Trider & Malta Media vs. Versus Odds & Arteluna

Ladies and gentlemen, place your bets! In one corner, we have Trider & Malta Media, armed with investigative skills, regulatory complaints and an unhealthy amount of patience for bureaucratic nonsense. In the other, we have Versus Odds B.V. and Arteluna Limited, the first one is a company supplying over 40 casino websites under a Curacao license issued by the #CGA Curacao Gaming Authority uthority, operating in the UK, Germany, Sweden and (of course) Malta.

The Ultimate Showdown: Can we Take Down a 40+ Casino Empire?

The stakes? Exposing and dismantling a business that thrives on regulatory loopholes, shady financial networks and (let’s be honest) blatant disregard for gambling laws.

Round 1: Contacting the Payment and Game Providers

So far, we’ve knocked on the doors of multiple payment providers and game developers, politely asking them (okay, sometimes not so politely) to cut ties with Versus Odds websites. And the response? A mixture of ignorance, indifference and some beautifully crafted legalese to tell us to get lost.

Here’s a list of providers we’ve contacted, all of whom are apparently too busy counting money to care about compliance:

Payment Providers:

• Revolut – “Oh, you mean we should stop processing transactions for potentially illegal casinos? Sorry, didn’t hear you over the sound of fintech innovation.”
• Jetonbank – An EMI based in London that claims to prohibit transactions for illegal online gambling but, well… doesn’t.
• MiFinity – According to their ToS: “We totally comply with regulations. No, we won’t tell you how.”
• COLIBRIX.io – Based in London, regulated by the FCA, but mysteriously indifferent when asked about their clients (as no response at all).

Full list of Payment Providers: Revolut, JetonBank, Yapily Connect UAB, Mellifera Operations Limited, Colibrix, Noda Pay, PayWithClick, Contiant , MiFinity, Skrill, a Paysafe Experience , #Neteller, Finrax , #PaysafeCard, #Cashlib and Easytransac .

Game Providers:

• Pragmatic Play – Ever heard of “responsible gaming”? No? Didn’t think so.
• Wazdan – “We provide games to licensed operators only.” Great, except when they don’t.
• NetEnt – Owned by Evolution n, who’s too busy live-streaming roulette games to care about where they’re played.
• Play'n GO – Playing a different game when it comes to accountability.
• Red Tiger – Red flag? More like a red carpet for unlicensed operators.

Full list of Game Providers: Pragmatic Play, Wazdan, NetEnt, Games Global , Play’n GO, Red Tiger, Evolution, Ezugi , LiveG24 Ltd and OnAir Entertainment .

Most responses we’ve received so far range from corporate silence to regulatory gymnastics, with a handful of providers saying, “We’ll look into it,” which is code for “We’ll keep cashing in while we still can.”

Round 2: Escalating to the Regulators

Since payment providers and game developers seem unmoved by legal concerns, it’s time to take things up a notch. We’ll be filing complaints with regulators responsible for overseeing these companies, hoping at least one of them decides to wake up and do their job.

Who’s on our hit list?

• UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) – Because UK-based providers shouldn’t be enabling illegal casinos.
• Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) – Maybe they’ll enforce German gambling laws? Maybe.
• Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) – Since Versus Odds has already been banned in the Netherlands, let’s make sure that actually means something.
• Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) – Because if there’s a place where regulation means everything and nothing at the same time, it’s Malta.

Round 3: The Long Fight Ahead

So, who’s winning so far? Well, Versus Odds is still standing, but the real fight is just getting started. With regulators, financial crime units and a growing list of industry names tied to these casinos, the pressure is mounting.

The walls are closing in and sooner or later, one of these enablers is going to have to make a choice; continue profiting from illegal gambling or cut ties before these authorities start asking uncomfortable questions.

Financial Regulators & Anti-Money Laundering Units

• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) (UK) – Overseeing several payment providers still processing transactions for these casinos.
• Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) – Responsible for regulating financial entities in Malta.
• Unit for Combating Money Laundering (MOKAS) (Cyprus) – Since Deloraze Limited, the payment processor, operates out of Cyprus.
• Latvia’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU Latvia) – Given that Arteluna’s director is a Latvian national.
• Office for Prevention of Money Laundering (North Macedonia) – Versus Odds’ leadership has links to Macedonia.

Tax & Enforcement Authorities

• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) (UK) – Investigating UK-based companies involved in this network.
• Public Revenue Office (North Macedonia) – Because tax evasion is often part of the game.
• Tax Department (Cyprus) – Given the presence of financial operations in Cyprus.
• National Crime Agency (NCA) (UK) – For corporate crime and potential fraud investigations.
• Serious Fraud Office (SFO) (UK) – Since corporate structuring might be used to conceal illicit financial flows.

Will Trider & Malta Media manage to force payment providers and game developers to stop facilitating unlicensed casinos? Or will the industry’s favorite strategy, “denial, delay and deflection”, keep the gambling empire rolling?

One thing is certain: we’re not going anywhere. Every unanswered email, every ignored complaint and every dismissive response just fuels our next steps. We’ve taken names, we’ve gathered evidence and we know exactly where to knock next.

If you’re still enabling these casinos, whether through payment processing, game supply, or regulatory negligence, expect to hear from us. And not just from us, but from the regulators, financial crime investigators and tax authorities who might finally start doing their jobs.

FAQs

What is Versus Odds B.V., and why is it under scrutiny?
Versus Odds B.V. operates over 40 online casino websites under a Curacao license, facing allegations of exploiting regulatory loopholes and enabling unlicensed gambling.

What role does Arteluna Limited play in this network?
Arteluna Limited is linked to Versus Odds B.V. and allegedly facilitates financial transactions for these casinos, raising concerns about compliance.

Why are payment providers being contacted?
Many payment providers, such as Revolut and MiFinity, process transactions for these casinos despite regulatory concerns, potentially violating gambling laws.

How are game providers involved in this issue?
Game providers like Pragmatic Play and NetEnt supply casino games to Versus Odds websites, despite claims of compliance with licensing regulations.

Which regulatory authorities have been notified?
Complaints have been filed with authorities like the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Germany's GGL, the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), and others.

What actions are being taken against Versus Odds B.V.?
Investigators are pressuring payment providers, game developers, and regulators to cut ties with these unlicensed casinos.

Has Versus Odds B.V. faced legal consequences before?
The company has been banned in the Netherlands, but it continues operating in other markets, prompting further scrutiny.

How does this affect players using these casinos?
Players risk financial fraud, lack of consumer protections, and potential loss of funds due to the lack of proper regulation.

What is the next step in the investigation?
Escalating complaints to financial crime units and tax authorities to expose illicit financial activities within this network.

How can industry stakeholders help combat unlicensed casinos?
By refusing to provide services, reporting suspicious activities, and ensuring compliance with international gambling laws.