Ontario residents are being urged to exercise caution as fraudulent online casino schemes continue to proliferate. Recent reports have surfaced regarding deceptive advertisements on social media platforms, falsely linking reputable establishments like Casino Rama to unregistered online casinos.

Vigilance Urged as Ontario Cracks Down on Online Casino Scams

Ontario’s law enforcement agencies, including the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), have sounded the alarm after uncovering a series of scams targeting unsuspecting gamblers, reported local media CTV News Barrie. The fraudulent ads, which tout enticing gaming opportunities purportedly associated with Casino Rama, lead users to unregistered platforms such as WinSpirit Casino.

A spokesperson from the OPP cautioned that while the allure of online gaming may be tempting, it was imperative for individuals to remain vigilant. They emphasized that those fraudulent advertisements posed a significant risk, potentially compromising users’ personal information and financial security.

Authorities emphasized the importance of using regulated gaming sites that adhere to stringent standards of game integrity, data security, and player protection measures. 

In Ontario, licensed gambling establishments are subject to rigorous oversight by the AGCO, ensuring a safe and fair gaming environment for all participants.

At the same time, AGCO and iGaming Ontario recently released an IPSOS study indicating that 86.4% of Ontarian players utilized regulated sites for online gaming in the past three months, showing an increase from the previous year. 

Despite this, over 13% of Ontarians still use unregulated sites, prompting concerns about the risks involved, as highlighted by AGCO’s CEO Dr. Karin Schnarr. 

AGCO Urges Caution in Online Gambling with Tips to Avoid Fraudulent Schemes

A representative from AGCO emphasized the significance of exercising due diligence when participating in online gambling activities. They highlighted the importance of verifying the registration status of gaming sites and using common sense when encountering online advertisements, suggesting that residents could reduce the risk of being ensnared by fraudulent schemes.

This cautionary advisory comes in the wake of similar warnings issued across Canada in response to a nationwide surge in online casino scams. In January, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (MBLL) warned Manitobans about fraudulent social media posts promoting an online gaming app for Club Regent Casino, urging caution and reporting the ads to Meta. 

While PlayNow.com was highlighted as the province’s sole legal online gaming site, the MBLL emphasized that neither Club Regent Casino nor McPhillips Station Casino offer mobile apps or online gaming options, advising against engaging with fake ads to protect personal information. 

As the prevalence of online gaming continues to rise, authorities remain steadfast in their efforts to combat fraudulent activity and safeguard the interests of consumers. 

The post AGCO Issues Caution Amid Rising Online Casino Scams in Ontario appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ) wants to spend more time researching various gambling disorders and problems, and the next step towards that goal is conducting detailed research about the matter and finding ways to help players across Spain.

New research

The body calls all interested companies to conduct their own research on disorders related to gambling. The call was published on April 5, 2024, in the Official State Gazette. The research will last during the whole 2024 financial year, and generous subsidies will be granted to the ones that fulfill the criteria.

On top of that, the prevention of gambling disorders will take more time than it used to. One of the topics of studies will be to research the best practices to prevent problem gambling, as well as potential risks and the consequences the gamblers can experience after facing the issue.

Interested companies will be able to apply until May 6, 2024, and the application will be possible through the portal of the General Directorate for the Regulation of Gambling.

The sum of money that will be granted to the ones chosen to conduct the research is 950,620 euros, and they will be obligated to focus on various disorders related to gambling, as well as their prevention and possible risk factors that can be noticed in some players or groups.

The interested parties will be competing for the funds, and the execution period for all research is set until June 30, 2025.

Spanish gambling regulations

At the moment, several types of betting are regulated in Spain: casino gaming, with games such as slots, table games, roulette, and blackjack; poker; bingo; betting, including sports and horse racing betting, as well as fantasy betting. Social games and skill games aren’t regulated in Spain. The country allows both land-based and online gaming and betting.

When it comes to social responsibility requirements, all licensed operators are obliged to take measures to prevent and treat problem gambling. The requirements include paying attention to potential risk groups, providing the players with all information required in order for them to make a conscious decision, as well as promoting moderate, non-compulsive, and responsible attitudes towards all gambling activities. On top of that, the operators are required to inform the players about prohibitions and forbid minors and persons included in the registry (Register of People Linked to Gambling Operators) from placing their bets. Also, the operators must set daily, weekly, and monthly limits for placing deposits and withdrawals.

