After a series of violations committed by the Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia in connection with sports wagering, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) imposed a fine of $100,000 on the casino operator Stadium Casino RE, LLC. The penalties came after the board accepted a consent agreement presented by its Office of Enforcement Counsel (OEC) during a public meeting.

Live! Casino Staff Fired and Fined for $287K in Illegal Proxy Bets

The offenses centered on several employees from Live! Casino Sportsbook accepting and placing 15 proxy bets amounting to $287,421 over an eight-day period for a customer who was not physically present at the casino. Prohibited by both casino policy and Pennsylvania state regulations, these proxy wagers were made through phone calls. The Gaming Act of the state also makes it illegal to accept bets from any person other than the one making them.

Three sportsbook staff members engaged in accepting and placing such bets have been fired while their licenses to work for casinos were canceled following this breach. The gambler has been prohibited from gambling again anywhere in Pennsylvania after being put under the involuntary exclusion list which is maintained by PGCB.

PGCB Denies Exclusion List Removals, Emphasizes Child Safety in Casino Environments

Apart from addressing issues related to proxy betting, other regulatory concerns were dealt with by the PGCB during the same meeting. Requests for removal from the Involuntary Exclusion List were denied by the board against two persons who had left children unattended while they gambled. This move was aimed at reinforcing protection measures set up by PGCB towards minors’ welfare as well as responsible gambling initiatives.

The PGCB noted: “Actions such as these to deny statewide gambling privileges serve as a reminder that adults are prohibited from leaving minors unattended in the parking lot or garage, a hotel, or other venues at a casino since it creates a potentially unsafe and dangerous environment for the children. To complement the efforts by casinos to mitigate this issue, the Board created an awareness campaign, “Don’t Gamble with Kids”.”

Following the regulatory action, Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia expressed its commitment towards compliance as well transparency stressing the need for training staff on how to identify and prevent proxy wagering while FanDuel which is a partner to Live! Casino has intensified the frequency of training exercises among workers so that they can ensure strict adherence to the laws.In other news, the PGCB fined Wind Creek Bethlehem $125,000 for allowing underage individuals to gamble on the casino floor.

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Online betting has benefitted significantly from improved technology and connectivity. However, as technology, websites, and apps continue to develop, so do the sophisticated techniques that cybercriminals use to hack sites and gain access to sensitive information.

Betting expert Kane Pepi describes the safety and regulation of online casinos as one of the most important factors for consumers to consider when choosing one, especially when seeking alternatives to big names like Stake Casino. Choosing online casinos that hold regulatory licenses ensures they operate in a fair and transparent way. (Source: https://www.valuewalk.com/cryptocurrency/best-stake-casino-alternatives/)

While traditional casinos continue to battle cyber attacks and regularly update security procedures, crypto casinos offer a higher level of security that has seen them grow in popularity in recent years.

The Issues Traditional Online Casinos Face

Traditional casinos require players to provide a lot of sensitive data to prove who they are, that they are old enough to bet in their respective jurisdictions, and to make payments. Having to trust different websites with personal and banking information can be a risk, especially if you do not know the measures the operators are taking to keep it safe.

There are many threats that online casinos face including ransomware, DDoS attacks, phishing scams, data breaches, and account takeovers. These can all lead to the consumer losing personal information which can then be used by the attackers.

Account takeovers can also result in cybercriminals having access to customer funds and loyalty benefits.

Traditional casinos invest millions every year into their defences, and because it is an ongoing threat, the cost will typically be passed on to the customer in one way or another.

The Rise of Crypto Casinos

The online betting industry was one of the first to embrace cryptocurrencies as a payment method, and the two have grown together since then. Dedicated crypto casinos and traditional online casinos that offer crypto as one of a variety of payment methods have broadened their market share and made it easier for people around the world to access their facilities.

Casinos have also introduced crash games to simulate the crypto market and appeal to that customer base.

