Tokyo has stepped up its efforts to stamp out illegal online gambling in the past few months, with a crackdown on celebrities and sports stars who use foreign gambling apps.

Lawmakers have also voted in favor of a private member’s bill that seeks to increase the punishments available to courts prosecuting people accused of operating or using overseas casino sites.

Japanese Casino Crackdown

The National Diet wants to criminalize the promotion of such sites. It aims to grant law enforcement agencies the authority to initiate criminal proceedings against social media influencers who promote online casinos on their platforms.

Lawmakers submitted their bill to Yoshitaka Ito, the Minister of State for Special Missions in the Cabinet Office, for final approval on June 18, the Constitutional Party of Japan reported.

However, the National Police Agency is currently powerless to stop online casinos operating in overseas jurisdictions.

Instead, the newspaper Yomiuri explained, the agency has turned to the central government to ask seven of its counterparts to act.

The agency is particularly keen for the government of the Dutch Caribbean territory of Curaçao to cooperate.

It believes that some 70% of the illegal online casino sites that actively target Japanese gamblers are based in Curaçao.

Close Sites or Force Them to Block Japanese Traffic, Police Urge

The agency, via the ministry, also asked authorities in Costa Rica, Canada, Malta, Georgia, Gibraltar, and the UK’s Isle of Man for their cooperation in May this year, the outlet explained.

Tokyo has also asked the authorities in Anjouan, an autonomous part of the Comoro Islands, for their cooperation in the matter.

A ministry spokesperson said police hope the nations’ governments will either force the sites to close or impose geo-blocking orders.

These orders could force online casino providers to block Japanese IP addresses from accessing their sites. The ministry has also asked the governments in question to force online gambling services to remove Japanese-language services and content.

The ministry also wants such sites to clearly indicate, in Japanese, that gambling is a criminal act in Japan.

The agency said it would cooperate with the aforementioned governments to “encourage” casino operators to halt services for Japanese users.

Police Have 40 Sites in Crosshairs

In the past, the Financial Services Agency (FSA), the nation’s top financial regulator, has sent “cease and desist” requests directly to overseas-based crypto exchange operators who court Japanese customers.

Japanese law dictates that only FSA permit-holding platforms can provide crypto exchange services to Japanese customers.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ expert panel suggested that Tokyo create a blacklist of online casinos with Japanese language services.

The ministry could then seek to force Japanese IP providers to block their customers from accessing these sites.

The police believe that the majority of Japanese gambling-related traffic is concentrated on just 40 overseas sites.

Officers think some 3.37 million Japanese residents have gambled on online casino platforms.

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CasinoBeats spoke to several sources after a number of members of staff were notified of redundancy. Commenting on the job losses, one shocked source said: “Nobody saw it coming,” while another called the move “absolutely disgusting”.

It is understood that 10 to 15 employees lost their jobs, each receiving a letter signed by Multilotto CEO Christian Hellbjer that confirmed their position was no longer needed. One employee said they felt “forced” to sign the letter, thus accepting its terms.

The letter, addressed individually to affected employees opened:

“The purpose of this letter is to confirm the outcome of a recent review by the Board of Directors of The Multi Group Ltd of its operational requirements, and what this means to you.

“As a result of surrender of UKGC licence and MGA licence [sic], the position of [job title] is no longer needed. Regrettably this means your employment will terminate.”

The one-page letter, a redacted copy of which can be viewed below, then set out the terms on which any final payments would be made to the affected employees.

In June, 2017, it was announced that Chinese lottery solutions provider 500.com was to acquire a majority stake in The Multi Group, operator of the Multilotto brand, for a reported €50m. Hellbjer was promoted to the position of CEO in January, 2019, having joined The Multi Group from university as financial controller, eventually taking on the position of CFO.

Speaking to CasinoBeats yesterday, Hellbjer wrote in an email: “I can confirm that we are doing a restructuring at the moment and are scaling down our workforce.

“Unfortunately this meant that we had to make several roles within our company redundant,” he said, going on to add that there are presently “no further plans of more redundancies”.

Questioned about the .co.uk and .com operations, licensed respectively by the UKGC and the MGA – and which remain live and accepting bets – Hellbjer wrote: “We always put our customers first and have taken all necessary precautions to protect their interests.

“Once we come to a date with the regulators regarding our exit, our customers will have the chance to withdraw their funds in a timely manner.”

CasinoBeats has also approached both the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority regarding the news.

A UKGC spokesperson said it would not comment on individual operators while, at the time of publication, no comment had yet been received from the MGA.

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Based in Malta, Torregrosa will focus on managing key relationships in the jurisdiction, as well as building the SBC and CasinoBeats brands across Spanish-speaking markets..

