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Compliance Updates

MGA Publishes Voluntary ESG Code of Good Practice

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The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has introduced the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Code of Good Practice for the remote gaming sector.

This ESG Code seeks to serve as an instrument for self-regulation, helping remote gaming companies align with best practices and maintain a position that allows them to effectively meet the evolving expectations of key stakeholders in the sector.

While this ESG Code is voluntary, all MGA licensees are strongly encouraged to adopt it to better demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and to continue improving the ESG standing of the industry.

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Addressing a press conference, MGA CEO Carl Brincat said that across industries, a trend has emerged towards greater transparency, disclosure, accountability and active engagement in addressing the pressing social and environmental issues of our time.

“The MGA has always strived to be at the forefront of regulatory innovation and progress. We have been working not only to supervise the gaming industry, but also to nurture it, to foster a space where operators can thrive, while ensuring that the welfare of society remains paramount. Our ESG Code represents our commitment to this,” Dr Brincat said.

Minister for the Economy, EU Funds and Lands Silvio Schembri said that the aim of the press conference was to highlight the importance for the remote gaming sector to voluntarily use the ESG tool that is increasingly shaping the business and investment landscape, as well as our approach to social and environmental challenges.

“All businesses should embrace tools to reduce risk and transform successfully, and when it comes to remote gaming, one of the tools is using ESG metrics.

“The ESG code will serve as an instrument for self-regulation, helping remote gaming companies align with best practices and maintain a position that allows them to effectively meet the evolving expectations of key stakeholders in the sector,” Minister Schembri said.

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The ESG Code is the culmination of a journey that involved four extensive stages: the peer review and research phase, materiality assessment, stakeholder interviews and licensees’ consultations. This extensive process has resulted in a final Code that is well-informed and reflective of the industry’s ESG priorities and stakeholder expectations.

Key Features of the ESG Code – a Balanced Approach

The Code identifies 19 ESG topics, derived from the materially assessment, organised into three categories: Environmental, Social and Governance, providing a strategic framework for remote gaming companies to focus their reporting efforts effectively.

Two Tiers of Reporting: The MGA will recognise companies’ efforts with two levels of reporting, Tier 1, a basic ESG standard, and Tier 2, a more aspirational level, to ensure sustainability efforts are focused and impactful.

Flexible approach for certain disclosures: Core disclosures have been defined, while reporting entities will have the flexibility to choose optional disclosures;

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Streamlined Reporting: The Code includes several ESG disclosures already required under existing reporting frameworks to streamline reporting and reduce administrative burden; and

Focus on ESG reporting: The emphasis is on ESG reporting, rather than setting specific ESG targets.

An MGA ESG Code Approval Seal

Industry consultation revealed a strong desire for formal recognition by the MGA. To meet this demand, the MGA ESG Code Approval Seal will be awarded to entities that report under this Code, showcasing their commitment to ESG. Different seals will be awarded to entities that meet Tier 1 or Tier 2 reporting requirements.

How the ESG Code will Work in Practice

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The Code will be a standalone voluntary submission, separate from other ESG disclosures made by the reporting entity to the MGA or other bodies. Reporting will be confidential, and the MGA will launch an online tool to facilitate the process. Additionally, the ESG Code will align reporting periods with the financial year of reporting entities. The inaugural reporting year will commence in 2023, with the submission deadline set for the third quarter of 2024.

Aposta Ganha

Aposta Ganha secures Brazilian sports betting and online games license

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Aposta Ganha, the fastest-growing Brazilian sports betting and online gaming site, has officially been awarded its sports betting and online games license through the Betting Management System (Sigap) to operate within Brazil’s regulated market.

Aposta Ganha is one of the first betting platforms to be regulated, with registration number 0022 in the Betting Management System. Having operated in Brazil over the past six years, it is perfectly positioned to thrive in Brazil’s new regulated environment, adhering to the rules of the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) under the Ministry of Finance

Responsible Gaming continues to be at the heart of Aposta Ganha’s operations, even before the implementation of the stringent measures outlined in the SPA ordinances.

Aposta Ganha will commence its regulated operations from January 1, 2025, depending only on the SPA analysis to obtain the official license from the Brazilian government.

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Hugo Baungartner, Grupo Aposta Ganha CCO, said:  “We’re incredibly proud to announce our successful completion of our federal operating license application laid out by the Ministry of Finance. The strict security criteria ensure greater consumer protection and market integrity. Our hard work has seen us join an exclusive tier of companies authorized to deliver an entertaining and 100% secure gaming experience across the nation.”

