Compliance Updates
EGBA on Finland’s Missed Opportunity For Overdue Gambling Reform
The Finnish government’s proposal to introduce payment blockings for online gambling has been approved by the country’s parliament but, with its introduction, policymakers have missed an opportunity for meaningful and overdue gambling reform in the country.
On 14 December, Finland’s parliament approved an amended version of a government proposal to introduce blocking measures for payment service providers (PSP) with the aim of restricting Finns from accessing non-Finnish gambling websites. The government justifies the PSP blockings on consumer protection grounds, but critics argue it will restrict consumer freedoms and choice.
Today, Finland is the only EU member state which still has an exclusive online gambling monopoly model, but its monopoly has come under increasing public scrutiny in recent years and increasing pressure from the demand of the country’s gamblers for more online consumer choice. The government’s proposed PSP blockings, part of a group of amendments to the country’s Lottery Act, seeks to address this by blocking Finns’ payments to and from non-Finnish gambling websites.
This week, a majority in the country’s parliament agreed on an amendment to block only those payment transactions from Finnish gamblers to non-Finnish gambling websites and not vice versa. This was after parliamentarians had raised several concerns about the proposals,[1] including concern that blocking players winnings would be unconstitutional. Following the parliament’s approval, the amended Lottery Act will now come into force from 1January 2022 and the new payment blockings will be introduced at the start of 2023.
Experience from other countries shows that PSP and other blockings do not significantly affect consumer demand and, with its introduction, EGBA believes that policymakers have missed an opportunity for meaningful and overdue gambling reform in Finland. At the same time, EGBA welcomes the growing discussion both in the country’s parliament and in wider society about the future of Finland’s gambling policy. EGBA members are established, licensed, and regulated in most EU member states and would welcome the opportunity to apply for a license, be regulated, and pay taxes in Finland – but are still prevented from doing so by the country’s current gambling laws.
“The introduction of PSP blockings is an implicit admission that many of Finland’s gamblers prefer to bet on other websites rather than that of the state-run monopoly. There are many reasons why they do so: the availability of better betting odds, and better diversity and expertise in the products offered, are to name a few. In the online world, consumers vote with their feet and that is why we will continue to encourage the government to rethink, rather than reinforce, the country’s online gambling monopoly model and advocate for the benefits of establishing a well-regulated, multi-licensing model for online gambling in Finland.” – Maarten Haijer.
Fast betting content, data and live streaming provider becomes a Tier 1 Anti-Corruption Supporter to the Esports Integrity Commission helping drive match-fixing and fraud out of the industry
BETER, the award-winning provider of fast betting content, data and live streaming for esports and sports, has joined the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) as a Tier 1 Anti-Corruption Supporter.
As a member, BETER will assist the ESIC in identifying and investigating suspicious betting activity while also supporting the Commission’s wider goal of combating match fixing and betting fraud across the esports industry.
BETER is well placed to support the Commission, given its standard-setting approach to ensuring integrity across its fast-betting products and solutions.
As part of its supporter role, BETER will contribute to ESIC’s monitoring and intelligence functions, actively cooperating in the detection and investigation of suspicious betting activity. This includes visibility across its flagship ESportsBattle tournaments, delivering over 36,000 monthly esports events that are thoroughly monitored 24/7 by BETER’s Integrity team. .
The Integrity team ensures that all of BETER’s in-house events are conducted to the highest standards. This is achieved through rigorous e-learning sessions for all athletes participating in its contests, a 24/7 whistleblowing platform, the Integrity BOOTCAMP program, a comprehensive reporting system, partnerships with law enforcement agencies and sporting bodies/federations, and more.
Thanks to this robust integrity ecosystem, only 0.01% of events have been flagged for investigation as suspicious over the past 12 months.
Andrii Nekrutov, Chief Integrity Officer at BETER, said: “BETER’s strict measures and strong commitment to fair play principles in our ESportsBattle tournaments provide us with the qualities needed to be a strong and reliable member of the Esports Integrity Commission.