Blockchain Benefits

Using cryptocurrencies at a casino removes the need for players to provide banking information and, in some cases, personal information. All crypto payments are authorised by the digital asset owner confirming the payment with their private, key. The cryptographic code protects the users’ information and allows them to carry out transactions safely.

All crypto transactions are then stored on the blockchain where they can be seen publicly.

Fair and Transparent

Transaction transparency via blockchain ensures operators conduct their business fairly. It allows independent auditors to check the bets placed and the results, making sure customers have a fair chance of winning.

Immutability

As transactions are added to the blockchain, a network of miners secures and validates transaction data. After the transaction is confirmed, it can no longer be altered.

This adds an extra level of security and transparency to all crypto transactions.

Decentralisation

The benefits of a decentralised currency have helped the offshore online casino industry flourish. UK players looking for casinos not on Gamestop Ltd can easily use licensed sites in other jurisdictions when using cryptocurrency.

Crypto transactions are typically quicker than using traditional payment methods, and customers won’t need to worry about exchange rates. Lower transaction fees can also help consumers save money.

Anonymity

No-KYC casinos are those that don’t require customer verification during the sign-up process. This can be a great option for people who don’t like to leave a trail of online activities and transactions and can also minimise the risk of identity theft and fraud.

Players may be required to disclose some information for larger payouts to ensure the operator complies with anti-money laundering regulations.

The Future of Online Gambling

Cryptocurrency transactions are already up by 12% in the first quarter of 2024 and with the iGaming market projected to continue its growth, this figure could rise.

The security and transparency afforded by crypto use in gambling provide peace of mind and a great structure for the industry to grow.

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Altenar, a leading provider of betting solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with premium eSports betting provider DATA.BET. This collaboration aims to deliver advanced and customizable eSports solutions to globally licensed operators, marking a significant enhancement in Altenar’s service offerings.

Integration of Advanced eSports Solutions

As part of this integration, DATA.BET will supply Altenar with tailored odds and live score feeds from official sources, covering over 30 eSports disciplines and more than 2,000 markets. Managed by a dedicated 24/7 in-house trading team, this partnership introduces advanced features that are set to revolutionize Altenar’s eSports offerings.

The collaboration allows Altenar to provide a wider range of content with exceptional accuracy and reliability. The inclusion of adaptable widgets for popular eSports titles will significantly enhance player engagement and experience. This seamless and rapid content delivery is a testament to Altenar’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the betting industry.

Commitment to Long-term Growth and Innovation

The alliance between Altenar and DATA.BET is more than just a business deal; it represents a shared vision for long-term growth and continued innovation in the eSports sector. By focusing on product personalization, flexibility, and reliability, both companies are dedicated to providing solutions that elevate operators’ businesses.

Stanislav Silin, CEO at Altenar, emphasized the importance of this partnership: “Partnering with DATA.BET underscores our commitment to choosing providers with premium solutions that power our portfolio. Product personalization, flexibility, and reliability are the primary focuses of our company in delivering solutions that elevate operators’ business.”

Enhancing Global Competitiveness

For DATA.BET, this partnership is an opportunity to showcase the potential and technological advancements of the eSports sector on a global scale. Otto Bonning, Head of Sales at DATA.BET, expressed his enthusiasm: “The partnership with Altenar is a great opportunity to demonstrate the potential and technological advancements of the esports sector globally. We appreciate the trust placed in us and continue to enhance the functionality of our solution to strengthen our partners’ competitiveness in the market.”

The collaboration not only boosts the capabilities of both companies but also enhances the overall eSports betting landscape, providing operators with cutting-edge tools to meet the growing demands of the market.

The partnership between Altenar and DATA.BET marks a significant step forward in the evolution of eSports betting. By combining Altenar’s robust platform with DATA.BET’s specialized eSports solutions, operators can now offer their players a more comprehensive and engaging betting experience. This collaboration highlights both companies’ dedication to innovation, excellence, and the continuous improvement of their service offerings.

Source: “Altenar partners with DATA.BET to enhance eSports offering”. Altenar. June 4, 2024.

