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UK Gambling Commission Amends Requirements of Social Responsibility Code on Customer Interactions

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The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has issued an update on the introduction of its new remote customer interaction requirements and guidance. The regulator has also advised gambling operators to consider the contents of the announcement, as the body has now shifted the date on which some requirements will come into force and a consultation has been announced.

In April this year, UKGC published a set of new requirements to ensure companies do more to identify customers at risk of harm – Social Responsibility Code Provision 3.4.3 – and guidance to assist operators to comply with the requisites followed in June. Both the requirements and the guidance were due to take effect on September 12.

While the regulator notes the industry requested an extension to the timeframe for implementing these requirements – due to the technical challenges some companies indicated they are facing in delivering full compliance by the deadline – it has now decided that the majority of the new requirements will still come into force as planned, on September 12.

“Remote gambling operators are already subject to a duty to conduct effective customer interaction, and the new requirements reflect the minimum steps that we consider are necessary to meet that duty,” UKGC noted. However, the UKGC has also decided that certain requirements will not be brought into effect in September.

These now excluded provisions include a requirement to take timely action where indicators of vulnerability are identified and to take account of the Commission’s approach to vulnerability as set out in the UKGC’s guidance; and a requirement to prevent marketing and the take-up of new bonus offers where there are strong indicators of harm.

“In light of this extension, the Commission considers that it would be beneficial to use the time now available to conduct further consultation on matters to be addressed in the guidance associated with SR Code 3.4.3, by way of a consultation on the guidance document itself. Therefore, the requirement to take into account the Commission’s guidance on customer interaction for remote operators will also not be brought into effect in September,” UKGC said.

The UK gambling regulator said the guidance is “a living document” that is intended to be amended over time. As part of the consultation, the body will be “particularly interested” to hear about good practice in implementing the requirements, “based on the lessons learned by operators” during the period between April and September, and to hear about “any implications arising out of recent research, evidence and casework.”

“Consultation is likely to be launched during late September and will last six weeks. All views expressed in response to this six-week consultation will be carefully considered before a decision is taken on the contents of the guidance on the new requirements,” UKGC said.

Subject to consultation, the Commission’s provisional intention is to publish the guidance on the requirements “in December 2022,” with it taking effect approximately 2 months after publication.

“In the circumstances, we consider this will allow the industry a reasonable period to consider the guidance before it takes effect,” the Gambling Commission noted.

“It is the Commission’s intention, subject to consultation, to bring the remaining requirements of SR Code 3.4.3 and the associated guidance into effect on February 12, 2023,” UKGC concluded.

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Compliance Updates

Isle of Man Government Publishes Terrorist Financing National Risk Assessment

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The Isle of Man Government has published its first standalone Terrorist Financing (TF) National Risk Assessment (NRA), which is a significant step in strengthening the Island’s defences against terrorist financing and reinforces its commitment to international standards.

The TF NRA builds upon the findings of the 2015 and 2020 Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing NRAs and provides a focused analysis of the TF risks relevant to the Isle of Man as an international financial centre (IFC). It is a key component of the Island’s broader strategy to meet the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations on anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism and countering the financing of proliferation (AML/CFT/CPF).

The assessment, which began in April 2024, involved contributions from 48 local experts, industry representatives, and international partners including the UK Home Office and the World Bank.

It concludes that the Isle of Man faces a medium-low overall risk of being used as a conduit for terrorist financing, with the highest risk identified in the area of transit TF — the potential for funds to pass through the Island’s financial system en route to other jurisdictions. Whilst it is notable that the overall rating remains the same as the last TF NRA, conducted in 2020, this report provides further assurance of that rating by the use of more detailed data, information and analysis.

The FATF is an inter-governmental body that sets standards and promotes effective measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the international financial system.

The FATF-style regional body for the Isle of Man is MONEYVAL, the Council of Europe Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism, based in Strasbourg, France.

The Isle of Man’s efforts in combatting financial crime will be subject to an evaluation by MONEYVAL in October next year.

The Island’s main priority is to prevent, detect and disrupt criminal activity on an international scale. If the island cannot demonstrate that it meets the standards expected, the jurisdiction could referred to the “grey-listing” process. This outcome would have a significant negative impact on the economy and damage the international reputation and the ability to do business.

Jane Poole-Wilson MHK, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, said: “This assessment is a vital tool in our ongoing efforts to protect the Isle of Man’s financial system and uphold our international obligations. It reflects the depth of collaboration across government, regulators, and industry, and highlights both our strengths and the areas where we must continue to build capacity and awareness. We are committed to ensuring that the Island remains a secure and responsible jurisdiction.”

The publication of the TF NRA will be supported by outreach to industry to help stakeholders understand and apply the key findings. A separate NRA focused on Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) TF is also in development and will be presented for approval in due course.

The post Isle of Man Government Publishes Terrorist Financing National Risk Assessment appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Compliance Updates

Pollard Banknote Secures License to Supply Gaming-related Goods and Services In the UAE

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Pollard Banknote Limited announced that it has been approved as a licensed gaming-related vendor by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). The GCGRA is the federal authority that oversees the regulatory framework for all lottery and commercial gaming activities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is responsible for ensuring the industry’s integrity and promoting responsible gaming.

This license authorises Pollard Banknote to provide gaming-related goods and services and reflects the company’s interest in supporting regulated lottery operators within the UAE. As a full-service lottery and gaming provider with operations in North America and Europe and lottery clients across the globe, Pollard Banknote’s family of companies offer a wide array of products and services to maximise revenue potential. This portfolio of offerings includes an array of impactful retail merchandising solutions from Schafer Retail Solutions +, engaging print products designed for non-traditional lottery retailers from American Games/International Gamco and forward-thinking digital products across a number of its companies. This is all in addition to Pollard Banknote’s innovative instant ticket products and manufacturing operations.

“We are very excited for the wide variety of opportunities this new license will afford Pollard Banknote. We are eager to foster a strong partnership in the UAE and introduce our portfolio of proven, innovative lottery and gaming products and services that will help boost revenue and support charitable causes,” said Doug Pollard, Co-Chief Executive Officer at Pollard Banknote.

The post Pollard Banknote Secures License to Supply Gaming-related Goods and Services In the UAE appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Oddin.gg Officially Registered with LOTBA as a Supplier in the City of Buenos Aires

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Oddin.gg has been officially registered as a supplier by the Lottery of the City of Buenos Aires (LOTBA). This authorization clears the way for Oddin.gg to provide its end-to-end esports betting ecosystem—including its Odds Feed, Risk Management, BetBuilder, Widgets, and more—to licensed operators in the City of Buenos Aires. The milestone reinforces Oddin.gg’s strategic focus on supporting partners across Latin America.

LOTBA, the regulatory authority for online gaming within the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, is well known for its rigorous compliance and technical standards. While the body manages licensing and enforcement, suppliers must undergo a formal registration process before providing services to local operators. Oddin.gg’s successful registration confirms that it has met all relevant technical, financial, and compliance requirements.

Juana Bischoff, Senior Business Development Manager LATAM at Oddin.gg, said: “Being officially registered with LOTBA marks an important step in Oddin.gg’s long-term commitment to the Latin American market. Esports is gaining real traction across the region, and we want operators in Buenos Aires—and beyond—to have the tools and insight to deliver a top-tier esports betting experience. We’re not just bringing leading technology—we’re bringing the local expertise and regulatory awareness needed to help our partners like Betsson and Jugadon grow.”

The post Oddin.gg Officially Registered with LOTBA as a Supplier in the City of Buenos Aires appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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