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Casino Operators Under Scrutiny as AUSTRAC Orders Compliance Audits
AUSTRAC has instructed The Ville Resort-Casino in Townsville and Mindil Beach Casino Resort in Darwin to appoint external auditors to assess their AML/CTF compliance.
The actions were taken after AUSTRAC identified potential gaps and deficiencies in AML/CTF controls, risk and oversight.
AUSTRAC CEO, Brendan Thomas, said the far-north casinos operate gaming machines and table games which come with an elevated risk. Without adequate controls and monitoring, they can be used for money laundering.
“Although they may be smaller than entities such as Crown Resorts and The Star, like all gambling venues, The Ville and Mindil Beach face heightened risk of exploitation by criminals,” Mr Thomas said.
“AUSTRAC is serious about driving illicit money out of the gambling industry in Australia and making sure businesses that facilitate gambling have strong money laundering controls.
“This action follows major actions we have taken against other casinos, Crown Resorts, Sky City, and The Star and online bookmakers, Entain, Sports bet and Bet 365.
“My message to boards and CEOs of gambling business, including pubs and clubs with gaming machines, is to make sure you comply with Australian money laundering laws and take your responsibility to tackle money laundering seriously; we are watching and we will take further action.
“Money laundering harms our economy and it allows criminals to profit from some of the most awful crimes – we need to stamp it out.”
The auditors will be tasked with assessing both businesses’ compliance with the AML/CTF Act and AML/CTF Rules and will report back to AUSTRAC.
The scope of the audits will include but is not limited to assessing whether each casino is:
• Maintaining an AML/CTF programme that identifies, mitigates and manages money laundering and terrorism financing (ML/TF) risks.
• Undertaking an appropriate ML/TF risk assessment that considers the risk faced by their business, its customer base and the methods by which they deliver their services.
• Ensuring a framework through which boards and senior management have ongoing oversight of the AML/CTF program.
• Appropriately monitoring customers with a view to identifying, mitigating and managing the money laundering or the terrorism financing risks they face.
“Businesses should not be making it easy for criminals to use them for illicit purposes,” said Mr Thomas.
“If you’re properly managing a compliant AML/CTF program, it is going to deter criminal behaviour and help us drive criminal activity out of your industry.”
The scope of the auditor’s examination of each entity is determined by AUSTRAC and will be at The Ville’s and Mindil Beach’s expense. AUSTRAC will assess whether any further regulatory action is required based on the outcomes of the audits.
The post Casino Operators Under Scrutiny as AUSTRAC Orders Compliance Audits appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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City of Sound strikes a golden chord
Play’n GO amplifies its music slot portfolio with City of Sound, a high-energy title that channels the grit and glamour of the Britpop era into a game packed with Gold Records, surprise wins, and headline-worthy features.
City of Sound drops players into the raw, reverb-drenched pulse of 1990s Britpop, telling the story of two brothers with stadium dreams and second-hand gear. From bedrooms plastered in gig posters to arenas soaked in spotlight, this slot captures a scene – and a spirit – where every spin feels like a set closer. With its 5-reel, 25-payline structure and dynamic visuals, it continues Play’n GO’s legacy of music-themed games, joining the likes of NSYNC Pop and KISS Reels of Rock.
Golden vinyl is your currency of fame. Six or more Gold Records trigger the Gold Re-Spins, where each new record resets the count and multiplies the possibilities. The Gold Record Case can land mid-feature to cash in the entire stage’s value instantly – a true headliner moment. Beyond the spotlight, Gold Records build silently in the Gold Record Stack, which can spill into surprise wins when least expected.
Then there’s the Mega Free Spins – five guaranteed spins with a larger-than-life 3×3 Mega Symbol landing in random positions. It’s a feature that doesn’t just echo through the game – it changes the tempo. And when a Mega Gold Record hits? It splits into nine symbols and launches a bonus performance: the Gold Re-Spins within the Free Spins.
Like Lordi Reel Monsters and The Paying Piano Club, City of Sound blends musical flair with bold, engaging mechanics. Fans of Legion Gold Victory! will recognise echoes in the Gold Re-Spins – now tuned to a different genre and turned up to eleven.
