MGA & KSA agree to share resources to combat illicit gaming

The Maltese Gaming Authority (MGA) has agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dutch Gaming Authority KSA (Kansspelautoriteit).

The purpose of the agreement is to work together to ensure more security on the gambling market and to fight wrongful activities.

The gambling market in the Netherlands is currently undergoing a process of liberalization, so this agreement will be particularly beneficial to them, having recently submitted proposals for new gambling legislation to the European Commission.

What does the agreement involve?

First and foremost, the MoU means that the two authorities will work closely together to curb unlawful activities in the gambling markets. Game-related activities such as game-fixing, betting manipulation, money laundering, and the financing of terrorist groups should all be combated through this new partnership. Only rightfully operating online casinos in the Netherlands will be able to accept Dutch players.

The two authorities have stated that they will rely on ‘tried and tested practices and exchange a wide range of information.’ Additionally, they want to participate in political and regulatory discussions on the topics.

The agreement has further outlined proposals to begin initiatives that are intended to support problem-gamblers or players considered to be at risk of developing a gambling addiction. In effect, the two authorities are seeking to make their respective markets fair and transparent.

KSA chairman Rene Jansen was delighted with the new arrangement, stating:

Such a Memorandum of Understanding forms a good basis for sharing knowledge, collaboration, and a smooth exchange of information. A clear signal is also sent to providers of games of chance that they are joining forces internationally.

MGA boss Heathcliff Farrugia echoed his counterpart’s comments, adding:

Our relationship and cooperation with the KSA has already yielded tangible results in the past, and with this MoU, apart from formalizing such a relationship, a stronger collaboration at an international level is also ensured.

The Dutch market is looking to open soon

Alongside this new agreement, the Dutch market will be hoping that its markets can re-open again soon. Due to regulatory modifications and a temporary overload of the KSA, the date of the market opening has been further delayed. The licensing should now begin from the 1st of July 2021, six months after the previously proposed date of 1st January.

However, the government has stated that further delays are likely. It still remains to be seen as to whether the market can open on the proposed date. A German amendment to the legislation is ready for ratification in Brussels. However, the delay period was currently extended to September 18th because of regulatory concerns for several interest groups.

In other attempts to clamp down on improper behavior, the MGA signed separate data-sharing agreements earlier this year with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA), to help tackle match-fixing in the respective sports.