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Compliance Updates

Romania’s PM Announces “Gambling Reform” – Companies That Do Not Have Their Tax Headquarters in Romania Banned

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No company will be able to operate in the field of gambling if it does not have its tax headquarters in Romania, a project in this regard was introduced in meeting of the Government, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said on Monday, who gave the example of companies with headquarters “through Transnistria”. He accused that during the pandemic “the gambling mafia was at the Government’s table”: “Slots were open all over Romania, while churches and hospitals were closed”.

At the beginning of the government meeting, Ciolacu said that an emergency ordinance in this regard will be introduced in the meeting of the Executive.

“I will also move forward on gambling regulations. I have no problem with the threats from the slot industry, and on Thursday we will issue an emergency ordinance by which all operators will be obliged to have their tax headquarters in Romania,” stated Ciolacu.

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He said that the law in the Parliament, which provides for the removal of gambling halls outside the localities, will enter a regime of rapid adoption.

“I am convinced that the state authorities will shed light on how these intermediaries want to pressure certain politicians to make decisions in favor of this industry, as has happened in the past. As they did during the pandemic, when the gambling mafia was at the Government’s table. Slots were open all over Romania, while churches and hospitals were closed,” said Ciolacu.

PM Ciolacu made these statements at the “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, where he went to the opening of the academic year, he said then that the ban will be applied to companies that do not have their headquarters in Romania: “In the meeting from Thursday I will come with the gambling reform. No company, if it does not have its headquarters in Romania, will no longer be able to have this activity on the territory of Romania”.

Marcel Ciolacu accused on Saturday that there is “a form of blackmail” against him, as well as other officials of the Romanian state, after he proposed the draft law that removes the gambling halls outside the localities. “In my capacity as prime minister, I request the Romanian state to see if we are talking about a violation of the law and blackmail or just a random phenomenon,” added the PSD leader.

The bill that takes gambling halls out of towns was passed in early September by senators. According to the legislative initiative, the license for gambling is granted depending on the number of inhabitants of the locality, proven by a certificate issued by the local public administration authority, so that there is at most one workplace per 20,000 inhabitants.

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The draft law aims to amend GEO 77/2009, being initiated by a group of MPs from the PSD and stipulates that the space dedicated to gambling is located no more than 50 meters from the territorial limit of the city/municipality or commune, including the municipality Bucharest.

All betting agencies, casinos or slot machines are targeted, with the exception of Lottery agencies for the sale of their own products. The draft law will go to the Chamber of Deputies, the decision-making body in this case.

Brazil

INCENTIVE GAMES RECEIVES FULL PAY-TO-PLAY GAMING CERTIFICATION IN BRAZIL

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Incentive Games, a leading B2B games provider specialising in player acquisition and retention, today announced it has received full certification from Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) to offer its Pay-to-Play games in the Brazilian market.

This certification encompasses Incentive Games’ entire suite of games, random number generator (RNG), and remote gaming service (RGS), paving the way for the company to expand its reach into the thriving Brazilian gaming market.

Stewart Gove, COO of Incentive Games, commented, “This GLI certification is a huge milestone for us, and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Incentive Games team. It demonstrates our commitment to delivering the highest quality and most secure gaming experiences to players worldwide. We are delighted to now offer our P2P games to licensed operators in the dynamic Brazilian market.”

The post INCENTIVE GAMES RECEIVES FULL PAY-TO-PLAY GAMING CERTIFICATION IN BRAZIL appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Australia

VGCCC: Bookmaker Fined for Customer Safety Breaches

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Registered online bookmaker VicBet has been fined $130,000 for 2 breaches of its customer care obligations.

Announcing the fine, Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) CEO Annette Kimmitt AM reminded the gambling industry of the potential for people to experience severe harm when rules are not followed.

“Breaches can have serious consequences, not only in terms of punitive actions against the companies we catch out, but for people whose lives are affected by this behaviour,” Ms Kimmitt said.

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“It is an egregious betrayal of trust, for example, to continue to send marketing materials to a person who has self-excluded from a gambling venue or closed a betting account.”

The VGCCC’s investigations into complaints about VicBet found the bookmaker had:

• offered and provided a $1,800 bonus bet to a customer after they asked for their betting account to be closed in September 2022. VicBet was fined $50,000.

• repeatedly sent gambling promotional material to a customer after they permanently self-excluded from VicBet in March 2020. The penalty was an $80,000 fine.

It is an offence for a bookmaker to encourage or offer any credit, voucher or reward, or other benefit to induce an account holder to keep an account open after they have requested its closure.

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Similarly, sending correspondence or promotional material to customers who have self-excluded contravenes the Victorian Bookmakers’ Association Code of Conduct.

“On these occasions, VicBet failed to live up to both its legal and social licences to operate, which include minimising the risk of harm to customers,” Ms Kimmitt said.

“Industry must respect the wishes of people who decide to have a break from, or quit, gambling. This means taking all reasonable steps to enforce harm prevention initiatives that customers commit themselves to, such as self-exclusion programs.”

VicBet was given the opportunity to “show cause” as to why disciplinary action should not be taken. Submissions from its legal representative were considered prior to a determination being made.

The post VGCCC: Bookmaker Fined for Customer Safety Breaches appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Brazil

FBMDS obtains certification to operate in Brazil

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FBMDS proudly announces its certification to operate in the Brazilian iGaming market, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy. This achievement reinforces FBMDS’s leadership in the video bingo category and its commitment to deliver spotless quality, innovation and compliance to Brazilian operators and players.

With this certification, FBMDS becomes one of the few iGaming providers authorized to deliver certified, high-quality games tailored to the Brazilian market in which the brand is deeply enrooted because of its cultural background. This development not only strengthens the brand’s position in a rapidly growing sector but also offers Brazilian players and operators access to a portfolio of games that combine cutting-edge technology, cultural match, and world-class security standards.

“This certification represents a pivotal moment in our journey,” said Renato Almeida, Director at FBMDS. “It demonstrates our commitment to the Brazilian market, ensuring a safe, exciting, and fully compliant gaming experience for players, while empowering operators with premium certified content that drives engagement and growth.”

For FBMDS, this milestone aligns with its 2025 narrative: a roadmap focused on market expansion, innovation, and leadership in key iGaming segments. Brazil’s rapidly expanding market provides a prime opportunity to bring FBMDS’s renowned expertise in video bingo to a whole different level.

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For operators, FBMDS’ certified games provide assurance of compliance with Brazilian regulations, while its innovative products and collections are designed to captivate players and drive business growth.

On what Brazilian players is concerned, online casino gaming enthusiasts can look forward to a personalized gaming experience that reflects their culture, preferences, and expectations, underpinned by the highest standards of excellence and safety.

Following this certification, FBMDS will launch a series of targeted marketing campaigns, event participations such as the SBC Summit Rio, in Rio de Janeiro, this February, and direct engagements with new clients. In the first quarter, FBMDS plans to strengthen its partnerships with operators and expand its footprint in Brazil through strategic initiatives and localized offerings.

FBMDS has long been a pioneer in the video bingo category, delivering innovative, culturally relevant titles that resonate with global audiences. Certification in Brazil is simply the recognition of its expertise and dedication to raising the bar in iGaming. By aligning its operations with local regulatory requirements, FBMDS ensures that its games offer a seamless, enjoyable experience while meeting the market’s unique demands.

The post FBMDS obtains certification to operate in Brazil appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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