Following the recent resignation of Heathcliff Farrugia as MGA CEO we have been informed from reliable sources that the MGA has appointed a new CEO following a vacant announcement on the 17th Dec 2020.

WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao seems to (finally) be working on reforming the online gambling sector. This was stated in a letter by Undersecretary for the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Raymond Knops. To limit the consequences of the Covid19 pandemic, Curaçao receives financial support from the Netherlands. Since the second tranche in May 2020, this support is no…

In exercise of the power conferred by article 7(2) of the Gaming Act, 2018 (Cap. 583 of the Laws of Malta), the Malta Gaming Authority is hereby issuing the Directive on the Key Function of the Prevention of Money laundering and the Financing of Terrorism (Directive 3 of 2020).

The MGA has decided to cancel the authorisation awarded to Join Games Malta Limited (MGA/B2B/321/2016) effective as of 6 July 2020 in terms of regulation 10 of the Gaming Compliance and Enforcement Regulations (S.L. 583.06) hereinafter “the Regulations”.

The Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (“FIAU”), in conjunction with the Malta Gaming Authority (“MGA”), has today published a revised version of the Implementing Procedures Part II for the Remote Gaming Sector.

Swedish gambling regulator Spelinspektionen has maintained its criticism of the country’s upcoming casino stake limits, arguing amendments to the rules may make them even more difficult to implement in time.

By virtue of its nature as a living document, the ‘Guidance on the use of Innovative Technology Arrangements and the acceptance of Virtual Financial Assets and Virtual Tokens through the implementation of a Sandbox Environment’ and the regulatory requirements envisaged therein are subject to be changed from time to time, as may be rendered necessary…

In August 2019, the Malta Gaming Authority announced the establishment of a Sports Integrity Unit. The Unit’s role consists of the gathering of intelligence and information relating to suspicious betting and serves as liaison with the national platform that is being set up, local and foreign regulatory authorities, law enforcement agencies, betting monitoring systems, sporting…

The MGA has decided to cancel the authorisation awarded to Global Gaming Entertainment Group Ltd (MGA/B2C/551/2018) effective as of 22 May 2020 in terms of regulation 10 of the Gaming Compliance and Enforcement Regulations (S.L. 583.06) hereinafter “the Regulations”.

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is hereby declaring that it has no connection with goldjapan-casino.com. Any reference to the MGA and/or gaming licence/s said to be issued by the Maltese Authority, as stated by goldjapan-casino.com, are false and misleading. Source

A data-sharing agreement has just been signed between the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA), the regulatory authority for the sport of darts, worldwide. The DRA is responsible for writing and overseeing the regulations in relation to darts within both the professional and amateur ranks.

On the 18 of May 2020, Health Authorities announced the lifting of more restrictions which were put in place to combat the spread of COVID-19. As a result of this announcement, Gaming Parlours which have been closed in terms of Legal Notice 76 of 2020, entitled Closure of Places Open to the Public Order, 2020,…

Lucky Casino operator Glitnor Services has been fined SEK400,000 by Swedish gambling regulator Spelinspektionen, after it was found to have offered games not permitted under the country’s Gambling Act.

Swiss gambling regulators Eidgenössische Spielbankenkommission (ESBK) and the Inter-Cantonal Lotteries and Betting Commission (Comlot) have added a further 61 websites to the country’s blacklists of unlicensed igaming operators.

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has recently established a data-sharing agreement with the World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association (WPBSA). The WPBSA is the regulatory authority for both Billiards and Snooker worldwide. It is responsible for the global development of both sports, and for the governance and integrity related to the sports. In addition WPBSA…

Gaming technology provider GTG Network will launch its free-to-play Skill Zone product on Paddy Power’s iOS and Android app after coming to an agreement with Flutter Entertainment.

The Irish government has confirmed that horse racing will be able to resume from 8 June, following the suspension of activities due to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has recently established a data-sharing agreement with the Swedish Football Association (SvFF). The SvFF is the governing body for football in Sweden. The objective of the SvFF is to make sure that football in Sweden always adheres to laws and regulations that govern all sporting events and entities within their…

On the 1 of May 2020, Health Authorities announced the lifting of some of the restrictive measures put in place to combat the spread of COVID-19. As a result of this announcement, Lotto booths which have been closed in terms of Legal Notice 76 of 2020, entitled Closure of Places Open to the Public Order,…

EvenBet Gaming has agreed a deal with SBC to become an official sponsor of the SBC Digital Summit, where the online gaming software developer will host an exclusive poker tournament for delegates.

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Sweden’s government proposed a set of temporary rules that will restrict gambling activities. Social security minister Ardalan Shekarabi proposed to limit the exposure of online gambling, stating that online casinos are “one of the most risky forms of gambling”, especially since many sporting events and other gambling-related activities have…

The Parliamentary All Party Betting & Gaming Group (APBGG) has commenced a review of the UK’s Gambling Act 2005 to establish what changes may be needed to ensure the laws are relevant to the technical and social developments since its conception.