Games Ambassador at Play’n GO, Magnus Wallentin, said:“City of Sound captures the swagger and struggle of Britpop in a slot that’s all about big moments and bigger rewards. It’s not just nostalgic – it’s chart-worthy.”
Whether you lived through the Britpop era or just spin the vinyl, City of Sound delivers a reel experience worth turning up for.
The post City of Sound strikes a golden chord appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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SOFTSWISS Sportsbook Rolls Out Powerful API 2.0
SOFTSWISS, a leading global tech company providing software for the iGaming industry, has introduced API 2.0 to its Sportsbook, unlocking faster, simpler and more flexible integrations. The update reduces integration time for clients and enables seamless onboarding of new features, all while supporting broad compatibility across diverse technologies and platforms.
The updated transactional process in API 2.0 removes the need for multiple technical connection points (endpoints), replacing them with just two essential ones. This makes it significantly easier and faster for platforms to connect to the Sportsbook – instead of managing complex bet details, they simply handle balance updates, while the Sportsbook manages the full betting flow. As a result, integration becomes quicker, more reliable, and more cost-efficient.
Another key benefit is that API 2.0 picks up new Sportsbook features automatically, without requiring any changes in the client’s code. That means new tools and functionality can be rolled out instantly, without additional effort from the client’s development team. The API also follows one unified structure that works for any platform, so there is no need to build separate versions for different partners. This simplifies technical maintenance and helps clients scale faster.
Alexander Kamenetskyi, Head of SOFTSWISS Sportsbook, comments: “We’ve built API 2.0 to be as open and adaptable as possible. It’s now easier than ever to integrate our Sportsbook into any casino platform – no matter how it’s structured. By simplifying the contract and making metadata handling optional, we empower our clients to focus on wallet processing while we take care of everything else. That’s the strength of this solution – it’s plug-and-play but powerful.”
API 2.0 offers greater flexibility by allowing platforms to customise the integration based on their specific needs – for example, by showing or hiding certain data fields. This means the Sportsbook can easily adapt to different frontends and wallet systems, even those that do not have built-in support for sports betting. The updated setup also ensures smoother and more stable integrations, with automatic checks to catch issues early. Looking ahead, partners will be able to test everything themselves through a simple interface and get instant feedback, making the onboarding process even faster.
The API launch follows recent accolades for the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook. The platform was recognised as the Innovation of the Year at the Sports Betting East Africa Summit and was named Best Sports Betting Provider in the Nordics at the Baltic and Scandinavian Gaming Awards 2025, affirming its leadership in product excellence and market adaptability.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 30,000 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS Sportsbook Rolls Out Powerful API 2.0 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Colin Webster (right) seen here receiving an award from His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed al Maktoun (left) in 2019, has again set a precedent in the esports community by highlighting the importance of all roles that contribute to the ecosystem.
Colin Webster, President of Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA), has announced a significant policy change: shout-casters will now be included as official support staff within the national esports squad and will be eligible to receive Protea Colours.
This development acknowledges the vital role shout-casters play in enhancing the visibility and professionalism of esports events. However, it must be noted that such shout-casters must be fully-paid-up members of a club affiliated to MSSA.
Shout-casters Recognized as National Support Staff
By integrating shout-casters into the national team framework, MSSA ensures that these professionals are formally recognized for their contributions. This inclusion not only validates their efforts but also aligns with MSSA’s commitment to fostering a comprehensive and inclusive esports environment.
Eligibility for Protea Colours
With this policy update, shout-casters who meet the necessary criteria and are selected as part of the national squad’s support staff will be awarded Protea Colours. This honour places them alongside players and coaches in representing South Africa on the international esports stage, reflecting their integral role in the team’s success.
Impact on South African Esports
This move by MSSA sets a precedent in the esports community, highlighting the importance of all roles that contribute to the ecosystem. By recognizing shout-casters, MSSA not only boosts morale among these professionals but also encourages higher standards and dedication, ultimately enhancing the quality and reach of South African esports.
For more information and updates, you can visit MSSA’s official Facebook page or their Instagram profile.
The post appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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