In line with the industrial trends for an active engagement in addressing the current social and environmental issues, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has introduced the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Code of Good Practice for the remote gaming sector.

Self-Regulation Instrument

The ESG Code represents an instrument to help remote gaming companies opt for the best social and environmental practices through a self-regulation process. Albeit voluntary, the ESG process is highly recommended for the sector as the proposed adoption of the ESG practices will demonstrate the commitment of MGA licensees to sustainable operations across all the remote gaming sector stakeholders.

During the press conference, MGA CEO Carl Brincat reportedly said:“The MGA has always strived to be at the forefront of regulatory innovation and progress. We have been working not only to supervise the gaming industry, but also to nurture it, to foster a space where operators can thrive, while ensuring that the welfare of society remains paramount. Our ESG Code represents our commitment to this.”

Minister for the Economy, EU Funds and Lands Silvio Schembri reportedly commented: “All businesses should embrace tools to reduce risk and transform successfully, and when it comes to remote gaming, one of the tools is using ESG metrics.’’

Minister added: “The ESG code will serve as an instrument for self-regulation, helping remote gaming companies align with best practices and maintain a position that allows them to effectively meet the evolving expectations of key stakeholders in the sector.”

ESG Code Features

The ESG Code production has been carried out in several stages including the peer review and research stage, stakeholder interviews, and consultation with licensees to ensure that the ESG Code comprehensively addresses social and environmental concerns of the industry stakeholders.

The Code includes three categories, Environmental, Social and Governance, to identify a total of 19 ESG topics and provide the effective guideline for remote gaming companies to secure effective reporting practice.

The MGA will classify these reports into Tier 1 and Tier 2 reports depending on the extent of reporting exercised by the companies. For this purpose, the ESG Code offers a flexible approach for companies to meet the basic standard requirements and choose optional disclosures of their respective social and environmental practices.

No specific targets have been set by the ESG reporting but rather focused on the reporting process itself. The companies submitting reports under this code will be awarded the MGA ESG Code Approval Seal acknowledging that companies demonstrate the commitment to ESG. The seal will differentiate Tier 1 and Tier 2 reports.

ESG Reporting Process

The Code will be submitted on a voluntary basis and will be separated from other ESG disclosures to the regulatory bodies. Submissions will be confidential and available via an MGA online platform. The ESG reporting schedule will follow the financial year reporting and is expected to launch in 2023, with the deadline for submission set for the third quarter of 2024.

Source: “MGA Publishes Voluntary ESG Code of Good Practice”. European Gaming. November 13, 2023.

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The multimedia content and technology company, SportsGrid, confirmed support for the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering. Vowing to support the code, the company revealed that its multimedia content platform will align with the requirements that ensure a responsibility standard for the marketing and advertising of sports betting activities.

Joining the AGA for this initiative, SportsGrid becomes the latest company to support responsible gaming by adhering to a code that seeks to set a new standard for advertising. Additionally, the efforts will also help encourage more bettors to make informed decisions by promoting responsible gaming messaging.

“It’s incumbent upon all stakeholders involved in the marketing of sports wagering—including sportsbooks, media, leagues and teams, and more—to put responsibility first.“

Casey Clark, SVP at AGA

Casey Clark, AGA’s SVP, explained that it is incredibly important for stakeholders within the sector to understand that responsibility is paramount. According to him, the support of companies such as SportsGrid will undoubtedly help raise more awareness and contribute toward responsible advertising.

AGA’s Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering was first released back in 2019. The Association explained that the code helped raise the bar for advertising within the sports betting sector by self-imposing restrictions such as marketing language or target audiences. With the help of AGA members, the Code has gone through important updates and improvements.

Adam Kaplan, SportsGrid’s chief operating officer, acknowledged that the company is delighted to show support for AGA’s initiative. He explained: “SportsGrid’s management is committed to supporting the Code across the marketing and advertising of sports wagering on the company’s multimedia platform to promote sound individual decision making by consumers.”

“The AGA’s responsible marketing code sets important standards for the industry to embrace, and SportsGrid is pleased to endorse this initiative.“

Adam Kaplan, chief operating officer at SportsGrid

The latest announcement by SportsGrid comes after only recently, the company agreed to support AGA’s Have A Game Plan Campaign. Last week, SportsGrid confirmed it will promote the Association’s responsible gambling campaign. At the time, the company confirmed that it will use its app, website, multimedia platform and live programming to help spread the word about AGA’s campaign, encouraging more people to engage in responsible betting entertainment.

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In an effort to clarify its stance on controversial issues and avoid legal entanglements, Valve Corporation has recently made significant updates to the code of conduct for its popular online gaming platform, Steam. 

Valve’s CS:GO Marketplace Sparks Controversy Over Gambling

Valve’s venture into the world of gambling began with the introduction of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and its gun-skin marketplace. Initially, Valve presented the marketplace as a means for players to indulge in the thrill of black market weapons trafficking without any actual illegal implications. However, the system quickly gave rise to controversy as the gambling aspect gained traction, allowing players to convert their virtual items back into real cash.

This unprecedented monetization of in-game items caught the attention of legal experts who argued that similar regulatory frameworks governing traditional sports gambling should be applied to video games. With CS:GO skins attaining substantial value based on the outcomes of professional matches, the industry’s connection to gambling exceeded a staggering $2 billion in 2015 alone.

Valve faced legal challenges attempting to hold the company accountable for its role in facilitating unregulated gambling. However, it successfully emerged victorious from those claims. In a bid to further distance itself from any association with illicit gambling sites and activities, Valve has now explicitly banned gambling on Steam, as reported by Kotaku. This move aims to eliminate any ambiguity surrounding Valve’s involvement and reinforces its commitment to maintaining a safe and ethical gaming environment.

CS:GO Enthusiast Discovers the Gambling Ban Update

The updated code of conduct, spotted by vigilant CS:GO enthusiast xMercy, extends the prohibition on commercial activity to include gambling. Alongside gambling, the list of bannable offenses now encompasses activities such as the buying or selling of Steam accounts, selling gift cards, begging, and posting advertisements. Valve has made it clear that those found in violation of these policies risk having their accounts permanently banned from the platform.

Valve has proven strict with the enforcement of bans and sanctions. Last year Valve was asked to reconsider its sanctions in response to appeals from two coaches regarding the misuse of a CS:GO spectator bug. The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) stated that the combination of ESIC’s and Valve’s sanctions has resulted in unintended disproportionate consequences. However, Valve did not make any adjustments.

By taking this firm stance against gambling, Valve seeks to establish a more robust and regulated gaming ecosystem. The company is actively striving to protect its users from potential risks associated with unregulated gambling and ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all Steam participants. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Valve’s decision to ban gambling on Steam reflects a growing emphasis on responsible practices and the need to adapt to the changing landscape of online gaming.

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