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Compliance Updates

Argentina to Begin Federal Debate on Gambling Ad Ban

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The Chamber of Deputies of Argentina will debate a federal measure on Wednesday, 27 November, to ban all gambling advertising and sponsorships.

The debate has been expedited after five opposition blocs in Congress united behind the proposal, which aims to prohibit any form of advertising or sponsorship promoting gaming and betting companies.

Civic Committees, tasked with creating a federal framework to address gambling-related harm and pathological behaviour, strongly support the measure. Committees on Addiction Prevention, Social Action, Communications, Criminal Legislation and Families and Youth are finalising policies for a federal bill on gambling protections. The proposed law would supersede existing state regulations.

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Strengthening protections for minors is at the heart of the committees’ efforts. This summer, Jorge Macri, Chief Governor of Buenos Aires, banned new gambling licenses after reports revealed that 34% of minors in the city had gambled by bypassing adult verification checks.

The bill proposes strict rules on gambling promotion, including:

• Banning betting company logos on sports jerseys.

• Prohibiting advertisements in digital and traditional media.

• Eliminating welcome bonuses on online gambling platforms.

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• Restricting payment methods, such as banning credit systems and social assistance cards for gambling transactions.

The proposal has drawn support from diverse political groups, including Unión por la Patria, Encuentro Federal, the Civic Coalition and left-wing factions. However, the ruling coalition, which includes PRO, La Libertad Avanza and parts of the UCR, advocates for a more lenient approach that would allow sponsorships to continue.

The minority opinion pushes for a broader ban on all forms of gambling advertising and sponsorships, though it lacks detailed guidelines.

Lawmakers face a deadline of 30 November, when a three-month recess begins. They aim to ensure the measure is debated and voted on before the recess.

The post Argentina to Begin Federal Debate on Gambling Ad Ban appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Compliance Updates

Balancing Regulations and Opportunities in 2025: Insights from SOFTSWISS

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Growing regional fragmentation, the emergence of new legal frameworks, and the rising importance of sustainability and social responsibility are reshaping the regulatory landscape in the iGaming industry for 2025. Recognising the critical role regulation plays in the sector’s future, SOFTSWISS, a global tech expert with over 15 years of experience, has highlighted these trends in its latest report.

The SOFTSWISS team identifies the evolving regulatory environment as one of the key challenges and opportunities for operators and suppliers in the coming year. As global markets, including untapped regions, adopt stricter compliance measures, the ability to adapt and innovate within these frameworks is becoming a decisive factor for success.

The recent iGaming Trends 2025 Report from SOFTSWISS delves deeper into these transformations, exploring the impact of heightened regulation on industry dynamics. Key trends in the regulatory sphere include:

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Regional Fragmentation:

During the research, industry experts were asked to rate the current legal environment in iGaming on a scale of 1 to 10. The average score was 6.1. While this indicates the environment is generally functional, it also suggests considerable room for improvement.

At the same time, compliance requirements are becoming increasingly fragmented, with countries implementing diverse rules regarding taxation, advertising, and player protection. To overcome this challenge, companies must demonstrate agility in adapting to localised demands effectively.

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Emerging Markets:

As regions like Latin America, Asia, and Africa introduce formal regulatory structures, operators have unique opportunities to establish a foothold in these high-growth markets. However, navigating these emerging regulations will be essential for long-term success.

Max Trafimovich, CCO at SOFTSWISS, comments: “The key to identifying the right markets goes beyond upfront costs or immediate profitability. True capital lies in market knowledge, operational flexibility, and the ability to build meaningful partnerships. These are the assets that lead to sustainable growth and the most promising opportunities.”

Sustainability in Compliance:

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Sustainability and social responsibility are becoming integral to regulation. Governments are focusing on ensuring fairness, preventing problem gambling, and increasing transparency in licensing.

This shift drives up operators’ costs and raises the bar for trust. Compliance is no longer just about meeting minimum standards; it is about building businesses that players, regulators, and investors can trust over the long term.

The iGaming Trends 2025 Report comprehensively analyses the industry’s most important directions for the year ahead. From the convergence of AI and cybersecurity to evolving marketing strategies and business development trends, the report is a must-read for anyone shaping the future of iGaming.

 

About SOFTSWISS

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SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.

The post Balancing Regulations and Opportunities in 2025: Insights from SOFTSWISS appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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