Indonesia has taken decisive steps to curb online gambling activities by targeting internet lines connected to the Philippines and Cambodia. This move, initiated by the nation’s Communications and Informatics Ministry, aims to sever access to networks allegedly facilitating illegal online gaming within Indonesia.

Under directives issued on June 21st, Indonesia’s NAP (Network Access Point) service providers have been instructed to block internet lines associated with online gambling, particularly those traced to locations in Davao, Philippines, and Cambodia. This strategic approach follows regional precedents where jurisdictions focus on disrupting infrastructure rather than targeting individual platforms directly.

Budi Arie Setiadi, Indonesia’s Communications and Informatics Minister, emphasized that these measures are part of a comprehensive strategy to eliminate online gambling from the country. The initiative includes the removal of nearly 3 million pieces of online gambling content from mid-2023 to mid-2024, demonstrating Indonesia’s commitment to enforcement.

Financial and Regulatory Impact

In addition to the NAP directive, Indonesia has sought cooperation from financial institutions to freeze approximately 5,800 bank accounts and block 555 e-wallets under Bank Indonesia’s authority. This multifaceted approach underscores the severity with which Indonesia views online gambling, with penalties for participants and organizers reaching up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $1,500.

Indonesia’s newly formed gambling task force, comprising personnel from the National Armed Forces and National Police Force, plays a pivotal role in monitoring suspicious financial activities linked to online gambling. Hadi Tjahjanto, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, highlighted ongoing efforts to monitor and block access to overseas iGaming platforms, ensuring compliance with Indonesia’s strict anti-gambling laws.

Financial Transaction Oversight

The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center of Indonesia continue to analyze surveillance data to identify and investigate potential online gambling transactions. Recent findings have flagged thousands of bank accounts suspected of involvement in iGaming activities, which are then forwarded to the Criminal Investigation Agency for further action.

As Indonesia intensifies its crackdown on online gambling networks, these concerted efforts underscore the government’s commitment to upholding national laws and safeguarding societal interests against the adverse impacts of illicit gambling. By targeting network access providers and bolstering financial oversight, Indonesia aims to mitigate the proliferation of online gambling activities across its borders.

Source:

Indonesia on Philippines and Cambodia to shut down online gambling via NAPs, agbrief.com, June 23, 2024.

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Gambling has existed in some form for thousands of years, providing players with the excitement of taking risks for potential rewards. With so much time to develop, it’s no surprise that the gambling landscape has changed dramatically over time. Today, we have the luxury of choosing from traditional gambling at brick-and-mortar casinos and online gambling, like the many NZ casinos operating online, that can be played from the comfort of our own homes.

There are many similarities between traditional gambling and online gambling. Both options are popular and involve wagering real money on various games of chance or skill, whether land-based or virtual. However, while there are many commonalities, there are also key differences between the two. This article provides aspects of both traditional and online gambling in an attempt to identify the best player experience.

Traditional Gambling vs Online Gambling

Gambling’s rich history dates back centuries, and since online gambling wasn’t established until 1994, it makes sense that traditional land-based casinos have been preferred by gamblers. Brick-and-mortars offer a variety of games, including casino classics such as poker, blackjack, roulette and craps, as well as player favorite slot machines. The face-to-face interactions with other players and dealers that are a part of real-life gambling make it more of a social experience. The excitement experienced at a busy casino is unmatched.

Convenience, Accessibility & Game Selection

However, as the gambling industry embraces the digital age, there has been a significant rise in online gambling. Unlike traditional casinos, internet gambling offers the convenience of playing from the comfort of your own home via smartphone, computer, or tablet, whenever you want. Accessibility is a convenience offered by online platforms that is unparalleled.

Players can also typically choose from a wider variety of games at online platforms versus traditional casinos where there may be more of a limited selection due to space constraints and less variety within each category. Online casinos offer a broad range of slots that feature advanced game mechanics, immersive storylines and sequels to players’ favorite titles; table games and live casino games that give the real feel of TV game shows, and even sports betting. These offerings provide players with a realistic and thrilling gaming experience that recreates the atmosphere of a traditional casino while delivering all the advantages of online play.

Online gambling is considered by some a “lone-wolf” activity and can be isolating. However, an increasing number of platforms are starting to address the social aspects of gambling. Unlike the virtual casinos of old, many of today’s online casinos offer live dealer games with real-time chat among fellow players, tournaments and leaderboards, each providing a greater level of social interaction.

Bonuses & Promotions

Another real benefit of online gambling is the level of anonymity and privacy offered, which cannot be matched by traditional casinos. Meanwhile, perks such as bonuses, promotions and loyalty programs are often offered by online gambling sites. Meant to attract and retain players, these incentives are not as common in land-based casinos and are proven to be effective drivers of traffic to virtual casinos.

