The American Gaming Association (AGA) has expressed its support for a new law designed to stop human trafficking. 

New Law Aims to Certify Businesses in Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention

The Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act, introduced by Congressmen David Valadao of California and Troy Carter of Louisiana, seeks to create a certification program under the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign. This will certify employers who teach their staff how to spot and fight against human trafficking.

Bill Miller, AGA President and CEO, said: “Businesses across hospitality, entertainment and transportation have a responsibility to bolster the front lines in the fight against human trafficking and the gaming industry is wholly committed to this imperative. The AGA thanks Reps. Valadao and Carter for their commitment to combating this detestable crime and for recognizing businesses that share this commitment.”

Congressman Valadao pointed out that California has the highest number of reported cases related to human trafficking in America. He emphasized the importance of training workers employed in key industries with skills necessary for detection and intervention concerning this crime. 

Valado further stated that often employees working within hospitality, entertainment or transportation are among the first people who come across situations involving trafficking and their attentiveness can save lives. Thus, the congressman called on all government levels to unite efforts towards raising awareness about and combating the growing threat posed by this type of offense.

Congressman Calls for Action Against Human Trafficking in Major Tourist Destinations

Congressman Carter noted New Orleans’ status as one of the major tourist destinations in the US which unfortunately also serves as a hotbed for human slavery rings.

Carter further added: “This initiative honors the commitment of businesses actively working to combat these crimes and encourages more companies to join the cause. We must do everything in our power to prevent the sale and transportation of human lives.”

The proposed law directs the DHS to establish a Blue Campaign Certification Program which will grant yearly recognition to employers that adequately educate their workers on human trafficking awareness. Those businesses that join will get a completion certificate showing their fight against the vice.

Also, within two years of the implementation of this act, DHS must submit an assessment report about its impact and progress.In this regard, AGA has always been ahead of others. It launched an online training program in January 2024 together with RG24seven Virtual Training.

This initiative, rolled out during Human Trafficking Prevention Month, offers free training for gaming industry employees. It contains educative videos and quizzes followed by a recognized certificate once one completes them successfully.

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At the heart of Las Vegas, the International Problem Gambling Center is tackling gambling addiction with an innovative approach: intensive cognitive therapy designed to uncover and address the deep-seated emotional triggers that drive compulsive gambling.

The Program Uncovers the Roots of Gambling Addiction Through Cognitive Therapy

The program offered by The International Problem Gambling Center includes intensive cognitive therapy sessions led by Stephanie Goodman, reported The Las Vegas Review-Journal. Over six weeks, they put participants through their paces with counseling and group talks focusing on what really drives someone to gamble so much. 

While most Nevadans are not long-term problem gamblers according to Goodman – who says around 6% struggle significantly – she also emphasizes that people should see gambling addiction as a serious mental health issue instead of just a lack of self-control.

The stigma associated with gambling addiction often leads to societal dismissal, making it harder for individuals to seek and receive necessary help. Goodman stresses that like any addiction, gambling addiction requires comprehensive treatment and societal understanding. 

Dr. Kobie West, the center’s assistant clinical director, explains that the program has chosen cognitive therapy as its main treatment since no pharmacological remedy is known. This kind of therapy looks at what makes people gamble in terms of emotional triggers and traumas that they have not resolved as gambling addicts are using betting as an escape from them. It also enables addicts to realize and deal with their past griefs, traumas, or other major life events that might have led them into addiction.

Holistic Therapy Approach Yields High Success Rates for Gambling Addicts

The center’s new approach involves individual counseling sessions along with group activities among the patients where they talk about their problems related to this disorder. The idea behind this strategy is to help these individuals find healthier alternatives for dealing with their emotions instead of engaging in destructive behaviors like gambling. 

For example, therapists may use a technique called “pizza pie”, an analogy which means asking an addict what his life would be like if he did not gamble anymore thus indicating how important it is that he or she fills up all those hours spent on betting with positive actions.

