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.”

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”.

The board of directors of global gaming company NetEnt have announced the departure of its CEO and President Per Eriksson, effective immediately. To increase focus on the company’s long-term growth, the board of directors of NetEnt said on Monday that Eriksson (CEO and President since 2012) has been replaced. “NetEnt has developed well over many […]

The board of directors of global gaming company NetEnt have announced the departure of its CEO and President Per Eriksson, effective immediately.

To increase focus on the company’s long-term growth, the board of directors of NetEnt said on Monday that Eriksson (CEO and President since 2012) has been replaced.

“NetEnt has developed well over many years and several parts of the business are still developing well, for example in regulated markets, but the overall performance of the group has not been as it should,” chairman Vigo Carlund explained.

“The board believes that NetEnt needs a new driving force to reverse the trend and increase the focus on growth.”

As the company undertakes its executive search for Eriksson’s replacement, NetEnt’s board of directors appointed Chief Financial Officer Therese Hillman as acting interim leader.

“The value creation potential in NetEnt remains significant,” Carlund added. “The online gaming market has structural growth driven by the migration from offline to online gaming. The company has a solid balance sheet and a strong brand name in its segment of the market. The board would also like to extend its gratitude to Per Eriksson for his time as CEO for NetEnt.”

The National Betting Authority (NBA) presented yesterday 21st of March 2018 the results of the first National Prevalence Study on the impact, behavior and characteristics of users of gambling activities. The main goals of the survey were: – Record the degree of participation in gambling – Determinate the percentage of problematic gambling – Study the […]

The National Betting Authority (NBA) presented yesterday 21st of March 2018 the results of the first National Prevalence Study on the impact, behavior and characteristics of users of gambling activities.

The main goals of the survey were:

– Record the degree of participation in gambling
– Determinate the percentage of problematic gambling
– Study the socio-demographic characteristics of players
– Determinate the frequency of participation
– The budget and actual participation costs

An analysis of the population’s knowledge of legal and illegal gambling was recorded, as well as the dangers of gambling addiction. The different player profiles were examined, with emphasis on those players that are classified as pathological.

According to the prevalence study, 75% of Cypriots aged 15 and above, representing 399,750 of the total population, are currently involved in gambling activities. Out of those that are involved in gambling activities, 81% (323,798 people) are identified as non-risk players, 13% (51,967) are considered as players with symptoms of possible problematic gambling behaviour and 6% (23,985) are identified as problematic and pathological gamblers. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that 85% of respondents believe that the Government should strengthen its role in regulating gambling activities.

The Chairwoman of the National Betting Authority, Ms. Ioanna Fiakkou, mentioned that the lack of knowledge that existed up to now, regarding the participation of Cypriots in gambling activities, has led to the creation of urban myths and misconceptions. The results of this study provide enough information and constitute the right tool for taking the necessary measures in all aspects of the gambling participation. Moreover, the preferences of players in specific gambling games (that 6 out of 10 are either illegal or in a grey area), confirm and make necessary the strengthening of the Government’s policies to effectively regulate the gambling industry. This is achieved through the upgrade of the legislative framework and the elimination of illegal activities.

These Governmental policies are embraced and are demanded by 85% of the population, the Chairwoman stated. Ms. Fiakkou also added that “At this present stage, there is a fragmentation of responsibilities among various relevant stakeholders, and the coordination between these stakeholders is still in the early stages. In conclusion, the Authority considers necessary the mobilization of all stakeholders and looks forward to the transformation of its Strategy into a National Strategy. Therefore, we invite all relevant stakeholders and Governmental services to respond to our call for the development and adoption of a unified National strategy on gambling, on the basis of a joint program. Consequently, through the coordinated efforts of all of us, on the basis of a National Strategy, our common goals, both short and long term, will be implemented effectively and timely”.

The prevalence study was conducted by IMR and University of Nicosia on a National basis, between November 2017 and January 2018, on a random sample of 3.000 people aged 15 and above, through personal interviews.

You can find the results of the survey here.

The Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation cited Gaming Minister Albert Isola saying Bet365 “remain completely dedicated to Gibraltar and the sum of its workforce here” and that the quantity of staff the Times of Malta asserted were being moved from Gibraltar to Malta is ‘entirely mistaken.’ Online betting operator Bet365 is apparently planning to move its Gibraltar […]

The Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation cited Gaming Minister Albert Isola saying Bet365 “remain completely dedicated to Gibraltar and the sum of its workforce here” and that the quantity of staff the Times of Malta asserted were being moved from Gibraltar to Malta is ‘entirely mistaken.’