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has recently established a data-sharing agreement with the International Cricket Council (ICC). The ICC is the international governing body of cricket and is made up of over 100 national governing bodies from around the world. The ICC governs and administrates the sport, stages ICC global events, oversees playing regulations and…

The MGA has decided to serve Join Games Malta Limited (MGA/B2B/321/2016) with the accompanying document to this Notice, entitled “Notice of Cancellation” (hereinafter “the Notice”) dated 20 April 2020 in terms of regulation 12 of the Gaming Compliance and Enforcement Regulations (S.L. 583.06) hereinafter “the Regulations”.

Online gaming solutions provider SBTech has extended its content portfolio with the addition of new games and services from BetGames.TV and Pin Projekt. Under the agreement with live lottery supplier Pin Projekt, SBTech will take on its entire portfolio of live betting games.

Dear Authorised Person, The Authority is cognizant of the challenges that are being faced by operators due to the current international climate resulting from the fight against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this light, the MGA is monitoring the situation closely and is committed to taking decisions that are commensurate with the difficulties…

The MGA has decided to suspend the authorisation awarded to BetElephant Limited MGA/B2C/161/2008 effective as of 7 April 2020 in terms of Regulation 9(2) of the Gaming Compliance and Enforcement Regulations (S.L. 583.06).

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Malta Business Registry (MBR) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation and exchange of information. The main aim of this MoU is to facilitate on-going close communications between the two authorities, and to support effective sharing of information on matters of mutual interest and policy…

The MGA has decided to cancel the authorisation awarded to Bimbabet Limited (MGA/B2C/385/2017) effective as of 6 April 2020 in terms of regulation 10 of the Gaming Compliance and Enforcement Regulations (S.L. 583.06) hereinafter “the Regulations”.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disruptive impact on sports worldwide, and by correlation, the betting sector is facing unprecedented challenges. The Malta Gaming Authority understands that it is far from being business as usual for operators in this sector and is thus increasing industry outreach as means to set regulatory expectations in these turbulent…

In exercise of the power conferred by article 7(2) of the Gaming Act, 2018 (Cap. 583 of the Laws of Malta), the Malta Gaming Authority is hereby issuing the Ruling on Low Risk Games in Care and Nursing Homes (Directive 2 of 2020).

Further to yesterday’s communication, the Authority understands that one of the measures that may be taken in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 is to increase the number of employees conducting their work remotely, and with as little physical contact with third parties as possible. This is also a measure which may be implemented…

Some of Malta’s largest gaming companies are reportedly bracing for a massive shift to remote working from home next week in an effort to take precautionary actions amidst increasing Coronavirus fears, Lovin Malta is informed.

Online gambling business Betway is to pay £11.6m, alongside implementing a package of measures, for a series of social responsibility and money laundering failings linked to dealings with seven of its high spending customers.

The MGA has decided to suspend the authorisation specifically the Recognition Notice granted by the Authority number RN/112/2019, awarded to Stakers Limited (RN/112/2019) effective as of 9 March 2020 in terms of regulation 9(2) of the Gaming Compliance and Enforcement Regulations (S.L. 583.06).

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is hereby declaring that it has no connection with vulcanplay.one. Any reference to the MGA and/or gaming licence/s said to be issued by the Maltese Authority, as stated by vulcanplay.one, are false and misleading. class=”uk-article-lead”>Source

The Malta Gaming Authority attended a Counter-Terrorism Training session carried out by the Metropolitan Police Service SO15 (Counter Terrorism Command) and the UK National Terrorist Financial Investigations Unit (NTFIU) on 25 and 26 February, 2020.

The Regional Council of Darmstadt, the Hessian body responsible for handling the federal sports betting licensing process, has revealed that 30 operators have now filed their applications.

The result of over a year’s research and development, Dungeon: Immortal Evil harnesses the latest in 3D gaming technology to offer players the first ever slot-based third-person hack and slash adventure.

Andrew Lyman, Executive Director of HM Government of Gibraltar – Gambling Division, believes that rather than damaging Gibraltar’s gambling industry, Brexit will allow the jurisdiction to grow as a UK-facing hub.

Operator Triplebet, which runs the Matchbook sports betting exchange, has accepted the Gambling Commission’s temporary suspension of its license in Great Britain, following a two-year review.

Operator Triplebet, which runs the Matchbook sports betting exchange, has accepted the Gambling Commission’s temporary suspension of its license in Great Britain, following a two-year review.

NSoft, has expanded its African iGaming operations and subsequently entered two new markets: Ethiopia and Burundi. Emerging markets in Africa have been in NSoft’s focus for quite some time. In order to better explore possibilities that African iGaming market offers, NSoft has expanded its business operation’s team with two more dedicated sales managers settled in…

While intuitive and politically popular, the UK’s ban on betting with credit cards has been criticised as yet another simplistic solution to a complex problem, with dubious benefits for vulnerable groups.

The MGA has decided to cancel the authorisation awarded to The Daily Fantasy Football Company LTD (MGA/B2C/384/2017) effective as of 6 February 2020 in terms of regulation 10 of the Gaming Compliance and Enforcement Regulations (S.L. 583.06) hereinafter “the Regulations”.

