Compliance Updates
MGA and FIAU collaborate on thematic review of remote gaming sector
The Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) have successfully completed a thematic review of the remote gaming sector, with the aim of assessing gaming operators’ knowledge on matters related to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combatting the Funding of Terrorism (CFT).
The review, which consisted of 23 compliance examinations, focused specifically on the remote gaming operators’ Money Laundering Reporting Officers (MLROs), as well as on employees involved in the AML/CFT compliance function. Such employees play a pivotal role in ensuring that controls are applied effectively to mitigate money laundering and terrorism financing risks, while maintaining compliance with AML/CFT obligations.
The foremost objective of this exercise was to identify areas for improvement, facilitate regulatory outreach, and provide targeted education to the sector on how to enhance their practices in specific areas of concern.
Interviewees overall showcased a solid understanding of key AML/CFT principles, including the purpose of the Prevention of Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorism Regulations (PMLFTR), the high-level concepts of the risk-based approach, outsourcing obligations, ongoing monitoring, the timing for submitting suspicious reports, and training obligations related to AML/CFT.
The thematic review also identified areas for improvement in relation to the knowledge on the administrative measures applicable under the PMLFTR. While interviewees were able to detail the high-level concepts of the risk-based approach, there was room for improvement when it came to their awareness of the inherent and residual risks faced by their respective companies.
Gaming operators are encouraged to prioritise ongoing training to ensure that their MLROs and relevant employees remain updated on evolving AML/CFT obligations, the relevant risks and their companies’ operations, activities and controls.
The MGA and the FIAU encourage all MLROs and relevant employees to familiarise themselves with the findings and key takeaways of this review, and to take steps to incorporate any necessary enhancements.
Compliance Updates
Stakelogic Secures License to the newly regulated Danish market
Industry-leading provider secures license to provide slots and live content in Denmark
Award-winning casino content provider Stakelogic has obtained a license from the Danish Gambling Authority, Spillemyndigheden, to provide its gaming content in Denmark.
The license will allow Stakelogic to bring its premium portfolio of online casino slots and live dealer content to the Danish market, including recent releases like Fire and Gold Cluster Breaker, Super Wheel Game Show, Trident of Legends, and The Watcher.
Stakelogic is able to partner up with leading Danish operators, establishing itself as a must-have provider in the country. The move further highlights Stakelogic’s commitment to strengthening its position in the European market and exploring new and exciting regulated markets.
The license also further cements the company’s presence in the Scandinavian markets, having secured a license from the Swedish authority, Spelinspektionen, in 2023 and establishing itself as a popular provider among Swedish players.
Denmark is one of Europe’s fastest-growing markets, with a strong focus on customer care and responsible gambling. Stakelogic is proud to have met all the requirements needed to obtain the license, highlighting its commitment to providing players with the best and safest gaming experiences.
Stephan van den Oetelaar, CEO at Stakelogic, said: “Denmark is one of the fastest growing markets in Europe, and we are proud to have achieved a license to the newly regulated market.
We are grateful to Spillemyndigheden for their support in us and we are excited to take our next steps into the market.”
The post Stakelogic Secures License to the newly regulated Danish market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
UKGC Appoints Charles Counsell OBE as Interim Chair
Charles Counsell OBE has been appointed as Interim Chair of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) for a nine month term which will commence on 1 February 2025.
Charles was Chief Executive Officer of The Pensions Regulator from April 2019 to March 2023. Prior to this he was CEO of the Money Advice Service, and Executive Director of Automatic Enrolment at The Pensions Regulator.
As CEO of The Pensions Regulator, Charles developed the new corporate strategy to put the pension saver at the heart of the Regulator. He delivered their first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Climate Change strategies – both focused on driving change in the regulator and across the Pensions Sector.
Throughout his career, his roles have focused on setting up and delivering large change programmes requiring significant stakeholder relationship engagement: initially in the private sector and latterly in senior public sector appointments.
The post UKGC Appoints Charles Counsell OBE as Interim Chair appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
SYNOT Games Secures Danish License
SYNOT Games has obtained a B2B online slot games supplier license in Denmark, authorising the company to supply its gaming content within Denmark’s regulated market. This B2B license, issued by the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden), becomes effective on January 1, 2025, aligning with new regulatory requirements mandating that all game suppliers hold such a license from that date forward.
This development enables SYNOT Games to offer its portfolio of slot games to Danish operators, reinforcing its commitment to compliance and responsible gaming practices.
“Obtaining the B2B license from the Danish Gambling Authority marks a significant milestone for us in the Danish market. This license not only aligns with new regulatory requirements but also reinforces our commitment to adhering to the highest industry standards. We are thrilled to continue offering Danish players the immersive gaming experience our portfolio provides,” said Martina Krajčí, CCO of SYNOT Games.
The post SYNOT Games Secures Danish License appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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