Compliance Updates
Dutch Regulator Issues Fine to Shark77
Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has issued a fine to Malta-licensed Shark77 for operating in the Netherlands without the relevant licence.
Shark77, which is also based in Malta, was ordered to pay €900,000 for offering games of chance in the country. This is deemed illegal under the Betting and Gaming Act if the operator does not hold the required approval.
KSA first investigated Shark77 in December of 2021 and followed up with further probes in January and February of last year, discovering that the operator was offering both sports betting and online casino games on its 18bet.com website.
The regulator said that no technical measures in place to stop Dutch players from accessing these offerings. The site was accessible via a Dutch IP, while the Netherlands was offered as a player’s country when registering for an account.
After being contacted by KSA, Shark77 responded by denying it was intentionally targeting the Dutch market, adding that it was offering games in accordance with the licence it was issued by the Malta Gaming Authority and that KSA should not impose a fine.
However, KSA said Shark77 had breached Dutch rules by offering games and that even though it held a licence in Malta, this was not enough for it to allow Dutch customers to access its gaming and was then operating in the country illegally.
KSA also reiterated the lack of procedures in place to stop Dutch players from accessing the website, adding that users were able to deposit and withdraw directly from a Dutch bank account.
As such, KSA said Shark77’s counter arguments did not hold up and there was no reason to waive a fine. The KSA ordered the operator to pay the €900,000 in full.
“A licensed provider of online games of chance has costs that illegal providers of online games of chance do not have to incur. In addition, illegal providers do not pay any tax in the Netherlands and are not restricted in the conduct of their business by the strict rules of the Betting and Gaming Act and the associated licensing regulations. This allows illegal providers to offer a different offer, for example by offering games of chance that are prohibited for licence holders,” KSA said.
“These providers can thus have an attractive effect on players and jeopardise the channelling to the legal offer. We consider this serious and highly undesirable. Dutch players deserve the good protection of providers with a licence from the Gaming Authority,” KSA chairman René Jansen said.
The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has announced the appointment of four new trustees to its Board, each bringing unique expertise and leadership to strengthen IAGR’s global regulatory efforts:
- Anders Dorph, Danish Gambling Authority (Europe)
- Peter Kesitilwe Emolemo, Gambling Authority of Botswana (Africa)
- Kevin Mullally, General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (Asia/Oceania)
- Louis Rogacki, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (North America)
IAGR President Ben Haden said, ‘I’m delighted to welcome our four new trustees to the IAGR Board. Their diverse expertise and leadership across different jurisdictions will bring fresh perspectives to our work, further strengthening our global approach to gaming regulation.
‘I look forward to collaborating with Peter, Louis, Kevin and Anders as we continue to foster innovation and drive forward effective, responsible regulation for the benefit of the global gaming community.
‘We also extend a big thank you to Trude Høgseth Felde and Mabutho Zwane for their dedicated service as they complete their terms on the Board, and I’m pleased to announce that Jason Lane will continue for another term as a Trustee.’
As a leading forum for gaming regulators worldwide, IAGR enables members to meet, share information, discuss legislative developments, exchange views and learn best practices in gaming regulation.
In recent news, IAGR has also confirmed that its 2025 annual conference will be held in Toronto, Canada, from 20 to 23 October 2025, with registrations opening in early 2025.
The post IAGR confirms new Board members appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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.”
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.
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.
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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