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North Carolina’s fledgling online sports betting market is off to a robust start, but the prospect of expanding legalized gaming further this year appears increasingly unlikely. Discussions to extend casino gambling in the state have hit a snag, with House Speaker Tim Moore indicating that last year’s legislative deadlock may impede any progress in 2024.

Legislative Stalemate Hinders Casino Expansion

In 2023, efforts to legalize commercial casino gambling, including proposals to install video lottery terminals (VLTs) in various locations such as restaurants and bars, faced significant opposition from members of the Republican party. This opposition has cast a shadow over current discussions about gaming expansion. Moore highlighted that gaming is the primary issue delaying the state’s budget.

“I do think that the conversation last year as it related to casinos has put a shadow over the discussion about updates to the lottery with VLTs and so forth,” Moore told CBS 17.

Moore initially supported Senate President pro tempore Phil Berger’s attempt to add a casino amendment to the state’s 2023-25 budget bill. Berger’s proposal aimed to create gaming licenses for multiple counties and grant casino licenses to The Cordish Companies. Berger argued that these casinos would retain legal gambling revenue within North Carolina, preventing it from flowing into neighboring states like Virginia. Estimates suggested that legalizing VLTs could generate about $1 billion in annual revenue for the state.

Despite public support for casinos, House Republicans were divided, with concerns about the discussions happening behind closed doors without public input. As a result, Moore withdrew his support for the casino bill, and Berger acknowledged in February that he would not pursue casino legislation this year, leaving the decision to the House.

Online Sports Betting Market Thrives

While casino expansion faces obstacles, North Carolina’s new online sports betting market is thriving. Launched in March, the market has seen players place over $1.3 billion in bets. In April, the first full month of operations, operators reported a handle of nearly $650 million, matching the figures from March, with $105 million in gross gaming revenue.

Promotional bets significantly contributed to the market’s early growth. In March, operators distributed over $200 million in bonus bets and promotions, which decreased to below $80 million in April. Overall, the market showed positive month-over-month growth, with sportsbooks generating $105.3 million in gross wagering revenue in April, and netting $171.7 million in revenue since the launch.

Prominent operators like bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, Fanatics Sportsbook and FanDuel are active in the state, each partnered with a professional sports team or venue as required by state regulations. Additionally, Caesars Sportsbook operates through a partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Future Outlook

The North Carolina legislative session extends until July, but forward movement on casino expansion seems unlikely. The success of online sports betting highlights the potential for legalized gaming, yet the legislative hurdles suggest that significant changes to the state’s gaming landscape may remain on hold for now.

Source: “North Carolina casino legalization push hits roadblocks”. SBC Americas. May 28, 2024.

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The Government of Madrid has announced a significant reduction in the number of land-based betting shops within the Spanish autonomous community, with a reported 60% decrease since 2019. The number of betting shops has dropped from 160 in that year to just 64 currently. Additionally, gambling saloons have seen a decreasing trend of 8%.

During a presentation to the plenary session of the Madrid Assembly, Carlos Novillo, the Minister of Environment, Interior, and Agriculture, highlighted the region’s standing in terms of gambling saloons per capita. Madrid ranks 14th out of the 17 autonomous communities and the two autonomous cities in Spain in terms of gambling saloons per 100,000 inhabitants.

Efforts in Regulation and Compliance

Carlos Novillo provided further insights, noting that the Madrid government has conducted an extensive number of inspections to ensure regulatory compliance. In 2023 alone, up to 27,000 inspections were carried out, with an additional 15,000 inspections conducted so far in 2024. These inspections have shown a decreasing balance of sanctions, which Novillo interprets as evidence of the sector’s adaptation and respect for the current regulations.

“The decreasing balance of sanctions indicates that the sector is adapting to regulation and is respecting it,” stated Novillo during his address. He emphasized that the efforts of the regional government to regulate and control the betting and gambling sector are bearing fruit.

