iGB Affiliate 89_Q1 2022 | Page 9

SWEDISH GOVERNMENT EYES NEW CASINO DEPOSIT CAP

Sweden ’ s government has launched a consultation on a new , lower deposit limit for online casinos of SEK4,000 (£ 325 /€ 389 /$ 439 ) a month , set to come into force from February .
The country ’ s Minister for Social Security Ardalan Shekarabi revealed on 4 January that this had been launched as a result of the worsening Covid-19 situation , in order to protect vulnerable players .
The consultation will run until 17 January , with the new measures implemented from 7 February until 30 June .
“ In a welfare state like Sweden , there must be strong

DUTCH OPERATORS TO BAN BONUSES FOR UNDER-25S WITH MARKETING CODE

Operator association Licensed Dutch Gaming Providers ( VNLOK ) has agreed to a voluntary advertising code for online gambling ( ROK ) in the Netherlands , including limits on bonuses and daytime ads online .
With the code , VNLOK ’ s members including Holland Casino , FPO Nederland , JOI Gaming , Nederlandse Loterij and ZEbet aim to protect vulnerable groups by extending measures already in place for television and radio advertising to online advertising .
Minister for Social Security Ardalan Shekarabi
protection for those who gamble for money ,” Shekarabi explained . “ That […] is why we are reintroducing enhanced consumer protection now that the risk of problem gambling is increasing as a result of
Currently , Dutch law states that gambling advertising cannot appear on television between the hours of 06:00 and 21:00 . Under the code , this will also apply to video advertising online . Advertisements will also be banned at all times on channels with more than 25 % viewership among minors .
In addition , ROK will prohibit 18 to 24-year-olds from making use of bonuses , and ban TV and radio stations from advertising these . Bonuses will also be capped at € 250 .
the pandemic .” This player protection argument was also used as justification for the previous online casino deposit cap of SEK5,000 in force from 2 July 2020 to 14 November 2021 .
Originally intended to be a short-term measure , the cap was repeatedly extended . When he announced it was to end , Shekarabi called on regulator Spelinspektionen to evaluate the need to make this permanent .
THIMBA MEDIA SNAPS UP LONDON-BASED SEVEN STAR DIGITAL
Thimba Media has purchased igaming customer acquisition business Seven Star Digital for an undisclosed amount .
Acquired on a cash-free , debt-free basis , the Irelandbased business said the purchase would consolidate its position in the UK market , which will represent 20 % of its total revenue in 2022 .
Seven Star Digital , which counts Compare . bet and Gamblingdeals . com among its network , will continue to operate from London .
Thimba CEO Chris Russell said the UK is of specific interest due to its “ digital penetration and stable local regulation ”.
ACMA ORDERS BLOCKING OF MORE OFFSHORE AND AFFILIATE SITES
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has ordered ISPs to block access to a number of offshore gambling and affiliate websites it said were operating in the country illegally .
Casino4u , Spin Samurai , Axe Casino , Lucky Dreams , Comet Room , Paradiso Room , No Deposit Friend , Casino-On-Line , Casino Shortlist and Aus Casinos were among those found to be in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 , ACMA said .
Since November 2019 ACMA has ordered the blocking of 375 websites .
Q1 2022 • ISSUE 89 • 09