Compliance Updates
Danish Gambling Authority Issues Six Orders to Royal Casino Århus for AML Failures
On 14 June 2023, the Danish Gambling Authority Spillemyndigheden has given Royal Scandinavian Casino Århus I/S six orders for breaching the rules on risk assessment of section 7(1) of the AML Act (order a), business procedures of section 8(1) of the AML Act (order b), supervision of section 8(1) of the AML Act (order c), training material of section 8(6) of the AML Act (order d), performance of customer due diligence procedures of section 11 of the AML Act (order e) and performance of enhanced customer due diligence measures for guests from high risk third countries (order f).
Order a is given because Royal Scandinavian Casino Århus I/S has made an insufficient identification of customer types, including foreign PEPs and PEPs in international organisations and their family members and close associates. Moreover, identification and risk assessments have not been made of individuals subject to financial sanctions. When the risk assessment does not sufficiently describe the factors connected to their guests, the risk assessment does thereby not cover all areas of their business model.
Order a is also given because Royal Scandinavian Casino Århus I/S has made an insufficient identification and risk assessment of the use of cash as a means of payment. Given that an inclusion of mitigating initiatives has been done too early, a correct assessment of this factor has not been made, which is why the inherent risks are not stated correctly. Thus, the risk assessment does not cover all areas of their business model.
Order b is given because Royal Scandinavian Casino Århus I/S does not have sufficient written business procedures. The business procedures lack sufficient procedures for the performance of customer due diligence measures for high-risk customers, enhanced customer due diligence measures for PEPs and their family members and close associates and for the obligations to report.
Order c is given because Royal Scandinavian Casino Århus I/S has not complied with their own business procedures for the performance of internal controls of procedures for customer due diligence measures, procedures for investigation and registering, procedures for reporting and procedures for record-keeping.
Order d is given because Royal Scandinavian Casino Århus I/S does not have sufficient training material about enhanced customer due diligence measures for PEPs, prevention of financing of terrorism, and individuals subject to financial sanctions. The training material is, therefore, not sufficient to ensure that the employees have an adequate knowledge of the obligations of the AML Act in relation to Royal Scandinavian Casino Århus I/S as a business.
Order e is given because Royal Scandinavian Casino Århus I/S has not performed sufficient customer due diligence measures, as a customer had not been verified correctly in accordance with the requirements of section 11(2) of the AML Act.
Order f is given because Royal Scandinavian Casino Århus I/S has not performed sufficient customer due diligence measures for guests from high-risk third countries given that information about the origin of the funds and the source of the customer’s assets have not been procured in relation to the requirements of section 17(1)(3) of the AML Act.
The Danish Gambling Authority notes that the rules on risk assessment, business procedures, training material and customer due diligence measures are fundamental parts of the Anti-Money Laundering Act. As a rule, breaches of the rules lead to an order or a reprimand or in serious or repeated cases, they are reported to the police.
The orders cause an obligation to act for Royal Scandinavian Casino Århus I/S, since they must submit an updated risk assessment, updated business procedures, updated controls, updated training material and updated procedures for customer due diligence measures addressing the insufficiencies identified in the orders.
The Danish Gambling Authority has given Royal Scandinavian Casino Århus a deadline of three months to correct the matters concerning the orders a-f.
Compliance Updates
EPIC Global Solutions highlighted as a key element in PrizePicks’ iCAP Accreditation
EPIC is proud to have played a key role in helping PrizePicks achieve iCAP certification, the industry’s leading responsible gaming (RG) assessment.
As the globally recognized experts in harm minimization, EPIC worked closely with PrizePicks to enhance its responsible gaming initiatives, contributing to this historic milestone. With the certification, PrizePicks becomes the first and only daily fantasy sports operator in North America to achieve this level of recognition.
A key factor in this achievement was EPIC Global Solutions’ implementation of its comprehensive responsible gaming (RG) tools within PrizePicks. Through an anonymous, company-wide RG survey, EPIC provided valuable insights into the organization’s culture and commitment to player protection. The survey revealed that 82% of PrizePicks employees believe the company fosters a strong RG culture, while 88% emphasized the importance of responsible gaming for the long-term sustainability of the industry.
“Direct engagement with staff was pivotal to our assessment,” said Teresa Fiore, SVP North America at EPIC Global Solutions.
“Our survey underscores how deeply PrizePicks is committed to responsible gaming—not only as an ethical imperative but as a driver of employee morale and long-term industry sustainability. Additionally, they recognize that a strong commitment to RG is essential for the long-term sustainability of the industry.”
EPIC’s robust assessment also highlighted the significant impact of extensive RG training, with over 2,500 hours provided to staff from partners such as EPIC during the past year. The survey’s insights have not only served as a foundational benchmark for ongoing improvements but have also been cited as a critical factor in PrizePicks securing its iCAP accreditation.
