The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has amended its Player Protection Directive, lowering the minimum return to player (RTP) from 92% to 85%. 

Return to Player (RTP) percentage is the theoretical amount that a slot pays back to a player, on average, over a large number of spins (usually in the millions). For example, a slot with a 96% RTP can be expected to return €96 for every €100 a player spends. It must be stressed, that RTP is a very rough guide, and variability over smaller numbers of spins, will still result in some players making big wins.

Applicable to both land-based and online gambling operators, the new RTP requirements follow closed consultations with industry stakeholders, including consultants, business-to-consumer operators, and business-to-business providers. 

According to the MGA, the consultations discussed issues including the implications of a change to RTP on products, operations, and competitiveness, and followed a comparative analysis of RTP in other EU jurisdictions. 

The MGA says it will be publishing a policy paper summarising the points of the discussions and competitive analysis, and that further amendments to its Player Protection Directive, focused on protecting minors and vulnerable people, will be following.

AYO.NEWS says:

While this move is bound to be welcomed by the industry, we’re pretty sure the all important online slot reviewers aren’t going to look favourably on any slots with an 85% RTP – so it’s going to be a brave operator indeed that takes advantage of the change! 

Staying with the MGA, last month the regulator stoked yet more controversy by promoting former Deputy Chairman, Ryan Pace, to the position of Chairman. Pace is a close associate of current Maltese Prime Minister, Robert Abela, but several industry figures have expressed reservations about his lack of industry experience and knowledge. 

International gambling operator Betsson has been granted licenses for online gaming and betting in Greece, and will soon be launching its flagship Betsson brand in the country. 

Securing the licenses from the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) means the operator can launch Betsson.gr, offering sports betting, casino, live casino, and virtual sports products to Greek consumers. Both the game of chance license, and the sports betting license are valid for an initial period of seven years. 

Betsson Greece will launch with a localised product offering, specifically developed for Greek players, and will provide dedicated Greek language customer support. 

Pontus Lindwall, President and CEO for Betsson AB, commented: “We are really pleased to receive these licenses and to welcome Greece as Betsson’s 18th locally regulated market. As in other markets, our vision for Greece is to offer the best customer experience possible and we have partnered with some great gaming suppliers and payment providers to augment our offering. The Greek gaming market has experienced significant growth over the past years, and we see a lot of potential.”

Loteria do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Loterj) has begun the process of selecting operators to offer new gambling products in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

As the organisation responsible for managing gambling in the state, Loterj has now invited expressions of interest from sports betting and lottery operators interested in handling the new gambling products. The license, which is worth around $50M USD, will be valid for 60 months. 

It seems Loterj is looking for companies that provide a mix of online and retail betting and lottery products, with proven distribution and marketing capabilities. Loterj will be defining the development of the technology platform, including lottery control, and payment functions, both physical and digital.

Any international companies interested in the contract must be partnered with a Brazilian entity to be considered, with each member of any consortium required to submit their own supporting evidence to show they meet the requirements. The public tender process is slated to begin, based on a lowest overall price modality, on 5 July. 

Pressure to introduce a legal online gambling market has been building in Brazil over recent years, with states increasingly exasperated that offshore gambling sites are attracting Brazilian customers, which means state coffers are losing vast amounts in potential tax revenues. Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais are among the first Brazilian states to make real progress in terms of rolling out legal sports betting and expanded gambling products.

Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch Gaming Authority, has reported that properties in the Netherlands and Spain have been raided as part of an international action against illegal gaming and money laundering. 

According to the KSA, on 18 May Dutch authorities raided and searched the home of a 56-year-old in Velsen. The resident is suspected of offering online games without a license and being involved in money laundering. Two luxury vehicles, along with cash, jewellery, and paperwork were seized. 

A property in Spain, belonging to the same individual, was also raided and searched, and more items were seized. 

Under the leadership of the Regional Information and Expertise Center (RIEC), the KSA worked with the Dutch and Spanish police, the Public Prosecution Service, tax authorities, and the municipality of Velsen to plan and carry out the actions. 

Investigators working with the Tax and Customs Administration are also looking into two Curaçao-based companies suspected of being connected to the case.

In a statement the KSA said: “Undermining crime blurs the boundaries between the underworld and the upper world. Criminals set up businesses for their activities, apply for permits and rent and buy buildings. For this they need the cooperation of the upper world, such as real estate agents and notaries. In this way these ‘worlds’ become intertwined and criminals can exert pressure on the upper world and take advantage of it.”

Staying with the KSA, earlier this month the regulator warned affiliates promoting unlicensed gambling operators to Dutch consumers to cease, or face imminent action.

Casino game developer Wazdan has been given the green light to launch its products in New Jersey. 

The company says it has received a transactional waiver from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE), allowing it to launch a selection of its online and mobile casino games in the US state.

The supplier is now able to take its best performing hits live across the state, including 9 Lions, Larry the Leprechaun, and Sizzling 777 Deluxe, as well as other popular titles, such as Power of Gods™: The Pantheon, Magic Stars 3, and Magic Fruits Deluxe.

Andrzej Hyla, Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan, said: “New Jersey needs no introduction as a market and we’re thrilled to be able to offer some of our most popular games to operators in the state. With more to come from us in this territory, it’s the first step on a very exciting journey.”

All gambling advertisements and promotions will be illegal in Lithuania from 1 July 2021. 

Yesterday, the Lithuanian Parliament voted in favour of an amendment to the country’s Law on Gambling, banning all advertising and promotions, including special offers, discounts and bonuses. 

The government says the changes are necessary to help combat problem gambling, and reflect the mood of the country’s public – if a recent survey from the Gambling Supervision Authority is to be believed.

Gambling operators in Lithuania had previously agreed to halt advertising for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the regulator has said many operators broke this promise and gambling advertising actually increased. 

Lithuania’s National Gambling and Gaming Business Association has warned the new rules will cause operators to shun the country, and damage the sector. 

AYO.NEWS says:

While Lithuania, with less than 3 million residents, isn’t exactly a major market for international gambling operators, the worry will be that the move encourages those calling for similar bans elsewhere.

However, those cheerleading such bans might want to take another look at Italy, where all gambling advertising has been banned since 1 January 2019. Since then the Italian gaming market, particularly online, has boomed. 

But, is this really surprising? Throughout history, when something is banned or treated as if it’s forbidden, it often makes people want it more. Just look at the outcome of prohibition in the United States, or ask any parent!