The Betting and Gaming Council has urged the British government to “honor its commitments” on frictionless financial risk checks. This follows a recent announcement that the Petitions Committee will discuss the issue.

In 2023, Nevin Truesdale, CEO of the Jockey Club, launched a petition against the affordability checks, arguing that they are discriminatory and harmful. According to him, the measure would make betting unsustainable for many people, forcing them to go to the black market.

Truesdale’s petition eventually surpassed its target goal of 100,000 signatures. As a result, the Petitions Committee confirmed that a debate will be held on February 26.

In the wake of this announcement, the BGC praised Truesdale’s petition. The council reiterated its support for “frictionless, enhanced spending checks online.” According to the body, such measures must target people who exhibit signs of harm, allowing swift intervention.

However, the council also agrees that this measure must be truly frictionless and must not interfere with the vast majority of gamblers who play safely and responsibly.

Dugher Praised Truesdale’s Initiative

Michael Dugher, the BGC’s chief executive officer, weighed in on the matter, saying that the Parliament must honor its commitment to make the checks truly frictionless.

At the BGC we supported enhanced checks for online gambling, but have been clear throughout that checks should be carefully targeted on those showing signs of problem gambling, or those who are at risk of harm, so operators can use technology to take swift action.

Michael Dugher, CEO, BGC

Dugher pointed out that a vast majority of punters in the UK have made it clear that they will not submit to intrusive checks. Since many players play safely and responsibly, the government must be careful not to drive them to the unregulated black market, the BGC CEO said. Dugher added that his team is closely working with the UK Gambling Commission to make sure that there would be a proper pilot before a permanent change is introduced.

In the meantime, Dugher congratulated Nevin Truesdale for helping to secure an “important parliamentary debate.”

Nevin Truesdale and his team have injected a much-needed dose of common sense. Too often, the debate around gambling has been dominated by a handful of out-of-touch anti-gambling prohibitionists whose enthusiasm for draconian changes would wreck great British sports like racing.

Michael Dugher, CEO, BGC

The BGC CEO added that blanket measures would endanger the British gambling sector. This sector, he reminded, contributes £7.1 billion (roughly $9 million) to the economy a year, generates £4.2 billion ($5.3 billion) in tax and supports some 110,000 jobs.

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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (AMCA) has issued a formal warning to Best Bookies’ Price over the latter company’s unlicensed wagering products. While not an operator in the traditional sense, Best Bookies’ had functionalities that placed bets on behalf of its customers.

Best Bookies is an online service that allows gamblers to compare betting odds across licensed betting operators in Australia. Thanks to this, customers can find the best betting offerings through a single account.

While Best Bookies is focused exclusively on licensed betting sites, the platform placed bets on behalf of its customers, which, according to the ACMA, constitutes a gambling service. The authority justified its claim with the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) which classifies such offerings as gambling.

Best Bookies Was Approved by Its State Regulator but Lacked a Gambling License

The Australian regulator released a statement on the matter, explaining the situation. The ACMA pointed out that Best Bookies had secured authorization from the relevant state-based regulator to offer its products. Despite that, the company lacked the necessary wagering license to offer products that are considered to constitute gambling under the IGA.

The ACMA reiterated its statement that the betting service offered by Best Bookies constituted a gambling service offered to Australian-based consumers, meaning that the product violates Australia’s laws.

These types of services must not be provided to customers physically present in Australia if the provider of the service does not hold a licensee (however described) under a law of a State or Territory that authorizes the provision of that kind of service in the State or Territory.

ACMA statement

Following ACMA’s warning, Best Bookies ceased offering the services in question.

The ACMA’s War on Illegal Gambling Continues

In the meantime, the ACMA continues to vigilantly protect the Australian market from unlicensed companies. The regulator has been periodically ordering internet service providers to block sites that have been trying to circumvent Australia’s gambling laws.

The latest ban wave saw the ACMA order the ban of Viperspin, Just Casino, Betandplay, Play Fina, and Comic Play Casino, which had been operating in breach of the IGA.

The previous months also saw the regulator crack down on illegal gambling operators, leading to the bans of multiple other websites.

In May, the ACMA appealed to Curaçao’s gambling regulator, asking it for help in the fight against Curaçao-based offshore operators that target the Australian gaming market. The move was in line with ACMA’s desire to explore regulatory collaboration with overseas gambling regulators – a topic that was discussed in depth by Tim Miller at the recent G2E convention.

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Gambling addiction in Australia is recognized as a serious public health issue. With pokies available on every corner in bustling cities and easy access to online gambling, each month, hundreds of millions of dollars are lost to gambling. Amid the growing concerns about the negative impact of problem gambling, lawmakers in New South Wales and Victoria initiated changes to the gambling regulations that seek to protect consumers.

