Affiliate Announcements
LeoVegas limits affiliate numbers in UK
LeoVegas has said it will now only work with a “small number of affiliates” in the UK that satisfy its own compliance standards.
In a statement on the LeoVegas Affiliates website, LeoVegas Gaming said the move had come in response to a number of recent announcements from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) regarding regulatory rules in the market.
Last month, the UKGC urged operators to review their terms and conditions to ensure customers are treated fairly, as well as enhance consumer protection efforts to better protect punters. In October, Sky Bet closed its affiliate programme, citing concerns over the compliance of the marketing activities of a number of its affiliates amid mounting regulatory pressure.
LeoVegas has now revealed that it has been working in consultation with the UKGC for several months to ensure the business and its various affiliates were compliant with UK regulations, but found that while many had been comfortable doing so, others have not proved as successful and, as a result, it will only work with a small group of committed affiliates from now on.
“As we appreciate the challenges around implementing these changes, we have provided clear guidance of what we expect from our affiliates and have tried to keep an open line of communication with our affiliates to support them throughout this process,” LeoVegas said.
“We are encouraged to see that several affiliates are taking these changes seriously and have taken on compliance managers or external legal counsel to ensure their ongoing compliance; this is something that we welcome.
“However, based on the response we have received to these initial actions, it is clear that these compliance requirements are not easily met for some affiliates.”
LeoVegas added: “Additionally, the recent announcements from UKGC and guidance from the CMA delivered at the Raising Standards conference clearly indicate further ongoing changes to compliance requirements going forward and, naturally, we must ensure our affiliates are prepared to address these needs.
“We are not and will not be able to continuously provide review and guidance services to all affiliates and would like to emphasise that the responsibility to achieve compliance ultimately sits with the affiliate.
“For these reasons going forward, although we value all the hard work all our affiliates have been putting in to the partnership, we are only able to continue to work with a small number of affiliates who satisfy our compliance standards, share our commitment to compliance, and further have the operational scale to guarantee ongoing compliance and deliver a worthwhile contribution to our business.”
Affiliate Announcements
QMRA Launches Italian Quality Mark for Affiliates
QMRA is a Compliance Quality Mark for iGaming Affiliates, launched by XY Legal Solutions B.V. (XYLS). XYLS launched a Dutch Quality Mark, KVA (https://kva.nl/), in September 2021, now working with numerous operators (LeoVegas, ComeOn, 711, TonyBet, Hard Rock Casino) and 90+ members.
In February 2024, QMRA was launched. Affiliates from the following markets were able to apply for the Quality Mark: Belgium, Spain, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Sweden, USA Michigan, The UK, Ontario and Estonia. As of today, Italian affiliates will be able to join QMRA as well. Applicants will receive:
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- A Compliance Report, containing compliance feedback if needed, in certain cases usable for obtaining a Meta Ads License;
- A specific Online Certificate about the member website, explaining its compliance (https://qmra.eu/members/affiliates/);
- Possibility to consult the QMRA team on compliance related questions.
Several joined since launch, representing all available markets so far. Among joining companies were Leadstar, ADM Group, BetFans, Game Lounge and Gentoo. Game Lounge and Gentoo decided to make QMRA official company policy. Sitebee, a Gentoo launched Compliance Tool, announced an official partnership with QMRA on legal support last week.
Affiliate Announcements
Registration opens as ‘Nuevos Horizontes’ unveiled as creative theme for Barcelona-bound iGB Affiliate
As registration opens for iGB Affiliate, ‘Nuevos Horizontes’ (New Horizons) has been unveiled as the creative theme driving the international marketing campaign in support of the 2025 edition which will be the first to take place at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona alongside sister show ICE.
Explaining the thinking behind the creative Naomi Barton, iGB Events’ Global Portfolio Director said: “The iGaming industry is continually evolving, and our 2025 campaign invites affiliates to explore new horizons at our exciting new venue, Fira Gran Via in Barcelona.
“iGB Affiliate is the home of the igaming affiliate community, and it enables connection, growth and shared business success for our audience of affiliates, operators and tech vendors. This campaign will drive our community into uncharted territory, sparking a spirit of exploration that embraces emerging markets, innovative strategies, and untapped commercial opportunities. It equips affiliates with the tools and insights needed to adapt, innovate, and conquer new horizons.”
She added: “With our move to Barcelona we’re setting our sights on an incredibly bright future. The additional space at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, which is among the largest exhibition venues in Europe, will enable iGB Affiliate to achieve its full potential and continue to connect the best affiliates with the best operators and tech vendors.
“The 2025 edition of the show is set to feature a record 250 exhibitors and sponsors, occupying 15,000 sqm of space. The enhanced facilities in Barcelona will empower the affiliate community to forge new igaming connections, build strategic and trusted partnerships, expand their networks, and explore uncharted territories.”
Affiliate Announcements
Gentoo Media extends partnership with Betsson Group for automated brand protection tool GiG Comply
Gentoo Media is pleased to announce that the partnership with Betsson Group Affiliates (BGA) for GiG Comply has been extended for another year. The agreement marks the fifth consecutive year that Betsson will continue to use Gentoo Media’s automated compliance and brand protection tool, GiG Comply.
The extended partnership between Betsson and GiG Comply, further strengthens the ongoing collaboration between the two companies, ensuring that Betsson continues to uphold the highest standards of regulatory compliance across its extensive brand portfolio. GiG Comply’s comprehensive monitoring tool gives Betsson Group Affiliates the necessary means to ensure that their marketing efforts remain compliant, and meet regulatory demands across various markets.
Rasmus Bank Nielsen, Head of GiG Comply said: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Betsson Group, one of the industry’s leading operators. The renewal of our agreement, for a fifth consecutive year, underscores the importance of regulatory compliance and the effectiveness of GiG Comply. We look forward to continuing to support Betsson in maintaining the highest standards of compliance in their marketing efforts”.
Shakyra Jonsson, Senior Affiliate Operations & Events Manager at Betsson Group Affiliates, added:
“We are pleased to extend our partnership with GiG Comply for a fifth consecutive year. As a company committed to maintaining the highest standards of regulatory compliance, it is crucial that we continue using tools like GiG Comply to ensure that our affiliate marketing efforts align with the diverse regulations across the markets we operate in. This partnership reaffirms our dedication to safeguarding our brand while remaining compliant in a rapidly evolving industry.”