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Compliance Updates

UKGC Data Analytics Manager Jason Davies Explains the Changes to Regulatory Returns Submissions Required by Licensees

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The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has recently made a significant shift in regulatory reporting requirements for all licensed operators. Previously operators were obligated to submit regulatory returns annually, but under the new rules submissions will be required every quarter.

UKGC Data Analytics Manager, Jason Davies, explains the changes to regulatory returns submissions required by licensees.

“On 1 July 2024 the Gambling Commission updated Licence Condition 15.3.1 – General and regulatory returns of the Licence Conditions and Code of Practice (LCCP) to require all licensees to submit their regulatory returns on a quarterly basis within 28 days of the end of the reporting period. Quarterly returns support our aim to be a risk-based, evidence led and outcomes focused regulator and contribute towards our aspirations outlined in our Corporate Strategy 2024 to 2027 to use data and analytics to make gambling regulation more effective.

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“As well as quarterly submissions for all licensees, we have introduced harmonised reporting periods which means all licensees submit data for the same time period, in the first instance for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 September 2024. This is important as more regular data, coupled with harmonised reporting periods will ensure the Commission can analyse changes in the market on a timely basis and manage our income more effectively. It will also mean we can publish this information more frequently, for those wanting to use our official statistics on the gambling market for their own work.

“Whilst we are aware that when we consulted on this change to regulatory returns there was a concern amongst some licensees about the increased frequency of reporting, we have tried to balance this out by removing a significant number of questions from regulatory returns across all return types. We’ve listed all of the questions we have removed within the Question removal section of Regulatory returns changes – effective from 1 July 2024.

“The transition to quarterly regulatory returns on the 1 July 2024 means that most licensees will have seen their last regulatory return (whether they were previously on an annual or quarterly cycle) changed to have an end date of 30 June 2024. We’ve had to do this to align licensees to the new reporting schedule from 1 July, but it means that most licensees will need to submit a partial return. These partial returns are due by the 28 July 2024 (for any licensees who previously completed a quarterly return) or 12 August 2024 (for any licensee who previously completed an annual return). You can log into eServices and complete this now.

“We’ve also updated the Regulatory returns guidance, so far we’ve removed any reference to fields which have been removed from regulatory returns from 1 July 2024 onwards and also added in definitions for fields which were previously automatically calculated within eServices.

“We have some more work to do on the guidance, acting on feedback that licensees shared with us in an early part of the regulatory returns project, where they told us that the guidance for some questions was unclear. We’ll be reviewing these and make sure they are updated by the end of August. Fundamentally we would not be changing what we are asking for, but we’ll try and add some more clarity.”

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Compliance Updates

Comtrade Gaming Obtains Romanian License to Distribute Games

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Comtrade Gaming’s CG Games division has announced its approval for the distribution of casino content in Romania.

The license will allow players in Romania to access a range of games from the CG Games portfolio, including Sweet Treasure, Crash Soccer, Wild Miner, Diamond King, Break the Bank and many more.

“This is a key step for CG Games. We have been very successful in the Romanian market for many years, with our iGaming Platform, and this extension of our license means we can increase our offering to our partners. It also now allows us to work with all operators in that market, regardless of the platform they use, and we are very excited to bring our games to this market,” said Comtrade Gaming’s Chief Commercial Officer, Steven Valentine.

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Compliance Updates

Betsson Group shortlisted for 4 awards at the Global Regulatory Awards

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Betsson Group has managed to secure four award nominations for the 8th edition of the Global Regulatory Awards. Held annually since 2017, the awards hosted by Vixio, a leading provider of regulatory intelligence solutions, recognise the achievements of individuals, teams, and organisations in the gaming industry that have excelled in compliance, corporate social responsibility, and safer gaming.

According to the official website of the Global Regulatory Awards, Vixio received a record number of submissions this year, making 2024 their most competitive year by far.

The 2024 Global Regulatory Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on 4th December 2024.

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Betsson Group is shortlisted for three company awards and one individual award.

1. Commitment to Compliance by an Operator

This award celebrates a leading compliance initiative by a gambling operator that has significantly improved internal expertise and set a new standard for industry best practices. The judges will look for an initiative that demonstrates transformative improvements in processes, technology, reporting, and training, while also promoting best practices across the sector.

2. Chief Compliance Officer of the Year – Corinne Valletta

This award celebrates an exceptional compliance leader who consistently exceeds expectations, expertly navigates regulatory challenges, and has significantly elevated the compliance standards within their organisation through pragmatic solutions, operational transformation, and thought leadership. The award seeks a leader who actively collaborates with management, their team, and regulatory bodies to foster a culture of compliance. Judges will look for concrete examples of the nominee’s impact, including industry conference appearances, introduced training initiatives, and demonstrations of thought leadership.

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3. Compliance Team of the Year

This award honours a compliance team within an organisation that actively fosters a culture of compliance, responding effectively to regulatory changes and driving their organization to lead in new compliance standards. Judges will evaluate how the team has cultivated a compliance-focused culture, collaborated across the organisationinitiated training, and influenced business practices and industry engagement, including with trade associations. Special consideration will be given to teams that have led their organisation into new compliance jurisdictions in emerging markets.

4. Legal Team of the Year

This award recogises a legal team that protects the company’s reputation by ensuring compliance with regulations, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and organisational skills, and proactively advising management. Judges will assess how the team promotes best practices, keeps the business ahead of regulatory changes, and minimises the impact on both the bottom line and daily operations.

In conclusion, the above nominations highlight Betsson’s strong compliance culture and commitment to raising its standards in compliance to ensure a safe and stable business.

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Compliance Updates

St8.io granted Isle of Man licence

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The next-generation content aggregator St8.io has been awarded an Isle of Man OGRA Software Supplier licence, as the company continues to expand its regulated footprint worldwide.

The licence, granted by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, will allow St8 to supply its product to other IoM-licensed B2B and B2C partners, as well as other Tier 1 operators.

“This is another important step in our mission to serve regulated markets worldwide,” said Vladimir Negine, founder and CEO at St8. “We’ve been really impressed by the robust licensing process of the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, which allows us to deliver innovative technology in a manner that protects both our partners and the end user. As we expand our presence into more regulated markets, the proven reputation that comes with an IoM licence will serve us well.”

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Lyle Wraxall, Chief Executive at Digital Isle of Man added: “I would like to congratulate St8 for gaining their Isle of Man Software Supplier Licence and look forward to them joining the thriving business community. St8’s decision to expand its operations here reinforces the Isle of Man’s position as a leading hub for the digital and gaming industries.”

St8 was guided through the licensing process by specialist consultancy Amber Gaming.

“We are thrilled to congratulate our valued partner St8 on securing their licence with the support of our advisory services. This achievement underscores our commitment to delivering expert guidance and driving success together,” said Jade Zorab, Managing Director at Amber Gaming.

Vladimir Negine added: “We chose Amber Gaming because we needed a partner with a complete understanding of this process, a flawless reputation and an efficient approach that matched with our timelines. They delivered perfectly on all of these, and I’d like to thank Lee-Ann, Abi and the entire Amber Gaming team for their fantastic support.”

St8.io’s Isle of Man licence is just the latest that the content aggregator has acquired. Last year, it was granted a licence from Romania’s National Gambling Office, and in June secured a recognition notice from the Malta Gaming Authority.

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The company continues to bring world-class innovation to the aggregation space, including a recent major update to its St8 Art Kit, which now features animated thumbnails for high-performing games.

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