Impact on Accessibility and Compliance

The reduction in the number of gambling establishments, alongside the decrease in sanctions, suggests a trend towards greater compliance by operators with the regulations imposed by the regional government. This compliance potentially leads to a decrease in the accessibility of these premises for residents of the Community of Madrid, contributing to a more controlled gambling environment.

Novillo concluded his remarks by reinforcing the positive outcomes of the regulatory measures, stating, “This trend suggests a greater compliance by operators with the regulations imposed, as well as a possible decrease in the accessibility of these premises for residents of the Community of Madrid.”

Additional Context from Regional Data

Supporting the minister’s statements, regional data indicates that the efforts of the Madrid government are effectively managing the gambling landscape. The comprehensive inspections and subsequent reduction in sanctions highlight the commitment to ensuring a responsible and regulated gambling environment.

As the Community of Madrid continues to monitor and regulate the sector, these measures demonstrate a proactive approach to managing the impacts of gambling on its residents. The government’s actions serve as a model for other regions aiming to balance industry growth with social responsibility.

Source: “La Comunidad de Madrid reduce un 60% las casas de apuestas desde 2019”. MadridActual. May 23, 2024.

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In an effort to demonstrate its dedication to maintaining betting integrity, Novibet has officially become a member of the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA).

Novibet holds operating licenses in several countries, including Greece, Malta, Cyprus, Ireland, and Italy, and has expressed interest in obtaining a license in Brazil.

This membership marks Novibet’s inclusion among over 50 companies and 125 sports betting brands within the IBIA, which aims to safeguard regulated sports betting markets against match-fixing and other integrity threats.

Novibet’s entry into the association follows shortly after Latin American betting operator Aposta Ganha joined the IBIA.

Panagiotis Skyrlas, Novibet’s Chief International Expansion Officer, commented: “At Novibet, our dedication to transparency is at the heart of our operations. Joining IBIA is a clear reflection of this dedication as we continuously strive to set new standards for integrity and excellence in the online betting sector.

“By partnering with IBIA, we are reinforcing our vision to maintain the highest standards and to lead by example. We believe that close collaboration with IBIA will further elevate trust and confidence in the industry, ensuring our customers always enjoy a fair and secure betting experience with us.”

IBIA CEO Khalid Ali stated: “Novibet is a well-established name in the sports betting arena, bringing with it a global customer base that will significantly enhance IBIA’s monitoring network. We are thrilled to welcome Novibet to the association and appreciate the operator’s dedication to utilizing the best integrity protection available worldwide for its sports betting products.

“Maintaining product integrity is crucial to our mission, and we look forward to integrating Novibet into our global sports betting integrity monitoring system.”

In related company news, Novibet recently announced a new partnership with W2, making W2 its latest digital compliance partner.

Source: “Novibet joins the IBIA”. Gambling Insider. May 22, 2024.

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In April, the New York State Gaming Commission revealed a robust sports betting handle of nearly $1.97 billion, narrowly missing the $2 billion mark, marking the fourth time in history it came close to this milestone. The impressive figures were partly fueled by revenue collected in the final week of March, which was absorbed into April’s financial records due to the state’s fiscal year starting on April 1st. Consequently, there was a notable 6.2% month-over-month increase in handle from March, a rarity in the industry, accompanied by a 20.6% surge in sports betting revenue, reaching $184 million.

This handle places New York fourth all-time nationally in the post-PASPA era, reaffirming the state’s monopoly on top-10 all-time totals. Similarly, the revenue total ranks fourth overall, with the Empire State claiming eight of the top-10 monthly operator winnings, leaving states like New Jersey and Ohio trailing with just one apiece.

Steady Growth and Revenue Surge

Comparing April 2024 to the same period in 2023, there was a notable 27.1% increase in handle and a 32.1% surge in revenue, showcasing a steady growth trajectory in New York’s sports betting landscape. The total accepted bets through the first four months of 2024 reached $7.57 billion, marking a 14.4% increase from the previous year. Moreover, the near-9% win rate generated $679.6 million in revenue, a substantial 21.1% increase.

