Compliance Updates
Hellenic Gaming Association Intensifies its Efforts to Combat Illegal Online Gambling
The Hellenic Gaming Association (HGA) has intensified its efforts against the phenomenon of illegal online gambling, which has reached enormous proportions in recent years with incalculable economic and social impacts.
Following a lawsuit recently filed by the organisation under President Christos Panagopoulos against an internationally active company conducting illegal gambling in Greece without the necessary licensing from the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC), a new lawsuit targets two well-known Greek influencers. These influencers, through their social media content, promote unlicensed gambling websites.
These internet personalities have posted a series of videos encouraging their mostly young audience, including minors, to visit these sites by sharing how they “managed” to win tens of thousands of euros by betting and playing on these illegal platforms. However, they conceal the fact that these are illegal gambling companies while enticing viewers with the promise of easy money.
It is important to highlight that their audience includes minors, who find an open door in the unlicensed environment where there are no controls or restrictions, unlike legal online companies where one must be at least 21 years old to open an account and play.
Besides the two Greek influencers, the association is planning to file reports to social media platforms and online services hosting ads and promoting unlicensed providers. Initially, they will approach the relevant departments of these organisations, and they may even take the matter to prosecutorial authorities. The initiatives undertaken by the HGA to combat illegal gambling often aim to fill the void left by the State, which is fundamentally responsible for addressing this open wound with appropriate actions, rather than a private entity.
The massive scale of illegal gambling in Greece was confirmed by a recent official survey conducted by the HGC in collaboration with KAPPA Research, shedding light on the hidden side of this illicit activity. According to the survey, 900,000 Greeks, or nearly 1 in 10, participated in illegal gambling at least once in the past 12 months, with an estimated astronomical expenditure of 1.7 billion euros in the unlicensed environment.
Of the total 1.7 billion euros, 1.1 billion was spent on illegal online games, and the remaining 600 million euros were associated with money spent in physical networks, such as unlicensed clubs and casinos. The average annual amount spent per player online reached approximately 1200 euros, while for land-based gambling, the corresponding amount was 738 euros.
The post Hellenic Gaming Association Intensifies its Efforts to Combat Illegal Online Gambling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
A subsidiary of Betsson AB has obtained its first local licenses for the newly regulated market in Peru. The licenses cover online casino and sports betting for the Betsson and Betsafe brands. Further, licenses for the Inkabet brand are expected to be obtained soon.
Betsson began its Latin American venture already in 2008 and has since then positioned itself as the most recognised sports betting brand in Peru. In 2019, the Group further strengthened its position toward the country with the launch of its Betsafe brand. Two years later Inkabet, a Peruvian-facing sports betting and online casino business, was acquired.
Besides the new licenses, the Group holds licenses in two other key markets in the region, Colombia and Argentina. In Argentina, Betsson holds licenses in Buenos Aires City, Buenos Aires province, and Córdoba.
Pontus Lindwall, President and CEO of Betsson AB, said: “We have really looked forward to Peru introducing a local regulation and are very pleased with the issuing of these licenses. With this announcement, we affirm our commitment to the local economy and the new regulatory framework in the country.”
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has found that sports streaming service Kayo, provided by Hubbl Pty Limited (Hubbl), breached gambling advertising rules by presenting gambling advertisements during live sports events outside allowed times.
The ACMA investigated Hubbl following complaints from viewers relating to live streams of a number of sporting events on Kayo. Gambling advertisements must not be shown by online content providers during live sport events between 5 am and 8.30 pm, including in the five minutes before and after the event.
The ACMA’s investigations identified 16 different gambling advertisements were provided outside the allowed times across a total of 267 live sport events. Hubbl said that this was caused by a system error that affected viewers using iOS applications in a six week period over February and March 2023.
ACMA Authority member Carolyn Lidgerwood said the scale of the error as well as Hubbl’s failure to identify a system bug affecting the playout of gambling ads across a large number of live sport events was very concerning.
“Online streaming services as well as broadcasters all have a responsibility to put robust systems in place so that they adhere to these long-standing gambling advertising rules,” Ms Lidgerwood said.
“The rules are there to reduce viewer exposure to gambling ads, particularly for impressionable young audiences and those vulnerable to gambling harms. In this case Hubbl has let those viewers down.”
The ACMA has issued Hubbl with a remedial direction requiring it to arrange an external audit of its technical systems and processes, including the measures that it has implemented subsequent to the breaches.
If Hubbl fails to comply with the terms of the remedial direction it may be ordered by the Federal Court to pay penalties of up to $626,000 per day.
The post Kayo in Breach of Gambling Advertising Laws appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
LiveG24 Ltd., a leading provider of live casino gaming solutions, is thrilled to announce that it has been officially licensed to offer its live games to the Greek market. This license, issued by the Hellenic Gaming Commission, allows LiveG24 to provide its premium live gaming services to all concessionaires holding valid Greek gaming licenses.
The certification marks a significant milestone for LiveG24 as it continues to expand its footprint in regulated markets across Europe. With this approval, Greek operators can now integrate LiveG24’s state-of-the-art live gaming suite, which includes a wide range of live dealer games such as Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, and other popular casino titles.
“We are incredibly proud to have achieved this new license from the Hellenic Gaming Commission,” said Angelo De Gobbi, COO of LiveG24 Ltd. “This approval is a testament to the quality and integrity of our live gaming solutions. We are excited to bring our immersive live gaming experience to Greek players and look forward to establishing strong partnerships with local operators.”
LiveG24 is renowned for its high-quality live streaming technology, professional dealers, and engaging user experience. The company’s live games are broadcasted in real-time from sophisticated studios in Malta, ensuring players enjoy a seamless and authentic casino atmosphere from the comfort of their own homes.
Greek operators can now leverage LiveG24’s innovative features and flexible integration options to enhance their gaming portfolios and provide their customers with a superior live gaming experience. The certification underscores LiveG24’s commitment to compliance and excellence in the regulated gaming industry.
The post LiveG24 receives license to provide Live Games in Greece appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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