Online betting operator Bet365 is apparently planning to move its Gibraltar activities to Malta once the UK formally leaves the European Union one year from now.

On Sunday, the Times of Malta detailed that the Stoke-based Bet365 had marked a guarantee of offer concession to “an extensive piece of another property improvement” in the Tigné district of Sliema, a town on Malta’s upper east drift. The assention is supposedly worth €70m and will produce results once the UK formally finishes its ‘Brexit’ from the EU agreement on March 30, 2019.

As that date nears, the secretly held Bet365 supposedly plans to move around 1k workers from Gibraltar to its new Malta office, managing an unforgiving hit to the Gibraltar economy while altogether boosting Malta’s, which as of now infers 12% of its aggregate financial yield from the gaming business.

Bet365, one of the UK’s most beneficial internet betting administrators, solidified its online activities in Gibraltar in 2014 as a major aspect of a rebuilding procedure. Bet365 was issued a permit from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) in 2015 and enrolled another property administration organization in Malta before the end of last year in anticipation of setting up its new Malta impression.

The move comes in spite of Gibraltar’s legislators and gaming controllers having initially demanded that it would be ‘the same old thing’ post-Brexit and the Gibraltar government’s current confirmation that neighborhood organizations would hold access to the UK showcase in a post-Brexit economy, at any rate until 2020.

UK gaming administrator Paddy Power Betfair shut its Gibraltar office one year back, demanding that it wasn’t in light of the Brexit vote yet just piece of the revamping of the merger of the already particular activities of Paddy Power and Betfair.

Notwithstanding the monetary lift, Bet365’s entry will be a much needed development in story for Malta’s gaming industry, which has been deluged with negative press lately in regards to some MGA-authorized online administrators’ associations with unlawful activities in Italy.

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) published today 19/3 a list of recommendations to support the government with its review of fixed-odd betting terminals (FOBTs). According to the national regulatory body that the recommendations have the aim to reduce the risks “consumers, especially those that are vulnerable, face from gambling”. The UKGC it self as well […]

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) published today 19/3 a list of recommendations to support the government with its review of fixed-odd betting terminals (FOBTs).

According to the national regulatory body that the recommendations have the aim to reduce the risks “consumers, especially those that are vulnerable, face from gambling”.

The UKGC it self as well as the operators said its advice also make its clear that action from the government is required.

While non-slot games such as roulette should have a maximum stake of £30 one of the key points from the recommendations include FOBT slot stakes to be limited to £2 (€2.27).

Furthermore the UKGC said these limits should have a “significant effect on the potential for players to lose large amounts of money in a short space of time”.

Neil McArthur, chief executive of the UKGC, said: “We’ve put consumers at the heart of our advice – advice which is based on the best available evidence and is focussed on reducing the risk of gambling-related harm.

“In our judgement, a stake cut for Fixed Odds Betting Terminals alone doesn’t go far enough to protect vulnerable people; that is why we have recommended a stake cut plus a comprehensive package of other measures to protect consumers.

“We have proposed actions that will tackle both the risk of harm and provide solutions that are sustainable in the longer term.”

By the end of the month the televised live sporting matches will not look the same as before as the gambling ads take effect. The Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA) will implement new advertising rules on March 30, including the prohibition of all gambling ads during live sport coverage between 5 a.m. and […]

By the end of the month the televised live sporting matches will not look the same as before as the gambling ads take effect.

The Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA) will implement new advertising rules on March 30, including the prohibition of all gambling ads during live sport coverage between 5 a.m. and 8.30 p.m.

According to the new ASTRA rules approved by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the ban takes effect five minutes before the start of play and extends to five minutes after the game ends.

On a regular day, gambling commercials will be allowed to air subject to the pre-existing gambling advertising rules. Except for any Fox Sports channel, ASTRA has exempted all sports channels with an audience share of below 0.5 percent from the new rules.

The federal Communications Minister Mitch Fifield confirmed that his office was preparing new restrictions of gambling advertisements. Fifield explained that the restrictions were meant to protect the welfare of children and vulnerable young men. Fifield said further legislation would ensure similar rules apply to online content.

