The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has launched a first-of-its-kind Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Code of Good Practice intended for the online gambling sector. The new initiative is aimed at helping operators align with best practices and keep up with the evolving expectations of key industry stakeholders, according to Silvio Schembri, the Minister for the Economy, EU Funds and Lands.
New Code Addresses Key ESG Topics
The ESG Code covers 19 topics organized into three categories –Environmental, Social, and Governance. It was developed following a series of stakeholder interviews and consultations with licensed operators, with the document also subject to a peer review and materiality assessment.
While adopting the ESG Code is not mandatory for licensees, the MGA strongly encourages operators to follow the Code to show their commitment to sustainability and help improve Malta’s ESG standards. In return, those conducting ESG reporting under the Code will receive an MGA ESG Code Approval Seal.
MGA Committed to Regulatory Innovation
The groundbreaking initiative was spearheaded by MGA CEO Dr. Carl Brincat who is set to leave his post in January 2024. Dr. Brincat said the launch of the ESG Code represents the MGA’s commitment to regulatory innovation and ensuring a sustainable gaming environment where operators can thrive while the welfare of society is prioritized.
Gus Goes Fishin’ is a new title from the house of iSoftBet that brings together interesting characters on a fishing trip. This medium variance title is high on entertainment, thanks to special features like the Fish Bonanza Modifiers that help you win the $400 jackpot.
Gus Goes Fishin’ was released in September 2023 and is based on a fishing theme. Make as many as 20 paylines on the limited 5×3 playing area. Low stakes players will find the wager range of $0.20 to $20 suitable to their bankroll. Gus Goes Fishin’ has a $400 max cash jackpot and 96% RTP.
Special Features
You can collect fish icons that appear with values between 1x and 100x. There are several Fishin’ Bonanza modifiers that call upon Gus to collect the fish, deliver a random multiplier and add an extra bonus icon.
Getting 3, 4 or 5 Scatters launches the Deep Spins feature, where fish and Wild icons contribute to a multiplier progress bar. The golden fish can be caught several times here. You can avail these for a price in the Buy Bonus feature.
If fishing and cartoon themed slots interest you, do not hesitate to give Gus Goes Fishin’ a few spins today!
If you are looking to celebrate Halloween with some spooky slots, you should check out 3×3 Hell Spin from Gamzix. Players who love a dash of horror will have a lot of fun as they spin the reels and try to win a decent prize of $1,150.
3×3 Hell Spin
There is nothing too hellish about this 3×3 video slot. Despite having only 5 paylines, 3×3 Hell Spins is well-rounded on other metrics. The betting range falls between $0.1 and $23, which is especially good for low-variance players. The maximum cash jackpot of this moderately volatile game is $1,150. The theoretical RTP is 96.01%.
Special Features
The 3×3 Hell Spin slot has two bonus options. But don’t let this limited number fool you. If players cover the second reel entirely with pumpkins, they can unlock the bonus game, which gives 3 respins. The pumpkin reel remains sticky for the entire round.
The second in the line is the Gamble option, where players can walk away with an enormous prize if they can match the dealer’s card with theirs. Give 3×3 Hell Spin a few spins today and see if you end up getting lucky this Halloween!
The Dutch gambling authority, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has flagged three operators for breaching the ban on untargeted advertising which came into effect in the country on July 1, 2023. The operators in question avoided enforcement action as they immediately terminated their marketing activity after being warned by the KSA.
Under the ban, Dutch licensed operators are not allowed to advertise on most media channels as well as in public spaces. According to the KSA, one operator violated the rules by running a contest in which the prize was a t-shirt bearing its name and logo.
The KSA also found issues in the sponsor communications of two operators, with marketing found to be going further than just a neutral statement. The KSA explained that while gambling sponsorships of sports and TV/radio programmes are still allowed, licensees must follow strict rules, including using a neutral statement that does not include elements by which the gambling provider can be recognized, including its logo or brand name.
Flagged Offenders Heed KSA’s Warning
Other violations identified by the KSA include running an advertisement during a sports match that promoted an operator’s app, and using a slogan that could be heard during programme sponsorship.
The KSA confirmed that the three operators have discontinued such activities following intervention by the agency.
Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto, which control Norway’s online gambling market, have reduced their marketing spend in compliance with a request from the country’s gambling regulator, Lottstift. The two state-owned operators have cut the amount spent on marketing by up to 20%, as per an order issued by Lottstift back in July.
Lottery operator Norsk Tipping, which also holds a monopoly on sports betting, has implemented a 20% reduction in its marketing expenses, translating to at least NOK 45 million (€5 million). Rikstoto, which offers horse racing wagering, also cut its marketing spend by 5.2%, equivalent to NOK 3.4 million (€288,000).
Lottstift Director Atle Hamar has confirmed that both operators have complied with the order which is primarily aimed at addressing problem gambling. The regulator ordered the two gambling providers to cut their marketing expenses following a gambling ads dispute between the Norwegian Media Authority (Medietilsynet) and Discovery Europe.
Norway Gets Tough on Gambling Ads
Discovery previously ran advertisements for foreign gambling providers on its pan-European channels which are accessible to Norwegian customers.
This prompted Medietilsynet to order local TV platforms to end their broadcasts of Discovery channels, and while the order was initially questioned by the affected parties, Discovery eventually agreed to stop broadcasting gambling ads to Norwegian audiences, in accordance with Norway’s Broadcasting Act.
Lottstift then declared that Norsk Tipping and Rikstoto should reduce their marketing spend as they no longer face competition as far as marketing is concerned.