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Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

Compliance Updates

Turkish Authorities Seize Crypto Worth $40M in Gambling Raid

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As part of their investigation into an unlawful gambling network, Turkish officials have confiscated $40 million worth of cryptocurrencies.

When it comes to gambling, Turkey is quite strict. The government outlawed casinos in 1998. And since 2006, all forms of internet gambling have been illegal, with the exception of a single state-run service.

The police have detained 46 people on suspicion of aiding illicit betting activities throughout eight provinces.

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The Smuggling and Organized Crime Investigation Bureau and the Office of the Chief Public Prosecutor in Turkey have both claimed that the accused acted as middlemen between the illicit gaming activity and the crypto addresses used to launder the money. It is unclear what cryptocurrencies were confiscated.

Turkish Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu said: “This operation came out of Turkish Cyprus and is linked to the murder of Halil Falyalı.”

The businessman Halil Falyali was killed in February 2022. The event resulted in severe life sentences for two guys, M. Faysal Söylemez and Mustafa Söylemez. Falyalı has a history of money laundering investigations and was supposedly sought in the US for narcotics and cash trafficking in 2016.

Turkish officials believe that the $40 million they have already seized is just the beginning. The event allegedly included the transfer of over 2.5 billion Turkish Lira, or about $134.3 million.

“This is just the beginning,” added Soylu about the law enforcement actions.

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Internet Vikings Provides VMware License to Alpha Innovations

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Internet Vikings, a licensed in-state hosting provider for iGaming and online sports betting, announces their partnership with Alpha Innovations, a provider of data center services. Under the agreement Internet Vikings will supply Alpha Innovations with VMware licensing through its VMware White Label solution.

Alpha Innovations, known for being a leading Managed Services Provider  including cloud computing, data storage, and backup, has chosen to partner with Internet Vikings, a member of the Broadcom Premier Partnership program. This membership highlights Internet Vikings’ capabilities in supporting large-scale and highly regulated environments.

Internet Vikings will provide Alpha Innovations with the essential VMware license, an asset for their cloud offerings. This addition enhances Alpha Innovations’ capability to set up and maintain regulated and compliant cloud environments while upholding their high standards.
“The added value of our licensing solutions and support services aligns perfectly with Alpha Innovations’ needs,” said Rickard Vikström, CEO and Founder at Internet Vikings.

Douglas Tate, CEO at Alpha Innovations added, “As a leading Managed Service Provider (MSP), Alpha Innovations is always looking for ways to improve our service offerings. Our partnership with Internet Vikings is a win-win for our clients. By leveraging Internet Vikings’ VMware licensing solutions, we can offer our clients more flexible, scalable, and secure cloud solutions. This will ultimately help our clients achieve their business goals more efficiently and effectively.”

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Both companies are committed to maintaining a transparent and mutually beneficial relationship, demonstrating how data centers and hosting providers can collaborate to meet the licensing needs of the industry.

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Compliance Updates

MGA Issues First ESG Code Approval Seals to Licensees

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The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has awarded its first-ever ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Code Approval Seals to licensees in the online gaming sector, marking a milestone in the Authority’s commitment to promoting responsible and sustainable industry practices.

This initiative follows the launch of the voluntary ESG Code of Good Practice last year, which invited licensees to submit their ESG disclosure returns. The Code, which covers 19 topics categorised under Environmental, Social and Governance pillars, offers a strategic roadmap for online gaming companies to streamline their reporting efforts.

Following the first annual reporting cycle, 14 gaming operators have been awarded the ESG Code Approval Seal. The Code supports two levels of reporting: Tier 1, which establishes foundational ESG standards, and Tier 2, which represents a more aspirational approach.

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Seals are valid for one year, with flexibility for renewal in the subsequent reporting period, allowing operators to advance or adapt their reporting tier year by year.

“We believe this initiative will significantly enhance the industry’s reputation and sustainability credentials,” MGA CEO Charles Mizzi said.

“By integrating ESG considerations into their operations, gaming companies not only contribute to the wellbeing of society and the environment but also strengthen the trust and confidence that consumers, investors, and regulators have in the industry. This initiative sends a clear message: sustainability, in the broadest sense of the word, is integral to the future of the gaming sector.”

The post MGA Issues First ESG Code Approval Seals to Licensees appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Compliance Updates

Turkish Football Federation to Penalise Clubs Promoting Illegal Betting

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The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has introduced new regulations to crack down on illegal betting advertisements in professional football.

According to the TFF, clubs found violating the new rules will face fines and, in case of repeated offenses, the deduction of points.

Under the updated guidelines, any club in the Turkish Super League involved in unauthorised betting promotions will face a tiered penalty system.

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The first violation will result in a fine of 2 million Turkish Liras (around $58,000), and the second offense will incur a 5 million lira fine and a third violation will see the fine increased to 10 million liras. For subsequent breaches, clubs will be fined 10 million liras for each offense, along with a three-point deduction from their league standings.

“It is forbidden to promote or advertise betting organizations not licensed by competent authorities. This includes any media, billboards and other equipment used within stadium,” the TFF stated.

The TFF emphasised that the ban also applies to entities affiliated with these betting organisations, including those involved in promoting and advertising activities in a way that suggests endorsement of illegal betting.

The global scale of the illegal betting market is staggering, with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimating its worth at $1.8 trillion. In Türkiye alone, the sector is projected to exceed 100 billion liras, according to the Financial Crimes Investigation Board.

The post Turkish Football Federation to Penalise Clubs Promoting Illegal Betting appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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