Source:

LA DGOJ ANUNCIA LAS SUBVENCIONES PARA ESTUDIOS SOBRE TRASTORNOS CON EL JUEGO, gamingintelligence.com, 4/8/2024.

The post DGOJ Issues a Call for New Responsible Gambling Studies appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Norway’s Gambling Authority founded in 2001 to supervise the administration and oversight of gaming controlled by the state and private, Lottstift, has stated that it will take a zero-tolerance approach to social media platforms promoting live streams and content revolving around online gambling.

The country has imposed a total blackout on gambling advertising. According to the Broadcasting Act, operators are not allowed to use any gambling advertising to promote their services. 

The action is exclusively reserved for Norway’s state-owned monopolies Rikstoto, with a focus on racing and Norsk Tipping, which offers betting and lottery options.

Schell.com, the popular platform that generates entertaining content via daily live streams, vlogs, and competitions, has recently broadcast a number of Norwegian influencers advertising online casino games, thus disregarding the current legislation. 

The streams that were deemed illegal were promoted on the schell.com portal and recorded on a series of live-streaming platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Kick.

The respective broadcasting platforms were sent reminders regarding the country’s Broadcasting Act which does not allow gambling promotion unless it involves one of the two available monopolies. 

In accordance with its freshly granted powers by the revised Money Gambling Act, Lottstift has asked Tiergarten Marketing Ltd, Schpell.com’s operator, to cease all of its marketing activities in the country.

Two Cease-and-Desist Warnings Issued by Lottstift

The regulatory body also sent two separate cease-and-desist written notices to Baris Entertainment AS and Viken Underholdning AS for having alleged relationships with social media influencers advertising illegal gambling offers.

The infringing businesses were given until February 20 to fully comply with the issued order to stop promoting unlicensed gambling activities. 

In case they fail to comply, the companies will face possible compulsory fines and non-compliance violation fees.

More Inspections to Follow

Lottstift has also ordered social media platforms to be more careful with their Norwegian influencer content to make sure they follow the country’s current advertising regulations.

The body’s director, Monica Alisøy Kjelsnes, stated that it was obvious that the respective live streams hosting influencers were targeting a young audience while marketing the offerings of unlicensed casinos.

Kjelsnes added that Schpell employs Norwegian influencers and that “much of their marketing takes place in Norway and is aimed at Norwegian consumers.”

The director also explained that while the biggest influencers stopped promoting gambling outside the law there are still some “who are teetering on the edge of breaking the law.”

In this regard, the authority plans on further monitoring and evaluating more inspections in the future. 
Last December, Brazil advanced a similar measure against social media influencers advertising unregulated forms of gambling.

The post Norway’s Gambling Authority Issues Influencer Warnings appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Michael Z. Hermalyn, Fanatics VIP president and former SVP of growth at DraftKings, was temporarily prohibited from disclosing any sensitive information obtained from his former employer to his new employer. The temporary restraining order was issued on Thursday and while it restricted Hermalyn from using any confidential information or soliciting with DraftKings employees or clients, he was not prohibited from working at Fanatics.

Last week, Hermalyn, filed a lawsuit against his former employer. In his legal claim, the executive challenged a non-compete policy he signed off on with DraftKings. Hermalyn alleged that the policy was overly restrictive and unenforceable for California where he currently resides. The legal action was filed after he resigned from the leading betting and gaming operator.

Responding to the claim, DraftKings alleged that its former employee conspired with his new employer, agreeing to obtain insider information. Allegedly, this information was related to the upcoming Super Bowl and contained marketing plans that may benefit Fanatics and negatively impact DraftKings. Not unexpectedly, Fanatics VIP denied those allegations, labeling them “false and fabricated,” as well as “wrong and disappointing.”

Hermalyn’s Defense Denies Wrongdoing

The latest part of the legal saga effectively restricts Hermalyn from sharing any confidential information with Fanatics. The order came from US District Judge Julia Kobick after an hour-long hearing in Boston, Massachusetts. Justifying her decision, the Judge explained that there was sufficient evidence for the need for such a temporary restraining order, adding that she wanted “to preserve the status quo until more of the facts can be determined,” as announced by The Boston Globe.

Under the order, Hermalyn was also directed to return any confidential information belonging to DraftKings within three days and submit in written form details regarding any confidential information belonging to the company that may have been disclosed to third parties.

During the latest hearing, Hermalyn’s defense layer, Russell Beck, rejected claims of any wrongdoing. He added that his client returned all computer equipment belonging to his former employer. The temporary restraining order is likely to remain in effect through April when a hearing for DraftKings is scheduled.