Now, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), the regulatory body in charge of gambling in the state, announced new requirements impacting the deals between sports clubs and online gambling operators. The Commission urged sporting clubs that offer incentives for their members by teaming up with online wagering operators to discontinue such agreements.

The gambling watchdog said that it was able to identify some sporting clubs that have signed agreements with online betting operators offering different financial incentives for members that engage in gambling activities. Additionally, the Commission said that some sporting clubs benefit from different incentives that are determined by the spending of their clients.

“The VGCCC is aware that some online wagering providers are entering into sponsorship agreements with sporting clubs to induce their members to create accounts with the provider by linking financial incentives to each member of the club that signs up. Clubs are sometimes given additional incentives based on the spend by their members,“

reads a statement released by the VGCCC

Inducements Are in Breach of the Gambling Regulations

In its latest announcement, the VGCCC said that sporting clubs need to be really careful with gambling sponsorships and incentivizing members, especially considering that there are underage members. The commission urged sporting clubs to avoid such partnerships with gambling companies, claiming that they may result in harm to their members.

“The VGCCC demands wagering service providers cease promoting their products in this manner as they may be in breach of legislation by doing so, in addition to being inconsistent with their social license to minimize harm,“

added the VGCCC

It also demanded betting service providers stop promoting their services to sporting clubs in such a way. According to the VGCCC, online betting companies must adhere to the established regulations and follow the social rules that seek to minimize harm. Moreover, it said that online betting providers that offer “any credit, voucher, reward, or other benefit as an incentive to open an account or refer another person to open an account” are breaching Section 4.1.10 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003.

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Several years ago, Australia implemented tough rules against illegal offshore gambling websites. Since then, the country’s regulatory body responsible for the regulation of telecommunications, broadcasting and radiocommunications, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), has been constantly monitoring the online gambling sector and enforcing bans against operators that were found to offer their services illegally.

On Wednesday this week, the Authority urged internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to more illegal offshore gambling websites. This time, ACMA asked ISPs to block access to websites that included Play AUD and Crown Pokies.

Prior to calling for the ban, ACMA conducted investigations into the operation of the aforementioned websites. Consequently, the regulatory agency explained that the two websites offered their services in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and urged access to their websites to be restricted.

“Australian internet service providers (ISPs) have been requested to block access to more illegal offshore gambling websites including Crown Pokies and Play AUD. These services have been found to be in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 following investigations by the ACMA,“

reads a statement released by the Australian Communications and Media Authority

The Authority reminded customers that using illegal gambling websites poses a risk to their personal data and funds. This is because users of offshore or illegal operators are not protected by Australian laws.

Additionally, ACMA warned that illegal providers may withhold winnings. The regulatory watchdog explained that a full list of the licensed online gambling providers can be found on its website. It also encouraged users to report illegal gambling providers.

The Authority Continues to Monitor the iGaming Market

Since 2017 when ACMA started enforcing the new rules against illegal offshore gambling operators, more than 210 such companies voluntarily withdrew their services from the market.

Still, the Authority continues to monitor the iGaming sector and only recently, requested ISPs to block four illegal gambling websites. Earlier this summer, in June, ACMA urged internet service providers to ban access to 12 illegal offshore websites. The proactive measures taken by the Authority are effective and since it started monitoring the online gambling sector, to date, it has banned more than 820 illegal gambling affiliates and online gambling websites.

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Belgium’s Gambling Commission, the Kansspelcommissie (KSC), has reminded licensed operators that they must warn customers of the dangers of gambling across all of their communications.

The move follows a recent ban on gambling advertising in the country, barring operators from freely promoting their products. The drastic measures kicked off on July 1, imposing a blanket ban on ads.

Now, the KSC has contacted its licensees, reminding them that all their communications and messages visible to the customers must contain mandatory preventive messages. The messages must highlight the addictive nature of gambling and remind players to play in moderation.

In addition to that, as per Article 25 of the Royal Decree, gambling operators in Belgium must also reference the country’s self-exclusion program, Stopoptijd, across their messaging.

Article 25 of this Royal Decree states that the preventive message referred to in Article 20 must currently contain the following message: “Gambling can be addictive. Stop in time! More info at www.stopoptijd.be.”

KSC statement

The Strict Rules Seek to Mitigate Gambling Harm

Belgium introduced its blanket ban on ads amid concerns about gambling harm. The changes, first introduced by Belgium’s Minister of Justice, Vincent Van Quickenborne, seek to curb problem gambling and reduce Belgians’ exposure to gambling products.

Gambling and betting organizations tried to counteract the ban by launching a number of lawsuits but failed to prevent the new laws from getting passed.

