Games Global – Allegations of Unlicensed Operators

On 28 January 2025, we formally reached out to Games Global regarding concerns that their gaming content is being made available to unlicensed gambling operators, including Versus Odds B.V. and Arteluna Ltd (acting as a payment provider).

These entities operate online casinos that actively target players in regulated jurisdictions such as Malta, Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom without holding the requisite licenses. Our correspondence sought clarification from Games Global and requested immediate action to prevent their gaming products from being offered through these entities.

The Response from Games Global

In reply to our inquiry, we received a response from Games Global’s Data Protection Officer (DPO). However, this response was issued from an unidentified sender within the company, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in addressing these serious allegations. The content of the response was firm, dismissing our concerns while simultaneously warning of potential legal consequences should we escalate the matter further.

Excerpt from Games Global’s Response:

Dear Mr. Schmitt,

We refer to your email dated 28 January 2025 and the threat, contained therein, to “escalate” certain matters to one or more of our regulators.

Under the heading “Reputational Harm,” you rightly recognize that Games Global has built a reputation as a leading vendor within the gambling sector. Any allegations, however or wherever presented, that our organization supports operators engaged in illegal activities are wrong and would cause us material reputational harm.

Any such suggestion would be defamatory and would be actionable.

We do not intend to engage with you any further. However, we will be monitoring your activities closely and will not hesitate to escalate matters ourselves if you act in any way that may wrongfully cause any damage to our reputation.

 Regards, Games Global

This response notably does not address the substantive concerns raised in our initial communication. Instead, it focuses on the reputational implications of our inquiry while issuing a clear warning against any further investigation or public discussion of the matter.

Regulatory Compliance and Potential Violations

The concerns raised with Games Global pertain directly to their licensing obligations under various regulatory bodies. Should their gaming content continue to be accessible via unlicensed operators, this could expose them to regulatory scrutiny and potential enforcement action.

It is worth noting that Games Global recently withdrew its games from the Swedish market after Spelinspektionen, Sweden’s gambling regulator, formally banned Versus Odds B.V. on 2 January 2025. Other major gaming providers, including Evolution and Pragmatic Play, have taken similar steps, demonstrating their awareness of regulatory risks.

However, as of 6 February 2025, Games Global’s gaming content remains accessible in other regulated markets where Versus Odds B.V. or Arteluna Ltd. do not hold licenses. Players in Malta, Germany and the UK continue to access Games Global’s products on Versus Odds platforms, such as Royal Stars Casino, as evidenced here: https://www.royalstarscasino.com/en/slots?providers=_games_global.

In our communication with Games Global, we clearly outlined the serious regulatory risks associated with the continued availability of their games through unlicensed operators. We emphasized that, should they fail to take immediate corrective action, we would escalate the matter to the relevant authorities. These include the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority.

Furthermore, we informed Games Global that we would also notify the appropriate regulatory bodies in jurisdictions where their games are being offered illegally via Versus Odds. We provided Games Global with a strict deadline of 11 February 2025, ten business days from our initial contact, to address these concerns.

Escalation of the Matter

Given the nature of Games Global’s response, which neither acknowledged nor addressed the core issue, we are now preparing to escalate our concerns beyond gambling regulators. In addition to lodging formal complaints with gambling authorities, we intend to report Games Global’s activities to financial crime and enforcement agencies, including the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the National Crime Agency (NCA).

The facilitation of gambling operations via unlicensed entities raises broader financial crime concerns, including potential violations related to money laundering and tax evasion. Given the gravity of these matters, we are compiling relevant documentation to support comprehensive submissions to these agencies.

Games Global’s refusal to engage constructively with our concerns, coupled with their attempt to deter further scrutiny, only reinforces the need for regulatory oversight and potential enforcement action.

Next Steps

Despite Games Global’s attempt to dismiss the issue, it remains unresolved. We will proceed with formal complaints to the relevant regulatory and enforcement bodies, seeking an investigation into whether Games Global has knowingly or negligently enabled unlicensed gambling operations.

We acknowledge that Games Global has suggested it may take legal action should we continue our investigation.

However, our objective remains clear: to ensure compliance with gambling regulations and to hold accountable those who facilitate the provision of gaming services to unlicensed operators. We will continue our inquiries with due diligence, ensuring that all claims are supported by verifiable evidence and documented findings.

This development underscores broader concerns within the iGaming industry regarding the responsibilities of game providers in preventing unauthorized access to their products. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as further information becomes available.

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FAQ's

What is the issue with Games Global’s gaming content?
Games Global's gaming content is being accessed by unlicensed gambling operators, including Versus Odds B.V. and Arteluna Ltd, targeting regulated markets without the necessary licenses.

Which countries are affected by this issue?
The issue affects regulated markets such as Malta, Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

How did Games Global respond to the concerns raised?
Games Global responded dismissively, focusing on reputational harm and issuing a warning against further investigation, but failed to address the core issues regarding regulatory compliance.

What action has been taken against Games Global?
Games Global’s content remains accessible in certain unlicensed jurisdictions. Actions are being taken to escalate the matter to gambling regulators and financial crime agencies.

Which gambling regulators are involved in the investigation?
The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, the UK Gambling Commission, and the Malta Gaming Authority are being notified about the situation.

Has Games Global withdrawn content from any markets?
Yes, Games Global withdrew its games from the Swedish market after Sweden’s regulator banned Versus Odds B.V.

What are the potential legal risks for Games Global?
Games Global faces regulatory scrutiny and enforcement action if their games continue to be accessible through unlicensed operators, as well as possible reputational damage and financial crime investigations.

What steps will be taken next in this investigation?
Formal complaints will be lodged with gambling authorities, and the matter will be reported to financial crime and enforcement agencies such as HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO).

What is the deadline for Games Global to address the concerns?
A strict deadline of 11 February 2025 has been given to Games Global to address the concerns raised.

Why is financial crime a concern in this case?
The facilitation of gambling via unlicensed operators raises concerns about money laundering and tax evasion, which are significant issues for regulatory bodies and enforcement agencies.