Neves Gaming Authority (NGA) Act, 2025

(1) This Act may be cited as the Neves Gaming Authority (NGA) Act, 2025.

(2) This Act shall come into operation on such date as may be appointed by Order of the Sovereign Oversight Authority and published in the Official Gazette.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—

1. “Authority” means the Neves Licensing Authority;
2. “NGA license” means a license issued by the Authority under this Act in relation to gaming activity;
3. “NGA licensee” means a person who holds an NGA license;
4. “gaming” includes betting, wagering, casino-style games, lotteries, fantasy contests, esports betting and such other activities as may be prescribed;
5. “remote gaming” means gaming conducted through the internet or other electronic communication systems;
6. “platform” means a technical system or environment used to offer gaming services to players;
7. “player” means a person who participates in gaming offered by an NGA licensee.

(1) This Act applies to any person who operates, manages or controls gaming services in or from Neves, or who holds themselves out as doing so, unless exempted by rules or Orders made under this Act.

(2) The Authority may issue guidance clarifying when a gaming activity is regarded as being conducted “in or from Neves”.

(1) NGA licenses shall be organised into such families or classes of activity as may be specified by rules or Orders made under this Act, reflecting the nature and risk of the underlying gaming services.

(2) Without limiting subsection (1), NGA license families may cover—

1. remote casino and interactive games;
2. sports betting and esports wagering;
3. lottery, instant win and number games;
4. fantasy contests and pooled prize competitions;
5. platform supply and managed services;
6. such other gaming-related activities as may be specified by rules or Orders.

(1) The Schedule to this Act or rules or Orders made under it may specify which activities constitute regulated gaming for the purposes of this Act.

(2) A person who carries on a regulated gaming activity without an NGA license, or without being exempt, commits a contravention and may be subject to sanctions as may be prescribed.

(1) No person shall operate or promote a gaming service in or from Neves unless that person holds an NGA license or is otherwise exempt in accordance with this Act.

(2) NGA licensees shall clearly disclose their licensing status and license number on their primary website, platform and player-facing channels.

(1) In considering an application for an NGA license, the Authority shall have regard to such criteria as may be prescribed, including—

1. fitness and propriety of controllers, directors, key persons and significant shareholders;
2. adequacy of financial resources and the proposed capital structure;
3. robustness of platform integrity, game fairness and technical controls;
4. policies on AML/CFT, responsible gaming and player protection;
5. arrangements for complaint handling, dispute resolution and segregation of player funds where applicable.

(2) The Authority may refuse an application where it is not satisfied that the licensing criteria are met.

(1) NGA licensees shall ensure that persons performing critical functions—such as compliance, risk, operations, technology and finance—are fit and proper and have appropriate competence and experience.

(2) The Authority may require approval or notification of appointments to designated key person roles.

(1) Where an NGA licensee relies on third-party technical or game providers, it shall ensure that such providers meet standards prescribed by the Authority.

(2) The Authority may require certification, testing or approval of platforms, game engines and random number generators used for gaming conducted in or from Neves.

(1) NGA licensees shall implement measures to protect players, including clear terms and conditions, transparent game rules, and accessible customer support.

(2) Marketing and promotional materials shall be fair, not misleading and consistent with responsible gaming principles.

(1) Games offered by NGA licensees shall be designed and operated so that outcomes are fair, random where appropriate, and not manipulated.

(2) The Authority may prescribe standards or require certification to ensure fairness and integrity of games and systems.

(1) NGA licensees shall implement responsible gaming measures, which may include self-exclusion tools, deposit and loss limits, time-out features and access to information on gaming risks.

(2) The Authority may issue rules and guidance on minimum responsible gaming standards and indicators of potential harm.

(1) NGA licensees shall put in place effective age verification and other measures to prevent underage gambling.

(2) Marketing shall not target minors or other vulnerable groups, and imagery or messaging shall be consistent with responsible gaming principles.

(1) NGA licensees shall comply with the AML/CFT & Financial Crime Prevention Act, 2025 and any rules or guidance issued thereunder, in addition to their obligations under this Act.

(2) Gaming operators shall implement risk-based controls to detect and prevent money laundering, terrorist financing and related illicit activity, including suspicious transaction reporting where applicable.

(1) The Authority shall oversee NGA licensees for compliance with this Act and any rules made under it, on a risk-sensitive basis.

(2) For that purpose, the Authority may conduct inspections, review systems and controls, and require information and documents from licensees.

(1) Where the Authority identifies deficiencies, breaches or threats to player protection or the reputation of Neves, it may impose remedial measures or administrative sanctions, including—

1. directions to remedy specific issues within a stated period;
2. restrictions on product offerings, markets or channels;
3. administrative penalties and public statements;
4. suspension, variation or revocation of an NGA license in serious cases.

(2) Sanctions shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.

(1) NGA licensees shall maintain procedures for handling player complaints in a fair, transparent and timely manner.

(2) The Authority may establish mechanisms for the escalation of unresolved disputes or systemic issues, including direct reporting channels for players.

A person aggrieved by a specified decision of the Authority under this Act may appeal to such body or tribunal as may be designated by law, in accordance with procedures prescribed by rules made under this Act.

The Authority may, with the approval of the Sovereign Oversight Authority where required, issue rules, codes of practice and technical standards for the better implementation of this Act, including detailed NGA licensing rules, technical requirements and responsible gaming codes.

(1) Existing gaming operators linked to Neves may be brought within the scope of this Act under transitional arrangements specified by the Authority.

(2) The Authority may grant transitional periods for compliance with new requirements, subject to safeguards to protect players and the reputation of Neves.