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

Compliance Updates

MGA Exploring the Development of a Voluntary ESG Code of Good Practice for Remote Gaming Sector

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The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is exploring the development of a voluntary Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Code of Good Practice for the remote gaming sector.

As noted by the MGA, the idea comes amid investors, consumers and employees becoming “increasingly aware of the impact that companies have on society and the environment,” which has resulted in a growing awareness of ESG matters.

Concerning this matter, the Maltese Government in recent years has launched a voluntary ESG reporting platform in a bid to encourage companies to publicly report on their ESG performance. This will then hopefully drive investment towards sustainable business.

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Starting from 2024, all large or listed groups will be required to report under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), with the MGA now embarking on a journey to develop a voluntary code for the remote gaming sector. It aims to help guide and prepare local licensees for upcoming ESG legislation and to gain the benefits associated with running a “sustainably conscious operation.”

The code aims to establish the common priorities for ESG in gaming, with the needs of key stakeholders taken into consideration. Reducing environmental, social and governance impacts whilst continually enhancing Malta’s reputation as a leading Gaming jurisdiction is also being taken into consideration.

The MGA added: “Looking ahead, we expect to see more and more companies taking concrete actions towards becoming more sustainable, and we believe that reporting such efforts contributes positively to implementing change within the sector and improving its overall perception, while also addressing the increasing demand for transparency and accountability in the industry.

“As part of this initiative, the MGA has launched a survey with its licensees who are the key partners in the process of transforming the gaming sector into a more sustainable and transparent one.”

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Anna Mackney US Head of Region at Play’n GO

Play’n GO announces Delaware license award

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Legendary studio’s games now live with Rush Street Interactive brand BetRivers in US state

Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced the receipt of a sixth US state license, this time in the state of Delaware.

Having entered the US market in 2022, Play’n GO has gone live in West Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Connecticut, and now Delaware, where some classic Play’n GO titles, such as Piggy Blitz will now be available to BetRivers players in the state affectionately known as the First State.

Play’n GO added Pennsylvania and Connecticut to its list of regulated markets in 2024, and have a publicly stated goal of being active in every regulated market in the world, a goal that has seen the Swedish gaming giant release a portfolio of over 350 premium games in over 35 regulated markets to date.

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Anna Mackney, US Head of Region at Play’n GO added “It’s fantastic to begin the year by adding yet another new regulated market in the US, this time in the shape of Delaware. Our expansion into the state marks yet another significant step in our US growth strategy. Play’n GO continues to lead the charge in regulated markets, and we are committed to delivering our premium content to players across the country.

“We’ve already established an excellent relationship with BetRivers across the United States and we are confident that our partnership will continue to be mutually beneficial to both businesses as we enter yet another new market together. US players have clearly demonstrated their demand for our games, and we will continue to deliver.”

The post Play’n GO announces Delaware license award appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Compliance Updates

Florida Gaming Control Commission Demands Overseas Bookmakers and Casinos Cease Their Illegal Online Gambling Operations in Florida

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The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) demanded that three overseas bookmakers and casinos halt their illegal online gambling operations in Florida. These overseas bookmakers and casinos host online gambling websites accessible to Florida residents and visitors. FGCC sent cease-and-desist letters to Milvus Ltc, d/b/a BetUS.com.pa, Harp Media B.V. d/b/a Bovada.lv, and Gaming Services Provider, N.V. d/b/a MyBookie.ag.

The websites operated by these overseas bookmakers and casinos only offer illegal wagers. As FGCC explained in its cease-and-desist letter:

[The gambling websites offered by your overseas bookmaking and casino operation] offers or accepts wagering on sports and horse races, including betting on point spreads, moneylines, and totals, as well as proposition bets and futures in the sportsbook and adding money to bet slips in the racebook. Under Florida law, this conduct is a felony offense. See § 849.14, Fla. Stat. Further, it is a felony offense to receive illegal wagers on the result of any trial or contest of skill, speed or power or endurance of human or beast, or to aid, assist, or abet such illegal wagering. Id.

“Gaming, both land-based and online, is strictly regulated in Florida. For example, when it comes to slot machine gaming, counting the eight legal, state-licensed slot machine businesses, and the six tribal gaming locations currently operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, there are only fourteen legal slot machine businesses in Florida. The only online sportsbook operating lawfully in Florida is the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Hard Rock Bet. Anyone in Florida betting on the Big Game needs to know this. Bettor beware,” explained Florida Gaming Control Commission Executive Director Ross Marshman.

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These overseas bookmakers and casinos’ illegal conduct is not limited to sports betting and horse racing. As explained in the FGCC cease-and-desist letter:

[The gambling website offered by the overseas bookmaking and casino operation] offers or accepts wagers on casino-style games, including slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. It is a criminal offense to conduct unauthorized games of chance. §§ 849.08, .15, Fla. Stat. [Additionally,] you allow Florida residents to participate in illegal lotteries, such as deposit-matching promotions, giveaways of cash or prizes, and sign-up bonuses. The conduct, promotion, or advertisement of such an illegal lottery is strictly prohibited under Florida law and is a felony offense. See Art. X, § 7, Fla. Const; § 849.09, Fla. Stat.

Illegal gambling operations offer no benefits to Floridians. On the other hand, tax revenue from state-licensed slot machine businesses and revenue-sharing payments from the Seminole Tribe of Florida are used to fund valuable state programs. For example, in 2024, the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund of Florida received over $240 million in tax revenue from the eight state-licensed slot machine businesses. Florida will receive no less than $2.5 billion from the Seminole Tribe of Florida during the next five years, which is earmarked for water quality improvement, infrastructure, and management of Florida’s conservation lands.

The mission of the Florida Gaming Control Commission is to preserve and protect the integrity of gaming activities in Florida through fair regulation, licensing, effective criminal investigation, and enforcement.

The post Florida Gaming Control Commission Demands Overseas Bookmakers and Casinos Cease Their Illegal Online Gambling Operations in Florida appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Regulating the Game Announces Sportradar’s Donata Szabo as Third Conference Chair

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Gambling law and regulation conference Regulating the Game has announced Donata Szabo, Regional Head of Licensing, Government & Regulatory Affairs – EMEA/APAC at Sportradar, as the third conference chair for its 2025 edition.

Szabo oversees regulatory and licensing efforts across the diverse EMEA/APAC regions at Sportradar, leveraging her global experience to offer insights into regulatory systems worldwide. “With a background in international and human rights law from the University of Cambridge, Donata’s unique blend of expertise will bring exceptional value to the conference,” organisers commented.

Szabo said: “I am pleased to be a part of Regulating the Game and contribute towards meaningful discussions on effective and innovative regulation as well as fostering global collaboration on safer gambling and regulatory excellence.”

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Szabo joins the following line-up of conference chairs:

Dr Marla Royne Stafford, Professor of Marketing at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and expert in responsible gambling was the first Conference Chair announced.

Andrew W Scott, Vice Chairman and CEO of Inside Asian Gaming, brings nearly four decades of expertise in the gaming industry and a wealth of knowledge about Asia-Pacific markets.

Donata will be providing insights into global regulatory challenges and how technological advancements can help regulators create sustainable gaming markets through a session titled Improving Regulatory Performance with Modern Technology.

Paul Newson, Principal at Vanguard Overwatch, said: “The caliber of our Conference Chairs reflects the growing significance of Regulating the Game. Donata’s expertise, alongside Dr Stafford and Andrew W Scott, ensures the 2025 conference will be an extraordinary event, fostering critical conversations and driving innovation in gambling regulation.”

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The post Regulating the Game Announces Sportradar’s Donata Szabo as Third Conference Chair appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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