The United Kingdom is set to introduce a series of liberalising measures aimed at enhancing the appeal of land-based gambling venues such as casinos, bingo halls, and arcades. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure these establishments remain competitive with the rapidly expanding online betting and gaming sector.

In a written statement to lawmakers on Thursday, Minister Stuart Andrew highlighted the necessity of updating “the outdated and overly restrictive regulations” that currently govern land-based gambling. The objective is to align these venues more closely with modern payment practices and consumer behaviors.

Changes to Apply to Debit Card Payments Ban

One of the key changes will be the removal of the ban on direct debit card payments for gaming machines. This adjustment acknowledges the significant increase in the use of non-cash payments and aims to simplify transactions for players. Alongside this, the government will introduce new player protection measures to ensure responsible gambling practices are maintained.

Additionally, the reforms will allow certain casinos to increase the number of gaming machines they offer. Bingo halls and arcades will also benefit, with permission to host a higher number of larger stake gaming machines. These changes are designed to make these venues more attractive to patrons by offering a greater variety of gaming options.

Updating Fee Structure for Gambling Premise Licenses

An important aspect of the reforms is the adjustment of the maximum cap on fees that authorities can charge for gambling premises licences. The cap will be increased by 15%, addressing a fee structure that has remained unchanged since 2007. This update is intended to provide local authorities with more resources to manage and regulate gambling establishments effectively.

In the government statement, it was emphasized that these measures aim to support the land-based gambling sector while modernizing current restrictions. “Together we believe these measures will support the land-based gambling sector and modernise the current outdated restrictions, as well as helping to protect young people and supporting licensing authorities,” the statement read.

These proposed changes follow a series of reforms introduced a year ago targeting the online gambling industry. Those reforms included new online stake limits and enhanced affordability checks to combat problem gambling. The government’s approach underscores a commitment to balance the growth of both online and land-based gambling sectors while ensuring robust player protections are in place.

Reforms to Attempt to Revitalize the Land-Based Sector

The modernization of regulations for physical gambling venues is seen as a necessary step to keep up with technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences. By embracing these changes, the government hopes to revitalize the land-based gambling industry, making it more resilient and adaptable in a rapidly evolving landscape.

As the UK gambling sector continues to evolve, these liberalising measures are expected to provide a much-needed boost to traditional gambling venues. By addressing outdated regulations and enhancing the variety and convenience of gaming options, the government aims to foster a more vibrant and competitive environment for both operators and players.

Source: “UK to liberalise rules for gambling venues in light of online growth”. Reuters. May 16, 2024.

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Crown Melbourne has declared its commitment to becoming the world’s safest casino with the help of a groundbreaking initiative that comes in the form of a new carded play system.

Crown Melbourne Mandates Swipe Cards for Player Limits

The casino, once embroiled in controversy following the 2021 Finkelstein royal commission, has announced that poker machine players will now be required to use swipe cards to establish binding limits on both losses and time spent gambling. 

Crown Resorts chief executive, Ciaran Carruthers, expressed the casino’s ambition to operate the safest casinos globally, emphasizing the transformative nature of this pioneering shift, reported the Australian media outlet The Age.

Effective immediately, patrons utilizing Crown Melbourne’s 2500 poker machines will need to employ a swipe card to determine their maximum allowable losses and set time constraints. This innovative approach aims to promote responsible gambling and empower players to manage their gaming activities more conscientiously.

Additionally, players will receive detailed player activity statements, providing insights into their ongoing spending and playing habits. This move is part of Crown Melbourne’s commitment to fostering an environment of transparency and responsibility.

Crown Resorts Unveils Ambitious Plans for Statewide Gaming Reform

The new system is not limited to Crown Melbourne alone. Plans are underway to extend it to the state’s other 26,380 poker machines in pubs, clubs, and RSLs. 

This development coincides with a challenging period for the casino, as recent reports indicate an investigation into allegations that CEO Ciaran Carruthers intervened to permit blocked patrons to gamble.

Crown Resorts, having faced a substantial $100 million fine last year for allowing prolonged gambling at its Southbank complex, remains under scrutiny for past practices. This year, Crown Resorts also got slapped with a substantial AUD450 million ($309.8 million) fine by the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) for significant lapses in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism measures at Crown Perth and Crown Melbourne. 

This move towards heightened player protection aligns with broader industry reforms. Former premier Daniel Andrews previously announced stringent gambling and anti-money laundering measures in August, affecting all pubs and clubs. 

Back in September, Crown Resorts introduced a Premium Player Program at its Crown Melbourne and Crown Sydney casinos, excluding Crown Perth, in a strategic move to rebuild its. The program, directly overseen by Crown Resorts, enforced strict eligibility criteria, collaborating with regulators to ensure compliance with post-inquiry regulations, reflecting the company’s commitment to responsible gaming and ethical practices under the leadership of CEO Ciaran Carruthers.

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Germany’s authority responsible for licensing and supervision of online gambling, Gluecksspiel (GGL), highlighted the extensive measures for player protection available in the country under the State Treaty on Gambling (GlüNeuRStv 2021). The regulator reminded the effective measures for player protection and the announcement came ahead of the annual nationwide day of action against gambling addiction, September 27, 2023.

As a part of the GGL’s campaign, it released detailed information regarding the efforts of licensed gambling operators in the country. Additionally, it vowed to conduct more such events and campaigns that seek to raise awareness of the potentially addictive nature of gambling.

The regulator pointed to some of the most important measures for player protection that licensed gambling operators in Germany are required to comply with. Such include a prohibition of parallel play, as well as a cross-provider deposit limit that is usually capped at €1,000 ($1,058) monthly. Those limits, GGL explained, can be personalized, allowing online gamblers to set much lower sums for daily, weekly or monthly loss or deposit limits.