The full ban is expected to be enforced from July 2025 and will ban partnerships between sports betting companies and sports organizations as well. The grace period was provided so that existing sponsorships can expire before the new rules come into force.

Finally, the Royal Decree raised the legal age for gambling from 18 to 21 years, in line with the required age for other verticals such as bingo and betting.

Belgium Still Attractive to Betting Companies

Despite the strict new rules, Belgium remains an attractive market for sports betting companies and suppliers, as attested by a number of recent deals.

Last month, Betsson announced its foray into the country through a €120 million acquisition of betFIRST, a leading local gaming and betting operator.

Peppermill Casino, on the other hand, just added content from Pragmatic Play, diversifying its offering and boosting the supplier’s presence in the country.

At the beginning of this month, Belgium’s competitions authority objected to a horse racing distribution agreement between Ladbrokes and Pari-Mutuel Urbain that could hurt competition in the country.

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The Directorate General of Gaming (DGOJ), Spain’s national regulator, has launched a public consultation on the data requirements needed to update its monitoring framework. The industry will have around two months to express its thoughts on the matter.

The DGOJ is looking to introduce further changes to the Spanish regulatory landscape, as required by new Royal Decrees on safer gambling. Until September 7, industry stakeholders and the public can express their thoughts on the matter and provide feedback to the authority.

The regulator needs to amend how data is regulated in order to enhance the information monitoring system and prevent gambling harm. Under the latest Royal Decree, all Spanish operators must adopt sufficient monitoring and record-keeping protocols to protect gamblers from harm. In addition, companies will be required to keep risk profiles of customers of consumers under 25.

The new rules seek to shield young adults from the dangers of problem gambling. Since people aged 18-25 are considered to be very vulnerable to gambling harm, Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs wants companies to be extra careful with such demographics.

Online gambling will have to implement the new know-your-customer requirements in H2, paving the way to a safer gambling ecosystem.

Spain’s New Safer Gaming Measures Should Be Implemented by 2024

Spain approved the Royal Decree on Responsible Gaming Environments in March. The decree outlines a number of safer gambling measures that will be gradually implemented in the country.

In addition to closely monitoring the activity of young players, the Decree prevents operators from targeting young people with promotional offers and bonuses. The Decree furthermore requires companies to intervene within 72 hours when harmful activities are detected. Failure to comply with these rules can earn gambling companies fines of up to €50 million.

The DGOJ hopes to fully implement all the requirements outlined in the Decree by 2024.

Spain is known as one of the strictest gambling jurisdictions in Europe because of its refusal to compromise with the safety of its citizens. As a result, companies in Spain must abide by strict rules, lest they risk problems with the DGOJ.

In the meantime, the DGOJ is working on a cross-operator deposit limit system which it believes to be crucial for the safety of the market. As its name implies, the system would introduce self-control tools that apply to all legal platforms, encouraging players to play safely.

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In July 2022, the Honourable Brian Martin, an officer of the Order of Australia and King’s Counsel, was put in charge of reviewing SkyCity Adelaide’s suitability to preserve its monopoly casino license.  

Now, commissioner Martin has sent a direct notice to SkyAdelaide using Section 10 part of the Gambling Administration Act 2019, asking them to name a qualified independent suitability expert. 

Commissioner Martin’s Review, Put on Hold

The commissioner’s independent review initiated last July under section 22(2) of the Casino Act 1997 was also aimed at determining whether SkyCity should continue its collaboration with SkyCity Adelaide Pty Limited. 

On February 6, the Consumer and Business Services, which is South Australia’s gaming regulator, informed SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited that Martin’s review was put on hold. 

This was due to the pending resolution of the civil penalty proceedings that had been filed by the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Center against the premiere casino located on the banks of the River Torrens in December 2022. 

After closely considering his next action while his review was on hold, commissioner Martin finally sent a notice to SkyAdelaide, urging them to appoint a qualified independent suitability expert. 

The expert would have to receive the approval of the same South Australian Liquor and Gambling Commissioner.

What Will the Independent Expert Do?

The independent expert will be responsible for revising and amending SkyCity Adelaide’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing programs while supervising the implementation of the responsibility enhancement programs. 

The appointed expert will also need to conduct similar procedures related to the minimization of gambling harm and report back to the commissioner to inform him of the latest updates.

According to a statement issued by SkyCity, the decision should offer an “independent perspective” of the casino’s AML and counter-terrorism financing programs while adding an additional layer of assurance.

The Auckland-based group, one of Australasia’s top entertainment and gaming companies, also stated they would keep working with Consumer and Business Services and comply with any additional information and document requests.

At the moment, SkyCity Adelaide represents Adelaide’s 10^th largest employer, injecting approximately $30 million into the state on a yearly basis each with the help of its staff that consists of more than 1,000 members. 