For many, the restriction was a continuation of the persecution that the government has launched against Australia’s betting industry.

Commercial Radio Australia said the new rules give online media operators undue advantage. The group lamented that similar restrictions for online platforms had seen delays, causing an uneven playing field.

CRA CEO, Joan Warner, stated: “We are concerned that similar restrictions for online platforms have not yet been put in place.”

“In fact, the legislation that will underpin rules to be developed by the ACMA has not yet been passed by the Parliament. Even after the legislation is passed there will be a period of development by the ACMA and then a period of public consultation. This creates a real risk that gambling advertising will simply be shifted online for the time, possibly some months, during which no rules apply.”

Meanwhile, Australia’s Coalition for Major Professional and Participation Sports had earlier expressed its support for a compromise that would enable radio and television stations to broadcast a gambling ad once every two hours during long-form sports or multi-sport competitions.

The sports coalition warned the Australian government of a possible dip in sports revenues since wagering companies have been major contributors to the sector.

For you, like for many professionals, backup is time-consuming, and very often, simply a boring task. Backup should be simple, right? Take your data and create a copy somewhere else in case you lose the original. Yet, you have to spend time and effort to find the best solution, implement it, manage and monitor it, […]

For you, like for many professionals, backup is time-consuming, and very often, simply a boring task. Backup should be simple, right? Take your data and create a copy somewhere else in case you lose the original. Yet, you have to spend time and effort to find the best solution, implement it, manage and monitor it, report to your manager – and do numerous other things with backup storage, hardware and the network – all just to backup.

You think to yourself: “All of this effort just so I can restore a file or a system some day?”

Well, there is more to it than that!

So, why do you really back up?

Today, most people understand cloud applications and cloud computing, but some still question the differences between a cloud backup solution, like Acronis, and cloud storage services, such as iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox. In some cases, the providers of the latter three products advertise their services as a backup solution. In other cases, consumers believe that anytime they store data in the cloud, it’s always protected in the event of loss. Let’s set the record straight when it comes to online backup vs. cloud storage services!

Why we are Different from iCloud, Dropbox and Google Drive

To start, take a look at the definitions of the different types of cloud storage services available today:

1. iCloud is a cloud solution from Apple Computer Inc. that provides cloud storage and apps for Apple desktop, tablet, and mobile devices. It includes the ability to store documents, videos, photos, music and other data online, and users can synchronize it between iOS-powered devices. Here you can also view iCloud Photos shared between different devices.

2. Google Drive is a personal cloud storage service from Google that lets users store and synchronize digital content across computers, laptops and mobile devices, including Android-powered tablet and smartphone devices. If you delete a file — whether intentionally or by accident — it’s gone.

3. Dropbox is a cloud storage service that enables users to store files on remote cloud servers with the ability to share files within a synchronized format.

The bottom line is that iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox are designed for cloud storage with the primary objective of synchronizing data between devices so that documents, videos, photos, and music can be accessed and shared – and they do a good job at this.

For example, you may use your iPhone to take pictures but want to view these pictures on your iPad. You can use iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox, which store the pictures that are on your iPhone in the cloud. Then, you can access and view the pictures that are stored in the cloud using your iPad.

While Google Drive and Dropbox are not advertised as backup solutions, Apple does advertise iCloud as a backup solution. However, iCloud can only back up your mobile device and only some of the data on your Mac computer.

On the other hand, cloud backup software (also called online backup) protects data and systems in the event of file loss or deletion, stolen or lost devices, mishaps and disasters. Unlike public cloud storage services, today’s more complete backup solutions can back up everything to both the cloud and local disks and drives. This includes pictures, videos, documents, contacts, calendars, reminders, even an entire computer. You can restore a new device in a matter of minutes and be totally back up, running, and on the go — something that no public cloud storage service can do.

NetShop ISP in collaboration with Acronis Cloud Backup are ensuring piece of mind to its customers by adopting Acronis backup solutions. Acronis has been backing up computers for millions of people for more than 10 years.

You can find more information here or get in touch with us for more details here.