The effectiveness of the center’s approach is notable, with a recovery rate significantly higher than the national average. Goodman notes that while only 8-10% of problem gamblers typically remain in recovery after a year, the center boasts a 44% success rate, which increases to 98% for those who continue with follow-up sessions. The program of the center is a light in the dark for those who have an addiction to gambling.

According to Goodman, participating actively in the process of getting better and wanting it enough is what it takes to beat gambling addiction. The stories that show how successful the center’s methods can also reveal just how difficult this type of addiction is to beat without treating every aspect of a person’s life affected by the problem.

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In a significant move to bolster the integrity of sports betting, the General Directorate for the Regulation of Gambling in Spain has mandated that all licensed gaming operators involved in horseracing or sports betting must join the Global Betting Market Investigation Service (SIGMA). Effective from 28 June 2024, this new requirement is designed to prevent and combat fraud and manipulation within the sports betting industry.

Initiative to Safeguard Sports Integrity

The primary mission of SIGMA is to protect the sanctity of sports by eliminating fraudulent practices that undermine fair play and equity. This initiative has received backing from several key organizations, including the Higher Sports Council, the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the Professional Football League, the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation, and the Association of Spanish Footballers. Law enforcement agencies such as the National Police, the Civil Guard, and the Ertzaintza are actively participating in this effort.

According to the new directive, gaming operators must promptly report any irregular or suspicious betting activities to SIGMA. This encompasses any actions that may suggest fraudulent behavior. Furthermore, operators must supply any additional information necessary to investigate these alerts thoroughly. This resolution marks a proactive step by the General Directorate for the Regulation of Gambling to strengthen the fight against corruption in sports.

Enhanced Transparency and Security in Betting

The Directorate aims to foster a more transparent and secure betting environment by integrating licensed operators into SIGMA. This integration is expected to significantly enhance the ability to detect and address fraudulent activities, thereby promoting a fair and equitable sports betting landscape.

In related news, the Flutter Foundation, a non-profit organization supported by Flutter Entertainment, has recently expanded its operations to Spain. The Foundation’s mission is to promote inclusion and well-being in the lives of disadvantaged communities, further underscoring the industry’s commitment to social responsibility and ethical practices.

Source:

Spanish gambling operators join initiative to combat sports betting fraud, gamblinginsider.com, July 1, 2024.

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A recent report from Queen Mary University of London sheds light on the pivotal role financial institutions can play in preventing significant financial harm arising from problem gambling. As more individuals seek help for gambling-related issues, the study emphasizes the unique position banks hold in identifying and mitigating gambling-related harms.

Financial Institutions Can Be the First Line of Defense

The research, conducted by the Multi-disciplinary Research Hub on the Prevention of Gambling Harms, reveals that approximately 44% of the UK population engaged in gambling in the year leading up to March 2023. While gambling can be a form of entertainment, it can escalate into a problem for some, resulting in severe financial and mental health issues and an increased risk of criminal involvement.

Some of the report’s highlights include innovative approaches financial institutions can adopt to support individuals affected by gambling-related harms. Dr. Janelle Jones, senior lecturer in Social Psychology at Queen Mary University of London, underscored the personal consequences of problem gambling, noting that financial institutions like banks had the perfect tools to enhance existing prevention and treatment measures.

Banks, with their unique position and access to transactional and behavioral data, can effectively identify and assist customers in recognizing and addressing their gambling-related issues early.

Dr. Janelle Jones, Queen Mary University of London senior lecturer in Social Psychology

According to the document, banks can implement measures like gambling blocks to identify and assist customers in recognizing early signs of gambling-related issues. Such institutions can conduct spending analyses to monitor transaction patterns and identify irregularities. Banks can then engage in active communication with customers, facilitating early intervention by addressing gambling-related issues.

Collaboration with Other Stakeholders Remains Paramount

The study emphasizes the importance of proactive measures, including banks actively signposting affected customers to specialized support agencies like Gamcare. These actions align not only with the new Consumer Duty imposed by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) but also contribute to promoting customer well-being and financial stability during a turbulent time for the country’s gambling sector.