In February 2020, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) received a delegation of members of the Lotteries and Gaming Board and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Zimbabwe. The meeting was requested by the Zimbabwean authorities in order to receive insight on how the gambling industry is regulated in Malta,…

William Hill has announced it will become the official sportsbook and wagering data provider of CBS Sports Digital after signing a new partnership with the company.

Once again IGA’s team is looking forward to experience ICE at the Excel London, between the 4th and 6th February 2020. Our team will be there to meet, discuss and offer expert consultation on different facets in relation to the Maltese gaming ecosystem. At IGA, we are committed to provide the best possible service to our…

PokerStars Co-founder Isai Scheinberg has been taken into custody in New York City after voluntarily travelling to the US to face charges, according to a report from Forbes.

Supplier Yggdrasil has launched its Publishing division designed to offer customers the chance to build their own B2B gaming solutions from Yggdrasil’s technology.

Ganapati has announced Juliet Adelstein will become the group’s new CEO, effective from 1 February.

Six online gambling operators offering buy-in options on their slot games have now removed the features from their sites, after being contacted by the Gambling Commission.

The decision to ban credit card gambling in Great Britain has been described as “great news” to mobile payment providers, according to an industry executive.

Weeks ahead of ICE London 2020, organisers Clarion Gaming have confirmed leading US gaming specialist Stephen A. Crystal, Esq. as Ambassador of eSports and Gaming across all its ICE-branded events.

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), through its Information & Research Unit, has conducted a survey (second of its kind) among its licensed remote gaming operators in order to obtain a better understanding of the existing skills gap in the gaming industry.

Following the Gambling Commission’s credit card gambling ban in Great Britain, the Gambling Insider editorial team reflects on the fairness of the measure and where it leaves the industry moving forward.

The GB Gambling Commission has announced that it will introduce a ban on the use of credit cards for all forms of online and land-based gambling from 14 April.

1X2 Network continues to establish itself as a leading game developer for operators in regulated markets after securing a B2B supplier licence from the Malta Gaming Authority.

ORYX Gaming, a Bragg Gaming Group company (TSXV: BRAG, OTC:BRGGF), has inked a content distribution deal with leading operator Winbet, which will see the provider significantly increase its presence in Romania.

Following the successful soft launch of the content aggregation platform NetEnt Connect in December, several new operators from different markets have now connected and a wider range of games has been added

The MGA has decided to cancel the authorisation awarded to Zero Seven Gaming Limited (Licence Number MGA/B2C/381/2017) effective as of 30 December 2019 in terms of regulation 10(1)(a) of the Gaming Compliance and Enforcement Regulations (S.L. 583.06).

Blackrock Media Limited (the ‘company’) has paid a total financial penalty of €2.34 million for operating a gaming service through a Maltese legal entity without being in possession of the necessary authorisation.

Gambling software supplier GAN’s gross operator revenue increased 171.3% year-on-year to $315.6m in 2019 thanks to the growth of legal gambling in the US, according to the company’s Q4 key performance indicators.

Japanese lawmaker Mikio Shimoji has admitted to taking a ¥1m ($9,250) bribe from Chinese gambling operator 500.com to assist his campaign in the 2017 general election.

Casino provider Nektan has been suspended from trading on the London Stock Exchange after missing the deadline to publish its accounts.

Aspire Global Group has been ordered to pay €13.7m ($14.6m) in retroactive tax in Israel. This is after the supplier reached an agreement with the Israeli tax authority (ITA), for the fiscal years between 2008-2018, bringing an end to all related investigations.

Everi Holdings has announced the acquisition of Micro Gaming Technologies (MGT) for an initial fee of $15m. The deal includes subsidiary Everi Payments, sealing certain strategic assets such as products, software and technologies from Las Vegas-based casino marketing provider MGT.

Sugarhouse HSP Gaming, operator of Rivers Casino Philadelphia, has received a $60,000 fine after the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) found multiple incidents of underage gambling within the property.

The Australian arm of operator Unibet has been hit with an AU$25,000 (US$17,115) fine after violating gaming laws in New South Wales (NSW).

Kindred Group has dropped its appeal against a Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) fine for offering online gambling to Dutch customers.

Zimpler has reported Trustly to the Swedish Competition Authority (Konkurrensverket) over locking companies into exclusive, expensive contracts and stopping them from adopting other services.

Slots and table games provider Habanero has agreed a partnership with Singular as it looks to further boost its reach around the world.

The American Gaming Association (AGA) recently updated its guidelines for anti-money laundering practices, emphasising a culture of compliance and making several key additions to reflect an increasingly mobile US gaming space.

The Conservatives eased to a very decisive victory in the General Election yesterday, comfortably winning 364 seats at the time of writing, with Labour a distant second with 203 seats. The bones of why and how such a dramatically large victory came about will no doubt be analysed in every spare column inch in the…

Sweden’s online gambling licensees are choosing to challenge rather than pay financial penalties imposed by the local gambling regulatory body.

