Compliance Updates
Belgium Makes Legal Age to Gamble at 21 from September
Belgium regulators have made new amendments to the gambling laws in the country with the legal gambling age from 18 to 21. This move aims to align the age requirements for sports betting, arcades and bingo with those already in place for land-based casinos. The revised regulations are set to come into effect on September 1, 2024, and have been outlined in a press release by the Gaming Commission, as published in the Belgium Official Gazette.
The decision to increase the legal gambling age in Belgium is part of a broader effort to prioritise player safety and well-being. By raising the age limit, the authorities aim to provide a more secure environment for individuals engaging in gambling activities. The new legislation includes several other measures designed to safeguard players and ensure responsible gambling practices:
- Prohibition of Devices “3.3”: The revised regulations include a ban on the use of specific gambling devices, known as “3.3” devices. This prohibition aims to eliminate potential risks associated with these devices and promote safer gambling experiences.
- Ban on Cumulation of Online Licences: The new laws also prohibit the cumulation of online licenses on the same website. This measure seeks to prevent operators from exploiting multiple licenses to maximise their reach and potentially exploit vulnerable players.
- Ban on Gifts/Bonuses/Free Games: Another noteworthy provision is the ban on offering gifts, bonuses, or free games to players. This restriction aims to minimise the potential for excessive gambling and the associated risks it may pose to vulnerable individuals.
- Ban on Advertising Games of Chance: The revised regulations also introduce a ban in principle on advertising games of chance. This change intends to reduce the exposure of individuals to gambling advertisements, particularly targeting vulnerable populations, such as minors and problem gamblers.
- Age Limit of 21 Years and Refund in Case of No Control: To ensure effective age verification and compliance with the new regulations, individuals who fail to provide proof of age will be eligible for refunds. This provision emphasises the importance of age control measures and strengthens the responsibility of operators in verifying the age of their customers.
The raised legal gambling age in Belgium will have implications for both operators and players within the country’s gambling industry. For operators, it means implementing necessary changes to comply with the new regulations and adapt their marketing strategies to adhere to the ban on advertising games of chance. Additionally, operators will need to ensure strict age verification processes to prevent minors from accessing gambling services.
Players, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 21, will be directly affected by the increase in the legal gambling age. Those who were previously eligible to participate in certain gambling activities may now need to wait until they reach the age of 21. However, it is essential for players to understand that this change is intended to protect them from any potential harm associated with underage gambling. Responsible gambling practices and adherence to legal age limits are crucial for maintaining a safe and enjoyable gambling environment.
While the decision to raise the legal gambling age has been made with the best intentions, there are concerns and criticisms regarding certain aspects of the revised regulations. One notable concern is the potential for the new advertising restrictions to inadvertently benefit illegal operators. The Belgium Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) has expressed opposition to a total ban on gambling advertising, arguing that it could make it more challenging for consumers to differentiate between legal and illegal operators.
Tom De Clercq, Chair of BAGO, emphasises the need for targeted advertising limitations rather than a blanket ban. BAGO advocates for limiting advertising, particularly through traditional media, but warns against the potential negative consequences of a total ban. They believe that a comprehensive approach that combines responsible advertising practices and effective regulation is key to maintaining a healthy and well-regulated gambling industry.
Canada
Court Decision Upholds iGaming Ontario’s Model
iGaming Ontario has welcomed the decision of the Ontario Superior Court, which found that iGaming Ontario’s model is consistent with the Criminal Code and that iGaming Ontario is conducting and managing igaming in the province.
“We have always been confident in our model and are pleased that the court has ruled in our favour, and that Ontarians can continue to play with confidence in our regulated igaming market,” said Martha Otton, Executive Director of iGaming Ontario.
“Ontario’s model meets the requirements and contributes to the public good by protecting players, their data and their funds, while helping to fund priority public services in Ontario, and bringing well-paid, high-tech jobs and economic development to Ontario,” Otton added.
In dismissing the application brought forward by the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK), the Superior Court found that iGaming Ontario is the “operating mind” behind Ontario’s competitive igaming market in accordance with the conduct and manage requirements of the Criminal Code.
iGaming Ontario will continue to conduct and manage igaming as it has since the launch of the regulated market on April 4, 2022.
Compliance Updates
Supremeland Gaming Continues U.S. Expansion With Supplier License Approval In Michigan
Supremeland Gaming, Inc., the emerging brand in American iGaming, has gained approval for a Supplier License in Michigan, marking the company’s fourth U.S. state approval following the successful acquisition of interim approvals in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and West Virginia.
Supremeland Gaming is approved to operate under this license and is now authorized to offer its cutting-edge innovation to the Great Lakes State. Their continued expansion underscores its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the iGaming industry.
Rickard Öhrn, CEO of Supremeland Gaming, said: “With approvals already in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and West Virginia, our entry into Michigan underscores our dedication to serving players nationwide. We are excited about the opportunities this new market brings and look forward to delivering innovative, engaging, and responsible gaming solutions to the rapidly growing U.S. iGaming community.”
Supremeland’s game portfolio has garnered international appeal since its debut in November 2023. The innovative brand produces first-class games, including Red Panda Rising and its global debut, Munition Mine, for which its subsidiary, Powderkeg Studios, is shortlisted at the CasinoBeats Game Developer Awards.
Compliance Updates
BetComply, RiskCherry and White Coral team up to offer go-to-market service
Compliance consultancy BetComply, independent test lab RiskCherry and legal advisory White Coral have agreed a strategic alliance, meaning the trio can now offer a complete, go-to-market service to igaming suppliers looking to launch their products in new jurisdictions.
The new service was born out of direct feedback from games studios who were struggling with the need to engage multiple advisories and consultancies ahead of new market launches.
By combining forces, BetComply, RiskCherry and White Coral are together able to provide an efficient and seamless experience, as well as a unified conclusion to each project: the relevant licence or certification for the supplier.
BetComply will cover pre-compliance testing, understanding technical requirements and policy drafting; RiskCherry will handle testing, inspection and certification; and White Coral will provide legal coverage across software agreements, sales contracts and more.
Daniel Brookes, CEO at BetComply, said: “For too long, launching content in new markets was a fragmented and frustrating process for games studios. By teaming up with RiskCherry and White Coral, we’re able to eliminate the guesswork, opacity and many of the hidden costs. This isn’t just streamlining a process; we’re setting a new standard for the industry.”
Mihael Mladenov, COO at RiskCherry, said: “We’re really excited to work alongside BetComply and White Coral on this game-changing service. It brings together three of the most forward-thinking companies in their respective fields, and provides a one-stop-shop for games suppliers.”
Steven Matsell, Managing Partner and Founder at White Coral, said: “White Coral has always been focused on cutting through legal complexity, and alongside BetComply and RiskCherry, we’re now able to offer our services in a way that further simplifies the process for suppliers. This is a major win for any business wanting to complete agreements faster and more cost effectively.”
The post BetComply, RiskCherry and White Coral team up to offer go-to-market service appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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