Russia applies iGaming ban

Russia has blocked in excess of 1800 online gaming sites amid the most recent week as the FIFA World Cup approaches. This is a piece of the nation’s intends to get serious about online games wagering stages and maintain a strategic distance from unlawful gaming choices from the market. The Federal Service for Supervision in […]

Russia has blocked in excess of 1800 online gaming sites amid the most recent week as the FIFA World Cup approaches.

This is a piece of the nation’s intends to get serious about online games wagering stages and maintain a strategic distance from unlawful gaming choices from the market. The Federal Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Telecom, Information Technologies and Mass Communications (Roskomnadzor), acting under another crackdown system, is in charge of hindering the sites.

The online gaming industry has been obliged by the utilization of another virtual private network (VPN). It is less demanding for the experts to square unlicensed iGaming destinations and confine players’ entrance to worldwide site in the new stage. Online organizations are stressed over Russia’s crackdown on a few web divisions may influence the free access to sites as a rule. Specifically, VPN administrations could be totally prohibited, particularly if approaches against online areas continue getting endorsed.

According to Casino Reports, “the regulator blocked 62,734 gambling sites in 2017 – these sites include online casinos, online lotteries, sportsbooks and poker rooms.” And continued: “in addition, there were many websites that did not offer any form of gambling and instead were blacklisted only for providing gambling-related information.”

Besides, the negative point of view in the nation develops as experts are professedly setting up a law to extend the energy of Roskomnadzor, which would risk the innovation and interchanges organizations’ activities.

Huawei annouces Hyperledger-based BaaS

Telecommunications and smartphone supplier Huawei has turned into the most recent tech mammoth in China to dispatch a blockchain-as-a-benefit (BaaS) stage. Reported at Huawei’s expert gathering in Shenzhen on Tuesday, the organization’s new stage, named Blockchain Service, is said to empower organizations to create brilliant contracts over a circulated record arrange for a few utilize […]

Telecommunications and smartphone supplier Huawei has turned into the most recent tech mammoth in China to dispatch a blockchain-as-a-benefit (BaaS) stage.

Reported at Huawei’s expert gathering in Shenzhen on Tuesday, the organization’s new stage, named Blockchain Service, is said to empower organizations to create brilliant contracts over a circulated record arrange for a few utilize case situations.

An individual from, and supporter of, the Linux Foundation’s Hyperledger Blockchain Consortium since October 2016, Huawei has construct the new BaaS arrangement with respect to Hyperledger Fabric 1.0, as per Hu Ruifeng, a Huawei build who likewise co-composed the venture’s white paper in front of the dispatch.

As referred by CoinDesk, Hyperledger Fabric 1.0 adaptation was first discharged in July of a year ago, and denoted a key turning point for the open-source programming as it advanced towards creation prepared status for big business application improvement.

As per the white paper, the BaaS stage right now enables customers to assemble shrewd contract applications that emphasis on store network, tokenized securities resources and open administrations, for example, ID check and money related inspecting.

The dispatch denotes the most recent mechanical advancement from Huawei in its push into blockchain innovation, and takes after late endeavors by Hu and Huawei build Zhou Haojun to create Project Caliper – programming intended to test the execution of major blockchains.

Huawei’s exertion likewise comes as real web and innovation monsters from China are moving into the space with Baidu and Tencent both having propelled their own blockchain benefit stages as of late.

E-commerce company JD.com additionally declared a comparative arrangement in a white paper discharged a month ago.

Samsung to use Blockchain to manage its supply chain

Smartphone and semiconductor giant Samsung Electronics Co. is considering a blockchain platform to manage its vast global supply chain network, according to Bloomberg. Song Kwang-woo, Blockchain chief at Samsung SDS Co. – an information technology subsidiary of Samsung- said to Bloomberg that the system could cut shipping costs by 20 per cent. “It will have […]

Smartphone and semiconductor giant Samsung Electronics Co. is considering a blockchain platform to manage its vast global supply chain network, according to Bloomberg.

Song Kwang-woo, Blockchain chief at Samsung SDS Co. – an information technology subsidiary of Samsung- said to Bloomberg that the system could cut shipping costs by 20 per cent.

“It will have an enormous impact on the supply chains of manufacturing industries.” “Blockchain is a core platform to fuel our digital transformation” Song Kwang-woo added.

Professor of industrial engineering at Korea University in Seoul, Cheong Tae-su, said to Bloomberg “A blockchain system may help the company reduce the time lag between product launches and actual shipments, making it easier to respond to rival products and shifting consumer appetites in emerging markets like China” “It’s about maximizing supply efficiency and visibility,” said Cheong, “which translates into greater consumer confidence.”