Additional player protection measures under the GlüNeuRStv 2021 include restrictions for different types of gambling. For example, spins for online slots must go on for at least 5 seconds before a new spin can occur. For every hour of play, a mandatory break of 5 minutes is applied, while wagers per spin are capped at €1 ($1.06) maximum.

Prevention of Gambling Addiction Is Important

In addition to player protection, Germany’s gambling regulator is committed to preventing gambling addiction. The country’s gambling watchdog regularly communicates with different organizations such as addiction associations, and strives to improve the regulations in an effort to protect more consumers.

Benjamin Schwanke, GGL’s board member, praised the associations’ efforts toward preventing gambling harm. “We therefore welcome the annual day of action against gambling addiction, because education and prevention measures are the basis for effectively combating or avoiding gambling addiction,” he explained.

“It is important to us that the general public is informed about the legal regulations and that players can better assess which offers are illegal and which are legal, ie that they adhere to the strict rules for player protection.“

Ronald Benter, board member at the GGL

Ronald Benter, a board member with the GGL, praised the importance of informing the public about the legal measures for player protection that gambling operators in the country need to comply with. He explained that the player protection tools available for German customers can help them differentiate the legal offering from the illegal market.

The latest initiative marks the 13th annual nationwide day of action against gambling addiction organized in the country.

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Aristocrat Leisure, a global gaming content and technology company, just suffered another devastating cyberattack. As a result, personal information belonging to employees was leaked.

According to the company, a criminal hacker exploited a newly identified vulnerability in MOVEit, a third-party file-sharing software employed by Aristocrat.

The announcement claims that the hacker leveraged the vulnerability to extract data from a company server. Unfortunately, personal information belonging to Aristocrat employees was also compromised in this process.

To make matters worse, the criminals have already published extracts of the stolen data on the web.

As a company committed to high probity standards and the protection of its employees’ privacy, Aristocrat took immediate action to patch up the aforementioned vulnerability.

The company listed the steps it has taken to protect its business from further harm. First of all, Aristocrat immediately took action to contain the incident and remediate the MOVEit software vulnerability.

In addition, the company contacted law enforcement bodies and relevant regulators about the incident. At the same time, Aristocrat is now working with independent experts to determine the nature of the stolen data and mitigate the damages.

Finally, Aristocrat advised all of its employees to protect their data and offered them complimentary credit monitoring and identity theft protection services.

Aristocrat added that it has assessed the potential impact on its business. The company is certain that its quick action will mitigate the damages. The company vowed to remain vigilant and serve the interest of its employees and stakeholders.

Based on the information available as of this date, Aristocrat expects low business impact with the execution of an appropriate risk management and mitigation plan. We will continue to manage this incident proactively and comprehensively, in the best interests of our people, business and other stakeholders.

Aristocrat’s Business Is Doing Well Despite the Attack

The cyberattack aside, Aristocrat’s business has been doing well, as affirmed by its stellar financial results. In H1, the company metrics skyrocketed, highlighting the efficiency of Aristocrat’s business strategy.

The company is currently exploring options for further growth, including the proposed acquisition of NeoGames. Aristocrat’s chief product officer, Matthew Primmer, argued, that the billion-dollar deal will enable Aristocrat to enter the iGaming and iLottery verticals. The arrangement secured the approval of an overwhelming majority of NeoGames’ shareholders.

Meanwhile, Aristocrat prepares to launch its first NFL slot machine in September 2023, just in time for the upcoming football season.

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In an effort to tackle the problem of gambling addiction, New Jersey’s Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) director David Rebuck have announced several new measures, including the establishment of a new position to deal with responsible gaming, new advertising standards for operators and easier self-exclusion access for players.

New Jersey Attorney General Appoints Responsible Gaming Coordinator to Assist At-Risk Patrons

Speaking at the East Coast Gaming Congress held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, Attorney General Platkin said that the new position of responsible gaming coordinator would be filled by an experienced attorney and would report directly to the DGE director. 

As New Jersey’s gaming and sports wagering industries continue to grow, Platkin said the obligations to assist patrons who are at risk for problem gambling are also becoming wider. 

He further added that the other initiatives will help protect consumers and make it easier for individuals to access the help they need when their gaming behavior becomes problematic. 

DGE’s March 2023 gaming revenue results showed that for that month, online gaming revenue reported by casinos and their partners was $165.7 million, a rise of 17.8% compared to $140.7 million for March 2022. Sports wagering gross revenue reported by casinos, racetracks, and their partners was $93 million for March 2023, a 40.1% increase compared to last March.

New Jersey Launches Initiatives to Make Responsible Gambling a Priority

The initiatives announced by the Attorney General include new online and sports gambling advertising standards, making it clear that operators must make responsible gaming a priority. These initiatives require operators to display the gambler hotline prominently in their ads. They also require them to end dubious promises of guaranteed wins or risk-free bets. 

Additionally, operators must make wagering requirements clear in their terms and conditions. Advertising in locations where it could entice those under 21 years of age to play must be limited. Finally, the public must have the ability to swiftly opt out of direct advertising.

DGE will also make it easier for players with problem gaming behaviors to exclude themselves from gaming by creating a video-conference option, and by establishing a 24/7 hotline dedicated to assisting people with questions about the self-exclusion program and the process for signing up.

According to Felicia Grondin, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, the increase in online gambling opportunities, access, and the amount of advertising has put many more people in New Jersey at risk for problem gambling. 

Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, also commented that the initiatives announced on April 20 will further bolster responsible gambling protections and reduce barriers for people seeking help.

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