Compliance Updates
MGA grants National Lottery licence to National Lottery PLC
On Tuesday 5 July 2022, the Malta Gaming Authority (the ‘Authority’) issued the National Lottery licence to the Maltese company National Lottery plc, enabling the latter to take over the operation of the National Lottery in Malta for the next ten (10) years from the previous operator, Maltco Lotteries Limited.
Following a Request for Proposals issued by the Government’s Privatisation Unit in July 2021 and pursuant to the evaluation of Proposals, National Lottery plc was granted the exclusive right to operate the National Lottery. In March 2022, a Concession agreement was signed to this effect between the Ministry for the Economy, European Funds and Lands and National Lottery plc. Pursuant to the Concession Agreement, the National Lottery licence was issued by the Authority and shall be valid for a ten-year term. The operation of the National Lottery shall be subject to the regulation and supervision of the Authority.
Whilst addressing the event, the Minister for the Economy, European Funds and Lands, Silvio Schembri said “I’m sure that the new National Lottery licensee shall continue to enhance the popular National Lottery Games, such as the Lotto and Super 5, among others, as well as introduce other games which will further enrich the games portfolio. Together, we have ensured that National Lottery plc will be committed to promoting, designing and putting into practice the principles of actively responsible gaming, while protecting the personal well-being of players. The national economic profit that translates from gambling should be given importance, but not at the expense of the player.
Carl Brincat, MGA CEO said “The Authority is confident that the Concessionaire shall dedicate all resources necessary to maintain the very highest level of operational and compliance standards, and as has already been made clear, will invest in taking care of its players and doing its utmost to avoid gaming-related harm.”
“Today marks a new era for the National Lottery of Malta. The licence attained from the Malta Gaming Authority affirms the hard work that we have been undertaking and our commitment to deliver an innovative, forward looking and above all, fair and transparent, national lottery service” said Johann Schembri, CEO of National Lottery plc.
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Compliance Updates
Playnetic strengthens European presence with licence to operate in Sweden
Playnetic, the new immersive B2B iGaming provider has announced that it has been granted a Swedish licence, following regulatory approval from the Swedish Gambling Authority, Spelinspektionen.
The licence allows Playnetic to launch its catalogue of innovative iGaming titles in Sweden, enabling the company to finalise partnerships with prominent operators across the country.
This significant milestone marks a major step forward in supporting Playnetic’s ambitious growth plans, which include increasing its foothold in other European markets, as well as continued expansion in regulated markets across the globe.
Dan Phillips, Playnetic CEO said: “Since launching in early 2023, Playnetic has been exploring expansion opportunities in Europe to penetrate new markets and we are thrilled with achieving this milestone.
“Thanks to our experienced compliance team, we were able to obtain this licence promptly, which is a huge positive as the market entry lines up perfectly with our regulatory roadmap for 2024. We are looking forward to launching our innovative suite of games which feature captivating themes and mechanics to players and operators in Sweden.”
The post Playnetic strengthens European presence with licence to operate in Sweden appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Balkans
Bulgarian President Approves Gambling Law Amendments
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has decided not to veto the proposed amendments to the Gambling Law, which include a prohibition on gambling advertisements in the media.
Previously, President Radev had indicated that he was deliberating on the changes to the Gambling Law and was awaiting input from his advisors before making a final decision.
The prohibition on gambling advertisements in the media was approved by a significant majority of deputies during the final session of the 49th National Assembly. Despite objections raised by various media outlets, gambling operators, sports clubs, and other businesses between the readings, the amendments were endorsed. Some stakeholders argued against the ban, suggesting that public discussion should precede its adoption.
The initiative for the amendments originated from GERB and DPS, and it was introduced unexpectedly during the last days of the 49th National Assembly by Yordan Tsonev (DPS) and Temenuzka Petkova (GERB). The bill swiftly progressed through the legislative process, passing its first reading in the budget committee and subsequently receiving approval in the plenary session. An extraordinary meeting of the Committee on Budget and Finance was convened to facilitate the voting on the amendments before the deputies commenced their pre-election recess.
The post Bulgarian President Approves Gambling Law Amendments appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Thailand Considers Limiting Gambling Areas to 5% of Total Project Space
The Thai government is exploring the possibility of restricting gambling areas within entertainment complexes to no more than 5% of the total project space. This proposal was revealed by Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, who also chairs the House committee responsible for evaluating the potential establishment of casino resorts in the country.
Amornvivat noted that the allocation of space for gaming activities within these entertainment complexes would be determined based on input from various governmental entities involved in a project.
Last month, Thailand’s cabinet approved a report from the National Assembly committee that examined the feasibility of introducing casino resorts in the country. The Ministry of Finance was tasked with conducting a 30-day study to assess the viability of implementing such a policy.
Each proposed venue would require a minimum investment of THB100 billion ($2.75 billion), according to the committee report. Amornvivat recently requested a two-week extension for the study period to further evaluate the matter in collaboration with 16 other government agencies.
The special House committee’s study focused on three main areas. First, it examined the potential impacts of introducing entertainment complexes with casinos on various aspects of Thai society, including economics, politics, social dynamics and the environment.
Second, the committee analysed the business framework of integrated entertainment venues, exploring revenue generation mechanisms such as taxes, fees and licensing structures. It recommended the implementation of specific casino taxes and the establishment of a fund aimed at addressing the negative effects of gambling activities.
Last, the report highlighted the importance of conducting a comprehensive review of the legal framework governing entertainment venues and gambling laws in Thailand. This effort aims to update existing legislation or develop new laws that align with the evolving societal landscape.
The post Thailand Considers Limiting Gambling Areas to 5% of Total Project Space appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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