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Compliance Updates

CMA: Spreadex required to sell Sporting Index

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An independent CMA panel has decided Spreadex should sell Sporting Index after finding the deal harmed competition for licensed online sports spread betting services.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has accepted the proposed sale of Sporting Index, to address the competition concerns it had found in the licensed online sports spread betting market, with some modifications and enhancements.

Last year, Spreadex acquired the ‘business-to-consumer’ business of Sporting Index from Sporting Group Holding Limited (Sporting Group). Spreadex and Sporting Index both provide sports fixed odds betting and sports spread betting services to customers based in the UK.

Sports spread betting involves customers betting on a range of outcomes of sporting events rather than the standard ‘win or lose’ outcomes offered by fixed-odds betting. In spread betting, the closer a customer’s bet is to an outcome, the more money they stand to win, and the further away from the outcome they are, the more they stand to lose. This means that, in contrast to fixed odds betting, customers’ wins and losses could be far higher than the amount they bet.

After conducting an in-depth Phase 2 investigation into the deal, the CMA’s independent panel has concluded the deal created a monopoly in the UK licensed online sports spread betting market, eliminating competition in that market. The panel concluded that the merger could lead to a worse user experience, a more limited range of products and/or higher prices for consumers in the UK.

The panel has concluded that, with some modifications and enhancements, the sale remedy proposed by Spreadex is sufficient to remedy the competition concerns and restore competition in this market that is lost as a result of the deal.

The CMA now has 12 weeks to either accept Final Undertakings from Spreadex, or to make a Final Order requiring Spreadex, to sell Sporting Index to a suitable CMA-approved buyer.

Richard Feasey, the chair of the independent panel reviewing the merger, said:

“This deal eliminates competition in the supply of licensed online sports spread betting services in the UK.

Sports spread betting – like any other market – needs competition to drive good customer experience, maintain choice and keep prices competitive. To achieve this, we have decided that Spreadex should sell Sporting Index, so that customers can choose between two firms for the best user experience and prices, rather than having to use only one. “

Further details are available on the SpreadEx / Sporting Index case page.

The post CMA: Spreadex required to sell Sporting Index appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Compliance Updates

MGCB Targets 11 Illegal Online Casinos Operating Without Licenses

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The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist orders to 11 illegal online gambling operators found to be targeting Michigan residents without proper state authorization. These unlicensed casinos—some based offshore, others operating from undisclosed or domestic locations—pose serious risks to consumers by skirting Michigan’s regulated gaming laws.

The casinos named in the enforcement action include the following:

Club Player Casino

7 Bets Casino

NinBet Casino

Cherry Jackpot Casino

PitBet

SlotsNBets

Bookmaker.eu

Wild Vegas Casino

VIP Slots Casino

Prism Casino

ABC Islands Casino

“These sites are operating illegally and without proper oversight, putting Michigan players at risk. We’re committed to shutting down unlicensed gambling operations and protecting the public from deceptive practices, unfair play, and financial harm,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

The named operators have been found to accept wagers from Michigan residents via a range of payment methods—including credit cards, digital wallets, and cryptocurrencies. Players may be subjected to questionable practices, such as the withholding of winnings, unrealistic wagering requirements, and denial of withdrawals.

In addition to financial concerns, these illegal operators are not required to follow the same rigorous data protection standards that are mandated in Michigan’s regulated market. As a result, players’ personal and financial information may be highly vulnerable when shared with these unlicensed platforms, increasing the risk of data breaches, identity theft, and other cybercrimes.

The MGCB has formally notified all 11 operators to immediately stop offering gambling services to Michigan residents. They have been given 14 days to comply. Continued violations may result in further enforcement, including collaboration with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to pursue legal action.

“This should serve as a strong warning to illegal operators: Michigan does not tolerate unauthorized gambling activity. We will continue our relentless pursuit of actively identifying and disrupting these operations,” Williams said.

“We want every patron in Michigan to have access to a fair and secure gambling experience. By eliminating illegal operators, we’re helping ensure the public can enjoy gaming without fear of fraud or abuse,” Williams added.

The post MGCB Targets 11 Illegal Online Casinos Operating Without Licenses appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Compliance Updates

Vlad-Cristian Soare Appointed as the New President of Romania’s Gambling Authority (ONJN)

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Mr. Vlad-Cristian Soare has been appointed as the new President of the National Office for Gambling (ONJN), replacing Mr. Gheorghe Gabriel Gheorghe, who stepped down from the position at his own request.

A lawyer by profession, Mr. Vlad-Cristian Soare has significant experience in the gambling sector, having served as the General Director of the Romanian National Lottery from 2021 to 2022. He has also held the position of President of FEDBET – the Federation of Gambling Organizers – since November 2022. In addition, Mr. Soare is a university lecturer at the University of Bucharest.

Given his extensive background in the gambling industry, it is expected that Mr. Soare will make impactful and beneficial decisions in his new role as President of ONJN.

The post Vlad-Cristian Soare Appointed as the New President of Romania’s Gambling Authority (ONJN) appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Anastasia Rimskaya

Aviatrix receives certifications in Brazil

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The award-winning crash game Aviatrix has received certification for Brazil’s online gaming market, ensuring full compliance in the market.

Aviatrix has been granted full Federal Certification to offer its games via licensed operators in the country. Meanwhile, Aviatrix has also acquired a dedicated certification for the state of Paraná.

This means Brazilian players can now enjoy the most innovative crash game on the market –  one that has already gained a loyal following across Latin America.

Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “This is a huge milestone for Aviatrix. Brazil is one of the most exciting, newly-regulated markets in the world. There is massive demand for high-quality content, and that’s why we know Aviatrix is going to thrive. We’re looking forward to bringing the game to the country via some world-class partners. Get ready for takeoff.”

Aviatrix has been rapidly expanding in Latin America over recent months, including in Peru and Colombia.

The company was also named ‘Rising Star in Casino’ at last year’s SBC Awards Latinoamérica.

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