The state collected $93.8 million in taxes, with the bulk of it sourced from New York’s nine mobile operators, demonstrating the significant economic contribution of the sports betting industry. Year-to-date, the state’s tax receipts stand at $345.1 million, surpassing last year’s pace by $59.6 million and on track to exceed $1 billion, doubling the initial projections set by former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

FanDuel’s Remarkable Performance

FanDuel showcased an impressive recovery with an 11.7% hold, avoiding its third consecutive month with a sub-10% hold. This achievement is noteworthy, especially considering the challenges faced in the early months of mobile betting in New York. With a win rate of 11.7%, FanDuel amassed $91 million in revenue from $780.5 million worth of wagers, surpassing $1.8 billion in total revenue in the Empire State.

Distinct Performances of Leading Operators

DraftKings witnessed a remarkable 42.7% year-over-year increase in handle, reaching $737 million, while maintaining a solid 8.6% hold, resulting in a substantial revenue of $63.2 million for April. Caesars, however, experienced a decline in market share, with its 8.1% contribution to the total mobile handle marking an all-time low. Despite this, Caesars managed to surpass $400 million in total revenue.

Fanatics Sportsbook, in its first full month as an operator in New York, reported $5.6 million in revenue, setting an all-time high, with a 7.5% hold. Similarly, BetRivers and BetMGM showcased steady performances, contributing to the diverse landscape of sports betting operators in the state.

May’s Promising Start

The first week of May saw a promising surge in sports betting activity, with a combined handle of $484.1 million among the nine mobile operators. DraftKings led the pack with its second-highest week of action, totaling $217.2 million in handle. FanDuel, accounting for more than half of the operator winnings for the week, reported $12.6 million, contributing to the overall positive momentum in New York’s sports betting industry.

Source: “New York Narrowly Misses $2 Billion In Handle for April”. Sports Handle. May 10, 2024.

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The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, the government body in charge of regulating sports betting and gambling in Canada’s most populous province, has ordered all licensed operators in the region to stop offering bets on events organized by the World Boxing Association (WBA).

The measure was due to concerns over the integrity of those events after the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario ruled that boxing matches organized by the WBA do not have adequate safeguards in place when it comes to preventing match fixing and insider betting. This all started after the regulator conducted a thorough review of the wagering activity of a title fight organized by the World Boxing Association.

The respective bout was the one between Yoenis Tellez and Livan Navarro, when the Ontario regulator observed suspicious betting patterns in live bets being placed over five and a half rounds during the match. The bout was observed by two registered independent monitors while the betting activity took place at a registered iGaming operator in the Canadian province.

There were also reports in the media claiming that the manager of Yoenis Tellez placed bets worth 110,000 dollars at a casino in Florida on the match going on for over five and a half rounds. The bet was a winning one as the match went on until the tenth round, when Tellez managed to knock out Navarro.

All Eyes on Insider Betting

The match took place in December 2023 in Florida and that is also when the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario started its review of the matter. One of the conclusions of the respective review was that bets related to boxing matches organized by the WBA don’t meet the current version of the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming. This led to the indefinite suspension of betting on WBA events in Ontario.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario also underlined that its licensed operators were asked to demonstrate that the WBA prohibits betting from insiders and the respective operators were unable to do that. This means that coaches, managers, handlers or medical staff involved with one of the fighters could place bets on the respective matches while having the benefit of knowing non-public information. Moreover, the review found no proof that the World Boxing Association took any action to investigate past allegations of match fixing and insider wagering.

This is not the first time the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario takes such a measure. In December 2022 the regulator ordered licensed operators to stop offering bets on UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) matches following similar concerns over insider betting. That ban lasted just for a few weeks because the UFC then implemented new protocols to prevent insider betting.

Source: “Ontario halts World Boxing Association betting over integrity concerns“. iGaming Business. April 19, 2024.

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Altenar continues to launch customized solutions for sports betting platforms to maintain its leading position in the iGaming and sports betting market. The latest development of three sport betting features offering a range of bet-specific options provides a comprehensive solution for sports betting operators to expand their offerings and take player experience at another level.