“We are pleased that the judge granted a temporary restraining order in favor of DraftKings ordering Mr. Hermalyn not to solicit DraftKings employees or customers, and not to use any confidential company information,“

explains a spokesperson for DraftKings

A spokesperson for DraftKings revealed that the company is pleased with the recently granted temporary restraining order for Hermalyn. They acknowledged the importance of the order that would prevent the former employee from using any confidential information or soliciting with DraftKings’ current customers or employees.

The post Court Issues Restraining Order against Former DraftKings Executive appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The Curacao Gaming Control Board, the government body in charge of regulating iGaming in the region, has announced it issued its first licenses under the new regulatory regime that came into effect last year.

Among the entities receiving licenses we can find White Star, a brand that is part of the Rhino Entertainment Group, which secured a new license for its CasinoDays online casino brand. At the same time brands such as Games and More, Geeka Corporation and Small House have received Digital Seals from the Gaming Control Board.

The confirmation of the licenses being issued comes just twelve weeks after Curacao launched its new licensing process, with applications being received starting the first day of November 2023.

The licensing portal has been processing new applications under existing legislation, asking all licensees to submit applications if they want to keep operating after the new National Ordinance for Games of Chance gets approved. Once that new legislation comes into effect, the Curacao Gaming Authority will take control of the licensing process and of the whole regulatory side of the iGaming business in the region. The new law was submitted to the Curacao Parliament for approval in December 2023.

A Transformative Period

Cedric Pietersz, the Managing Director of the Curacao Gaming Control Board said that “2024 heralds a transformative period in the regulatory landscape of Curacao’s gambling sector” and revealed that the volume of applications for licenses “far exceeded” the regulator’s expectations.

“White Star’s license holds a special place in our hearts and history,” the Managing Director continued. “It signifies a pivotal moment for Curacao’s evolution into a top-tier gambling jurisdiction with many more licenses in process.”

Ross Parkhill, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rhino Entertainment Group, added that being the first entity to receive such a license represents “a privilege” for his company and also a recognition of its “commitment to excellence and responsible gaming.”

The Chief Executive Officer added that his company “wholeheartedly” supports the new regulatory process that is being implemented in Curacao, underlining that it brings “added value and prestige” to the online casino’s license.

Source: “First License Issued By Curacao Gaming Control Board Under New Regime”. European Gaming. February 5, 2024.

The post Curacao Issues First iGaming Licenses Under New Regulations appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The Malta-based, fast-growing online gaming operator employing a multi-brand strategy and managing four brands in reputable markets, Rhino Entertainment Group, has become the first operator to obtain a direct license from the Curacao Gaming Control Board (CGCB).

According to IGB and EGR Global, the operator that won the Employer of the Year title at the iGaming Idol Awards in Malta on November 30, 2023, has attained the license via White Star BV for its CasinoDays brand, marking a historical moment for the new regulatory regime in the Caribbean island. 

The License Is a “Thrilling Endorsement” of Rhino’s Excellence 

Rhino Entertainment has become the first operator to score a license following the grand opening of the CGCB application portal in September. Operators were allowed to register starting in November.

The certification also comes at a time when Curacao is busy bringing forward its new National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK) framework signaling a departure from the Master/Sub-License structure. 

Rhino Entertainment Group’s chief executive officer, Ross Parkhill, spoke about the “privilege” of being the first gaming operator to obtain the direct license, calling it “a thrilling endorsement” of their commitment to responsible gambling and excellence.

He also expressed their full support for Curacao’s boosted regulatory processes while recognizing the “added value and prestige” it would bring to their license.

Finally, Parkhill said they were looking forward to “fostering an open and communicative relationship” with the CGCB while creating a bright and compliant future for the online gaming industry. 

2024, a “Transformative” Period for Curacao

CGCB’s managing director, Cedric Pietersz, spoke about 2024 as a “transformative” time for Curacao while mentioning operators’ strong desire to secure new licenses, as noticed in the past three months since Curacao’s gaming industry supervisor started receiving applications. 

Pietersz explained that White Star’s licensure “holds a special place” in both their hearts and history marking a crucial moment for the island’s growth into a premium gambling jurisdiction with many upcoming licenses on the horizon.

The CGCB also announced it had issued three digital seals for Geeka Corporation NV, Games & More BV, and Small House BV. This would enable the recipients to showcase seals of approval from the regulator on their platforms once they would agree with the regulator’s terms.

