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Each month, we leverage data from our gambling regulatory updates to bring you a glimpse of the key response deadlines and legislation effective dates coming up, so you can plan and take action around some of the most important regulatory developments unfolding right now.

In April, there are 11 regulatory deadlines on the horizon - with 6 requiring a response this month, and 5 to be aware of coming into effect.

What are the regulatory deadlines to watch in April?

Netherlands

The public consultation on a proposed draft regulation regarding changing player deposit limit rules and advertising restrictions, closes on April 3, 2024. The consultation was launched by the Ministry of Justice and Security in the Netherlands on February 20, 2024. The proposed changes include, amongst others: the introduction of maximum monthly deposit limits of €350 for players in the age group of 24 or older, and €150 for players in the age group of 18-24;  that players must be automatically logged out when they reach their personal loss or playing time limits and the prohibition of engaging in any form of visual or auditory advertising, including bonus offers, beyond what is strictly required to provide player profile information or the option to update or complete the player profile. The proposed date for changes to come into force is October 1, 2024.

Ontario

The lieutenant governor of Ontario filed a reference with the Court of Appeal in early February to clarify whether players in Ontario participating in online games and betting involving players located outside of Canada would be consistent with the Criminal Code. The lieutenant governor stated that permitting players to participate in legal online gaming and sports betting involving players located outside of Canada "could channel players away from unlawful gaming and betting schemes operating without any oversight into a lawful alternative that is conducted and managed by the province". According to the Court of Appeal, parties wishing to participate in the reference must provide all relevant materials to the attorney general of Ontario by April 8, 2024.

Additionally and separately, iGaming Ontario is seeking a proponent to design, implement and provide ongoing services to a province-wide centralized self-exclusion system for regulated iGaming. A successful bidder will be expected to integrate with all Ontario iGaming operators’ systems, provide patrons who are 19 years or older with easy access to create and manage their self-exclusion profile, and implement know-your-customer (KYC) identity verification, registration, renewal and reinstatement processes. Interested bidders can use iGaming Ontario’s dedicated procurement page to submit a bid by April 24, 2024.

North Carolina

After a statewide mobile sports betting launch on March 11, the North Carolina State Lottery Commission has introduced amendments to recently approved sports wagering regulations. The notice of proposed rulemaking lists proposed edits to the regulations, including a new section regarding conflict of interest for a disciplinary hearing, revisions regarding the submission of compliance review reports from the internal revenue service, a new section regarding the timely response to a formal letter of inquiry from the lottery commission, and a new section regarding wagering facility inspections. The commission will accept public comments on the proposed rules through April 9, 2024.

Malta

On March 6, 2024, the Malta Gaming Authority announced that the 2024 Risk Evaluation Questionnaire (REQ) has been made available by the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU). The deadline for gaming operators to submit their REQs is April 11, 2024.

Argentina

On March 14, 2024, the Argentinian government approved Law No. 27739, to reform the country's anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) system. This is the first substantial modification of the Argentinian AML/CTF system in thirteen years, amending the country's pre-existing AML/CTF law, Law No. 25.246, which gambling operators must comply with.  The new law also includes amendments to the Penal Code to increase and update punishments for AML/CTF crimes; amendments including adding additional types of providers under the scope of the financial information unit (UIF) and adding a section for risks relating to non-profit organisations, among other amendments. The law will become effective April 14, 2024.

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We’ve only shown you a snapshot of April’s deadlines. Want to see them all? Book a demo with a member of our team, who can show you the full Regulatory Deadlines Calendar for this month.

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