Payment Methods & Payouts

Online casinos also offer a larger selection of payment methods, including cryptocurrencies and digital wallets, whereas traditional gambling venues are typically limited to cash and credit cards. Payouts are an important aspect and one that most consider to be the most important. This is one area where a physical casino has the edge. Winnings are immediately paid in cash when the game is over at a traditional casino, while you can wait anywhere from 10 or 15 minutes to up to a week, depending on the online casino’s payment methods and policy.

Safety & Security

Whether you choose traditional or online casino, you want to be assured you’re betting at locations you know are safe, secure and fair. That means licensed and regulated by reputable gaming authorities, so you know your personal information and payments are handled securely. Personal preference and circumstances also go a long way when considering when choosing one form of gambling or the other.

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Australia has introduced a new measure banning the use of credit cards for online gambling, aiming to ensure that players only gamble with their own money. This significant change has been in the works since 2021, with Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) and its members playing a crucial role in advocating for and developing this ban alongside the Commonwealth Government and the financial services industry.

Industry Support for the Ban

Responsible Wagering Australia CEO Kai Cantwell expressed the importance of this measure, emphasizing that it helps individuals manage their gambling more effectively. “This is an important measure to protect customers, making it easier for people to stay in control of their own gambling behaviour,” Mr. Cantwell stated. He highlighted that this ban complements the existing suite of safer gambling tools provided by RWA members.

Cantwell also pointed out the need for uniform consumer protection measures across all forms of gambling. “RWA and its members support the extension of this measure to all forms of gambling that have been exempted from the ban such as lotteries and keno. If consumer protection measures aren’t consistent across all forms of gambling, it will incentivize vulnerable Australians to move to less-regulated types of gambling, where they are more at risk of harm.”

Enhanced Consumer Protection Tools

RWA members are committed to ensuring that gambling is conducted safely and responsibly. They offer a variety of tools to help users manage their gambling activities more effectively. Many of these tools have been integrated into the National Consumer Protection Framework (NCPF) by the Commonwealth Government.

Cantwell noted the significance of the NCPF in maintaining a safe gambling environment. “The NCPF is expected to be evaluated shortly and we look forward to engaging in this process to ensure that consumer protection tools are fit-for-purpose and support a safe and sustainable regulated gambling environment,” he added.

This credit card ban marks a crucial step in protecting Australian consumers from the potential harms of gambling by preventing the use of borrowed money for such activities. It underscores the commitment of both the government and the industry to foster a safer and more regulated gambling environment.

Source: “Australia Enforces Credit Card Ban for Online Gambling”, European Gaming, June 12, 2024.

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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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The Spanish online gambling market has shown robust growth in the first quarter of 2024, as reported by the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ). The Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) for the quarter reached €350.69 million, marking an 11.23% increase quarter-over-quarter and a 15.14% increase year-over-year. This significant rise underscores the market’s resilience and recovery from previous fluctuations.

Growth Across Key Segments

In terms of player transactions, both deposits and withdrawals showed notable increases compared to the previous year, rising by 15.85% and 13.90%, respectively. Quarter-over-quarter, deposits grew by 5.61% while withdrawals saw a modest increase of 0.72%. Despite the overall growth, marketing expenditure saw a slight decrease of 1.0% quarter-over-quarter, while the number of new accounts surged by 15.21%.

The GGR is distributed across various gaming segments, with betting, casino, bingo, contests, and poker all contributing to the total. Betting accounted for €150.28 million (42.85% of the total GGR), followed by the casino segment with €167.76 million (47.84%). Bingo contributed €4.19 million (1.19%), contests €0.002 million (0.00%), and poker €28.45 million (8.11%).

Betting and Casino Drive Growth

The betting segment experienced a significant positive variation rate of 30.99% quarter-over-quarter and 15.37% year-over-year. This growth was largely driven by a remarkable 588.84% increase in pre-match betting, although in-play sports betting saw a decline of 31.69%. Other betting categories also grew by 1.57% this quarter, whereas horse betting decreased by 28.36%.

The casino segment, despite a slight quarter-over-quarter decline of 2.05%, showed a strong annual growth rate of 17.02%. Within the casino segment, slots increased by 14.98% year-over-year, and live roulette saw an impressive 22.19% growth. Quarter-over-quarter, Blackjack, conventional roulette, and live roulette grew by 7.32%, 9.69%, and 6.37%, respectively, while slots fell by 7.51%.

Other Segments Show Mixed Results

Bingo showed steady growth, with a 9.18% increase quarter-over-quarter and 24.93% year-over-year. Conversely, the contests segment continued its irregular performance, experiencing a dramatic fall of 96.79% quarter-over-quarter and 99.38% year-over-year.

Poker presented a positive outlook with an 11.98% quarter-over-quarter increase and a 3.99% year-over-year rise. Poker tournaments grew by 11.19% quarter-over-quarter and 2.04% year-over-year, while poker cash games increased by 13.91% compared to the previous quarter and 8.91% compared to the same quarter of the previous year.