Enhanced Sports Betting Options

Indeed, the Bet Boost, Betting Insights, and Bet Mentor features are set to become an integral component of iGaming platform’s user interface through an enhanced monitoring and cross-sales opportunities offered to worldwide platforms and players. Players traditionally engaged with online casinos may get an expanded overview of sports betting options and benefit from their enhanced accessibility using Altenar’s new release of customized developments.

Betting Insight and Suggestions

Therefore the Betting Insights tool includes historical data for specific markets to enable players to avail of the trend pending to the subject market to structure and place their bets. The Bet Mentor component serves as a customer’s vehicle to set the bet amount and specify the amount sought to be won. Players can also take advantage of the respective suggestions based on the statistical data to set the bet.

Bet Boost

The Bet Boost tool is designed to help operators to manage their promotions and betting campaigns in a highly efficient way. The tool will enable operators to particularly enhance the competiveness of their campaigns run ahead of specific events or popular championships. The feature’s visibility is ensured through a variety of front-end options and design solutions, including carousels, event view or overview tools.

Comprehensive Tool Kit

Using the Altenar’s trilling of winning software developments, players can take advantage of the historical data and statistics-based suggestions to tailor their bets or swiftly and easily access betting promotions and campaigns. The operators may benefit from a comprehensive set of tools to drive player engagement provided by the company having been building the reputation of a leading B2B software provider since 2011.

Antonis Karakousis, Director of Operations at Altenar, said: “We are pleased to bring all three of our new add-on widgets to market, offering our operator partners more ways than ever to engage bettors and empower them to make data-driven decisions.

“Data is becoming increasingly important for customers, not just operators, and the insights these tools offer will serve to make Altenar’s partners the most competitive on the market.”

Source: “Altenar releases trio of betting widgets to enhance customer engagement’’. European Gaming. April 18, 2024.

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DraftKings, the famous North American sports betting operator, has launched its online sports betting platform in North Carolina starting on March 11 after having secured a written designation agreement with NASCAR earlier this year.

The respective written designation agreement was necessary for the sports betting operator in order to be allowed to offer its services in the state of North Carolina. The launch marks an important moment for DraftKings as the operator now has its sports betting service available in 27 American states. Moreover, the sports betting website is also available in Ontario, the most populous province in Canada.

North Carolina is a very important state when it comes to sports because it is the home state of most of the NASCAR industry and it also has high-profile professional teams in all the major North American leagues: the National Football League (NFL), the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Hockey League (NHL). Moreover, North Carolina has several universities competing at the Division-I level, attracting plenty of sports fans.

From now on eligible sports fans in the state will be able to place their bets on the DraftKings online sportsbook, which provides a wide range of markets and offerings, including same-game parlays, in-game betting and special odds boosts.

DraftKings underlined that its sportsbook platform in North Carolina is “safe and regulated”, offering plenty of customer protections like deposit and time limits, full access to responsible gaming resources and self-exclusion features. Moreover, DraftKings offers the new “My Stat Sheet” feature, which shows punters the exact amount of time they spent on the sports betting website and also the total amount of deposits made.

Ceremonial First Bet

The launch of legalized mobile sports betting in North Carolina is a memorable occasion and sports fans in the state will most likely remember it for quite some time as Greg Olsen, the legendary Carolina Panthers player, was designated to place a ceremonial first bet.

The event was hosted by the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte and along with Greg Olsen it benefitted from the participation of Zack Hawkins, a North Carolina State Representative Zack Hawkins, and Jeremy Elbaum, the Chief Commercial Officer of DraftKings.

DraftKings started out in 2012 and it was founded by Jason Robins, Matt Kalish and Paul Liberman. The company is headquartered in Boston and it offers online sports betting services and daily fantasy sports products.

Source: “DraftKings Set to Launch Mobile Sports Betting in North Carolina on March 11“, DraftKings. March 7, 2024.

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