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Compliance Updates

Three Nigerian Tennis Players Suspended Under Tennis Anti-Corruption Programme

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The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has confirmed that three Nigerian tennis players have been sanctioned for breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Programme (TACP).

The sanctions are linked to a criminal case heard in 2023 involving a match-fixing syndicate in Belgium. Collaboration between the ITIA and Belgian authorities led to a five-year custodial sentence for the leader of the syndicate, Grigor Sargsyan.

The three players’ cases were ruled on by independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO) Amani Khalifa.

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35-year-old Henry Atseye, who reached a career-high world singles ranking of 1518 in September 2015, admitted to six breaches of the TACP across 2017 and 2018. The player admitted to collaborating with Karim Hossam (who was issued a lifetime ban in 2018) to commit corruption offenses, including facilitating wagering and contriving the outcome of three matches.

Atseye was issued a suspension of two years and six months, alongside a fine of $10,000. The suspension began on 14 October 2024, and will end on 13 April 2027.

Sylvester Emmanuel and Christian Paul did not respond to ITIA charges, effectively accepting liability and acceding to sanctions, as outlined under section G.1.e of the TACP.

26-year-old Emmanuel, who reached a career-high world singles ranking of 1097 in December 2016, and 29-year-old Paul, who reached a career-high world singles ranking of 1257 in May 2016, were found liable for six breaches of the TACP across 2017 and 2018 – including facilitating wagering, contriving the outcome of matches, receipt of money and failure to report corrupt approaches.

Emmanuel and Paul were issued suspensions of three years, alongside fines of $10,000. The suspensions began on 6 November 2024, and will end on 5 November 2027.

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During their periods of ineligibility, the players are prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association.

The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis events worldwide.

The post Three Nigerian Tennis Players Suspended Under Tennis Anti-Corruption Programme appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Compliance Updates

Michigan Gaming Control Board Orders MyBookie.ag to Cease Operations in the State

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The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a cease-and-desist letter to Duranbah Limited N.V., the operator of MyBookie.ag, based in Curaçao. The site offers a variety of casino-style games, such as slots, poker, and live-dealer games like blackjack, roulette, and craps. It also allows users to place bets on sporting events and horse races.

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams stressed the agency’s dedication to safeguarding consumers and ensuring compliance with Michigan’s gaming regulations.

“Our investigation into MyBookie.ag found that their operations were accessible to Michigan citizens, which violates state laws. We are taking strong action to uphold the principles of fair and legal gaming,” Williams said.

MyBookie.ag offers numerous payment methods for deposits and the funding of players’ accounts, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, various cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and others), and MoneyGram. However, withdrawals can only be made via Bitcoin or bank wire transfer.

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The MGCB’s investigation revealed that MyBookie.ag’s operation of online casino-style games for paying customers, without a valid Michigan gambling license, breaches several state laws, including:

• Lawful Internet Gaming Act: Internet gaming is only permitted by licensed operators. Only casinos licensed under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act and federally authorized tribal casinos within Michigan may apply for such a license.

• Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act: Operating a gambling business without an MGCB-issued license is a felony, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.

• Michigan Penal Code: Gambling, which involves consideration, prize, and chance, is broadly prohibited. Accepting money or anything of value with the understanding that it will be paid based on the outcome of an uncertain event is illegal.

Duranbah Limited N.V. has 14 days from receipt of the letter to cease offering gambling services to Michigan residents, as required by the cease-and-desist letter. If the company fails to comply, the MGCB is prepared to collaborate with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office for further legal actions.

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The post Michigan Gaming Control Board Orders MyBookie.ag to Cease Operations in the State appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Delasport Enters the South African Market

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After successfully complying with Brazil’s brand-new regulations, Delasport’s sportsbook is now officially certified for the South African market as well.

Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) issued an Affirmative Statement of Compliance to the global B2B supplier, making their expansion possible in numerous SA jurisdictions: Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, North West, and Limpopo.

This functional certificate opens the door to cutting-edge sports betting features for the South African audience. Advanced personalization through My Sportsbook, My Event Builder, and My Combo makes Delasport’s solution a critically acclaimed product.

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South Africa and Africa in general are becoming more and more important points on the global iGaming map, since they have a rising population of more than 1.5 billion people according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Nearly 60% of the population are aged 25 or below. This contributes to the fact Africa is the fastest-growing mobile market with a ‘leapfrogging phenomenon’ – millions of people’s first experience of the internet is via their mobile devices.

‘We are excited to enter such a promising regulated market like South Africa and show what real localization looks like,’ Delasport’s CEO Oren Cohen Shwartz comments. ‘At Delasport, we believe in being both global and local – always thinking about the big picture while not losing sight of the smallest details. For us, entering the South African market doesn’t simply mean translating the interface, but tailoring the experience according to their habits, local providers, regional content, and much more.’

The post Delasport Enters the South African Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Compliance Updates

MGCB Executive Director Applauds Reappointment of Board Member Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds by Governor

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The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has announced the reappointment of Troy resident and Board member Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. This reappointment reaffirms the governor’s confidence in Lambert-Bounds’ dedication, integrity, and invaluable contribution to the agency’s mission of ensuring a fair and transparent gaming environment.

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams expressed deep appreciation for the governor’s decision, noting that Lambert-Bounds’ continued leadership will greatly benefit the agency.

“Board member Lambert-Bounds has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment and insight in regulating Michigan’s gaming industry, and we are thrilled to have her continue as a vital part of our Board. This reappointment is a testament to her unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of integrity and fairness,” said Williams.

Reappointed for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2028, Lambert-Bounds is the president and co-owner of Ignite Social Media LLC, and the chief operating officer and co-owner of its sister company, Carusele Media. She also serves on the executive boards of the Sphinx Organization, International Women’s Forum, and the Michigan Partnership for Equity and Opportunity.

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The reappointment is Lambert-Bounds’ second four-year term of serving on the MGCB, representing Independents, for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2028. She previously served from July 22, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2024, and succeeded Barbara Smith, whose term expired Dec. 31, 2020.

The MGCB is responsible for implementing, administering, and enforcing the provisions of the law related to the licensure, regulation, and operations of the three authorized Detroit casinos — MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown. The agency also licenses and regulates fantasy contests, regulates pari-mutuel horse racing and casino-style charitable gaming (millionaire parties), and audits tribal gaming compact agreements for the state’s 12 federally recognized tribes.

The Board comprises five Michigan residents appointed by the Governor, with one member designated by the Governor as the chairperson. Under the Michigan Gaming Control & Revenue Act, no more than three members may belong to the same political party.

The post MGCB Executive Director Applauds Reappointment of Board Member Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds by Governor appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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