Banks are generally in a better position to spot potential issues and intervene, as they do not suffer conflicts of interest like gambling operators. However, Julia Hörnle, professor of Internet Law at Queen Mary University of London,  notes inconsistencies in the implementation of these measures across the banking industry, highlighting the need for industry-wide standards and regulatory guidelines. 

Clearer guidance and minimum standards as to what the new Consumer Duty means for protecting individuals experiencing serious gambling harms is necessary.

Julia Hörnle, Professor of Internet Law at Queen Mary University of London

The study concludes that fostering collaboration between banks and regulators, establishing enhanced standards, and involving people with experience of gambling-related harm in designing measures can lead to more effective prevention of unsustainable financial losses. By doing so, industry stakeholders can save lives and safeguard individuals from the detrimental effects of problem gambling.

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The American Gaming Association (AGA) has teamed up with RG24seven Virtual Training to launch an unprecedented online educational program. The first-of-its-kind training will teach gambling industry workers how to combat human trafficking free of charge.

The free education is presented by the AGA and industry experts. It uses videos and special quizzes to teach gambling industry employees everything they should about human trafficking identification and prevention.

The program is based on AGA’s existing Guide to Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking and leverages the expertise of the industry body’s Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, a number of charities and the US law enforcement.

According to the AGA, all gaming companies will be able to access the free training if they request organization-wide access to the training. To do so, executives should contact RG24seven via its official email, [email protected].

In addition to the training, the AGA also announced the release of an updated gaming-specific toolkit for combating human trafficking. Representatives of the association will also participate in anti-trafficking campaigns throughout the month, including events hosted by the University of Maryland’s SAFE Center and the US Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking.

AGA representatives will also take part in a congressional briefing hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce.

Alex Costello, AGA’s vice president of government relations, commented on the new program, highlighting the importance of combating human trafficking. She said that her team is glad to be able to provide employees with such crucial training for free.

The AGA is proud to lead the industry’s fight against this abhorrent crime and this free training empowers employees at all levels to spot and prevent cases of human trafficking.

Alex Costello, VP of government relations, American Gaming Association

Wendy Anderson, RG24seven’s chief executive officer, also commented on the matter, saying that responsibility in the gambling industry extends beyond the promotion of safer gambling. According to her, true responsibility means “a commitment to all forms of customer and community safety.”

We’re honored to work with the AGA and advance the gaming industry’s efforts with the launch of today’s training.

Wendy Anderson, CEO, RG24seven

Unveiled on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, the initiative mirrors the recent reiteration of Hard Rock’s commitment to fighting human trafficking. For reference, Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming just promised to continue working hard to set a new standard for anti-human trafficking training in the gaming industry.

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GambleAware’s newest initiative seeks to dismantle the prevailing stigma around problem gambling by urging individuals affected to break their silence and speak openly about their struggles. PayPlan’s support will significantly bolster the leading charity’s efforts, raising awareness and lending its knowledge on problem gambling.

Stigma Can Harm Addiction Recovery

GambleAware’s research highlighted the societal perception of gambling harm, indicating that three in five individuals tend to judge people struggling with gambling issues. The charity’s recent findings revealed that a staggering 64% of adults who encountered gambling-related problems have never discussed their challenges. 39%– a significant proportion- attributed this silence to the pervasive stigma surrounding gambling harm.

PayPlan’s independent research into problem gambling confirms these issues, uncovering that 30% of its clients felt gambling negatively impacted their mental health. However, GambleAware’s data contains some positive takeaways, as 76% of those who did open up about their gambling issues reported feeling better after discussing their concerns with someone.

Tackling the pervasive stigma surrounding problem gambling is one of GambleAware’s primary goals. The charity held a similar campaign in April, featuring TV host Tyler West, health professionals, and lived experience individuals. Encouragingly, the latest data shows a promising 56% who agree on the importance of challenging the stigma associated with gambling harm.

