beschäftigungsverordnung) include international leagues such as the League of Legends European Championship organised by Riot Games and 99Damage Liga from Freaks 4U Gaming as well as tournaments like the Intel Extreme Masters Cologne from ESL Gaming. Esports titles such as ‘Clash of Clans’, ‘Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’, ‘Dota 2’, ‘League of Legends’ and ‘Warcraft III: Reforged’ fall under the umbrella of these qualifications. In practice, the new process enables professional esports players from third countries to obtain a visa for these competitions under facilitated conditions, thereby placing them on equal footing with other occupational groups.
To take advantage of the simplified visa application process, esports players must meet certain requirements as defined by the federal government in the Ordinance on the Employment of Foreigners: they must be at least 16 years old, demonstrate a minimum salary level and present confirmation of their professional activity. game and the ESBD have agreed on a procedure to define the ‘substantial national and international significance’ of competitions and to verify applicants’ ‘professional practice’. The ESBD has made available an application portal and, for individual cases, an email address to all interested organisers and players.
‘Today Germany is already a location for many high-level esports competitions,’ says Felix Falk, Managing Director of game. ‘The newly facilitated visa issuing procedures for professional esports players will benefit the country’s long-term development in this arena. game and the ESBD have campaigned collaboratively for this political success. Now it’s important that promoters and esports players take advantage of the new opportunity.’
‘The esports visa represents an important easing of restrictions for professional esports in Germany,’ emphasises ESBD president Daniel Luther. ‘The burdensome previous process will now be a thing of the past. We’re thrilled that organised esports is advocating jointly for an improved policy framework.’
The second round of the process for inclusion in the list of qualified gaming operations will begin in October. Organisers seeking to register leagues and tournaments are encouraged to submit the necessary documents for verification. Leagues and tournaments which have already qualified must obtain renewed confirmation of their substantial national and international significance. The process takes place semi-annually.
The complete list of qualified tournaments and leagues:
• 99Damage Liga, Freaks 4U Gaming
• ESL One Germany, ESL Gaming
• ESL Meisterschaft, ESL Gaming
• Intel Extreme Master Cologne, ESL Gaming
• League of Legends European Championship, Riot Games
• League of Legends Prime League Pro Division, Riot Games
An extensive FAQ on the awarding of visas for esports players and organisers of esports competitions can be found at www.game.de/esport/esport-visum or at https://esportbund.de/esport/visa/
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Compliance Updates
Bacta commissioned research shows huge support for seaside arcades led by Gen Z

The findings of independent research conducted by Censuswide among a sample of 2,000 UK Nationally representative respondents aged 16+ shows that Generation Z has fallen in love with the seaside arcades so popular with their grandparents.
The research reveals that 8 in 10 respondents (81 percent) view seaside arcades as being part of British culture and it is young Brits that are banging the drum for arcades, with 90 percent of 25–34-year-olds backing their importance.
Despite overwhelming public support from Britain’s younger generations, seaside arcades continue to face a perfect storm of challenges from rising energy and staffing costs, plus the threat of increased taxation as suggested by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
72 percent say Government should do more to protect them – with 86 percent of those aged 25-34-years calling for urgent action.
The research findings confirm the central role played by seaside arcades with 72 percent of adults saying they would visit an arcade on a trip to the seaside a figure that rises to 91 percent for 24-34-year-olds.
In terms of providing accessible entertainment 55 percent say that arcades offer great value for money, making them the UK’s most affordable family day out. As a result, 84 percent confirmed they have enjoyed arcades with multiple generations of their family.
The importance of contributions to local economies featured highly in the research paper with 7 in 10 stating that arcades play a key role in regenerating seaside towns, a figure that rises to 85 percent of 18-24-year-olds.
Reflecting on the research findings Joseph Cullis, President of UK trade association, Bacta said: “Britain’s seaside arcades are a vital element of our proud tourism industry, a modern cultural icon, and have been a fun family activity for more than a century.
“It’s brilliant but not surprising to see young people are embracing them with all the enthusiasm of their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents before them.
“At Bacta, we’re fighting to protect our seaside arcades from the threats of rising costs and from those who want to tax them out of existence. We hope that local councillors, MPs and the Treasury will heed the wants and needs of the British people and protect these vital institutions.”
Elliot Ball, who co-owns and runs Clacton Pier with his brother Billy, said other attractions would be at risk if arcades were taxed even more.
“I’m the fifth generation of my family – on both sides – involved in amusement arcades so this is a labour of love” he stated.
“But the threat from the government to raise gambling tax would put at risk a traditional family day out to the seaside. Trips here have been making memories for generations, and it’s great that younger people are finding the same safe, harmless fun on the pier that has been raising a smile and lighting up eyes for years and years.
“We’ve bounced back from the pandemic and the rise of staycations helps, but many of Britain’s most beloved seaside attractions will be put at high risk if gambling taxes rise.”
The post Bacta commissioned research shows huge support for seaside arcades led by Gen Z appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
Cyprus National Betting Authority Warns Public About Illegal Online Gambling and Misinformation