Nordic online gambling operator Betsson AB has reportedly taken a majority stake in Brazilian race betting operator Suaposta. On Tuesday, Games Magazine Brasil reported that the Stockholm-listed Betsson had taken a 75% stake in Suaposta, Brazil’s only locally authorized horseracing online betting operator. Suaposta is run by the Rio Grande do Sul Jockey Club (JCRGS),…

Michael Dugher has been appointed the Betting and Gaming Council’s new CEO. The Council was formed in July, replacing the Remote Gambling Association and Association of British Bookmakers, and is chaired by Brigid Simmonds OBE.

California’s cardroom industry is wearing yet another self-inflicted black eye after the state’s second-largest venue reached a $3.1m settlement over anti-money laundering (AML) and regulatory compliance failures.

The Stars Group (TSG) is set to take full control of BetEasy after agreeing a deal to acquire the remaining 20% interest in the Australian sports betting operator for AU$151m (£79.5m/€93.3m/US$103.3m).

Evolution Gaming CEO Martin Carlesund says he wants to build “the best company in the world,” which starts with building the right team and balancing ambition with cost-efficiency. The live casino supplier has grown significantly over the last few years and its CEO has aims to outperform the likes of Spotify, Facebook and Google.

In exercise of the powers conferred by article 7(2) of the Gaming Act (Cap. 583 of the Laws of Malta), the Malta Gaming Authority (hereinafter “MGA”) is hereby issuing the Amusement Machine Directive (Directive 5 of 2019) in relation to the requirements applicable to amusement machines.

The Malta Gaming Authority (herein after the ‘Authority’) is publishing a guidance note to shed light on how it exercises the discretion afforded to it by law in the selection of the nature and scope of enforcement measures it takes when a breach of law is committed. The contents are especially noteworthy to licensees, as…

Meet us at #SiGMA19 – the World’s iGaming Village. Come and meet us at the MFCC, Malta, between the 27th and 29th November 2019 at Stand no. B60, and get to know how we can help simplify your business needs. At IGA, we are committed to provide the best possible service to our clients in…

Following the implementation of the first phase of the Sandbox Regulatory Framework as of 1 January 2019, which established the possibility for authorised persons to be allowed to accept Virtual Financial Assets (VFAs) as a means of payment, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is announcing the launch of the second phase of the Framework. During…

The Gambling Commission has instigated a review under s116 of the Gambling Act into EveryMatrix Software Limited (operating licence no 039383-R-319384-021). This followed compliance activity which included examining its customer interaction framework. Pursuant to section 118(2) Gambling Act 2005 (“the Act”), the Commission has determined to suspend the above operating licence insofar as it pertains…

Police have arrested 78 suspects for organised online gambling through computer games in the eastern Anhui province, involving 128m yuan ($18.5m). Chinese authorities received a tip-off about the organisation after an individual lost 300,000 yuan on an online game called “Zork.” A total of 78 suspects were arrested, with 46 of them still being detained…

The Argentinian province of Buenos Aires recently implemented legislation to regulate online gambling in the country and the industry has already seen a healthy response. It now appears that two more companies are entering the market, hoping to use Argentina as a springboard for further expansion across the country, as well as the rest of…

Bank of Valletta was preparing for the possible pull-out of ING, its sole remaining provider of correspondent banking services in US dollars, an official confirmed. The official, who asked not to be named, said mitigating measures were being taken over fears that the Dutch bank could pull the plug on its correspondent banking services to…

Russia is one of the strictest countries when it comes to gambling in general. The industry hasn’t been eradicated completely within the borders of the federation, but restrictions are extremely heavy. Offline casinos cannot touch any market besides 4 pre-assigned regions, which are not that profitable due to distance from Moscow. But what the country…

Spain’s Acting Ombudsman, Francisco Fernández Marugán, has called for a national gambling advertising ban. Spain’s online gaming market saw gross revenue grow 26% to €699m ($786m) for 2018 and Marugán feels the country’s gambling market is spreading “without control.” Believing gambling should be considered a matter of public health, Marugán wants legislation to look more…

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Malta Police Force (MPF) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further increase and improve the efficacy of their co-operation and to strengthen the exchange of information with regards to gaming operations. This understanding aims to consolidate undertakings in combatting gaming related offences such as instances…

Join us at Malta’s leading blockchain summit Come and meet us at the Intercontinental, Malta, between the 23rd and 24th May 2019, and get to know how we can help simplify your business needs. iGamingAdvisors services vary from company formation, acquisition of gaming licenses and opening of bank accounts amongst others. Its subsidiary company, iCOin…

This year’s Malta iGaming Excellence Awards (MiGEA) was yet another success, thanks to the professionalism of the organisers. In our opinion it was a well-attended event held at Smart City where distinguished guest enjoyed the dancing fountain, spectacular fireworks and the outstanding performance of the entertainers throughout the dinner. It was an honour for our…

Meet us at #SiGMA18 – the World’s iGaming Village. Come and meet us at the MFCC, Malta, between the 28th and 30th November 2018 at Stand no. B329, and get to know how we can help simplify your business needs. At IGA, we are committed to provide the best possible service to our clients in…

