iGaming Industry
New authority for supervising gambling activities, and other changes after the Unibet-case
With its Decree No. 183/2017 (July 5), the Hungarian Government established the Gambling Supervisory Authority (“GSA”), a new authority for supervising gambling activities and services in Hungary.
I. Background of the reorganization
Prior to the establishment of the GSA, the competent department of the Hungarian Tax and Customs Administration (“Administration”) executed the supervisory powers. Now, this department has been separated from the Administration and the GSA undertook the role of supervising gambling activities. The GSA falls under the control of the Minister for National Development and performs its tasks with national competence. The reorganization was underpinned by the facts that the proper surveillance of the industry sector in question and the required increase in staff necessitated the establishment of a separate administrative body.
II. Focuses of the Administration
In 2016, the gambling department of the Administration issued approx. 160 authorizations, performed more than 13,000 inspections and rendered 445 decisions imposing fines amounting to HUF 1,700,000,000 (approx. EUR 5,555,555). The most concerned area was the administrative supervision of the online gambling sector (i.e. provision of online – distance – gambling services without proper license). The gambling operators mainly contested the condemning administrative decisions of the gambling authority and in the previous year, 60 from the 80 court decisions were made in favour of the Tax Administration. It is also highlighted however that 170 litigations concerning the judicial review of administrative decisions regarding online gambling services are still pending. The practice of supervision of the online gambling sector in Hungary was also reviewed by the European Court of Justice (“ECJ”), which confirmed in its judgement dated June 22, 2017 ( delivered in case C-49/16 Unibet International Ltd versus Hungarian Tax and Customs Administration) that the Hungarian regulation on online gambling services infringed Article 56 TFEU (freedom of services). The ECJ declared that even if the regulation itself theoretically provides for the possibility that any service provider is eligible for acquiring authorization for providing online gambling services, in the absence of transparency and specific technical rules for implementation and/or application thereof, the regulation shall still qualify as an unlawful restriction of the freedom of services. As regards pending litigations, the newly established Authority will take over the place of the Administration and now it is up to the competent courts how they interpret the statements of the ECJ as mentioned above with respect to the condemning administrative decisions.
III. New rules concerning operator responsibility and joint player account
Government Decree No. 294/2017 (October 10) further consolidates the protection of minors from the harmful effects of gambling and clarifies the responsibilities of gambling operators regarding player self-restraint measures. Ministerial Decree No. 30/2017 (October 10) introduces new rules regarding the joint player account, which creates the possibility of accounting various types of betting, prizes and other gaming transactions under one account, which concerns several types of games organized by a sole operator. Ministerial Decree No. 34/2017 (October 26) imposes further anti-money laundering obligations on certain gambling operators (e.g. casino, cardroom, online casino operators), such as internal risk assessment, customer identification, due diligence and requirements of audited electronic means of communication.…
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Source: EEGaming.
Bradley Khoury
eCOGRA Approved to Operate in Arizona, Indiana and Panama
eCOGRA, a leading international authority in Testing, Inspection and Certification services for the iGaming industry, has secured new regulatory approvals across three key jurisdictions: Arizona, Indiana and Panama. With these developments, eCOGRA strengthens its position in the U.S. and Latin American markets, offering excellence in compliance through their Quality, Speed, and Service promise.
This strategic expansion allows eCOGRA to conduct independent compliance audits and certification services in each region, addressing the growing demand for rigorous regulatory oversight in the fast-evolving global iGaming industry.
Securing approval in Arizona, where eCOGRA has now been licensed as an Event Wagering Ancillary Supplier, enables the International Testing Laboratory (ITL) to audit event wagering licensees in line with Arizona’s expanding regulatory landscape. Indiana, which introduced online sports betting in September 2019, has authorised eCOGRA to perform regulatory compliance audits, providing licensed operators with crucial assurance in meeting the state’s high standards.
In Panama, the Board of Gaming Control officially recognised eCOGRA as an Authorised Entity for Compliance Certification, specifically for slot machines and gaming software. This endorsement reinforces eCOGRA’s role as a trusted partner for operators seeking to meet stringent regulatory requirements in Latin America’s emerging iGaming sector.
“Our recent approvals in Indiana, Arizona, and Panama underline our dedication to continually expand our offering, to support our growing portfolio of clients with their global growth plans. We are committed to ensuring that we bring the same quality, speed and service that marks us out to both our clients and regulators in these dynamic markets,” said Will Shuckburgh, Group CEO of eCOGRA.
Bradley Khoury, Chief Technology Officer at eCOGRA, said: “Securing licensure as an Event Wagering Ancillary Supplier in Arizona and an Authorised Entity in Panama underscores our dedication to supporting responsible and sustainable iGaming operations. We are committed to driving trust and accountability within the industry by providing compliance solutions that uphold the highest standards.”
BetConstruct
BetConstruct to Showcase Latest Innovations at G2E Las Vegas 2024
BetConstruct, a global leader in the iGaming industry, is going to showcase its cutting-edge solutions at the highly anticipated Global Gaming Expo (G2E), taking place from October 7-10.
As the premier event for the global gaming industry, G2E serves as a hub for innovation, driving growth by bringing together industry professionals from around the world to foster business opportunities.
Taking place at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, this all-in-one event features both an education program from October 7-10 and an expansive expo hall running from October 8-10.
BetConstruct’s stand is 5230, where the team will showcase an exciting range of products, including the newly launched the Last Battle, a novel loyalty system that is the byproduct of BetConstruct’s commitment to innovation. The company will also demonstrate its comprehensive Sportsbook and Casino Suite, along with DECA, its next-level decentralised casino platform, and Umbrella, an AI-powered risk management solution. These offerings are designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of operators, ensuring seamless and engaging experiences for players across the regulated market.
Amusnet
Amusnet Sets the Stage for Global Gaming Excellence at G2E Las Vegas
Amusnet has announced its participation in the 23rd edition of G2E Las Vegas (Global Gaming Expo) at The Venetian Expo from October 7-10. As one of the largest expos globally, G2E provides a platform for the company to showcase products across its Online Casino, Live Casino, and Land-based verticals, positioning Amusnet as a prominent all-casino provider in the competitive iGaming industry.
“We are excited to attend G2E Las Vegas 2024 to present our latest online casino portfolio and Type S slot cabinets: our first-ever product series for Land-based casinos, designed to offer a competitive edge by combining Amusnet’s top-notch game portfolio with an immersive player experience. Our focus is on delivering solutions that maximize performance and cater to the evolving needs for both online and land-based casinos,” said Borislav Marinov, Head of Business Development, Land-based, at Amusnet.
Alongside its technical excellence, the premium Type S series showcases the company’s award-winning titles, including 20 Golden Coins, Extra Crown, Fruits & Gold, and Cocktail Rush. It also features Amusnet’s popular four-level bonus game, Jackpot Cards, along with other exciting features like Free Spins, Buy Bonus, Pick Me Bonus, and Symbol Upgrade.
Amusnet will host an activation featuring its premium slot cabinets at the upcoming expo, offering attendees the opportunity to experience the thrill of Type S in real time and win exciting gifts.
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