CT Gaming and Palms Bet are partnering again, and this time it is about the introduction of Diamond King 4 in the gaming halls across the country. As of now, 56 gaming machines featuring the multigame have already been installed, with the total number expected to exceed 70 in the coming weeks. The installations cover key locations including Sofia, Burgas and Veliko Tarnovo. At some of the locations, the thrilling multigame is paired with EZ Modulo slot cabinets, while others chose the EZ Modulo Tower cabinets. These combinations are fully possible, as the Diamond King 4 compatibility allows it. This project marks a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between CT Gaming and Palms Bet.

With the installation of Diamond King 4, visitors to Palms Bet gaming halls can now enjoy enhanced graphics, modern themes and immersive gameplay that meet the expectations of today’s players. The multigame includes 40 titles, 20 of which are linked to a progressive jackpot, along with features such as the Buy Bonus version of the most popular game – Duck of Luck, and the revamped Diamond Tree Deluxe jackpot. Unlike previous versions, players can now win any of the three jackpot levels directly from the base game, while cascading white and pink diamonds offer exciting rewards with every spin.

“We are pleased with the successful rollout of installations in partnership with Palms Bet. Thanks to this collaboration, more and more players across the country will have access to the premium gaming experience that Diamond King 4 delivers,” said Biser Bojanov, CEO of CT Gaming.

AUSTRAC has launched Federal Court civil penalty proceedings against Mount Pritchard District and Community Club (Mounties), for alleged serious and systemic non-compliance with Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws.

AUSTRAC alleges that Mounties contravened the AML/CTF Act, providing gaming services to its customers in circumstances where it had not adopted and maintained an AML CTF programme in compliance with the AML/CTF Rules.

AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas said AUSTRAC alleges failures in Mounties’ approach to its anti-money laundering obligations have left it open to criminal exploitation.

“Mounties is one of the largest and most profitable club groups in NSW. It owns 10 venues, 8 of which operate approximately 1,400 poker machines and it makes hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue from money gambled on those machines,” Mr Thomas said.

“This is a big company with an even bigger responsibility to ensure its clubs are managing the risks that criminals can run dirty money through its gaming machines.

“AUSTRAC’s 2024 Money Laundering in Australia National Risk Assessment identified pubs and clubs as a medium risk sector, but when those businesses are exposed to cash, especially in circumstances where known money laundering risks are not being managed, the risk increases.”

“A business operating at this scale, in a cash intensive sector, is exposed to a high degree of money laundering risk. In 2022 for example, the NSW Crime Commission released its Project Islington report which determined that billions of the approximately $95b gambled in NSW poker machines in 2021-22 was likely to be dirty money.”

AUSTRAC alleges Mounties AML/CTF programme:

• did not have an adequate risk assessment

• did not contain appropriate staff risk awareness training

• did not contain appropriate risk based systems and controls in its transaction monitoring programme

• did not include appropriate risk based systems and controls in its enhanced customer due diligence processes

• was not subject to an independent review that met the requirements of the Rules

• and that Mounties failed to appropriately monitor a number of its customers with a view to identifying, mitigating and managing the money laundering risk that Mounties faced.

AUSTRAC also alleges Mounties failed to appropriately maintain its AML/CTF Programme, with aspects of its programme outsourced to a third party provider, Betsafe – which also provides AML/CTF programmes to a number of other pubs and clubs.

“Like many other AUSTRAC reporting entities, Mounties outsources aspects of its AML/CTF program but what it can’t outsource is its AML/CTF obligations.”

“Relying on third party providers doesn’t absolve a business of its obligations under the AML/CTF Act. If a reporting entity outsources key parts of its program to a service that is not fit for purpose – especially without proper oversight or resourcing – they run a real risk of non-compliance.

“All reporting entities, regardless of size, must stay actively involved in how their AML/CTF program is designed, implemented and monitored and I would say the same thing to other pubs and clubs who think bringing in a provider is a set and forget solution.”

AUSTRAC also alleges a number of specific instances where Mounties failed to appropriately monitor specific customers, despite the money laundering risks they presented.

“Customer due diligence and transaction monitoring in a club that processes hundreds of millions of dollars a year through its poker machines, a significant amount of which is cash, is going to require a robust approach when it comes to verifying a customer’s source of funds,” said Mr Thomas.

It is now a matter for the Federal Court of Australia to determine whether Mounties contravened the Act and, if so, what orders to make.

BEGE is delighted to announce that Vermantia will once again serve as the esteemed General Sponsor of the BEGE Awards, marking their second consecutive year in this prestigious role. The 16th edition of the BEGE Awards continues to celebrate excellence, innovation, and leadership within the gaming industry – and Vermantia’s ongoing support underscores their unwavering commitment to driving growth and recognition across the sector.

As a global leader in delivering premium omni-channel content and cutting-edge technology solutions for the gaming and betting industries, Vermantia’s partnership with BEGE exemplifies a shared dedication to advancing industry standards through innovation and collaboration.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Vermantia supporting us once again this year! Their steadfast commitment is a powerful testament to the strength of our enduring partnership. We’re incredibly grateful and excited as we look forward to the BEGE Awards night, where the industry’s brightest leaders will be celebrated for their outstanding achievements,” said Nino Berezhiani, Marketing Manager at BEGE.

The BEGE Awards remain a key platform for recognizing pioneering contributions and exceptional talent within the gaming industry. Partnering with Vermantia elevates the event’s stature and amplifies its impact on the industry’s future.

Join the BEGE Awards on November 26th, during the first day of the upcoming BEGE Expo, to honor excellence and innovation. The 16th BEGE Awards will gather industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from around the world for an unforgettable celebration.

For more information about the BEGE Awards and the event, visit: https://www.balkangamingexpo.com