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Compliance Updates

Euroconsumers calls Nintendo to solve its “Joy-Con Drift” probl

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4 years ago

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The new version of the Nintendo “Switch” console, the Switch OLED, expected on October 8th 2021, shows an unsolved technical problem with its controllers – an issue commonly called “Joy-Con Drift” –  that prevents players from playing the game properly. Nintendo is quite aware of this flaw. Yet it still plans to roll out the new Switch with the old problem. Euroconsumers calls Nintendo to account.

“Joy-Con Drift”

The flaw in the controllers manifests itself after a couple of months, falsely reading input from the controller stick, as if the user has their thumb pressed down on the controller, causing the game character to move without the player even touching the device. This prevents the player from playing the game as intended. This issue is not new: it was already denounced extensively by users of the current Nintendo Switch, IFixit and multiple consumer organisations.

Nintendo’s inaction

This flaw has previously been raised with Nintendo. Firstly in January 2020, Test Achats/Test Aankoop, Euroconsumers’ Belgian national organization, sent a letter of formal notice to Nintendo Europe GmbH calling on the company to repair all the defective products free of charge and to publicly communicate about the defect.

In January 2021, BEUC, the European umbrella group for 46 independent consumer organisations, launched an external alert to the CPC network about a widespread infringement with Union dimension of EU consumer law, related to the premature obsolescence of the Nintendo Switch.

On top of this EU action, two class actions have been launched in the US, and a Canadian firm has filed an application to begin a class action.

Nevertheless, Nintendo has taken no actions to remedy the flaw or alert consumers. It even issues a new Switch OLED with the exact same Joy-Con design, with the exact same inescapable defect. Meanwhile Nintendo keeps on putting a great deal of emphasis on the quality and versatility of the Joy-Con in its advertisements t.

This early obsolescence is not only unfair and harmful to consumers, but also affects the environment, creating a pile of unnecessary and extremely polluting electronic waste.

Euroconsumers’ call on Nintendo

In a letter Euroconsumers has confronted Nintendo with the above,  asking them to:

  1. Adequately inform consumers of the existence of the “Joy-Con Drift” and its impact on the expected lifespan of the Nintendo controllers on the packaging of the product.

  2. Fully respect provisions on the legal product guarantee, without imposing any burden of proof on consumers or charging them with any costs to repair or replace their Switch controllers.

  3. Provide clear contact details at Nintendo for consumers to report and resolve Joy-Con problems, and for Euroconsumers and its national organisations to address problems to that regard.

  4. Resolve the technical “Joy-Con Drift” flaw and ensure a more sustainable version of the controllers. Euroconsumers, and its national organizations stand ready to deploy decades of technical and testing experience to support finding solutions.

Euroconsumers is available and willing to launch a dialogue with Nintendo in order to establish the best way to satisfy the above requests.

“Nintendo has a duty to its customers to provide functioning devices,” said Marco Scialdone, Head of Litigation and Academic Outreach at Euroconsumers. “To knowingly continue selling these game consoles when they are defective is a breach of EU consumer law. We expect Nintendo to do the right thing and work with us to find a solution for consumers.”

“While on one hand Nintendo pretends to commit to the green transition and serve consumers, its continued distribution of faulty electronic devices shows it’s true lack of genuine commitment,” said Els Bruggeman, Head of Policy and Enforcement at Euroconsumers. “Early obsolescence results in more electronic waste, which is particularly difficult to dispose of. This shows a regrettable lack of respect for both the environment and  consumers.”

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BETBY ACHIEVES GLI CERTIFICATION FOR PERU, EXPANDING ITS FOOTPRINT IN LATIN AMERICA’S REGULATED MARKETS

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12 hours ago

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June 17, 2025

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BETBY, a top-tier sports betting supplier, has received certification from Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) to provide its sportsbook solution in Peru’s regulated market. This certification marks another significant milestone in BETBY’s continued expansion across Latin America.

With the Peruvian government formalizing its regulated sports betting framework, GLI certification has emerged as a crucial requirement for providers aiming to serve licensed operators in the country. BETBY is now authorized to deliver its innovative and tailored sportsbook solutions in Peru’s rapidly expanding regulated betting market.

