Europe NEWS

KSA adds to the Dutch Gambling Act

The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has published a new enforcement policy which will form part of the Dutch Gambling Act (WoK). This policy will task the Authority with addressing illegal gambling both online and in land-based venues in the Netherlands. In order to achieve this, the KSA will aim to increase visibility in the physical…

The gaming industry embraces ESG compliance: Insights from Reuben Portanier

In light of recent developments, namely the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) at EU level and the voluntary Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Code of Good Practice for the remote gaming sector published by the MGA, SiGMA News discussed the significance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance within the gaming industry with Reuben Portanier,…

UK regulator highlights industry progress and collaborative initiatives

The GambleAware Annual Conference, held on December 6, 2023, brought together industry leaders to discuss advancements and challenges in the gaming sector. UK Gambling Commission (GC) CEO Andrew Rhodes delivered a keynote speech at the GambleAware Annual Conference yesterday, emphasising the importance of collaboration and highlighting significant progress in recent months. Shifting tone towards collaboration…

Video gaming framework – an impactful link with society

In a new collaboration between the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Research Councils, the Video Games Research Framework has emerged as a leader of best practices for in-depth exploration into the multifaceted impact of video games.

Spelinspektionen warns Sweden of gaming tax hike

Sweden’s national gambling authority, Spelinspektionen, has responded to its government’s proposed 4 percent tax raise applied to Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). The regulator has called for careful monitoring of market developments with the initial tax rate, set in 2019, being re-regulated with the sole intention of boosting government revenues without regard for the industry’s sustainability. …

UKGC re-assesses AML and CTF risks

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has increased the assessment of terrorism financing risks within the gambling industry from low to medium. This change is based on the latest Money Laundering (ML) and Terrorism Financing (TF) risk assessment released by the commission.  This decision marks a significant shift since the 2020 evaluation, with the government aiming…

ANJ plan to combat illegal gambling

France’s illegal gambling industry is now thought to be worth an estimated 1.5 billion EUR, which would put it at 10 percent of the annual wagering amount. According to French gambling regulator l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), 510 illegal websites, with 21 sites responsible for 60 percent of illegal gambling traffic. The study’s duration spanned…

Out with a boom and a bang: MGA suspends casino licence

Liinoo Invest Europe Limited, the owners of BoomBang VIP Casino, have had their MGA-issued casino authorisation suspended. The decision, effective as of December 1, 2023, was made in accordance with regulation 9 (1) (f), (i), and (m) of the Gaming Compliance and Enforcement Regulations (S.L. 583.06). Regulation violations The regulatory violations as the grounds for…

NetRefer names Dexter Cutajar as CEO and Raphael Arnold as Executive Chairman

NetRefer (Arnold Media Limited) announced a pivotal corporate appointment with Dexter Cutajar assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Founder and outgoing CEO, Raphael Arnold, (photo above on the right) will transition to the position of Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, marking a strategic move that will guide NetRefer's future growth and innovation.

Reshaping eSports: Riot Games takes equity stake in GRID

Game publisher Riot Games has taken an equity stake in GRID, cementing the company's commitment to competitive esports data integrity.