Since it was built almost four decades ago, SkyCity Adelaide has continued to go through essential upgrades to guarantee it remains “the most exciting entertainment venue in Adelaide.”

The publicly-listed SkyCity Entertainment Group currently employs more than 3,400 people in Australia and New Zealand. The group is also the owner and operator of a series of casinos in Queenstown, Hamilton, and Auckland.

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Winning a jackpot is always exciting, regardless of how big the payout is. While there are a lucky few to take home a hefty jackpot prize, is there a chance to win a jackpot that is so big that you cannot even read out loud the number? Judging by a new viral video on TikTok, apparently, sometimes a jackpot can be as much as an 18-figure number.

The video was released last week, by an online user nicknamed “djbabycakezzz” and quickly gained hundreds of thousands of views, comments and likes. It showed a woman that played on what appears to be a video craps machine. The lucky woman, judging by what is seen in the video, hit the jackpot of the game.

Strangely enough, the jackpot sum displayed on the screen was something that likely no one has ever seen before $184,467,440,737,095,488.00 or a sum surpassing quadrillion dollars. The online user tagged Sycuan Casino Resort, a popular resort located in San Diego, California, as the location where the jackpot was hit.

Jackpot May Be the Result of Glitch, Malfunction

Undoubtedly, it would be exciting to hit a jackpot that is literally an unlimited amount of money, which is what happened to “djbabycakezzz.” Sadly, there’s no casino in the world that can make such a payout nor any casino that offers quadrillion-dollar jackpots, which leads to the conclusion that the video craps machine glitched or encountered some type of malfunction. It’s important to mention that no data suggests that an error or malfunction occurred, but given the number displayed on the screen, this is likely the case.

Earlier this week, Sycuan Casino Resort posted on Facebook a celebratory message congratulating the jackpot winners from last week. Some 40 people hit different jackpots at the casino that were in the range of $5,000 to $25,000.

It’s no surprise that Sycuan Casino didn’t mention the quadrillion-dollar jackpot given that it was likely due to a malfunction. If indeed this was the case, there’s a high chance the visitor that hit that jackpot left home without anything, given that most casinos have strict policies that void bets or wins that are the result of an error or a malfunction. Yet, an official statement on the case from Sycuan Casino as of Friday was not released.

The viral video got the attention of many users online some of which claimed that casinos pay out nothing in case of such glitches or malfunctions. Others found the video quite funny with one user nicknamed EJ Controy writing: “She literally won the entire Universe.” Some joked that the lucky lady won an amount of money that doesn’t even exist currently.

The post Woman Wins 18-Figure Video Craps Jackpot, Asks for the Rules appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has asked unlicensed operators to self-report their activity. This refers to companies that hold a license in European jurisdictions but are not licensed by the MGA. The regulator implied that it might be much more lenient to companies that decide to come forward.

MGA Asks Unlicensed Operators to Come Forward

As outlined in Regulation 22 of the Gaming Authorizations Regulations (S.L. 583.05), all entities that offer licensable games either in or from Malta and do not possess a license to do so should contact the authority.

The MGA pointed out that its appeal concerns companies that are licensed in a country that is a member state of the European Union or is a part of the European Economic Area. The appeal also concerns any operators that might offer customer safeguards that correspond to Maltese standards.

Such companies should apply for a recognition notice, the MGA concluded, basically asking companies to apply for a license if they are to continue offering their products in or from Malta.

The Operator Will Keep Self-Reported Companies in Mind

Gambling operators have until April 14 this year to comply with this call and self-report their activities. The MGA expects such companies to come forward and detail their administrative non-compliance.

The regulator concluded that it will make sure to be less harsh toward companies that have self-reported their unlicensed activities when taking action against unlicensed gambling.

The Authority shall consider this act of disclosure when meeting out any ensuing administrative decision in this regard.

MGA statement

The MGA noted that any entities wishing to learn more about the self-reporting scheme should contact the regulator. Unlicensed companies seeking to open a new page can connect with the MGA and learn more about the process by contacting the authority at [email protected]

The MGA Recently Updated Its Player Protection Directive

In other Malta-related news, the regulator introduced changes to its Player Protection Directive a month ago. The MGA based the amendments on feedback received through a dedicated consultation process and required licensed companies to monitor markers of harm.

In short, the MGA wants companies to keep track of their players’ behavior and intervene when a customer exhibits signs of problem gambling. Tracking suspicious activity may also help the MGA prevent monetary fraud such as money laundering.

The changes came into power on January 12, 2023. The move demonstrated the authority’s dedication to safe and responsible gambling and, according to the announcement, paved the way for further framework updates and improvements.

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