“We are one of the most experienced esports betting content providers with educational programs and approaches that are unrivalled when it comes to integrity and fairness.
“The team looks forward to working with the Commission to improve the esports ecosystem by eradicating match-fixing and bolstering principles of fair play. We have done a great job of this with our esports tournaments and believe we can help do the same for the wider industry.”
Stephen Hanna, Chief Executive Officer at the Esports Integrity Commission, added: “BETER’s membership to the Esports Integrity Commission is a testament to the company’s alignment with our mission to uphold and promote the highest standards of integrity, transparency and fair play within the global esports ecosystem.
“By becoming a member, BETER joins a growing community of industry leaders dedicated to fostering a safe, transparent and sustainable future of esports.”
The post BETER joins the Esports Integrity Commission appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360), the unequivocal global leader in delivering best-in-class integrity and compliance regulatory technology products and services for the sports betting and gaming sector, has announced a new partnership with the PGA of America.
Through this partnership, IC360 will provide the PGA of America with its state-of-the-art Integrity Monitoring technology, providing real-time alerts on global wagering activity. Additionally, the PGA of America will utilize ProhiBet, the one-of-a-kind prohibited bettor solution to prevent individuals from engaging in prohibited wagering activities.
“We are excited to partner with IC360, a leader in regulatory technology for sports betting and gaming. This collaboration underscores our commitment to maintaining the highest integrity standards within golf by integrating IC360’s cutting-edge Integrity Monitoring technology and the innovative ProhiBet solution. By leveraging IC360’s expert Advisory Team, we gain invaluable insights as we navigate the sports wagering landscape,” said Jeff Price, Chief Commercial and Philanthropy Officer for the PGA of America.
The PGA of America will also utilize IC360’s seasoned Advisory Team, who will provide consultative services to the organization as they navigate the nuances of the complex and evolving sports wagering regulatory environment. IC360’s team comprises former regulators and seasoned gaming industry professionals who ensure all regulatory compliance standards are hitting the highest standards.
“The PGA of America is a partner that shares the same vision of integrity and fairness in competition, which we promote and aim to protect. It is a privilege to provide this organization with our world-class technology and service, as they continue to showcase excellence in their commitment to integrity and their culture,” said Scott Sadin, Co-CEO of IC360, said.
The post IC360 Announces Integrity Partnership with PGA of America appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
The Association of Gaming Operators in Kenya (AGOK) in partnership with government agencies, regulators and civil society are spearheading a set of proactive initiatives designed to shape the future of the gaming industry and protect innocent Kenyans from addiction to gaming.
In a press release, the Association says nationwide awareness campaigns promoting informed, mindful participation in gaming will be carried out across the country.
Advocacy for tools such as time-out mechanisms, betting and deposit limits will be put in place to ensure a healthy and controlled gaming behaviour among Kenyans.
“The gaming industry in Kenya continues to evolve rapidly, creating opportunities for economic growth, digital innovation, and employment. However, with this growth comes a heightened responsibility to safeguard the welfare of players, particularly young people and vulnerable populations,” the statement by AGOK’s board reads in part.
“AGOK acknowledges the complex challenges associated with gaming, particularly around mental health, addiction prevention, and ethical standards. These are global concerns which members of AGOK take seriously. They are at the forefront of our agenda.”
The Association furthers contends that all its members operate under a “shared code of conduct” rooted in principles of fairness, transparency and social responsibility.
Among meaningful steps it says it has taken to prevent exploitation and minimise harm include putting into place advanced age-verification systems to block underage access, self exclusion tools that provide options for and permanent restrictions to gaming activities and round-the clock toll free helplines that offer confidential mental health and addiction support.
The regulatory measures comes amid calls to regulate the sector following increase in cases of mental health and some suicide cases attributed to betting.
The post Association of Gaming Operators in Kenya Announces New Regulations appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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