Compliance Updates
Northern Ireland Launches Consultation on New Gambling Laws
The Department for Communities (DfC) in Northern Ireland has launched a public consultation on the new gambling laws.
DfC said it is seeking views on “whether changes are now necessary to ensure Northern Ireland has a more flexible and modern licensing framework capable of responding to the many societal and technical changes which have occurred in the industry.”
The consultation, which is open to views until February 21, 2020, addresses a wide range of issues, from the categorisation of gaming machines, the regulation of remote gambling, rules on gambling advertising and the law on promotional prize competitions and draws.
“With the existing legislation dating back to 1985, it really fails to address the social and technological realities of gambling in 2020. Reform is long overdue, and this renewed consultation exercise is an important first step in reframing Northern Ireland’s laws covering a diverse range of areas such as gambling, gaming, lotteries, prize competitions and advertising,” gambling law expert James Griffiths said.
“I know that the gambling industry is an important employer in Northern Ireland and that gambling is an activity which is enjoyed responsibly by a large number of people. However, it is very important to recognise that for some people, gambling has the potential to cause considerable harm. Any future changes to the law must balance the interests of the gambling industry with the need for regulation to protect vulnerable people,” Tracy Meharg, permanent secretary of DfC, said.
“There is no doubt that the current legislation is outdated and has not kept pace with industry and technological changes. This consultation will allow everyone with an interest in gambling to share their views on the current legislation and will put the department in a position to offer the best advice to an incoming minister on the future regulatory framework,” Meharg said.
As part of the process to put in place information sharing agreements with other regulatory bodies, CEO of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, Anne Marie Caulfield signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Magali Clavie of the Belgian Gaming Commission.
This agreement establishes a framework for cooperation and sets out the broad principles of collaboration between the Gambling Regulator and the Belgian Gaming Commission. The shared aims of both regulators are to enable closer working relationships which will enhance each organisation’s ability to discharge their respective duties and functions.
The Belgian Commission have given their time generously in the set up phase of the GRAI and their support and advice has been greatly received.
This is the second of a series of MOUs which the GRAI intends to put in place with other Gambling Regulators across the EU in the months ahead.
Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, said: “This Memorandum of Understanding with the Belgian Gaming Commission is a significant step in formalising the working relationship between Irish and Belgian gambling regulators. I would like to thank Magali Clavie, Steve Mees, and their colleagues for the support and advice they have given the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland in its formative phase.”
The post GRAI Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Belgian Gaming Commission appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
Scientific Games Granted License from UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority
Scientific Games is licensed by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority as a Gaming-Related Vendor for the supply of lottery products and services in the UAE. The GCGRA is the federal executive agency responsible for regulating and overseeing all commercial gaming in the UAE to ensure fairness and transparency.
The agency was established in 2023 to cultivate world-class commercial gaming operations and implement efficient regulation, grounded in the principles of integrity, innovation and responsible practices. Commercial gaming activities in the UAE include lottery, internet gaming, sports wagering and land-based gaming facilities.
With operations on five continents, Scientific Games provides retail and digital games, technology, analytics and services to 150 lotteries in 50 countries around the globe.
“We are extremely pleased that Scientific Games has been authorized as a lottery supplier in the UAE with this license. We look forward to putting our more than 50 years of expertise to work in the UAE to offer high-performing products that will responsibly help drive revenue for lottery programs supporting local communities and projects of national importance,” said Michael Conforti, President, International Business for Scientific Games.
The post Scientific Games Granted License from UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has released the program for its upcoming annual conference, to be held in Toronto from 20-23 October.
With the theme ‘Resilient regulation: Exploring what works, why and what’s next’, the event brings together global regulators and thought leaders to examine how regulatory frameworks can evolve to meet today’s challenges.
The four-day program explores timely issues, including the rise of AI and behavioural analytics, the impact of converging technologies, cross-border collaboration and the continued push to strengthen responsible gambling policies.
IAGR President Ben Haden said the program offers a strong preview of the content and conversations delegates can expect in Toronto.
‘This year’s program showcases the breadth and complexity of the challenges facing gambling regulators worldwide, from protecting player wellbeing to tackling illegal markets and understanding new technologies,’ Haden said.
‘I encourage regulators, researchers and policy professionals from around the world to join us in Toronto. The conference is a space to learn, share experience, challenge assumptions and shape the future of effective, collaborative regulation.’
Confirmed speakers and panellists include:
- Andrew Rhodes, CEO, Gambling Commission, Great Britain
- Anders Dorph, Director, Danish Gambling Authority, Denmark
- Dr Karin Schnarr, CEO and Registrar, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, Canada
- Mark Vander Linden, Director of Research and Responsible Gaming and Carrie Torrisi, Chief of Sports Wagering Division, Massachusetts Gaming Commission, United States
- Bashir Are, CEO, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Nigeria
- Teo Chun Ching, Chief Executive, Gambling Regulatory Authority, Singapore
- Ladipo Abiose Akolade, Founder, GamblePause Initiative Africa, Nigeria
- Rasmus Kjaergaard, CEO, Mindway AI, Denmark
- Tracy Parker, Senior Vice President, Accreditation, Advisory and Insights, Responsible Gambling Council, Canada
- Pedro Romero, Chief of Safer Gambling Partnerships, BetBlocker, Gibraltar
- Sonia Wasowska, Head of Supervision, General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, United Arab Emirates
- Steven Blackburn, Partner, Ashurst Risk Advisory, Australia
The event will be held at The Westin Harbour Castle on Toronto’s waterfront.
The post IAGR announces program for IAGR2025 conference in Toronto appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
-
Balkans4 weeks agoEvoplay partners with Hrvatska Lutrija to expand reach in Croatia
-
Balkans3 weeks ago
SYNOT Games Signs Strategic Partnership with Star Bet
-
Press Releases4 weeks ago
Cash Pig 2 is here and it’s bringing even more Vegas-style thrills to the reels!
-
Giorgia Kasat3 weeks ago
Reals Appoints Giorgia Kasat as New Head of HR, Strengthening Organizational Strategy in the Betting Industry
-
Press Releases3 weeks ago
PG Soft unleashes Knockout Riches title
-
Compliance Updates2 weeks ago
AOJND and FEDBET to Appoint Expert Task Force to Support ONJN in Combating the Illegal Gambling Market
-
Press Releases4 weeks ago
Olympian Legends: Galaxsys’ New Slot Game Inspired by Ancient Myths
-
Asia4 weeks ago
IGT Unveils Advanced Product and Solutions Portfolio at G2E Asia 2025