Samsung is another major name and one of the first global manufacturers to consider using the blockchain as part of its day-to-day operations, following Maersk and IBM who announced a blockchain strategy at the beginning of 2018.

MGA Official Announcement for Joseph Cuschieri

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has just officially announced on its website that the MGA Executive Chairman, Joseph Cuschieri, has been appointed CEO of the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). Joseph Cuschieri shall also sit on the MFSA’s Board of Governors. According to the MFSA press release, the new Board of Governors of the MFSA shall […]

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has just officially announced on its website that the MGA Executive Chairman, Joseph Cuschieri, has been appointed CEO of the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). Joseph Cuschieri shall also sit on the MFSA’s Board of Governors.

According to the MFSA press release, the new Board of Governors of the MFSA shall now be composed as follows:

Prof John Mamo – Chairman
Mr Joseph Cuschieri – CEO
Mr Mario Borg
Dr Joseph Brincat
Mr Frans Camilleri
Dr John Consiglio
Dr Lauren Ellul
Mr Andre Psaila
Dr Mario Vella
Mr Herbert Zammit Laferla

Malta Gaming Authority press release can be found here

Joseph Cushieri, CEO of MGA, steps down

The MFSA Board of Governors has delegated Joseph Cuschieri as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Authority with impact from 24 April 2018. He might likewise sit on the Board of Governors of the Authority. This is the first run through in its history that the MFSA will have a Chief Executive Officer and […]

The MFSA Board of Governors has delegated Joseph Cuschieri as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Authority with impact from 24 April 2018. He might likewise sit on the Board of Governors of the Authority. This is the first run through in its history that the MFSA will have a Chief Executive Officer and a non-official Chairman following alterations to the MFSA Act declared by Government a year ago.
The new structure which is in accordance with other European money related administrations controllers (e.g. Money related Conduct Authority in the UK) was actualized following a discussion with the European Central Bank.
In his new part as Chief Executive Officer of the MFSA, Mr Cuschieri should be in charge of the general administration and execution of the Authority, system advancement/usage incorporating changes in the budgetary administrations segment.

A Certified Public Accountant by calling and a kindred individual from the Malta Institute of Bookkeepers, Mr Cuschieri is represented considerable authority in administration bookkeeping, corporate back, monetary control and general/business administration. He likewise holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Henley Management College, UK and an Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), UK.

All through his expert profession traversing 25 years, he held different back related parts, senior official positions and directorships inside the private and open segment among which Head of Corporate Affairs and after that Chief Commercial Officer at Vodafone Malta, Chief Operating Officer at the Malta Communications Authority, senior specialist with EY and before joining the MFSA he held the situation of Chairman and CEO at the Malta Gaming Authority since November 2013.
Amid his chance at Vodafone, Mr Cuschieri was engaged with enter administrative undertakings both in Egypt and Turkey. Besides, he spent a time of eighteen months selected on the Vodafone Group’s worldwide initiative improvement program. He has immense involvement in monetary direction especially in the electronic interchanges and innovation divisions where he was engaged with significant changes in the broadcast communications part amid his opportunity at the Malta Communications Authority.

Mr Cuschieri is additionally an individual from the Blockchain team where he was engaged with the advancement of another administrative system for virtual monetary standards and conveyed record innovation. In charge of the Malta Gaming Authority, Mr Cuschieri concentrated on improving the administration of the gaming area including a noteworthy authoritative redesign which prompted the tabling of another Gaming Bill in Parliament.

Neil McArthur the new CEO of UKGC

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has designated Neil McArthur as its new CEO with prompt impact. McArthur had been serving in the part on an interval premise since Sarah Harrison left the national administrative body in February. The present (Thursday) arrangement comes after what the UKGC portrayed as a “careful hunt and profoundly aggressive process” […]

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has designated Neil McArthur as its new CEO with prompt impact.

McArthur had been serving in the part on an interval premise since Sarah Harrison left the national administrative body in February.

The present (Thursday) arrangement comes after what the UKGC portrayed as a “careful hunt and profoundly aggressive process” to enlist the part.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead to make gambling fairer and safer”, McArthur said.

“I am really proud of the Commission’s achievements over the last 12 years, but there is a lot more to do.

“Ensuring consumers are empowered to make informed choices about gambling while addressing and reducing the harms that can come from gambling is a challenge that cannot be overcome by us alone.

“It needs continued strong partnerships with other regulators, consumer representatives and government.