Five Italian gambling companies are involved, following Malta’s investigation devised by the Malta Gaming Authority on organised crime links. Last month, MGA initiated a scrutiny on every licensee connected to or owned by Italians in order to avoid links with organised crime. The probe resulted in the suspension of a licence, the cancellation of another […]

Five Italian gambling companies are involved, following Malta’s investigation devised by the Malta Gaming Authority on organised crime links. Last month, MGA initiated a scrutiny on every licensee connected to or owned by Italians in order to avoid links with organised crime. The probe resulted in the suspension of a licence, the cancellation of another and with regard to three other companies’ cases, to leave the country.

The Italian “anti-mafia” police arrested several members of crime organisations as part of Palermo’s “Game Over” operation, as it was called and triggered the MGA investigation in order to avoid having that kind of businesses in Malta.

Joseph Cuschieri, the Executive Chairman of the MGA said the authority was now open to collaborating with the Italian anti-mafia commission and any other law enforcement agency “to iron out any concerns or misunderstandings in order to keep gaming free from crime.”

The involved companies are: B2875 (Phoenix Limited), suspended and soon to be revoked due to its owner’s (Benedetto Bacchi) links to the “Game Over” operation; Leaderbet (LB Casino Ltd), cancelled after being named as part of the investigation; and operators Betent.com (Betent Group Ltd), Potterbet (Potter Mrc Ltd) and Giodani (Giodani Limited), which have voluntarily abandoned Malta.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy & Innovation, Hon. Silvio Schembri this afternoon announced that a motion will be 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 […]

The Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy & Innovation, Hon. Silvio Schembri this afternoon announced that a motion will be 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 horizontally the main thrusts of gaming regulation as well as a series of technical directives and guidelines currently being consulted on by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) for eventual publication and rollout by the regulator once the Act comes into force.

“This Bill marks a major step in streamlining and encompassing the governance of all gaming services offered in and from Malta and across all channels under the competence of the MGA. The Government wants to ensure that the gaming industry continues to be run responsibly, fairly and free from criminal activity, so that the Maltese jurisdiction provides a safe and well regulated environment where the industry can also develop and innovate”, Hon. Silvio Schembri said.

Through this Bill, Government is ensuring that the MGA has the necessary latitude, resources and powers to regulate effectively the gaming industry and protect consumers, as required, focusing on evidence based methodologies. The Parliamentary Secretary added; “we hope to remove any red tape by increasing efficiency and flexibility for the Regulator, whilst improving the robustness of the current framework and focusing regulation on outcomes”, whilst also adding that the Act elevates the excellent reputation of the Maltese jurisdiction in this sector. Honourable Schembri remarked that thanks to this New Gaming Bill, the industry will grow by another 4%.

The press conference was also addressed by Joseph Cuschieri, Executive Chairman of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), who stated: “This is an important milestone and we welcome this major step forward by the Maltese Government. This Bill contains draft proposals which aim to bridge the regulatory gap between various gaming verticals and channels, including new technologies serving as a platform to future proof gaming regulation, whilst ensuring that consumers enjoy a consistent level of protection.”

The proposed regulatory framework will strengthen the MGA’s compliance and enforcement functions to better achieve its regulatory objectives, in line with concurrent developments on anti-money laundering and funding of terrorism obligations. It also empowers the MGA to be more agile in its decision-making, decreasing unnecessary regulatory burdens whilst strengthening supervision and focusing the regulator’s efforts on the areas which present a higher risk profile.

Other important areas of focus include consumer protection standards, responsible gaming measures, reporting of suspicious sports betting transactions in the fight against the manipulation of sports competitions and objective-orientated standards to encourage innovation and development. The motion presented in Parliament is a result of an extensive period of public consultation conducted by the MGA, with various industry stakeholders and the general public, as well as numerous technical studies, economic and financial impact assessments. The consultation was launched in July 2017 and was very well received by the industry resulting into feedback from 53 different parties based both locally and abroad.
Information on these new proposals can be accessed from the draft Bill in the link provided.