Join us at Malta’s leading blockchain summit Come and meet us at the Intercontinental, Malta, between the 1st and 2nd November 2018, and get to know how we can help simplify your business needs. iGamingAdvisors services vary from company formation, acquisition of gaming licenses and opening of bank accounts amongst others. Its subsidiary company, iCOinMalta offers…

Should you wish to open a new bank account after the latest SataBank restrictions, simple get in touch with us by email [email protected] or Mobile Number +35699441881 Satabank plc has been directed by the Malta Financial Services Authority to refrain, cease and desist from taking further deposits into the accounts of its current customers. The…

Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A collaboration between iGamingAdvisors and Pixel Holding Group Ltd led to LeoVegas Group, acquired 51% of the shares in Pixel Holding Group Ltd, which runs the esports betting operator Pixel.bet. The investment amounts to EUR 1.5 million for 51…

One of the main objectives of iGamingIdol is to identify individuals and firms which excel in their profession and keep the gaming industry successful as it is today. There are a number of areas which iGamingIdol identified as the most influential to the success story. The shortlisting procedure and win this prestigious award is established…

Following the notification of the draft new legal framework regulating gaming through the Technical Regulation Information System (‘TRIS’) process in virtue of Directive (EU) 2015/1535 (the ‘Directive’), a Detailed Opinion has been issued by a Member State in relation to the draft Gaming Authorisations Regulations (the ‘Regulations’). The European Commission and another Member State have…

Founders sue Envion CEO Matthias Woestmann’s Corp. for world’s first analogue ICO hacking. Outsider CEO faces charges after grab for $100 million ICO company, attempts to sell to highest bidder The founding team of the Envion project have taken legal action against the shareholders of envion AG (Switzerland), namely Quadrat Capital GmbH, whose shareholder and…

The Malta Gaming Authority would like to draw attention to media articles published by the Investigative Reporting Project Italy (IRPI), La Repubblica and the Times of Malta. The MGA objects to the articles in question which contain factual inaccuracies, speculation, untruths and a misleading portrayal of the Malta Gaming Authority and the way it operates.…

Wagerr partners with ICOinMalta and iGamingAdvisors to obtain gaming license in Malta In 2017, Wagerr introduced a new, decentralized approach to sports betting that immediately grabbed the attention of both the blockchain world and the sports betting industry. The initial offering surpassed initial expectations, triggering contingency rounds that were, in turn, completely sold out.

The MGA Board (in accordance with Article 14 of the Lotteries and other Games Act and after consultation with the Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy & Innovation, Hon. Silvio Schembri) has appointed Heathcliff Farrugia as the new Chief Executive Officer of the MGA with effect from 24 April 2018. Heathcliff Farrugia succeeds Joseph…

888 has applied for a gaming licence in Malta due to Brexit uncertainties over Gibraltar. The Gibraltar-based company is concerned about the impact of the UK’s departure from the European Union on the British Overseas Territory, which is home to many of the world’s leading e-gaming and sports betting firms. Around 25% of Gibraltar’s GDP…

Bitfinex, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, is reportedly planning to move out of its current base in Hong Kong over to Switzerland. German-language Swiss newsweekly Handelszeitung is reporting that Hong Kong-based Bitfinex is already in talks with Swiss authorities over a move to Europe. Switzerland is at the top of the list of…

Coinbase announced today it’s intention to add ERC20 support to several of its suite of products. Historically, Coinbase announcements have caused huge retail influxes of retail investors, erratic price swings, and even allegations of market manipulation. That’s why it was a surprise today when Coinbase‘s latest announcement came not with a bang but a bearish…

It’s not often that someone wins against the taxman. Tax collectors are notorious for almost always making sure they cross all their t’s and dot all their i’s. This case wouldn’t prove to be the exception, either. First, it’s necessary to paint the background. A 2008 tax loophole was in place that allowed corporations to…

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by traded value, is seeking a fresh start in the Mediterranean. The company, founded last year in Hong Kong, is planning to open an office in Malta, Chief Executive Officer Zhao Changpeng said in an interview. Binance will soon start a “fiat-to-crypto exchange” on the European island nation, and…

The Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy & Innovation, Hon. Silvio Schembri announced that a motion has been presented in Parliament for the first reading of a new Gaming Bill which will seek to repeal all the existing legislation and replace it with a singular primary Act of Parliament, together with subsidiary legislation covering…

In the last couple of years, cryptocurrency has grabbed a spot in our news headlines as being the money of the future. As expected, significant financial institutions have begun incorporating this system into their daily activities, and iGamingAdvisors isn’t an exception. In the digital era, cryptocurrency has evolved to become the most secure way for…

Are you a company that would like to raise an ICO, Crypto Currency Exchanges and wallets? Are you interested to enter the Crypto world? As you may be aware Malta is currently stepping up its pace to be the first European member state to regulate ICOs, Crypto Currency Exchanges and wallets amongst others. Malta was…

In 2016 alone, online gambling generated over $44 billion in revenue, most of the revenue coming from mobile devices. With a projected 5 billion mobile devices and rapid increase in mobile gaming adoption rate, the gambling industry is projected to be worth well over $80 billion by year 2022 and that is for official numbers,…