Collaboration Remains Instrumental to Success

Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, expressed delight in partnering with PayPlan for this campaign, envisioning collaborative efforts to encourage individuals affected by gambling harm to share their experiences and feel secure when doing so. She emphasized the complex and concealed nature of gambling harm, making it challenging to detect when someone might need help.

It is critical that when accessing financial services… people feel they can talk openly about the issues they may be experiencing and are made aware of the support services available.

Zoë Osmond, GambleAware CEO 

Charity GamCare, part of the National Gambling Support Network, highlighted the correlation between harmful gambling and financial debt, lauding PayPlan’s contribution to combating this issue. PayPlan vulnerability lead Emma Gibbons drew attention to the organization’s tailored pathways into debt advice. She also emphasized the need for public awareness and partnerships within the financial services sector to discuss gambling-related issues.

It’s important that we increase conversations around gambling harm and make sure that people have a better perception of those experiencing gamble-related debt.

Emma Gibbons, PayPlan vulnerability lead

The collaboration between PayPlan and GambleAware is a testament to their commitment to creating a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to discuss gambling harm without fear of judgment and seek assistance to overcome such challenges. However, their efforts must also coincide with concerted government efforts to combat the root cause of such issues and encourage meaningful change.

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In a significant move to address gambling harm in New South Wales (NSW), the state government has pledged $100 million in funding for initiatives and services to reduce the industry’s harmful effects on communities. This commitment is a part of the first Minns Labor Government Budget, reflecting their long-term dedication to combating money laundering, implementing gaming reforms, and mitigating the social consequences of gambling.

The $100 million injection will encompass various areas, covering the most pressing issues. The 2024-25 financial year will see gambling harm minimization initiatives and reforms receive $21.7 million annually for three years. The recently introduced gambling reform panel will select worthy initiatives and distribute these funds accordingly.

The second most substantial portion of the funding, $10 million, will bolster the Responsible Gambling Fund through the Office of Responsible Gambling. The extra capital will support GambleAware’s counseling and support services, awareness and education campaigns, initiatives like “Reclaim the Game,” and cutting-edge gambling research. These will hopefully provide long-term reductions in problem gambling rates.

An additional $6.4 million will enhance self-exclusion programs and introduce third-party exclusions in pubs and clubs, providing individuals with more tools to control their gambling habits. The remaining $3.4 million will help facilitate the upcoming 12-month cashless gaming trial at select venues, paving the way for broader reforms.

These Initiatives Form a Broader Agenda

Since its election in March, the Minns Labor Government has undertaken several significant steps to address gambling-related issues in NSW. These efforts include banning political donations from clubs involved in gaming, launching an independent panel to oversee a comprehensive cashless gaming trial, reducing cash input limits for new poker machines, reducing gaming machine entitlements, and banning external gambling-related signage.

This extra funding was possible due to the substantial fines imposed on Star Casino by the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC). The financial boon to select initiatives should hopefully lead to a safer, more sustainable industry, offsetting the damage by the problematic operator. Such actions perfectly align with NSW’s rising focus on gambling harm prevention and will form the foundation for future changes.

This government has a clear focus and is committed to evidence-based reform.

David Harris, Minister for Gaming and Racing

Despite the NSW government’s efforts, years of ineffective regulations and lack of enforcement have caused significant gaming-related issues as gambling harm rates remain high. Remedying such deficiencies will be long and arduous, but recent initiatives show substantial promise. If the government remains steadfast with its planned reforms, it should achieve noticeable improvements.

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A recent legislative report has shed light on the alarming reality of Maryland’s efforts to provide adequate support to individuals struggling with problem gambling. Rising addiction rates and insufficient funding have caused the problem to spiral out of control, necessitating urgent action. Such measures must be implemented before the state considers legalizing iGaming, ensuring residents can easily access quality help.

