Lithuanian regulator Fines Operators over gambling promotions
After investigations, which started in October, 2021; both Unigames and Betsson has been fined by the Lithuania’s Department of Gambling Supervision for being in violation of the country’s ban on gambling promotion.
The investigation on Betsson’s Betsafe brand, was as a result of the message on a section of its website where it said players can “immerse yourself in a live betting vortex”, and that the site offers “the most valuable offers and promotions in one place”.
The regulator also flagged a page on the website, describing the history of the Betsafe brand. According to the regulator, these messages were “aimed at drawing attention to the company, its offer, persuading and encouraging persons to participate in the company’s games”.
The investigation on Unigames’s Uniclub brand, was carried out due to the operator detailing its live casino offering, as well as telling players they could “choose from 1,000+ casino games” on their website.
The regulator said that messages on both sites, were “aimed at drawing attention to the company, its offer, persuading and encouraging persons to participate in the company’s games, which is considered to encourage participation in games”. This is a clear violation of the country’s ban on gambling promotions which came into effect last year.
Unigames was fined €12,662, while Betsson received a €25,000 fine and were both warned about the possible suspension of their license if the promotional messages were not removed from their sites by the 20th of June, 2022.
A number of other operators have also been fined earlier in the month, after being deemed to be in violation of the ban, including Top Sport and 7Bet.
Dutch regulator warns affiliates with threat of penalties for online advertisement
Dutch gambling regulator de Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has written to more than 50 affiliate sites active in the country to remind them of the laws regarding the advertising of online gambling. Affiliates are only allowed to advertise gambling sites run by operators that hold a license to offer online games of chance in the country.
The regulator, while recognizing that gambling operators often use affiliate websites to advertise their offerings, with users being able to click banner or links in text to visit sites, urged them to make sure their websites are compliant with advertising rules in the Netherlands
The regulator warned that it will carry out regulatory action against any affiliate that advertise an unlicensed operator’s website, including issuing the affiliate with a financial penalty.
While advertising is permitted for licensed operators, affiliate are expected to adhere to the rules; which includes that adverts should not be targeted at minors or young adults under the age of 24.
According to KSA, affiliate websites can make an important contribution to better advertising compliance by gambling companies, which is why these websites are being called to account for their social responsibility, so that consumers can be better protected.
UK Gambling Commission Suspends’ Operators License over Non Compliance
The Gambling Commission has suspended the operating licence of Goldchip Limited after carrying out a review on their operating activities in accordance with section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005 (the Act).
The review and consequent suspension follows concerns that activities may have been carried out contrary to the Act, not in accordance with conditions of their licence and that the Licensee may be unsuitable to carry on the licensed activities. Suspected social responsibility and anti-money laundering failings were key considerations in the suspension decision.
We have made it clear to the operator that during the course of the suspension, we expect it to focus on treating consumers fairly and keeping them fully informed of any developments which impact them.
The suspension which will take place immediately, does not prevent the operator, Goldchip Limited from allowing its consumers to access their accounts and withdraw funds. Goldchip Limited and they can be contacted through its website.
Two UK Online gambling businesses face £675,000 regulatory action by Gambling Commission
Two gambling businesses in the UK; Jumpman Gaming Limited and Progress Play Limited, will pay a total of £675,000 in regulatory settlements after Gambling Commission investigations revealed social responsibility and anti-money laundering failures on their part.
According to Leanne Oxley, who is the Gambling Commission’s Director of Enforcement and Intelligence, the regulator will always clamp down on operators who fail in their obligations to keep gambling safe and crime-free. Other operators are urged to consider the failings identified in these cases carefully, and consider what improvements they can make in their own businesses.”
Jumpman Gaming Limited which runs 243 websites will pay £500,000 and Progress Play Limited which runs 201 websites will pay £175,718 to the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms.
