Compliance Updates
MGA and FIAU collaborate on thematic review of remote gaming sector
The Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) have successfully completed a thematic review of the remote gaming sector, with the aim of assessing gaming operators’ knowledge on matters related to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combatting the Funding of Terrorism (CFT).
The review, which consisted of 23 compliance examinations, focused specifically on the remote gaming operators’ Money Laundering Reporting Officers (MLROs), as well as on employees involved in the AML/CFT compliance function. Such employees play a pivotal role in ensuring that controls are applied effectively to mitigate money laundering and terrorism financing risks, while maintaining compliance with AML/CFT obligations.
The foremost objective of this exercise was to identify areas for improvement, facilitate regulatory outreach, and provide targeted education to the sector on how to enhance their practices in specific areas of concern.
Interviewees overall showcased a solid understanding of key AML/CFT principles, including the purpose of the Prevention of Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorism Regulations (PMLFTR), the high-level concepts of the risk-based approach, outsourcing obligations, ongoing monitoring, the timing for submitting suspicious reports, and training obligations related to AML/CFT.
The thematic review also identified areas for improvement in relation to the knowledge on the administrative measures applicable under the PMLFTR. While interviewees were able to detail the high-level concepts of the risk-based approach, there was room for improvement when it came to their awareness of the inherent and residual risks faced by their respective companies.
Gaming operators are encouraged to prioritise ongoing training to ensure that their MLROs and relevant employees remain updated on evolving AML/CFT obligations, the relevant risks and their companies’ operations, activities and controls.
The MGA and the FIAU encourage all MLROs and relevant employees to familiarise themselves with the findings and key takeaways of this review, and to take steps to incorporate any necessary enhancements.
The General Directorate for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ), which reports to the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption and the 2030 Agenda, held the constituent meeting of the recently renewed Responsible Gambling Advisory Council.
This renewal follows the expiration of the previous council’s term last May. The meeting was chaired by the Director General of Gaming Regulation, Mikel Arana, in his capacity as president of the Council.
As in previous compositions, the Responsible Gaming Advisory Council incorporates professionals and representatives from the General State Administration and the Autonomous Communities, experts in the scientific, healthcare and academic fields who carry out activities related to gambling disorders, and finally, representatives of institutions, organisations and associations related to the gambling sector and gambling operators.
Presentation of the Safe Gaming Programme 2026-2030
In addition to the constitutive session of the new composition, the meeting focused on the presentation, by the General Directorate of Gaming, of the proposal for the Safe Gaming Programme 2026-2030, a strategic document that establishes the lines of work for the next four years.
This document reflects three priorities: analysis and diagnosis of the current situation, prevention and promotion of safe gaming and participant protection.
The programme also includes six general objectives and 22 specific measures, which aim to promote new lines of work in collaboration with the Advisory Council.
The new Council members will have three months to provide input on the draft programme proposal submitted, with the goal of reaching a consensus and approving a final document to guide public policy on safe gaming at the next Advisory Council meeting.
The post Spain: The Responsible Gaming Advisory Council Renews its Composition appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Last Thursday, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed into law three bills — Bills 11, 12 and 13 — each of which are related to illegal gambling in the county.
The first, Bill 11, sets requirements on “electronic amusement devices” in public establishments. Operators of the establishment are now required to obtain a permit from the Honolulu Police Chief to use such a device on the premises, or else forfeit the device.
The Police Chief could deny a permit application if the proposed location of the device “would be reasonably likely to result in an increase in criminal activity, vandalism, litter, noise or traffic congestion,” according to the bill. The bill also requires anyone with a permit to allow a police officer to enter the premises and inspect the device and other records.
Meanwhile, Bill 12 allows the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting to deny permit applications for properties that have been cited for a gambling-related public nuisance within the previous two years.
And Bill 13 allows landlords to request a police escort while inspecting a private property for nuisance claims, with the accompanying officers authorized to document law violations or unsafe conditions, and to warn people not authorized to be there to leave.
In tandem, the three bills are meant to clamp down on illicit gambling rooms, which often become hotspots for associated complaints of criminal behavior.
The post Honolulu Mayor Signs New Laws Targeting Illegal Game Rooms appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
The Swedish Gambling Authority has initiated supervision to ensure that the requirements for procedures and drawing protocols are followed.
The purpose of the supervision is to check how the licensees comply with the provisions of Sections 7–8 (routines) and Section 9 (drawing protocol) in SIFS 2024:1.
The Swedish Gambling Authority’s regulations and general advice on draws outside gaming systems, SIFS 2024:1, came into force on 1 June 2024. The regulations state the requirements for draws outside gaming systems. For example, draws must be carried out according to established draw procedures. Draws outside a gaming system may only be made if the requirements in Sections 5–11 of SIFS 2024:1 are met.
Actors involved in supervision:
• AB Svenska Spel
• Folk Games Nonprofit Association
• Motorists’ Sobriety Association
• The National Pensioners’ Organisation
• Vaxjo Lakers Hockey.
The post Spelinspektionen: Supervision of Procedures and Drawing Protocols appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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