The National Betting Authority (NBA) has urged the public to exercise caution and to verify the legitimacy of betting service providers exclusively through the official website: www.nba.gov.cy.
In recent weeks, the NBA has observed a rise in misinformation and the spread of false claims regarding the legality of certain websites offering online gambling services. Of particular concern is the sharp increase in advertisements for illegal online casinos on popular social media platforms. These operators have not obtained a licence to operate within the Republic of Cyprus. Equally troubling is the unauthorised use of images and videos of well-known individuals in such advertisements, without their consent.
The public is reminded that, under Cyprus’ gambling legislation, the operation of online casinos is strictly prohibited. Participation in these illegal activities poses serious risks, including threats to personal and banking data security, as well as potential harm to players’ financial stability and mental well-being.
According to Article 79 of the Betting Law 37(I)/2019:
• Players participating in illegal gambling or online casinos face up to 1 year in prison and/or a fine of up to €50,000.
• Individuals or companies providing illegal gambling services face up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to €300,000.
The NBA urges the public to verify information received through websites, apps, social media posts, or other advertisements before engaging with any gambling services. The official list of licensed online betting providers is available on the NBA’s website.
The post Cyprus National Betting Authority Warns Public About Illegal Online Gambling and Misinformation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
CT Interactive Expands Presence with MGA-certified Game Portfolio

CT Interactive has announced the certification of 20 new games under the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) regulatory framework, marking an important step in its ongoing expansion across regulated European markets. This certification empowers CT Interactive to offer its premium gaming portfolio to licensed operators throughout Malta and beyond.
The newly certified titles include several standout Buy Bonus games such as Doctor Winstein Buy Bonus, Duck of Luck Buy Bonus, Fruits & Sweets Buy Bonus, Hyper Cuber Buy Bonus, Nanook the White Ghost Buy Bonus, 100x Crypto Magic, 100x Fresh and 100x Coffee Hot. These games have demonstrated strong performance internationally and now bring their dynamic bonus features to an even wider audience.
A highlight of the new portfolio is Lucky Clover 10, a refreshed edition of CT Interactive’s most popular slot, Lucky Clover. Featuring vintage-inspired graphics and nostalgic gameplay elements, Lucky Clover 10 delivers a captivating experience that combines classic charm with modern vision.
“Providing new game titles certified under the MGA framework marks a key step in our regional growth strategy. This market demands high-quality, fully compliant content. Our portfolio of Buy Bonus games and refreshed classics like Lucky Clover 10 are ideally suited to meet the local preferences and deliver premium gaming experiences,” said Martin Ivanov, COO of CT Interactive.
This certification reinforces CT Interactive’s position as a trusted provider of regulation-ready gaming content, enabling operators to offer a diverse and engaging portfolio fully aligned with MGA requirements.
The post CT Interactive Expands Presence with MGA-certified Game Portfolio appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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