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The Swedish Gambling Authority has launched supervision of AB Svenska Spel’s gaming venues. The supervision covers turnover and the placement of slot machines.

This is the latest step in Spelinspektionen’s push to keep Sweden’s gambling sector in check and make sure companies meet the standards laid out in the Swedish Gambling Act.

When the review is complete, Spelinspektionen will publish the results.

The post Spelinspektionen Launches Supervision of AB Svenska Spel’s Gaming Venues appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has suspended 149 referees and assistant referees after an investigation found hundreds of professional match officials in the country had betting accounts.

Bans ranging from eight to 12 months, based on the severity of the act, have been imposed for involvement in betting activity, with investigations into three other officials still ongoing.

The full list of the penalised officials was published on the TFF website.

Last week, it was revealed a five-year probe had found 371 of 571 match officials have betting accounts, with 152 of those actively gambling.

While some had only bet once, 42 had bet on more than 1000 football matches – with one official found to have placed 18,227 bets.

Like players and coaches, match officials are forbidden from participating in betting activities by TFF disciplinary regulations, as well as those of world governing body Fifa and European governing body Uefa.

“There is a moral crisis in Turkish football. There is no such thing as structure. The fundamental problem at the core of Turkish football is an ethical one,” TFF president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu said.

“Ask any referee, if there is even one who has not received his pay, I will resign as federation president. In fact, we improved their salaries last year, and again this year.”

No further details of the cases or ongoing investigations were provided.

After the investigation’s findings were announced, a number of Turkey’s top clubs responded.

Besiktas said it “could mark a new beginning for clean football” while Trabzonspor called the development “an historic opportunity to rebuild justice in Turkish football”.

Fenerbahce president Sadettin Saran said: “This is both shocking and deeply saddening for Turkish football.

“But the fact that it is coming to light is a hopeful development.”

The post Turkish Football Federation Suspends 149 Referees and Assistants After Betting Probe appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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The UK Gambling Commission has suspended the operating licence of VGC Leeds Limited as it carries out a review under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005.

The review and consequent suspension follow concerns that activities may have been carried out contrary to the Act, not in accordance with conditions of their licence and that the Licensee may be unsuitable to carry on the licensed activities.

During a recent Compliance Assessment, VGC Leeds Limited are reasonably believed to have failed to maintain and implement effective anti-money laundering policies, procedures and controls, as required under the conditions of their licence.

In addition, serious concerns were identified regarding the adequacy of decision-making processes and the Licensee’s response to identified anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing risks, raising questions about the overall effectiveness of its governance and risk management arrangements.

These failings are considered significant and represent a serious threat to the licensing objectives, in particular keeping crime out of gambling.

“We have made it clear to the operator that during the suspension, we expect it to focus on treating consumers fairly and keeping them fully informed of any developments which impact them,” UKGC said.

The suspension takes place immediately.

The post UKGC Suspends Operating Licence of VGC Leeds Limited appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.