In January, Curacao’s Independent Advisory Body raised a series of concerns regarding the text of the LOK and its compliance with the Financial Action Task Force’s anti-money laundering requirements.

The post CGCB Issues First Direct License to Rhino Entertainment appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The social media giant Meta, owner of Facebook and Instagram, was fined by the Italian Communications Regulatory Authority (AGCOM). The company has to pay a fine of €5.85 million for violating the country’s laws about gambling advertising.

Fine for betting and gaming ads

The country decided to issue a fine to the industry giant, which is clearly a huge escalation when it comes to conducting the laws and regulatory actions issued by the state recently.

The AGCOM found various betting and gaming promotional content advertised on 13 Facebook profiles and five Instagram ones, 18 in total. Since both Facebook and Instagram are owned by the same company, Meta, the company got fined.

But that’s not all – further investigation revealed 32 visual posts, both video and images, that advertised betting and gaming activities. Since Meta provides various advertising services and it isn’t just the platform to display your own content, it is responsible for the violation.

AGCOM stated that the company is aware of the fact that betting and gambling ads are illegal, but despite that it approved the problematic ads.

In total, 18 accounts are flagged, but according to AGCOM, Meta is responsible for only five of them. After the AGCOM flagged the problematic ads, the company took measures to stop advertising and correct the issue. Also, after the regulator flagged the account, Meta blocked 11 of them.

But all those steps weren’t enough – the company had to pay a fine anyway. Apart from the penalty, Meta received an official notice and a take-down order for all ads in question.

Strict rules

Italy has strict rules when it comes to the regulation of problem gambling and gambling addiction. Back in July 2018, the state issued a Dignity Decree, a decree that helped prevent and resolve the issues related to the matter, and Meta violated that decree.

According to the document, all forms of betting and gambling ads are prohibited on both social media and other mediums, such as sports team jerseys, stadiums, and other media platforms.

Meta isn’t the only company that recently got fined because of betting and gaming ads. Both YouTube and Twitch got fined this month. AGCOM issued a fine of €2.5 million to YouTube, and Twitch had to pay €900.000 for similar violations.

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) disagrees with Italy’s strict rules since it can drive the companies into the rapidly growing offshore market.

Source: Hogg, Lea, “Meta fined by Italian Regulatory Authority for gambling ad violation”. SiGMA. January 2, 2024.

The post Italian Regulator Issues a Fine of €5.85 Million to Meta appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The collaboration will seek to help and intervene in cases of gambling harm or illicit betting among young players who may be exposed to various dangers associated with gambling but are not getting enough support to overcome those problems.

Minor League Baseball Getting the RG Resources It Needs

EPIC Global Solutions, which recently rebranded, will step forward and provide educational materials and responsible gambling and mental health seminars to help minor league players and other personnel that have been picked by the MLB to have the means to protect themselves against gambling harm and participating in unauthorized gambling contests.

Entain Foundation US will step up and provide financial support so that EPIC may carry out its sessions focusing entirely on the curriculum and ensuring that participants are receiving the best care and training possible.

MLB VP of Sports Betting & Compliance Quest Meeks said that EPIC’s program facilitates will drive a strong message home to players and help them educate and protect themselves against the growing threat of gambling. This is particularly important in the case of young players, Meeks said:

Our younger minor league players in particular are coming into the league at a time when mobile sports betting is an increasingly prominent part of the sports ecosystem. We want to help those players avoid gambling-related pitfalls that can derail not only their careers but also their day-to-day lives.

MLB VP of Sports Betting & Compliance Quest Meeks

EPIC and Entain Foundation US have been working hard to ensure that they protect players, athletes and staff across various organizations and sports leagues, helping them understand the problems of problem gambling on both a professional, collegiate, and minor level.

Protecting Players on All Levels Is the Priority

Commenting on this new opportunity, Entain Foundation US trustee and Entain SVP for American regulatory affairs and responsible gambling, Martin Lycka, had this to add:

“We must take a preventative approach to gambling harm, particularly those involved in sports, so educating the baseball community on responsible gambling practices is a critical measure”

In June, EPIC and Entain Foundation US partnered with the Major League Soccer Players Association. Efforts to safeguard players and student-athletes have been ongoing, with the NCAA turning to a new partner to ensure that it’s not just a matter of educating players on why they shouldn’t gamble or be aware of gambling harm.