With a strong operator background, Torregrosa joins SBC from Spanish operator Luckia, and prior to that, she enjoyed executive roles with leading operators SlotsMillion, Betsson Group, PokerStars and Bwin.

Welcoming Torregrosa to the company, SBC founder and CEO Rasmus Sojmark said: “I have known Lorena and been aware of her work for a long time and I am very pleased that she will be representing our interests in Malta and beyond.

“This year we will continue to grow the SBC and CasinoBeats brands in terms of our events and reach. We are looking forward to the biggest ever Betting on Football conference in London this week, while April’s Betting on Sports America is set to be the largest ever sports betting event staged in the US.”

CasinoBeats managing director Stewart Darkin commented: “We are also already working on preparations for September’s Betting on Sports and CasinoBeats Summit, which again promise to be the biggest ever editions of these events. Adding Lorena to the team at this important time in the SBC story is very exciting and key to that growth.”

Lorena Torregrosa, business development director at SBC, added: “I am really excited to be joining such a vibrant business as SBC as the company continues to grow.

“Malta is a key jurisdiction for the online betting and gaming sector and I am looking forward to building on the SBC and CasinoBeats network on the island.”

Betting on Sports America 2019 takes place in New Jersey/New York on 23-25 April

Betting on Sports Week 2019 takes place at Olympia London on 17-20 September

CasinoBeats Summit 2019 takes place at Olympia London on 18-19 September

To find out more about all these events, visit the SBC Events site

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In the initial phase, the Maltese Gaming Authority will accept applications for the use of DLT assets by its respective licensees, both directly or via third-party service providers.

In phase two, the framework will be extended to include applications for the use of Innovative Technology Arrangements within the key technical equipment of licensees, to coincide with developments launched by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority.

Announcing the new framework in October, MGA chief executive Heathcliff Farrugia commented: “The MGA’s strategic mission is to be at the forefront of gaming regulation whilst embracing innovation.

“This, coupled with the rapid rise in interest from gaming operators to incorporate VFAs and DLT into their operations, were the main drivers behind the proactive approach taken by the Authority to issue a sandbox framework for the use of these technologies within a controlled regulatory environment.”

The Mediterranean nation began to style itself as the ‘blockchain island’ in 2018 after introducing new regulatory framework for the use of DLT, cryptocurrencies and blockchain.The island subsequently held its inaugural Malta Blockchain Delta Summit, which established opportunities to solidify Malta’s position as a regulated virtual currency and ICO Centre, and as the perfect platform for the Authority to outline details of its sandbox framework to all interested parties.

Approval to participate in the framework is conditional on applicants possessing the correct licensing issued by the MGA. It is expected to run until October this year but, if fit for purpose, may be subject to an extension by the Authority.

Farrugia added: “This framework is intended as a live document and will therefore be subject to feedback and potential updates during its duration, whilst also keeping in consideration any technological or regulatory developments which may occur.”

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Visitors came from across the betting and gaming community for a relaxed evening of drinks and networking. Guests joined CasinoBeats from a wide range of operators, suppliers and other stakeholders, including Altenar, Authentic Gaming, BetConstruct, CasinoGrounds, LeoVegas, Letsbet, Multilotto, Neteller, Play’n Go, Relax Gaming, Royal Panda and Wishmaker.

David Flynn, CEO of innovative games provider Swintt, commented: “It was great to see SBC and CasinoBeats mark their arrival in Malta with an informal networking session last week. The SBC Malta Networking Drinks was a very well-attended event by both operators, media and suppliers alike.

“The environment was perfect to be able to socially discuss the important topics in the today’s market over a glass or two. Having worked within the B2C side of gaming for the past year and a half, it was the ideal way to initiate Swintt’s B2B entry into the market, making new connections and refreshing previous business relationships.“

Lorena Torregrosa, SBC’s Malta-based business development director, added: “The Malta gaming market is a top priority for SBC and CasinoBeats and it is important that we support the fantastic business community here in any way we can. We want to thank all those that attended.

“We’ll be running regular networking evenings like this one and we look forward to once again catching up with friends, old and new.”

On Wednesday, June 19, CasinoBeats will be hosting an early evening briefing at The Palace in Sliema, Malta, as a distinguished panel discusses how the sector can overcome the blockchain impasse facing the online gambling industry.

Find out more and submit your interest to attend this free event here.

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Launched as part of European Safer Gambling Week 2024, the project will see a Maltese version of BetBlocker’s blocking software created, supporting players in Malta looking to manage their gambling access. The partnership will also help raise awareness of the service.

