Compliance Updates
Dutch Government Approves Online Gambling Ad Ban
The Dutch government has published the full draft of its ban on “untargeted” advertising and recruitment by licensed betting companies in the Netherlands, setting a start date of July 1.
From that date, operators in the Netherlands will have to adhere to a much stricter advertising policy. Measures include a ban on televised advertisements and marketing in public places, such as via billiards and on printed media.
Bookmakers will have a little more leeway with online and social media advertising. Companies can continue to do so, but must be able to prove that any material is targeted to audiences aged 24 and older.
The document was submitted to the Hague on April 5 by Franc Weerwind, Minister for Legal Protection at the Ministry of Justice and Security, the long-term architect of the legislation.
Following the regulation of the Dutch online market on 1 October 2021, political observers in the Netherlands have voiced concern about the increase in advertising after the first licences were issued.
Explaining the rationale behind the new restrictions on the Dutch online betting sector less than three years into maturity, Weerwind outlined that “the amount of advertising for remote games of chance has increased sharply”.
“Addiction care and people who have experience with addiction problems have indicated that they have difficulty with the large amount of untargeted advertising,” the Minister wrote.
“Research also shows that advertising for remote games of chance is often seen through channels with a very wide reach. As a result, people with addiction problems for games of chance can hardly escape a confrontation with games of chance advertising in their daily lives.”
Weerwind did acknowledge that advertising fulfils a core function of the KOA Act legislation which regulated the market back in 2021, that being promotion of the regulated offering.
“It should be noted that it is difficult to quantify the exact consequences of the large amount of untargeted advertising and its broad and untargeted reach,” Weerwind continued.
“This is primarily because it is not yet clear how large the number of players that play on the illegal market are and have played in the past.
“It is clear that many Dutch people already played with illegal providers before the market opened, but it is unclear how large this number is exactly, how many players have since switched from illegal to legal providers and what growth of new players there has been.”
Both the government and KSA have observed that marketing by licensed bookmakers directs punters to legal operators that adhere to the player protection standards enforced by the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) gambling authority.
However, legislators and addiction treatment specialists’ main concerns are that advertising may be too far-reaching, potentially exposing young people – meaning those aged 18-24 – and under-age consumers to age-restricted betting products.
By confirming the July 1 launch date for the advertising clampdown, Weerwind remains on track with his most recent legislative objectives, having said in March that the ban would come into force no later than this day.
Compliance Updates
UKGC Appoints Charles Counsell OBE as Interim Chair
Charles Counsell OBE has been appointed as Interim Chair of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) for a nine month term which will commence on 1 February 2025.
Charles was Chief Executive Officer of The Pensions Regulator from April 2019 to March 2023. Prior to this he was CEO of the Money Advice Service, and Executive Director of Automatic Enrolment at The Pensions Regulator.
As CEO of The Pensions Regulator, Charles developed the new corporate strategy to put the pension saver at the heart of the Regulator. He delivered their first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Climate Change strategies – both focused on driving change in the regulator and across the Pensions Sector.
Throughout his career, his roles have focused on setting up and delivering large change programmes requiring significant stakeholder relationship engagement: initially in the private sector and latterly in senior public sector appointments.
The post UKGC Appoints Charles Counsell OBE as Interim Chair appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
SYNOT Games Secures Danish License
SYNOT Games has obtained a B2B online slot games supplier license in Denmark, authorising the company to supply its gaming content within Denmark’s regulated market. This B2B license, issued by the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden), becomes effective on January 1, 2025, aligning with new regulatory requirements mandating that all game suppliers hold such a license from that date forward.
This development enables SYNOT Games to offer its portfolio of slot games to Danish operators, reinforcing its commitment to compliance and responsible gaming practices.
“Obtaining the B2B license from the Danish Gambling Authority marks a significant milestone for us in the Danish market. This license not only aligns with new regulatory requirements but also reinforces our commitment to adhering to the highest industry standards. We are thrilled to continue offering Danish players the immersive gaming experience our portfolio provides,” said Martina Krajčí, CCO of SYNOT Games.
The post SYNOT Games Secures Danish License appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
REEVO Earns Certification for Italian Market
REEVO, proudly announces its certification to enter the Italian iGaming market. This certification marks a significant milestone in REEVO’s journey to becoming a global powerhouse in online gaming, as it brings the company’s innovative portfolio of in-house and third-party games to one of Europe’s most dynamic and established markets.
As one of the most regulated and thriving iGaming landscapes, Italy offers an incredible opportunity for REEVO to connect with new audiences and solidify partnerships with top-tier operators. With this certification, REEVO is poised to deliver its high-quality content to Italian players, ensuring a seamless gaming experience that combines advanced technology, captivating game design, and localized features tailored to the Italian market’s preferences.
“This certification is a landmark achievement for us,” said Karl Grech, Head of Business Developent of REEVO. “Entering the Italian market reflects the relentless dedication of our entire team. We’ve always aimed to provide operators with the best aggregation platform and players with unforgettable gaming experiences. Italy represents a key step in our global expansion, and we’re excited to bring REEVO’s innovative spirit to this vibrant market.”
REEVO’s expanding library includes hit games like Electro Reels Power Portal and Bullfighting Champion, along with several titles, all of which are now available to Italian operators. The company’s commitment to creating localized, engaging content ensures that Italian players will experience games designed to meet their tastes while maintaining the quality and creativity REEVO is known for.
With a strong focus on fostering long-term partnerships, REEVO is well-positioned to collaborate with key Italian operators. “We are excited to work closely with our partners in Italy to bring something fresh and engaging to the market,” said Karl Grech, Head of Business Development at REEVO. “Having worked in Italy for over 15 years, I’ve developed strong connections that will be invaluable as we establish our presence here.”
As REEVO takes this bold step into the Italian market, the future holds even more promise. With upcoming game releases, continuous platform enhancements, and a focus on delivering exceptional value to operators and players alike, REEVO’s Italian journey is only just beginning.
“We’re not just entering the Italian market; we’re making a statement,” Karl Grech added. “REEVO is here to elevate the iGaming experience, and we’re thrilled to be part of Italy’s exciting gaming landscape.”
The post REEVO Earns Certification for Italian Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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