The association, for example, doubled down on protecting its student-athletes from online abuse, which is another unintended consequence of the mass legalization of sports gambling in the United States.

The post EPIC, MLB, and Entain Foundation US Target Gambling Issues in Minor Baseball appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The Netherlands’ gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has slammed another operator with a hefty fine. The recipient of the fine is Betent, which operates in the country under the Betcity brand.

According to the announcement, Betent will have to pay EUR 3 million (roughly $3.27 million) for its violations of the Dutch regulations on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF).

Betent Failed to Comply

Known as WWFT, the Netherlands’ AML and CTF law requires gambling licensees to monitor their customer’s activity and report suspicious transactions to the Dutch Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). To that end, operators must employ robust know-your-customer (KYC) measures, check their clients’ risk profiles and make sure that their operations do not facilitate money laundering or the financing of terrorism.

As it turns out, Betent’s AML and CTF measures were lacking. While the KSA warned the operator to properly conduct these investigations back in September 2022, Betent failed to properly fulfill its obligations.

The KSA later investigated Betent’s business again, only to find out that the violations persisted. In many cases, the regulator reported, Betent either did not conduct investigations or started them too late. In addition, the company was lax in requesting sources of income from its customers. The KSA also pointed out that, in many cases, Betent did not report unusual transactions to the FIU.

Because of the seriousness of these violations, the KSA opted to hand Betent a significant fine of EUR 3 million.

Jansen: Licensees Were Warned

René Jansen, the chairman of the Kansspelautoriteit, commented on the matter, pointing out that in May 2022, the authority issued a broad warning to licensed gambling companies. Back then, the regulator asked all licensees to get their WWFT affairs in order and warned that incompliant companies risk fines.

We then indicated that if research shows that providers are underperforming in the field of the WWFT, sanctions will be imposed. We are now following up on this. We are now really out of the start-up phase of the market, and that also means that there are no more excuses for some things.

René Jansen, chairman, KSA

Speaking of Jansen, the KSA chair is set to depart from the authority next year. The regulator is already on the lookout for a suitable replacement.

In the meantime, the KSA just unveiled subsidies for six gambling harm prevention research programs.

The post KSA Issues $3.3M Fine to Betent for AML and CTF Violations appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Sweden’s gambling regulator, the Spelinspektionen, has issued a penalty fee to Videoslots. According to the authority, the gambling operator failed to properly measure risk and committed anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) violations.

For reference, Videoslots is a licensed operator that offers gambling in Sweden through its videoslots.com website.

As noted by the Spelinspektionen, the authority began supervising the operator’s AML protocols back in 2021 as it wanted to confirm whether the company secured sufficient knowledge of its customers. However, the review uncovered failings, confirming the regulators’ suspicions that Videoslots doesn’t properly assess its customers’ risk profiles.

The violations committed by Videoslots are considered to be very serious, the Spelinspektionen noted. According to the regulator, Videoslots has now received a warning and a penalty fee of SEK 9 million (approximately $809,300) for its breaches, which may have facilitated money laundering and terrorism financing.

This is one of the bigger fines handed by the Spelinspektionen, which noted that the maximum possible fine, as outlined in the Money Laundering Act, is EUR 1 million (approximately $1.06 million).

Sweden Is Stepping Up Its Efforts to Combat Illegal Gambling

In other news, the Spelinspektionen just published a partial report on the ongoing review of how collaboration with the Finansinspektionen (Financial Supervisory Authority) can strengthen the efforts against illegal gambling. The two regulatory bodies are currently evaluating how their efforts can benefit Sweden’s online gambling market.

As a result, the Spelinspektionen and the Finansinspektionen are exploring synergies and opportunities for payment blocking. The two regulators are also exploring opportunities for data sharing that will enhance their efforts.

An earlier proposal suggested allocating more money to the two authorities, helping them in their respective tasks. The proposal sought to allocate SEK 10.8 million (around $970,000) to the Spelinspektionen’s 2024 budget and SEK 4.5 million ($400,000) to the Finansinspektionen in 2024.

Over a month ago, Sweden proposed changes to its Money Laundering Act. Back then, the Spelinspektionen expressed its approval for most of the proposed changes but highlighted a few things that could be better.  The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) also addressed the changes and similarly agreed with most of them but outlined a number of things to keep in mind.

The post Spelinspektionen Issues $809,300 Fine to Videoslots over AML Failings appeared first on Keno Wizard.