Compliance Updates
EGBA Welcomes Confirmation Of Frankfurt As Seat Of New EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), the association representing Europe’s leading gambling operators, welcomes the recent confirmation of Frankfurt as the seat of the new European Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA). This agreement, reached by the EU institutions, creates a European anti-money laundering authority which will operate together with, and in addition to, the already existing national anti-money laundering (AML) authorities of the EU member states.
AMLA, which will commence operations in mid-2025 with over 400 staff members, will possess both direct and indirect supervisory powers over obligated entities, including the EU’s biggest financial institutions. With the power to intervene in cross-border cases, AMLA is expected to provide comprehensive guidance that further harmonises AML rules and their application, including creating a standardised reporting template for Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs), which will greatly benefit various sectors, including gambling, by standardising reporting formats across EU countries.
The establishment of AMLA as a new authority is a fundamental part of the ongoing reform of the EU’s anti-money laundering framework, which is expected to be finalised and agreed by the EU institutions before the end of the current EU mandate in June 2024.
As the EU finalises the new AML legislative package, EGBA has developed industry-specific guidelines on anti-money laundering to help online gambling operators comply with the AML rules in the EU, including the upcoming EU AML Regulation. Developed collaboratively with our members, the guidelines offer a risk-based approach and include practical direction for operators in areas such as risk assessments, customer due diligence processes, suspicious transaction reporting, and record-keeping.
To ensure the effectiveness of the guidelines, EGBA members will engage in regular discussions on their implementation and are obliged to submit annual reports to EGBA summarising their progress. To promote transparency and accountability, these regular discussions and reporting will help to identify and address potential issues or areas for improvement in the guidelines and ensure they remain up to date with the latest developments. Other operators are invited to adopt the guidelines and participate in the reporting requirements.
“We welcome Frankfurt as the chosen seat of the new European Anti-Money Laundering Authority. Given the city’s position as the centre of European finance, it is a logical choice. We look forward to collaborating with AMLA to ensure the representation of the gambling sector’s voice in future EU-level AML discussions and help contribute positively to the fight against money laundering. The standardisation of STRs will really benefit gambling operators, particularly those who operate in many countries, because there are currently many different reporting formats across EU member states. By implementing our AML guidelines, operators can also already be well positioned for the EU’s incoming AML rules and play their part in raising standards across the industry.” – Dr. Ekaterina Hartmann, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, EGBA.
Source: EGBA
Compliance Updates
MGCB Executive Director Applauds Reappointment of Board Member Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds by Governor
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.
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.
Compliance Updates
Dutch Gaming Authority Maps Risky Gambling Behaviour with Markers of Risk Research
The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has used collected (pseudo-anonymised) player data to map indicators of risky gambling behaviour. With the results of the research, the supervisor can compare the various license holders with each other in other areas than just extreme losses.
Gambling problems and excessive gambling are often associated with the loss of large sums of money. Gambling large amounts of money can indeed be an indicator of risky gambling behaviour, but other indicators also play an important role in detecting problem gamblers, such as playing time or changes in gambling behaviour (for example, gambling more often or at unusual times).
Licensed gambling providers have a mandatory data vault (CDB) in which pseudonymised player and transaction data is stored. The KSA has analysed this data to map risky gaming behaviour, to look at (the usefulness of) applied interventions by providers and to compare the different providers with each other.
The study looked at various indicators of problem gambling: intensity (gambling many days, or losing a lot of money), loss of control (number of deposits per day), increase in gambling behaviour (gambling more often or for longer, spending more money), chosen game (for example sports betting versus slot machines) and interventions by the provider. The analyses were conducted based on one year of data from the CDB.
By comparing or linking different indicators, the KSA gained many new and interesting insights. For example, playing at night is generally seen as an important indicator of risky gambling behaviour. The data shows that players play casino games more often than sports bets at night. This could mean that casino games are riskier than sports bets. At the same time, it could mean that placing sports bets at night is a stronger indicator of risky behaviour: it occurs less often and deviates more from the norm.
The KSA is now looking at how this research and the findings from it can be used by the supervisor to gain more insight into possible problem players and how to tackle them. In addition, it is looking at how the insights obtained can be used in other ways to improve supervision.