Swedish media outlets got a whole lot fatter on unauthorized online gambling advertising cash last year, despite efforts by regulators to clamp down on the activity. Sifo Advertising Measurements and Dagens Media recently released a new analysis of gambling advertising spending in Sweden, which showed overall spending of SEK 5.5b (US$684.5m) in 2017, up significantly…

Shortly after revealing a proposal to tax bitcoin investors to make it fair on traditional investors who have to deal with the government taking one-third of their earnings, Portuguese consumer watchdog DECO has stressed that the country’s banks have “no known legal basis” to block bitcoin-related transactions. As CCN recently reported, the Portuguese branch of…

Members of congress from the Garden State have penned a letter to the US Department of Justice (DOJ) voicing their opposition to any plans by the Trump administration to clampdown on states allowing regulated online betting. Proponents of a ban on regulated online betting are calling for the introduction of Restoration of America’s Wire Act…

Join us at ICE London 2018 – the biggest iGaming event of the year! IGA is a one stop shop to provide you with a turnkey solution for the acquisition of a Gaming License from different jurisdictions including Malta. Our advisory will assist you to set up the whole process of your operations irrespective if…

In the coming weeks Malta is launching the world’s first legal framework for the creation of a body to regulate Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, and IOT devices. Parliamentary Secretary Silvio Schembri announced at the Unlock Blockchain conference in Dubai that the government had worked closely with the industry to come up with a legal framework that…

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is continuously analysing ongoing developments in the fields of Distributed Ledger Technology (‘DLT’) and cryptocurrencies including their application in various technology and innovation driven industries. Conscious of the need to remain at the forefront of innovation and to keep up with new developments in these technologies within the gaming industry,…

The Malta Financial Services Authority has today issued a Discussion Paper on Initial Coin Offerings (ICO), Virtual Currencies (VC) and Services Providers. The purpose behind this paper is to present a policy to the industry for the regulation on ICOs, VCs and service providers involved in ICOs and/or other VC activity. Currently the MFSA is…

The Malta Financial Services Authority has published a discussion paper on initial coin offerings (ICOs), Crypto Currencies and related service providers. Should you wish to discuss anything please do not hesitate to get in contact with us on [email protected], or visit our website for further information. Consultation MFSA document can be downloaded here Issued: 30…

A multimillion-euro online gambling racket involving parlours across Italy was directly connected to a server hosted by a Qormi-based company, the Times of Malta was told. Months-long investigations by the Italian fiscal police led to the arrest of seven people suspected of involvement. They included Massimiliano Fullin and Fabio Veglianetti, directors of Medialive Limited, which…

Join us at SiGMA 2017 – the biggest iGaming event of the year! IGA is a one stop shop to provide you with a turnkey solution for the acquisition of a Gaming License from different jurisdictions including Malta. Our advisory will assist you to set up the whole process of your operations irrespective if you…

Cryptocurrencies and the prevention of Money Laundering The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union is doing its best to take up with the technological changes and innovation. It has presented an amendment to 4th AMLD to regulate all cryptocurrency exchanges in EU. It is also the intention to look into the possibility…

Further to the recent booming of the cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies, we are seeing a ripple effect of request to implement these trends within established and start-up gaming companies. You want to be innovative and be ahead of others? There is no other option, but to venture yourself into the acceptance of cryptocurrencies and…

Malta Gaming Authority chairman Joe Cuschieri will be taking the helm of the Malta Financial Services Authority once the current and long-serving chairman Joe Bannister steps down at the end of the year. This newspaper is also informed that Labour MP and former tourism minister Edward Zammit Lewis had first been approached to take on…

The Malta Gaming Authority once again participated in the EY’s Malta Annual Attractiveness Survey Conference, with the main theme for this year being: ‘Thinking without the box: Disruption, Technology & FDI. This conference, which brings together key public and private sector stakeholders in the Maltese economy evaluates Malta’s attractiveness as an FDI (Foreign Direct Investment)…

Paddy Power Betfair has announced that is to withdraw its Paddy Power brand from Italy, but will retain a presence in the country through Betfair Italia. The PaddyPower.it platform will shut down in December, with customers set to be migrated to Betfair.it. Sources suggest the decision to withdraw was made shortly after Paddy Power and…

Join us at SiGMA 2017 – the biggest iGaming event of the year! IGA is a one stop shop to provide you with a turnkey solution for the acquisition of a Gaming License from different jurisdictions including Malta. Our advisory will assist you to set up the whole process of your operations irrespective if you…

The non-profit Foundation of CasinoCoin (CSC), has appointed various senior industry professionals to its new advisory board. Lee Fenton, chief executive of Gamesys; Britt Boeskov, chief product officer at Kindred Group; and Sam Hobcraft, chief executive of OPL Gaming Group, are among the individuals to have joined the board. Morten Tonnesen, former director of group…

New Jersey’s arguments for legalising sports betting will be heard by the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) in early December. The Supreme Court has scheduled the appeal hearing for December 4, when New Jersey representatives will argue for the overturning of the Department of Justice’s 2015 decision that it should not be allowed to sanction a…

