Compliance Updates
Finland: Eurosport Fined €800,000 for Gambling Ads
The National Police Board (NPB) has imposed a conditional fine of EUR 800,000 on an international broadcaster Eurosport 1 television channel recently for marketing of gambling services in Finland.
Earlier, on 16 September, the NPB prohibited Eurosport SAS (Eurosport) from marketing gambling services in Mainland Finland.
The prohibition remains valid for a period of three months and shall apply from 30 days after the date of service of the decision, unless otherwise directed by the appeal authority.
The NPB has detected that the marketing of gambling services has occurred regularly, extensively and for several years in the Eurosport 1. Gambling services have been marketed in advertisements during commercial breaks in television broadcasting.
“The supervision process in accordance with our legislation gives companies the opportunity to alter their operations and have their views heard,” said Anna-Emilia Sirén, Senior Adviser, Gambling Administration at the NPB.
Despite a number of exhortations, Eurosport has, however, continued the marketing that is considered unlawful by the authority.
Before imposing the marketing ban, the NPB has issued a statement to the company about the marketing of gambling and informed the company of the fact that only Veikkaus holds the exclusive right to market gambling services in Mainland Finland.
In its statement, the NPB, among other things, said that the marketing of gambling services on the channel violates Finland’s national legislation, regardless of the marketing being carried out from outside the Finnish borders.
Eurosport has not provided a response to the statement issued by the National Police Board in March 2021.
“The starting point for supervision is that the full range of methods, from the lenient to the strict, are used,” Sirén said, adding, “as an authority, we take the other party’s views into account, but if necessary, we prohibit the activity that we consider unlawful.”
With TV broadcasters in particular, there has been disagreement about the impact of EU law on the illegality of activities. The NPB has taken measures not only against Eurosport, but two other international TV broadcasters as well.
Compliance Updates
Marcus Boyle to Step Down as Chair of Gambling Commission
Marcus Boyle has announced his decision to step down as Chair of the Gambling Commission, with his term set to conclude on 31 January 2025.
Over the past three years, he has led the Commission through a period of change in the industry and regulatory landscape.
During his tenure, the Commission reached several key milestones, including the awarding and launch of the fourth National Lottery licence, which has driven funds raised for good causes to exceed £50 billion. He has also overseen the ongoing implementation of the Gambling Act Review and White Paper aimed at reducing gambling harm, as well as the recruitment of a whole new Board of Commissioners.
In April 2024, the Commission published a comprehensive three-year strategy outlining planned advancements through 2027, focusing on transparency and data use. With the strategy now in motion, Marcus leaves the Commission in a strong position and with a clearly defined path forward.
The Board of Commissioners and colleagues at the Gambling Commission have expressed their gratitude for Marcus’s leadership, dedication, and contributions over the past three years, wishing him well for the future.
The Minister for Gambling, Baroness Twycross, said: “The past three years have been very significant for the Commission, as it takes forward measures set out in the Gambling Act Review and the start of the fourth National Lottery licence.
“I am grateful for Marcus’s hard work and commitment to the Gambling Commission and public service over his tenure and wish him the best for his future endeavours.”
The post Marcus Boyle to Step Down as Chair of Gambling Commission appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
BGaming
BGaming awarded Peru supplier licence
Popular iGaming content provider BGaming has secured a highly sought-after licence in Peru, marking a significant milestone in its expansion across LatAm.
BGaming’s technical system of gaming software and its engaging portfolio have been officially approved by the gambling regulator Mincetur, a national administrative authority which implements and oversees all aspects of online gaming and sports betting in Peru. By receiving the B2B certification, BGaming broadens its appeal with local licenced operators in the newly regulated market.
The licence also opens up more opportunities for BGaming to expand its business and strengthen its position in the wider LatAm region, where it has enjoyed significant attention in the last 12 months.
Marina Ostrovtsova, CEO at BGaming, said: “Securing the Peru licence marks a pivotal moment in BGaming’s global expansion. This certification not only strengthens our presence in Latin America but also underscores our commitment to bringing high-quality, immersive gaming experiences to new audiences.
“We are excited about the opportunities this will unlock, both in terms of growth and the reception of our slots in this new market.”
BGaming is a fast-growing iGaming content provider converting gambling into gaming. Thanks to an expert team and a player-driven approach, the studio creates innovative and engaging products featured on reputable platforms and 1,600+ online casinos worldwide. BGaming is the world’s first to support cryptocurrencies and offer Provably Fair games. Today the brand’s portfolio includes 150+ products with HD graphics and a clear user interface for every device. The studio is also known for its brand exclusives created in partnerships with leading operators in the industry.
Compliance Updates
Superbet Becomes the First Regulated Bookmaker in Brazil
Superbet Brasil, sponsor of São Paulo and Fluminense, has become the first betting house to pay the R$30 million (US$5.2m) concession required by the government to become a regulated company.
To be able to make the transaction, the “Bet” (as the operators are called in Brazil) had to meet all the requirements of the Ministry of Finance in the document evaluation phase.
The company is the first to go through this process. The platform was the second in the industry to request authorization to operate in Brazil. Betano was the first.
The arrival of Superbet, which has just completed one year, was subject to regulation. The company only does business in countries with defined rules for sports betting.
Superbet CEO Alexandre Fonseca said that the regulation of the so-called “Bets” in Brazil is a milestone for the development of the industry and for the country.
“A regulated market promotes legal and tax security for operations, increases revenue for the Union and offers greater protection to players. These are objectives shared by all serious operators in the sector,” he said.
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