Compliance Updates
KSA Chair René Jansen Says Illegal Online Gambling Significantly Reduced in the Netherlands
René Jansen, Chairman of the Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA), has said that illegal online gambling has been significantly reduced in the Netherlands since the executive board’s new enforcement policy was introduced.
Jansen said that the sites of 158 illegal providers have been investigated in recent months. It was established that 142 of them have taken measures to prevent Dutch players from accessing their sites – as a result of which their supply is no longer accessible from the Netherlands.
Follow-up investigations and possible sanctioning action are required at 16 sites. A number of these 16 sites were already off the air for the Netherlands after an order subject to penalise was announced. After 1 October, it appeared that a number of large providers without a licence had discontinued their offer in the Netherlands.
In his speech, René Jansen commented: “This was exactly the intention of the new law: the legal offer had to push the illegal offer away. With legal providers, the player is assured of a fair game and attention to preventing gambling addiction.”
He also commented on recent concerns about advertising, saying that he is “disappointed in the fact that the gaming sector has not been able to muster the control that has been requested.”
The chairman went on to add that the KSA is currently processing 30 licence applications after a surge in the last week of March, most likely linked to the country’s cooling-off period which was set to expire on 1 April.
Compliance Updates
Swedish BOS rejects the proposal “A new ban on gambling on credit”
The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) submits its statement to the Ministry of Finance on the memorandum “A new ban on gambling on credit”, in which a ban on credit cards for gambling is proposed.
BOS rejects the proposal. This is justified by Gustaf Hoffstedt, Secretary General of the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling, among other things through the proposal’s negative consequences on channelization.
If the government nevertheless goes ahead with the proposal, BOS proposes that the obligation not to mediate payments for gambling purposes be imposed on those issuing credit cards rather than on gambling operators. In this way, it will be prohibited for credit card issuers, under the supervision of the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen), to mediate payments via credit cards for all gambling companies, including illegal and/or unlicensed gambling companies. Almost half of the Swedish online casino market is unlicensed and/or illegal due to heavy restrictions of the licensed market.
In the name of consumer protection Sweden should not add new restrictions on consumers that still place their bets on the legal gambling market. That is the main reason for us to turn this suggestion down. Should the government want to proceed with a credit card prohibition on gambling, we suggest that such restriction is directed not towards gambling operators but credit card issuers, since the latter are also serving the half of the market that is illegal and unlicensed, says Gustaf Hoffstedt.
The post Swedish BOS rejects the proposal “A new ban on gambling on credit” appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
DGOJ Begins Work to Create Central Data Registry
The Spanish gambling regulator DGOJ has initiated work on data administration policies and practices for the creation of a common centralised registry of gambling data. The registry would compile customer data from all Spanish-licensed gambling operators to provide a holistic view of activity.
DGOJ director general Mikel Arana has taken input from the Sectoral Commission, the General Assembly’s advisory body for policy and federal and directives. Initial discussions are focusing on improving data integration across public administrations and integrating the data into a comprehensive report on gaming activity.
Arana said: “The establishment of a centralised data registry will enhance the transparency and accountability of gambling operations in Spain. It will provide a robust framework for monitoring and ensuring compliance with the highest standards of responsible gaming.”
The General Assembly ordered the creation of a central registry over a year ago through the Decree on Responsible Gambling Environments. It will allow the DGOJ to monitor gambling licensees’ activities and customer engagement. Operators will have to establish risk profiles for customers aged under 25.
The next stage will involve consultations with stakeholders, including operators. The DGOJ aims to finalise an implementation plan by the end of the year. The registry would come into effect in early 2025. The remaining know-your-customer measures of the decree will be introduced in 2025.
The post DGOJ Begins Work to Create Central Data Registry appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
4ThePlayer.com
4ThePlayer Approved for License by Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board!
4ThePlayer.com is delighted to announce the latest development in its expansion across the United States; in a recent meeting, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) approved the Company’s participation in the Commonwealth’s iGaming market.
This achievement marks a key step in their strategic US market expansion and underscores their commitment to growing their presence in the regulated US market.
Pennsylvania is the fourth market, following New Jersey, Michigan, and Connecticut, to license and embrace their player-centric and entertainment-focused games.
An exciting portfolio, featuring top-performing titles such as 4 Fantastic Lobsters and 9k Yeti will soon be launched in Pennsylvania and live across the company’s impressive customer list.
Chris Ash, the Business Development Director and co-founder of 4ThePlayer.com said: “I am thrilled we can bring our unique gaming experience to the players of Pennsylvania. After the success we have seen with these titles in other states, we are excited for players in Pennsylvania to play them!”
Pennsylvania’s online casino market has been showing a steady growth trajectory with iGaming revenue 40.5% higher at $184.9m, compared to $131.6m in 2023 with online slots revenue alone jumping 35.6% to $125.9m.
4ThePlayer games will be available in Pennsylvania via Gaming Realms, 4ThePlayer’s trusted platform partner.
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4ThePlayer Approved for License by Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board!
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