Paddy Power has issued an apology after mistakenly offering betting odds for Ugo Ehiogu, a former footballer who died earlier this year, to become the next manager of English Championship team Birmingham City. Birmingham sacked boss Harry Redknapp at the weekend after a poor run of results and bookmakers immediately began offering odds on his…

Efforts to legalise online gambling in Germany could fail if its 16 individual states do not implement the proposed Interstate Treaty on gambling soon, Saxony-Anhalt Finance Minister André Schröder has warned. German legislators first introduced the treaty in 2012, in order to create a safe gambling environment for the country’s gamblers. The treaty allows licensed…

A court in The Hague has dismissed online gaming operator Betsson’s claim that the Dutch gambling authorities (Kansspelautoriteit) recent clampdown on online gaming operators violated EU regulations, ruling that it was inadmissible in a court of law. The company purchased the Dutch facing Oranje Casino and Kroon Casino in 2014 for a combined €100m, with…

Sportech has revealed that chief executive Ian Penrose and chief financial officer Mickey Kalifa have informed the company’s board of their intention to resign. Penrose will remain in his role until December 31 and while Kalifa’s resignation is effective from today (Monday), he will remain with the firm until October 31. Sportech said both Penrose…

Online operators 888, Sky Vegas, Ladbrokes and Casumo have been found guilty of breaching advertising standards rules surrounding so called ‘fake news’ advertorials targeting vulnerable people. A total of nine complaints were received by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) relating to advertisements on websites which suggested that gambling would provide an escape from personal problems…

Gibraltar based lottery betting company Lottoland may soon find itself banned in three Australian states following concerns that the international business is taking away revenue from locally based lottery businesses. According to reports in the Herald Sun newspaper, the governments of Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland are all considering potential ways of cracking down on…

Sweden-based online gaming operator Mr Green has launched its responsible gambling solution, which provides punters with insight into their gambling behaviour. The Green Gaming tool will initially be implemented in the UK market to assess players’ online gambling habits in an effort to highlight early indications of problem gambling. Green Gaming requires customers to complete…

Slots developer Pragmatic Play is now able to operate in both Spain and Portugal after being certified in both markets. The Spanish Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) and Portuguese Gambling Inspection and Regulation Service (SRIJ) both approved the company’s online games for distribution.

Paddy Power Betfair has announced industry veteran Jan Bolz as its new independent director. Bolz was previously chief executive at European sports betting operator Tipico Sportwetten. In his new role, Bolz will lead guidance with regards to international expansion projects at Paddy Power Betfair, as well as ongoing marketing and commercial initiatives.

Investigations into Malta’s gaming sector could soon be stepped up in the wake of an anti-Mafia probe and European Union-wide legislative changes, Europe’s law enforcement agency said. In a financial intelligence report, Europol said yesterday the recent inclusion of remote gaming in the EU’s anti-money-laundering laws could have a “significant effect” on the Maltese sector.…

888 experienced a pre-tax loss in the first half of 2017 despite a 9% leap in revenues. The operator fell into the red after being hit for $50.8m over a record £7.8m ($10m/€8.5m) fine in the UK for failing to protect vulnerable customers and a potential tax bill in Germany. In a trading update, the…

LeoVegas has become the latest major operator to announce it is withdrawing from the Australian market in response to new gambling regulations. Earlier this month, the Australian Senate moved to pass the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill, which includes legislation that bans all remote operators from offering online poker and in-play sports betting to punters in…

Ulrik Bengtsson will step down as president and CEO of Betsson AB with immediate effect after a decision on his departure was taken by the board of directors and Mr Bengtsson himself. No reason was given for this shock departure, with a company spokesman telling the Times of Malta that the board was happy with both Betsson’s…

The government of Czech Republic has announced its plans to restrict online bonuses and free bets, citing concerns over alleged links between these promotions and problematic gambling. Last week, the Czech Ministry of Finance issued a document detailing its fears over operators’ bonuses, which it says induces customers to new gambling problems, and thus should…

During a press conference addressed by the Malta Gaming Authority’s Executive Chairman, Joseph Cuschieri and the Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation, Hon. Silvio Schembri, the MGA announced the launch of a New Licensee Relationship Management System accessible through a secure and dedicated web portal. This project, which is the result of a collaboration between the MGA and…

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has said that the industry must do more to tackle issues related to problem gambling. The national regulatory body recently undertook a review of gambling across Great Britain, focusing on rates of participation, at-risk gambling and problem gambling, and explored the associated characteristics and behaviours. Tim Miller, executive director of…

New Jersey has joined the expanding list of US states that have passed legislation that allows and regulates daily fantasy sports (DFS). State Governor Chris Christie signed bill A-3532 yesterday (Thursday), after it was given approval by the Senate back in June. New Jersey becomes the 16th state in the US to legalise DFS within…

The £3.6bn takeover of UK bookmaker Ladbrokes Coral by online gambling group GVC has hit a snag today as talks between the two companies broke down. This is the second time that the firm have attempted to buy Ladbrokes Coral after holding takeover discussions in December 2016, which broke down due to a disagreement regarding…