“Most importantly, it requires gambling operators to treat their customers fairly and they can expect us to be tough but fair in making sure they meet their responsibilities.”

Bill Moyes, seat of the UKGC, included: “Neil’s appointment is great news for the Commission; he brings to the role a thorough understanding of gambling issues and regulation, along with proven commitment to making gambling fairer and safer.

“I’m looking forward to working even more closely with Neil as he leads the Commission to make significant progress in raising standards, protecting consumers and the public from gambling-related harm and improving the performance of the National Lottery.’’

Malta remains a safe place for cryptocurrency firms

Control in the cryptocurrency industry is dependably an intriguing issue. It appears to be the majority of these improvements are compelling organizations to migrate to more crypto-accommodating nations. A great deal of organizations are at present thinking about the move to Malta, which is rapidly turning into an extremely prevalent place for cryptocurrency firms. There […]

Control in the cryptocurrency industry is dependably an intriguing issue. It appears to be the majority of these improvements are compelling organizations to migrate to more crypto-accommodating nations. A great deal of organizations are at present thinking about the move to Malta, which is rapidly turning into an extremely prevalent place for cryptocurrency firms.

There are a couple of various reasons why Malta is so speaking to Bitcoin organizations. The district is fairly receptive with regards to managing this industry. Its attention on blockchain and digital currency is sure generally speaking and takes into account development. A few firms are currently hoping to move to Malta because of administrative weight in their nation of origin.

The legislature of Malta is likewise very enthused about enhancing this pattern. As per a Tweet, the nation sees this enthusiasm by digital currency firms as a noteworthy financial accomplishment. Binance has effectively migrated to this European nation, which has picked up a great deal of media consideration. Other monetary accomplishments incorporate a low joblessness rate and most astounding financial development in the EU.

These angles make the island country all the all the more engaging a wide range of firms. It now appears to be many digital currency organizations are hoping to set up shop in Malta. Doing as such is fairly straightforward, contrasted with managing prerequisites in different nations. Making it more open for organizations to set up an office in Malta is a case different nations should focus on a swell.

MGA’s Report for the utilization of DLT and Virtual Currencies

The Malta Gaming Authority (‘MGA’) published a report which gives direction on the utilization of Distributed Ledger Technology and on the acknowledgment of Virtual Currencies through the usage of a Sandbox Environment. Virtual Currencies and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) are another problematic marvel in the computerized money and innovation territory. The MGA’s methodology is to […]

The Malta Gaming Authority (‘MGA’) published a report which gives direction on the utilization of Distributed Ledger Technology and on the acknowledgment of Virtual Currencies through the usage of a Sandbox Environment.

Virtual Currencies and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) are another problematic marvel in the computerized money and innovation territory. The MGA’s methodology is to be at the bleeding edge of remote gaming direction while grasping development and recognizing that a judicious approach around there is both sensible and required.

The attributes of virtual monetary forms, while frequently referred to as drivers for their reception, at the same time represent various dangers which should be tended to in a well thoroughly considered way. The MGA is careful that these dangers should be tended to keeping in mind the end goal to guarantee that the vital shields are set up to protect consumers, cater for the prevention of crime and money laundering or funding of terrorism (with due regard to the 4th Anti Money Laundering Directive) and protect the reputation of the Maltese jurisdiction.

By merging points of view of kindred partners, the internet gaming industry and key specialists in these sort of advances, the MGA is issuing for open counsel, criteria as set out in this paper for the foundation of a sandboxed (test and learn) condition for virtual money reception inside the remote gaming division, while likewise drafting managing standards for the use of DLT and its different adjustments inside the business.

You can find more details on the following link.

Casino in Cyprus by the end of the year

Melco International Development Ltd, a Hong Kong-recorded organization, later this year will dispatch an impermanent casino facility in Cyprus. Lawrence Ho, the organization director, has affirmed the advancement. The brief office is relied upon to work till 2021, the year the organization had set for the dispatch of its primary venue. “In 2018, we will […]

Melco International Development Ltd, a Hong Kong-recorded organization, later this year will dispatch an impermanent casino facility in Cyprus.

Lawrence Ho, the organization director, has affirmed the advancement. The brief office is relied upon to work till 2021, the year the organization had set for the dispatch of its primary venue.

“In 2018, we will commence operating a temporary casino facility while we work towards a 2021 targeted opening for the permanent integrated casino resort,” said Lawrence Ho Yau Lung in the yearly report of the organization recorded on Thursday.