“We’re delighted to be able to support BetBlocker and the RGF with this important initiative in Malta, particularly in time for Safer Gambling Week,” commented Jake Cachia, Head of Compliance at EveryMatrix.

“EveryMatrix is proud of its commitment to safer gambling and player protection while producing market-leading gaming solutions, and partnerships such as underlining how crucial it is to keep making a difference.”

A UK-registered charity, BetBlocker blocks a device from accessing over 85,000 gambling websites and 1,500 gambling apps. A free-to-use app, the service can be used anonymously and it currently supports tens of thousands of active users.

Duncan Garvie, Founder and Trustee for BetBlocker, noted: “One of the biggest challenges for BetBlocker is ensuring that a technologically complex app is as simple as possible for users to set up. Currently, BetBlocker can take a user from download to blocked in under two minutes.

“But that is only the case where the user finds the set-up instructions easy to engage with. Where a user is able to access BetBlocker in the language that they are most confident in, the chances of them converting to an active block is far higher. 

Garvie continued: “We’re really grateful to EveryMatrix and the RGF for their partnership on this project. It significantly improves the options for Maltese players and will go a long way in terms of raising awareness of the support that BetBlocker offers amongst MGA licensees.

“We hope that in the future, the MGA will advance their player protection standards with the inclusion of requirement for licensees to signpost blocking software to ensure players are aware of this option.”

Kevin O’Neill, General Manager for the Responsible Gaming Foundation, added: “The Responsible Gaming Foundation is proud to collaborate with BetBlocker and Everymatrix on this initiative, furthering our mission to support safer gambling practices in Malta.

“Translating BetBlocker into Maltese is a significant step towards accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that players can effectively manage their gambling habits in their native language.

“This project demonstrates the power of partnerships in enhancing player protection and underscores the importance of providing players with tools that promote responsible decision-making.

“As we launch this initiative during European Safer Gambling Week 2024, we remain committed to contributing to an environment where innovative solutions, such as BetBlocker, can meaningfully impact safeguarding our community.”

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As a result of the decision, the tender has been extended until 18 November, with Maltese officials highlighting potential compliance requirement issues. 

Key to the case put forward by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) was that there are ‘unnecessary barriers’ on B2B businesses. 

In response, the MGA warned the EC: “Member States should recognise that B2B operators may already hold licences in other Member States and may be subject to myriad requirements and checks, which could easily be mutually recognised if a cooperation framework is set up for this purpose.”

In order to ensure that the new framework isn’t “an obstacle to both the freedom of establishment and the freedom of the provision of services within the internal market”, Italian authorities have been told to provide ‘sufficient justification’ for imposing additional technical requirements on B2B businesses licensed in Europe. 

Off the back of this, Italy’s government is set to put forward a response prepared by the Treasury addressing Malta’s concerns and affirming the legal requirements for new online gambling concessions.

Upon the conclusion of the ‘standstill period’, ADM, Italy’s Agency of Customs and Monopolies, will launch the new licensing regime.

As specified by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), the new Italian online gaming concessions will last for nine years, priced at €7m per individual licence.

Additionally, licensees will pay an annual 3 per cent licence fee on gross gaming revenue (GGR), net of gambling taxes and winnings. MEF will allow current licences to be extended for an additional year until 31 December, in line with Italy’s Budget 2024 rules.

The B2C rules will restrict licensed operators to “one app per gambling product type and one website”. The ADM will strictly prohibit and penalise the use of skin websites promoting branded products.

The ADM expects around 50 operators to apply for new licences, with projected revenue from concessions totalling €350m and fixed annual concession fees generating €100m.

All online gambling licences must implement new responsible gambling controls, including options for users to set limits on time and spending, as well as notifications to alert users when these predefined limits are exceeded.

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At the heart of the changes is alleviating pressure on less developed regions, instead placing the focus on countries that exhibit higher threat levels when it comes to AML. 

The new changes could lead to as many as half of the currently listed countries being delisted as ‘low-capacity countries’ are filtered out.

As a result of the changes, countries will be assessed against three criteria in order to avoid being put on the greylist. 

Looking to focus on the most significant threats, only countries listed on the World Bank High-Income Countries list, or have financial sector assets above more than US$10bn measured by ‘broad money’, will be eligible for the list. 

Any country classified as a ‘least developed country’ under United Nations (UN) definitions will not be prioritised for an active FATF review, which is part of the process for when a country is placed on the greylist for being financially unsound.

Lesser developed countries could still be sanctioned in the event of the FATF agreeing that a significant money laundering, terrorist financing or proliferation of financing risks exists.

Nonetheless, if they do end up on the greylist they could be given a longer observation period than others. 