GLI’s certification, recognized as a benchmark for excellence, validates BETBY’s ability to meet Peru’s strict technical requirements, including those related to sportsbook functionality, information security management systems, and information security standards. Peru’s regulatory framework is primarily based on GLI-33 certification, which BETBY successfully achieved in early 2025. As a result, the company was well-positioned to swiftly meet the country’s compliance standards.

“Peru represents a key step in our broader Latin American growth strategy, as the region continues to adopt clearer regulatory frameworks for online sports betting,” said Ilze Ramolina, Head of Legal & Compliance at BETBY. “Securing GLI certification for this market, which has a growing digital infrastructure and tech-savvy audience, allows us to support licensed operators in launching compliant and competitive offerings from day one. This is yet another step forward in our mission to deliver tailored, localized solutions that meet both local requirements and regional expectations across the region.”

This achievement follows BETBY’s previous certification for the Brazilian market, solidifying its presence in two of Latin America’s most promising jurisdictions. The supplier’s flexible and highly localised sportsbook platform, combined with its commitment to compliance, positions it as a trusted partner for operators looking to thrive in newly regulated environments.

By entering the Peruvian market, BETBY continues to demonstrate its strategic focus on Latin America, providing hyper-localized, engaging, and secure sports betting experiences for both operators and players.

To find out more about BETBY, visit: https://betby.com/

The post BETBY ACHIEVES GLI CERTIFICATION FOR PERU, EXPANDING ITS FOOTPRINT IN LATIN AMERICA’S REGULATED MARKETS appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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MGCB Issues Cease-and-Desist Orders to Five Illegal Online Gambling Operators

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14 hours ago

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June 17, 2025

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The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist orders to five illegal online gambling operators—BoVegas Casino, BUSR, Cherry Gold Casino, Lucky Legends, and Wager Attack Casino—after discovering they were targeting Michigan residents without proper licenses. These operators are violating Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code.

“These illegal sites undermine the integrity of Michigan’s regulated gaming industry and put players at serious risk. We will not tolerate unlicensed gambling operations that exploit Michigan residents. Our top priority is to protect the public by enforcing the law and shutting down these illegal platforms,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB.

Details of the Crackdown

BoVegas Casino: Offers slots and table games while ignoring Michigan’s strict licensing requirements, leaving players vulnerable to fraud and unfair gaming.

BUSR: Markets itself as a sportsbook and casino but operates without the consumer protections required by Michigan law.

Cherry Gold Casino: Promotes a wide range of slots and table games but lacks Michigan licensure, putting players at risk.

Lucky Legends: Claims to offer a “VIP experience” with bonuses but bypasses state regulations designed to ensure fairness.

Wager Attack Casino: Combines sports betting and casino gaming without a Michigan license, exposing consumers to unregulated practices.

The MGCB’s investigations found that these sites have been accepting wagers and deposits from Michigan residents on sports events, slots, blackjack, and other casino games—all without the oversight and safeguards required by law. Players using these platforms face unreliable payouts, unfair gaming practices, and have no legal recourse in case of disputes.

“These illegal operations, whether offshore or operating without a Michigan license, exploit players and put them at risk. We will continue to take strong action to protect the integrity of Michigan’s gaming industry and to ensure that residents have access to safe, legal, and regulated gambling options,” Williams said.

The cease-and-desist orders demand that each operator immediately halt all gaming activities in Michigan. They have 14 days to comply or face further legal action from the MGCB in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Attorney General.

The post MGCB Issues Cease-and-Desist Orders to Five Illegal Online Gambling Operators appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Compliance Updates

Swedish Government Proposes a New Ban on Gambling on Credit

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14 hours ago

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June 17, 2025

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The Swedish government has proposed a new expanded ban on gambling on credit.

By preventing gambling from being financed with credit, the government wants to reduce the risk of over-indebtedness and protect consumers from ending up in financial difficulties.

The government’s proposal means that licensees and gaming agents will not be allowed to allow or participate in the financing of gambling with credit. This means that the current credit ban will be expanded to include, among other things, that licensees and gaming agents will not be allowed to:

• Enable players to enter into credit agreements with other parties when purchasing games, for example by linking to credit providers in connection with online gaming.

• Accept gambling bets if they know that the player is financing the bet, or their gambling in general, with a credit.

• Accept credit card payments if it is immediately apparent at the time of purchase that the payment is a credit card payment. This should apply both online and in-store.

The new rules are proposed to come into force on April 1, 2026.

The post Swedish Government Proposes a New Ban on Gambling on Credit appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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