“2018 promises to be a year of beginnings. Macau has entered a new phase of growth. Our first integrated resort will achieve its third and final phase. We will break ground in Cyprus, and we hope to secure a gaming license in Japan,” peruses the report. “From Macau, the Philippines and around the Asian region to Cyprus, I am also confident that we will continue to diversify our revenue streams and grow with the premium mass consumer base around the world,” said Ho.

OPAP reveals the decrease in revenues

Profits dive in the financial year 2017 as escalated revenue was impacted by hiking operating costs, new games, and long-term investments witnessed by the Greek company, OPAP. The Athens-based firm observed net benefit disintegrate around 25% regardless of its GGR hoisting by 4% to €1.45bn ($1.78bn). Net profit was down to €126m, while gross profit […]

Profits dive in the financial year 2017 as escalated revenue was impacted by hiking operating costs, new games, and long-term investments witnessed by the Greek company, OPAP.

The Athens-based firm observed net benefit disintegrate around 25% regardless of its GGR hoisting by 4% to €1.45bn ($1.78bn).

Net profit was down to €126m, while gross profit from gaming operations was up 3.5% to €564.7m.

Notwithstanding, the costs changed altogether attributable to changes in concurrences with specialists, the presentation of more than 10,000 video lottery terminals and duties regarding social responsiblity.

OPAP additionally observed a 69% drop in final quarter net benefit to €17.2m, hurt by higher expenses for the organization of new diversions.

In perspective of this, OPAP Chief Executive Damian Cope stated: “2017 was a particularly busy year in terms of the overall level of change that OPAP underwent. Beginning with the new partnership agreement that we signed with our agents in Q1 we managed to successfully implement a number of new initiatives that will each act as solid foundations for the long–term benefit of the company and ensure the delivery of our 2020 Vision.”

888 applied for gaming licence in Malta due to Brexit

The Gibraltar-based company, home to many of the world’s leading e-gaming and sports betting firms, is concerned about the impact of the UK’s departure from the European Union on the British Overseas Territory. Around 25% of Gibraltar’s GDP is generated by the gambling industry. There are fears that an end to freedom of movement could […]

The Gibraltar-based company, home to many of the world’s leading e-gaming and sports betting firms, is concerned about the impact of the UK’s departure from the European Union on the British Overseas Territory.

Around 25% of Gibraltar’s GDP is generated by the gambling industry.

There are fears that an end to freedom of movement could cause problems as many workers actually live across the border in Spain.

“Proceeding with its backup plan” 888 is obtaining a gaming licence in Malta. In order to be able to “continue to serve European markets with no disruption to its business” it also said it is establishing a server farm in Ireland.

888 explained in its 2017 financial statement released last week that “the ability to rely on EU principles underpins 888’s regulatory strategy regarding major EU markets”.

888 said: “The status of Gibraltar as a result of Brexit remains unclear. Recent indications by the EU have suggested that Spain would be granted a veto right with respect to the application to Gibraltar of transitional arrangements agreed with the UK, which increases the risk of a “hard Brexit” for Gibraltar.

“If 888 were to remain registered, licenced and operating in Gibraltar in these circumstances, its ability to rely on EU freedom of services / establishment principles in supplying its services within the EU will be limited; furthermore, it may become ineligible to continue to hold regulatory licenses in certain EU jurisdictions.”

As well as operational concerns, 888 also said it fears an adverse effect on the market.

It added: “Brexit may also adversely impact economic and market conditions in the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe.”

Australia sets out amendments to ban lottery betting

The Australian Communications Minister Mitch Fifield is set to introduce the legislation, which bans betting on international lotteries, on Wednesday. Minister Fifield said said in a statement: “The government has formed the view that permitting betting on these services, also known as ‘synthetic’ lotteries, undermines the longstanding community acceptance of official lottery and keno products. […]

The Australian Communications Minister Mitch Fifield is set to introduce the legislation, which bans betting on international lotteries, on Wednesday.

Minister Fifield said said in a statement: “The government has formed the view that permitting betting on these services, also known as ‘synthetic’ lotteries, undermines the longstanding community acceptance of official lottery and keno products.

“These products enjoy community support as they generate an income stream for small retail businesses and make a significant contribution, through licence fees and taxation, to the provision of public services and infrastructure by state and territory governments.

“Traditional lotteries and keno games are popular and longstanding recreational gambling products that form an important income stream for thousands of small businesses across Australia, including newsagents, pharmacies, pubs and community clubs.”

The Australian Lottery and Newsagents Association, represents more than 4,000 businesses employing more than 15,000 people, welcomed the proposed amendment to the Interactive Gambling Bill, saying the news came as a “relief”.