The new criteria will be applied during the next round of FATF assessments, and so could result in some countries being removed from the greylist or fewer countries being added to it. 

The FATF statement read: “The changes made by the FATF will ensure the listing process better targets the countries that pose the greatest risk to the international financial system and contributes to more adequate support to low-capacity countries.

“The impact of illicit financial flows is felt most strongly by the least developed countries as it impedes sustainable development,” the FATF explained.

“Proceeds of crimes, such as tax evasion, corruption and organised crime, divert billions of dollars annually away from essential public goods like education and health. 

“Depriving criminals from their ill-gotten gains is crucial to help these countries build robust economies and societies.”

The FATF greylist currently consists of Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Croatia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Jamaica, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Philippines, Senegal, South Africa, South Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Türkiye, Vietnam and Yemen.

The GT AML and CTF initiative also maintains a separate ‘blacklist’ of high-risk jurisdictions, which currently only has three countries on its books – Iran, Myanmar and North Korea.

A look at the greylist shows that a significant percentage of listed countries are classed as developed according to UN standards. The FATF is concerned that these countries’ presence on the list could hold back economic development.

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The operator outlined that the deal can play a key role in elevating its global strategy for growth. 

Aragats Asatryan, VBET’s CEO, expressed his strong support for the partnership, stating: “We are proud to welcome the Malta Football National Team into our extensive portfolio of national team partnerships. 

“Also being a partner of the Malta Premier League, our focus is on fostering the development of football in Malta and delivering unforgettable experiences to fans.”

VBET has also underlined its ambitions to continue to strengthen engagement with football fans off the back of the collaboration, as Malta continues to evolve in its developments of the sport.

Commenting on the new partnership, Malta Football Association President Bjorn Vassallo added: “This collaboration with VBET is very interesting, as the betting operator continues its expansion in European football. This represents an exciting partnership for the Team ahead of the national team’s opening matches in the UEFA Nations League this September.”

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WE aims to connect, educate, and empower women, fostering a community of strong, inspired leaders ready to make an impact.

Starting this September, SBC will roll out a special program at the SBC Summit, held at Feira Internacional de Lisboa on 24-26 September. 

Groups such as All-In Diversity Project, Brazil-focused Association of Women in the Gaming Industry (AMIG), LATAM-facing Asociación Femenina de Gaming (ASFEG), Global Gaming Women (GGW), SheEOs, Malta-based Women in Gaming Group, and Women in Gaming – African Chapter are already backing this effort to unite and empower women.

Lucía Mouriño, VP Relationships LatAm, SBC: “Drawing 25,000 delegates from around the world, this flagship event is the perfect opportunity for us at SBC to partner up with leading organisations, associations, and groups dedicated to empowering women. 

“As an event organiser, we are committed to providing a space for women in our male-dominated industry to discuss what matters to them. We are very pleased with the overwhelming support from our allies worldwide.”

SBC has a history of actively raising awareness about the challenges women in the industry face by hosting networking breakfasts at all its events and curating conferences specifically designed to unite women through mentorship, tailored content, and special features. 

Notably, the latest edition of CasinoBeats Summit in May dedicated an entire day to women in gaming, starting with a relaxing yoga session and ending with a poker tournament, providing a holistic, empowering, and fun experience.

With the Lisbon conference less than two months away, SBC is now expanding its mission. Formalising this initiative by giving it a name and purpose marks the first step in showcasing the company’s commitment to creating a year-round support network that extends beyond SBC Summit and other events.

The SBC Summit 2024 itinerary will feature a robust program designed to foster connections among women. Highlights include a dînatoire, a dedicated meet-up on the expo floor with curated ice-breakers, the beloved GGW breakfast tradition, and conference content addressing the most relevant issues facing women in our industry. 

Furthermore, SBC will hold a small special recognition ceremony for two outstanding women in the industry who have not only excelled professionally but have also dedicated themselves to mentoring and advocating for women in sports betting and iGaming. 

Mouriño added: “As we embark on this initiative, it’s important to honour and celebrate both an established legacy and an emerging star committed to empowering her peers, without waiting for everything to be perfectly in place.”

SBC encourages women in this industry to reach out to info@sbcgaming.com to get involved and share their ideas for improving industry representation.

Want to submit an entry for the recognition ceremony? You can do it here.

Join us at the SBC Summit at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa from September 24-26, where 25,000 sports betting and iGaming industry professionals will converge for three days of networking and educational sessions led by over 450 senior decision-makers. Get your tickets now (Early Bird Deal is currently available).

Affiliates can apply for a free pass. Operators can also apply for a complimentary ticket.

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