Most Metrics Fall Short of Expectations

According to the official report, roughly 405,000 Maryland residents, comprising 8.6% of all adults in the state, had suffered from a gambling disorder as of 2020. Comparatively, the national mean was around 4% to 5%, painting a bleak picture of Maryland’s safe gambling efforts. These statistics underscore the urgent need for improved support and treatment services.

Such findings paint a concerning picture of the state’s current approach, revealing a gap between the number of individuals affected by gambling disorders and the available support options. The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling is the region’s primary provider of gambling disorder support, operating a 24-hour helpline, a voluntary exclusion list, and various treatment and prevention programs.

While Maryland’s spending on safe gambling initiatives roughly matches most other US states, industry experts point out that spending still falls short of the adequate amount. Most proceeds from gambling currently go towards the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which complements school funding. As a result, the state’s problem gambling fund must rely on alternative revenue streams like expired prizes.

The State Must Overhaul Its Policies

Although funding for gambling harm prevention remained relatively constant, introducing online sports betting created new risks, further straining the state’s existing infrastructure. The rush of new operators caused a sudden spike in promotions, exposing a record number of people to potential harm. Recent controversies regarding college team sponsorships have caused increased regulatory scrutiny, but the recent report indicates lawmakers must take urgent action.

Maryland’s planned introduction of iGaming will place additional stress on its struggling safe gambling initiatives. The state may implement the new legislation by 2025, clearing the way for operators to market their services. Mobile gambling disproportionately affects young people and is significantly harder to detect, requiring updated monitoring and prevention solutions.

With a higher prevalence of gambling problems than the national average, the state must take proactive steps to expand treatment options, increase public awareness, and collaborate with stakeholders to create a more comprehensive approach to addressing gambling addiction. By doing so, Maryland can provide a lifeline to those in need and ensure a healthier and more supportive environment for its residents.

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By strengthening its technical capabilities, the KSA aims to bolster its ability to guarantee a fair and transparent gambling market. Despite the regulator’s outstanding results, it highlighted several legal oversights preventing it from operating at maximum effectiveness. If implemented, the changes will cement the Netherlands’ position as one of Europe’s safest gambling environments.

The Proposed Improvements Will Have a Notable Impact

The KSA’s request primarily concerns its ability to generate false ID documents. The regulator must first go through the National Identity Agency, which significantly hampers the process and can be vital in the fast-paced online gambling space. Access to fake IDs would grant the KSA full access to the services of iGaming operators, enabling rapid action against illegal entities.

The Netherlands’ regulator further recommended a comprehensive review of the outdated legislation surrounding land-based slot machines, bringing it in line with the current iGaming laws. Full access to the Control Database data on licensed operators was another priority, as it would allow the KSA to improve its supervision efforts, enhance enforcement and enable better advice on new policies.

We raise these points… so that the KSA will come even closer to a safe and responsible gaming environment that properly protects and informs Dutch players and combats abuse.

Kansspelautoriteit 

The KSA addressed its concerns directly to Dutch Minister for Legal Protections Franc Weerwind, asking for immediate amendments to the country’s Remote Gambling Act. If successful, the operator will gain improved tools to identify and take appropriate action against the unlicensed operators still present within the Netherlands gaming market.

Today’s Fluid Industry Requires Frequent Regulatory Updates

Such requests exemplify the KSA’s commitment to constant improvement. The regulator strives to remain up-to-date in the constantly evolving world of online gambling, relying on industry experts and a fluid, technology-minded approach to stay ahead of potential violations. Offending operators often receive substantial fines, while illegal entities face swift and decisive action.

Despite its effectiveness, legal restrictions limit the regulator’s flexibility and responsiveness. If approved, the KSA’s suggestions will improve detection and enable improved measures against unfair or deceptive practices that may harm players. Improved access to vital data should improve the authority’s monitoring capabilities, ensuring strict operator adherence to player protection measures.

The proposed measures will empower the regulator, maintaining the Netherlands’ position as one of Europe’s safest gambling jurisdictions. Through collaboration with the government and international cooperation, the KSA seeks to contribute to global efforts in creating a safe and socially responsible gambling environment.

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