Compliance Updates

At the request of the French national gambling authority (ANJ), SORARE undertakes to evolve its gaming offer, pending adaptation of the legislation

Published

1 year ago

November 21, 2022

Reading Time: 2 minutes

In-depth discussions have been underway since March between the ANJ and SORARE regarding the tournaments that the company organises using the virtual cards it issues and markets. At its meeting at the end of September, the ANJ Board considered that the serious doubts regarding the legislation on gambling that this part of the offer raised justified a rapid change in the offer. The solution proposed by SORARE, consisting in of reinforcing free access to these tournaments, was accepted, under certain conditions, by the ANJ.

Following a period of in-depth discussions between the ANJ and the company SORARE that began in March, the ANJ Board considered that the serious doubts regarding the legislation on gambling raised by part of the company’s offer, that of card tournaments, justified its rapid development.

The company responded to this request by proposing a solution that strengthens free access to these tournaments, a solution that is based on a possibility offered by positive law.

This response is a transitional but essential step before the adoption of a permanent solution which requires an adaptation of the legislation to bring these new Web3 related activities within the framework of the regulation operated by the ANJ but with specific modalities.

During this transitional period, the ANJ will set up an ad hoc control mechanism for SORARE’s activity and will verify, on the one hand, the proper implementation of the “free access” solution and, on the other hand, the company’s compliance with the objectives of preventing excessive gambling and protecting minors, integrity and transparency of gambling operations and the fight against fraud and money laundering.

The solution adopted constitutes a necessary regulatory response to the offer proposed by SORARE and, more generally, to the emergence of new comparable offers, with a view to effectively protecting the public but also to supporting innovation.

Such a change in the SORARE offer must be operational by 31 March next year at the latest, after which the Authority reserves the right to use the powers it has under the law.

AGA

Everi’s Michael Rumbolz Elected American Gaming Association Chairman

Published

2 days ago

December 8, 2023

GamingAmericas.com

everi’s-michael-rumbolz-elected-american-gaming-association-chairman

The American Gaming Association (AGA) board of directors elected Michael Rumbolz, Executive Chair of the Board of Everi Holdings Inc., as the association’s new chairman. He will succeed Hard Rock International Chairman and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen, who has served as AGA chairman since January 2022. Rumbolz begins his two-year term in January 2024.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to help shape gaming’s future as the AGA’s next chair,” said Rumbolz. “From stopping illegal gambling to evolving responsible gambling, the AGA is tackling transformational issues and I am eager to build on the progress made during Jim’s tenure.”

Working from a busboy to the c-suite, Rumbolz’s career spans all levels and aspects of the gaming industry with experience encompassing gaming equipment manufacturing and distribution; hotel and casino operations; casino fintech; digital gaming; and gaming legislation and regulation. Rumbolz previously served as President and CEO of Everi, Member and Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and Chief Deputy Attorney General of Nevada.

“It’s an honor to welcome Mike—an industry legend in his own right—as the next AGA chairman,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Mike’s career as an operator, manufacturer and regulator is unparalleled and will be vital to driving meaningful progress on industry priorities.”

During Allen’s tenure as chairman, the AGA supported the industry’s record-setting COVID recovery while working to evolve the industry’s approach to responsible gaming and launching a new effort to stop illegal gambling.

“Jim’s knowledge, insight and guidance have helped the AGA advance our mission and maximize our impact for the industry. He’s been a trusted advisor to me, and I am thankful for his partnership over the last two years,” Miller continued.

“Our industry and this association have never been stronger. I am immensely proud of our success over the last two years accelerating gaming’s recovery while defining and advancing new priorities,” said Allen. “The AGA is well-positioned under Mike and Bill’s leadership.”

Compliance Updates

GREF Launches Anti-Money Laundering Working Group

Published

2 days ago

December 8, 2023

Niji Narayan

gref-launches-anti-money-laundering-working-group

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The Gambling Regulators European Forum (GREF) Board has taken a significant step in enhancing the exchange of information among its members on the Anti-Money Laundering matters by establishing a new working group. The creation of this new working group underscores GREF’s commitment to a collaborative approach that strengthens the overall integrity and credibility of the industry.

The GREF Board has approved the appointment of Rachel Bezzina from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and Christophe Vidal from the French National Gambling Authority (ANJ) as co-chairs for the AML Working Group.

The AML Working Group marks the fifth addition to the existing working groups established by GREF. It joins the ranks of the Responsible Gambling, Digital & Innovation, InfoStat and Enforcement working groups. Each of these groups plays a crucial role in addressing specific aspects of the gambling industry, collectively contributing to the advancement and sustainability of the sector.

Central Europe

BetConstruct Receives German Licence for Virtual Slot Machine Games from GGL

Published

2 days ago

December 8, 2023

Niji Narayan

betconstruct-receives-german-licence-for-virtual-slot-machine-games-from-ggl

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Gaming technology and services provider BetConstruct has received a Virtual Slot Machines License from the GGL, Germany’s iGaming regulator.

By receiving this new licence, BetConstruct can now offer virtual online slot machines in compliance with German gambling laws and requirements. This opens up new horizons and opportunities for everyone interested in the German market, including slot game providers, BetConstruct operators and players alike.

Hermine Gevorgyan, Head of BetConstruct’s Licensing and Certification Department, said: “We are thrilled to announce our successful acquisition of the German virtual slot licence – a remarkable accomplishment that marks the culmination of a challenging and rewarding journey for our entire team.”

“Securing the German slot licence was undeniably a challenging journey, but today, we stand proud as we celebrate this significant achievement. With this licence in hand, we are poised to introduce a new niche to the market, setting higher standards and redefining excellence in the gaming industry with our innovative and award-winning products tailored for the German market,” Gor Mnatsakanyan, BetConstruct’s Regional Director in Germany, said.