Paysafe Group has finalised its previously announced acquisition of Delta Card Services, the holding company for US-based payment processor Merchants’ Choice Payment Solutions (MCPS). In July, Paysafe announced that it had agreed a deal to acquire Delta for $470m (€398.5m). At the time, Paysafe said the consideration is payable in cash and will be funded by a…

PokerStars has opted to relaunch its ‘PokerStars Play’ social gaming service in select markets around the world. The platform features a selection of poker variants such as Texas Hold’em and Spin and Go, as well as a range of slot games, with users able to compete against professional poker players and enter tournaments. The revamped…

Catena Media has reported year-on-year growth across various key financials during the second quarter, while also experiencing a hike in new depositing customers. Revenue during the six months to June 30 came in at €15.1m ($17.7m), up 58% on the corresponding period last year. Operating profit climbed from €5.1m to €5.4m, while adjusted operating profit,…

A review board in New South Wales has recommended that a mandatory investigation into the activities of the state’s casino licensees be scrapped, according to reports in the local press. The review was commissioned following government approval of Crown Resorts proposal to build a A$2bn integrated resort in Sydney’s Barangaroo precinct. It calls for the…

The American Gaming Association (AGA) has issued an updated and modernised code of conduct on responsible gaming, following the success of its 2017 responsible gaming week. Its updated codes includes provisions on employee assistance and training, alcohol service, the provision of casino games in person and online, and casino gambling advertising and marketing.

Revenue generated by New Jersey’s online casinos rose to over $600m in total since their legalisation in November 2013. The month of July saw New Jersey’s online casinos create over $3.6m in tax revenue, while the introduction of two new online operators, playMGM and Scores, helped to see gross profits in the month rise up…

Czech Republic.- European authorities have announced major crackdown on illegal gaming operations as unlicensed platforms have been blocked in Poland, Slovakia and Czech Republic. Under recently approved regulations, three administrations decided to introduce ISP blocking to end unauthorised gaming operations. Although ISP blocking has been criticised by internet, the European governments are reinforcing the legal…

Cyprus is experiencing nothing short of a tourism revolution. And, the gaming industry is leading it. Casinos have become one of the island’s major providers as a part of the new tourism strategy which aims to double visitor arrivals, triple its revenue and attract over €20bn of investment by 2030. The hospitality sector is undergoing…

Reference is made to the White Paper published on 12 July 2017 by the Malta Gaming Authority, proposing major reforms to Malta’s Gaming Legal Framework. The MGA is hereby advising interested parties that the consultation period is being extended from Wednesday 23 August 2017 to close of business on Monday 4 September 2017.

Australia has proposed a new regulation to limit iGaming services. Legislation would prohibit financial credits for local players at online gaming platforms, which include casino and sports betting sites. The amendment has already been presented in Parliament and it expected to be approved later today. The new bill would handle local operations as well as…

Malta’s financial regulator has issued a warning aimed to deter cryptocurrency adoption following the installation of the Malta’s first bitcoin ATM. Although the statement asserts that bitcoin is not regulated or authorized, it does not make threats against those who choose to use cryptocurrency. The Media Coverage Garnered by the Nation’s First Bitcoin ATM Has…

New Jersey Senator Ray Lesniak has revealed plans to introduce a bill that would allow the US state to share player pools with other regulated markets around the world. Speaking to local New Jersey media, Lesniak said that although his bill had not yet been written, the legislative piece would seek to remove a clause…

The Portuguese regulator has released figures on the country’s total online gambling revenue indicating an 18 percent decrease in the second quarter, compared to the first of this year. The Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ) also showed gross revenue from April to June totaled E25.4m – a significant fall from E31.4m in…

The majority of Kenyans are opposed to a planned increase in tax on gross profit from gambling activities the country. In June, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta signed into law a new tax rate of 35%. Bookmakers were previously subject to a 7.5% rate, while lotteries were taxed at 5%, casino gambling at 12% and competitions such…

Amaya, headquartered in Canada, with offices also in Malta, announced this week that it has completed its planned re-branding from Amaya to The Stars Group. In addition, its headquarters in Montreal will be relocated to Toronto. The company also revealed its updated corporate logo and launched a new site to mark this launch. This includes…

GAMING CONSULTANTS BUSINESS IN MALTA Gaming has proved to be a successful bet in Malta as several companies are providing this professional development services with an excellent price-to-quality ratio. Of course, the root of such a development is the highly demanding gaming markets around Malta, which has necessitated the need to develop gaming sector and…

Reference is made to the consultation document published on 10 July 2017 by the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) and the Malta Gaming Authority, on the application of anti-money laundering and countering the funding of terrorism obligations to the remote gaming sector. The FIAU is hereby advising interested parties that the consultation period is being…

William Hill said it was able to record “good progress” against its main strategic priorities during the first half of 2017. In a trading update, William Hill reported that net revenue in the six months to June 30 amounted to £837m (€943.9m/$1.11bn), up 3% on the £814.4m posted in the corresponding period last year. Adjusted…