Key highlights of the new Gaming Act include:

Replacing the current multi-licence system with a system in which there will be two different types of licences – a Business-to-Consumer (B2C) licence and a Business-to-Business (B2B) licence – covering different types of activities across multiple distribution channels;
Moving towards an objective-based rather than excessively prescriptive regulatory approach, to allow for innovation whilst ensuring that the regulatory objectives are attained;
Broadening the regulatory scope to increase MGA oversight and allow for intervention where necessary and in a proportionate manner;
Widening the MGA’s powers under the compliance and enforcement functions to better achieve the regulatory objectives, in line with concurrent developments on anti-money laundering and funding of terrorism obligations;
Segmenting the Key Official role into various key functions within a licensed activity, requiring approval, for direct scrutiny and targeted supervisory controls, thereby raising the bar for persons of responsibility within a gaming operation;
Strengthening the player protection framework by formalising the mediatory role of the MGA’s Player Support Unit, enshrining segregation of player funds at law and moving towards a unified self-exclusion database across both remote and land-based delivery channels;
Introducing new and more effective processes for criminal and administrative justice, including the allocation of appeals from decisions of the Authority to the Administrative Review Tribunal and the introduction of a distinction between administrative and criminal offences;
Introducing the concept of administration to protect an operation in distress and, if necessary, to assist the winding down of an operation, thereby protecting jobs and player funds;
Moving towards automated reporting, facilitating adherence to regulatory obligations and strengthening the Authority’s oversight;
Bolstering the Authority’s role in the fight against manipulation of sports competitions by introducing new obligations on operators to monitor sports betting and report suspicious bets, in line with the efforts being made by the National Anti-Corruption Task Force in which the Authority also actively participates;
Exempting B2B licensees from gaming tax, thus increasing Malta’s competitiveness as a hub for B2B activities.

Source: Malta Gaming Authority

Wazdan has announced details of a content partnership with EvenBet Gaming. Under the deal, EvenBet will have access to Wazdan’s portfolio of more than 100 casino-friendly games. EvenBet already offers its customers a range of online poker, skill games, casino platforms and daily fantasy sports services. Wazdan is licensed in the UK, Malta and Curacao. […]

Wazdan has announced details of a content partnership with EvenBet Gaming.

Under the deal, EvenBet will have access to Wazdan’s portfolio of more than 100 casino-friendly games.

EvenBet already offers its customers a range of online poker, skill games, casino platforms and daily fantasy sports services.

Wazdan is licensed in the UK, Malta and Curacao.

“As the iGaming industry is constantly moving towards cross-platform and mobile-centric solutions, Wazdan’s Unique Gamble Features and innovative HTML5.0 games have built a very popular base already and we’re delighted to be offering that depth of portfolio and technical prowess to our partners and their players,” EvenBet chief executive Dmitry Starostenkov said.

Lauryn Duncan, sales manager at Wazdan, added: “We are passionate to see innovative platforms with such a prestigious portfolio of partner websites offering Wazdan games, and EvenBet Gaming matches that profile precisely.

“EvenBet Gaming has established a strong base of customers over the years by offering a superior technical infrastructure and enhanced user experience, we are happy that experience will be further strengthened with Wazdan’s unique games catalogue.”

IAB Europe today released the draft technical specifications for its GDPR Transparency & Consent Framework (“Framework”) for public comment. First announced in November 2017, the Framework is a cross-industry effort to help publishers, technology vendors, agencies and advertisers meet the transparency and user choice requirements (including consent where necessary) of the GDPR before the regulation […]

IAB Europe today released the draft technical specifications for its GDPR Transparency & Consent Framework (“Framework”) for public comment. First announced in November 2017, the Framework is a cross-industry effort to help publishers, technology vendors, agencies and advertisers meet the transparency and user choice requirements (including consent where necessary) of the GDPR before the regulation comes into effect on May 25 this year. The Framework is a non-commercial, open source initiative. The final version is scheduled for release mid-April, after continued consultation with publishers, advertisers, and other important industry participants.

The GDPR covers a broader scope of “personal data” than the existing EU Data Protection Directive, and companies are expecting to be more constrained in how they can access and process such data for advertising purposes. The Framework is available to companies based in Europe and around the world, and is designed to support various channels and formats, including mobile and desktop environments.

The Framework includes technical specifications that will allow companies and consumers to have greater control over, and dynamic insight into, the parties who access and process the personal data of consumers in the EU. The technical specifications will be maintained by an IAB Tech Lab working group going forward, through a collaboration between IAB Europe and IAB Tech Lab that leverages IAB Europe’s policy and legal expertise and IAB Tech Lab’s technical expertise.

IAB Europe has published the draft specifications for public comment and is working to closely collaborate with key industry stakeholders including publishers, advertisers, agencies, and their important trade organisations. Organisations wishing to meet with stakeholders involved in the framework and provide feedback may do so until April 8, 2018.

View our Roadmap towards GDPR Compliance.