The post Dutch Gaming Authority Maps Risky Gambling Behaviour with Markers of Risk Research appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
BMM Testlabs
BMM Testlabs Earns Accreditation in Maranhão, Brazil To Test Fixed Odds Betting Systems and Lottery Platforms
BMM Testlabs, the world’s original gaming test lab renowned for exceptional product compliance and testing services, today announced its official accreditation to test systems and games for the Brazilian state of Maranhão.
This new accreditation allows BMM Testlabs to test fixed-odds betting systems and lottery platforms for the Maranhão market. The Company is now authorized in every Brazilian jurisdiction that has regulated at state-level online fixed-odds betting.
The Maranhão accreditation, issued by Maranhão Parcerias SA (MAPA/LOTEMA), authorizes BMM Testlabs to work with lottery operators in the state to ensure compliance and quality standards for the gaming and lottery industry through end-to-end product compliance testing for Maranhão’s standards.
Additionally, Brazil’s Secretaria de Prêmios e Apostas has federally authorized BMM Testlabs to test betting systems, live gaming studios, and online games used by fixed-odds betting operators.
BMM Testlabs’ Marzia Turrini, President of iGaming & Cybersecurity, said, “We are excited and deeply honored that the State of Maranhão’s official lottery has entrusted BMM Testlabs with the responsibility of testing products for their new online fixed odds betting program, knowing that we’ll do so with the highest levels of impartiality, technical expertise, transparency, efficiency, and, most of all, integrity.”
With the Maranhão accreditation, BMM Testlabs solidifies its position as the leading independent test lab in Brazil. BMM Testlabs is accredited in all jurisdictions that have authorized fixed-odds betting for online gaming and sports betting.
BMM Testlabs brings 44 years of global leadership in product compliance across regulated markets and is trusted by games, systems, and lottery manufacturers, suppliers, developers, and regulators worldwide.
In addition to product compliance testing, BMM Testlabs provides end-to-end cybersecurity protection solutions. Through its sister company, RG24seven Virtual Training, BMM also offers compliance-grade virtual training on responsible gaming, anti-money laundering, and other important topics – presented by industry experts and available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
The post BMM Testlabs Earns Accreditation in Maranhão, Brazil To Test Fixed Odds Betting Systems and Lottery Platforms appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Gila River Resorts & Casinos hosts $5.9 million Big Game prop play contest
Spinomenal makes US debut with New Jersey market entry
Hard Rock Bet, Unity by Hard Rock Loyalty Programs Come Together for Unprecedented Rewards
Golden Nugget Atlantic City Announces Re-opening of Sportsbook with New, Innovative Technology and Expanded Betting Markets
MGCB Executive Director Applauds Reappointment of Board Member Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds by Governor
Saracen Casino Resort Chooses QCI Chatalytics to Enhance Casino Operations with Integrated AI Solutions
WA.Technology makes its debut in Brazil’s regulated market
EGT Digital’s top-performing titles are live on the leading Colombian betting site Betplay
BETBY TO INTRODUCE INDUSTRY-FIRST AI-BASED FEED AT ICE BARCELONA
Esports Highlights: Trends to Watch in 2025
-
gaming2 years agoODIN by 4Players: Immersive, state-of-the-art in-game audio launches into the next generation of gaming
-
EEG iGaming Directory8 years ago
iSoftBet continues to grow with new release Forest Mania
-
News7 years ago
Softbroke collaborates with Asia Live Tech for the expansion of the service line in the igaming market
-
News6 years ago
Super Bowl LIII: NFL Fans Can Bet on the #1 Sportsbook Review Site Betting-Super-Bowl.com, Providing Free Unbiased and Trusted News, Picks and Predictions
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
Rick Meitzler appointed to the Indian Gaming Magazine Advisory Board for 2018
-
News6 years ago
REVEALED: Top eSports players set to earn $3.2 million in 2019
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
French Senator raises Loot Boxes to France’s Gambling Regulator
-
News7 years ago
Exclusive Interview with Miklos Handa (Founder of the email marketing solutions, “MailMike.net”), speaker at Vienna International Gaming Expo 2018