Phil Sherwood, Senior Director of Responsible Gaming at PrizePicks, added: “Our partnership with EPIC has been instrumental in elevating our responsible gaming initiatives. Their expertise and insights have enhanced our programs, contributed to our iCAP accreditation, and reinforced our commitment to continuous improvement.”
Both EPIC and PrizePicks are committed to building on these achievements with plans to conduct annual surveys and further integrate employee insights into future RG initiatives.
The post EPIC Global Solutions highlighted as a key element in PrizePicks’ iCAP Accreditation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
AGCO
AGCO issues $110,000 in penalties to BetMGM Canada for offering cash to induce new gambling customers
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has served BetMGM Canada Inc. with an Order of Monetary Penalty (OMP) of $110,000 for violations of the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.
In two separate incidents in 2024, BetMGM engaged marketing companies who offered cash to members of the public in return for opening new BetMGM accounts. The marketing activities occurred in public forums, such as a major national trade conference. Under AGCO’s Standards, operators are responsible for the conduct of their third-party suppliers who are contracted to support the operator’s Ontario gaming business, and must require their third-parties to meet Ontario laws, regulations and standards (Standard 1.19).
Ontario is one of the first jurisdictions in the world to establish and enforce rules that strictly limit high-risk inducement advertising and marketing in the online gambling industry. Registered iGaming operators are prohibited from offering gambling inducements, bonuses and credits as part of their broad public advertising and marketing activities (Standard 2.05). These Standards exist to protect Ontarians from predatory advertising and promotional marketing practices in order to limit the risk of gambling-related harm.
A registered operator served with an OMP by the AGCO has the right to appeal the Registrar’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), which is an adjudicative tribunal independent of the AGCO and part of Tribunals Ontario.
QUOTE
“Responsible gambling safeguards and the protection of Ontarians on registered gaming sites is among our key priorities. The AGCO monitors the activities of all registered operators and their third-party suppliers to ensure they are meeting our high standards and we continue to take strong action to ensure they operate within the public interest.”
Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar – AGCO
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
BetMGM Canada Inc. failed to comply with the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming. Specifically, the licensee failed to comply with the following provisions of the Standards:
- 1.19 Operators are responsible for the actions of third parties with whom they contract for the provision of any aspect of the Operator’s business related to gaming in Ontario and must require the third party to conduct themselves in so far as they carry out activities on behalf of the operator as if they were bound by the same laws, regulations, and standards.
- 2.05 Advertising and marketing materials that communicate gambling inducements, bonuses and credits are prohibited, except on an operator’s gaming site and through direct advertising and marketing, after receiving active player consent.
Contrary to the Standards, BetMGM Canada Inc. and/or their affiliates allegedly engaged in the following activities:
| a) | On or about January 13 and 14, 2024, BetMGM representatives were alleged to have attended the National Franchise Show and were offering $100 in cash to new players for opening a new account and depositing $15. |
| b) | On or about March 11, 2024, BetMGM acknowledged that its marketing affiliate “Above the Street” had engaged in prohibited inducement marketing. The conduct resulted in 377 player sign-ups and $127,180.00 in commissions to “Above the Street”. |
| c) | On or about April 13, 2024, another BetMGM marketing affiliate “Maple Leaf Marketing” engaged in prohibited inducements and marketing to induce on-site activations and acquire new players. The conduct resulted in 94 player sign-ups and about $34,000.00 in commissions paid to “Maple Leaf Marketing”. |
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Compliance Updates
Continent 8 achieves ISO 50001 certification, championing responsible energy management in its data centres
Continent 8 is committed to efficient energy management, reducing energy consumption and ensuring sustainability across various facilities
Continent 8 Technologies, the leading provider of global managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and cybersecurity solutions to the iGaming and online sports betting industry, is pleased to announce its recent achievement of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 50001:2018 Energy Management Systems (EnMS) standard.
The ISO 50001 certification is an internationally recognised benchmark for energy management. As part of the ISO 50001 certification initiative, Continent 8 is committed to implementing both short- and long-term energy management strategies, identifying energy-saving opportunities and promoting environmental sustainability across its data centre operations. Continent 8’s commitments include:
- Enhancing energy performance by optimising design and operations and investing in energy-efficient technologies.
- Complying with all relevant energy laws, regulations and other operational requirements.
- Exploring opportunities to increase the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Engaging employees in company-wide energy conservation initiatives.
- Collaborating with customers, suppliers and the community to advance energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Michael Tobin, CEO and Founder of Continent 8 Technologies, stated: “For over 25 years, we have been dedicated to delivering best-in-class managed data centre services to our global customers. In recent years, we have equally prioritised sustainability and decarbonisation. We recognise the impact our data centres have on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
“Achieving ISO 50001 certification is a significant step in our commitment to sustainability, and I’d like to congratulate all involved in this accomplishment. This certification ensures that our organisation is responsible for continuously enhancing our energy management system and implementing objectives and best practices for energy efficiency.”
The post Continent 8 achieves ISO 50001 certification, championing responsible energy management in its data centres appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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