Player Engagement and Market Dynamics

The average number of active game accounts per month reached 1,327,575, reflecting a 4.57% increase quarter-over-quarter and a 14.58% increase year-over-year. The average number of new game accounts per month stood at 148,862, with a growth of 15.21% quarter-over-quarter and 33.64% year-over-year.

For this quarter, there were 78 licensed operators in the market. The number of active operators by segment included 41 for betting, 4 for bingo, 50 for casino, 2 for contests, and 9 for poker.

Marketing Expenses

Marketing expenses for the last quarter totaled €112.79 million, broken down into €14.27 million for affiliation expenses, €1.07 million for sponsorship, €55.67 million for promotions, and €41.78 million for advertising. Compared to the previous quarter, marketing expenses declined by 1.00% but increased by 14.86% year-over-year. Specifically, sponsorship decreased by 12.55%, affiliates by 0.87%, advertising by 7.68%, while promotions increased by 4.93% quarter-over-quarter. Year-over-year, sponsorship fell by 27.23%, affiliates increased by 14.82%, advertising by 22.49%, and promotions by 10.92%.

Source: “1st Quarterly Report 2024”. Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling. 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 Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda has announced the final sanctions for online betting and gambling infringements during the second semester of 2023 in Spain. A total of 17 operators have been penalized for committing serious or very serious violations, with fines surpassing €81 million (81,150,000 euros).

The General Directorate for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) issued these penalties, with 10 of the 17 resolutions pertaining to very serious infractions. These severe sanctions account for the bulk of the fines and have led to the disqualification of 9 operators for two years. The Organización Nacional de Discapacitados Españoles y Europeos (ONDEE) faces a four-year disqualification and the highest fine of €35 million.

Significant Penalties for Unauthorized Operations

ONDEE, along with several online gambling operators operating without a license in Spain, received substantial fines. The Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego identified these companies, including Rabadi, Uno Digital Media, Eight Stars, Mrsloty Games Tech, Entretenimiento Rojo, Onyxion Malta, Trw Corporate, Vdsoft&Script Development, and Uniquegame. Each of these operators was fined €5 million under the Ley de Regulación del Juego (LRJ). In total, the very serious infractions amounted to €80 million in penalties.

Licensed Operators Also Penalized

The DGOJ also detected serious infractions in seven other licensed operators in the online betting and gambling sector. These operators violated certain provisions of Law 13/2011 on gambling regulation. Among the penalized companies are Gamesys, 888, Esgaming, and Codere. These seven operators are subject to economic sanctions totaling €1,150,000.

Once the sanctions are confirmed and notified to the concerned parties, both the serious and very serious infractions will be published on the DGOJ website. Since July 2021, the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda has published 139 final sanctioning resolutions, with total fines exceeding €333 million.

Source: “17 gambling operators sanctioned for serious or very serious infractions”. European Consumer Centre Spain. May 9, 2024.

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The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has rendered its judgment on the contentious issue of online gaming regulations in the province. The court dismissed an application by the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) challenging the Ontario government’s decision to permit online gaming within its borders. This ruling solidifies the legitimacy of Ontario’s iGaming Ontario (iGO) framework, marking a significant milestone in the province’s regulatory landscape.

Ontario’s Approach to Online Gaming Regulation

iGaming Ontario collaborates with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and the provincial government to oversee the online gaming industry. The framework aims to regulate the sector, safeguard consumer interests, particularly in responsible gambling practices, and diversify digital gaming options for Ontarians. Gaming operators are required to register with the AGCO and enter into operating agreements with iGO before launching their products. iGaming Ontario assumes responsibility for managing and conducting the industry within the province, as outlined by its mandate.

Legal Dispute and Court’s Decision

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) has been a vocal opponent of the legislative changes, particularly C-218, which decriminalized new forms of sports gambling in Canada in June 2021. MCK argued that Ontario’s shift in gaming management infringed upon existing laws and constitutional principles. However, the Ontario Superior Court ruled that iGaming Ontario’s model aligns with the Criminal Code, affirming the legality of the province’s approach.

Martha Otton, Executive Director of iGaming Ontario, expressed confidence in their regulatory framework, emphasizing the court’s validation of their model. She highlighted the framework’s focus on player protection, data security, and economic contributions to Ontario.

Impact on Kahnawàke and Online Gaming Industry

For 25 years, the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke has played a pivotal role in the online gaming industry, licensing operators on behalf of the Mohawks of Kahnawake. The council raised concerns that Ontario’s regulatory changes disregard their expertise and jeopardize revenue streams vital to the Kahnawake community. Despite their assertions, the court determined that iGaming Ontario maintains significant control over operators, cementing its position as the guiding force behind the province’s online gaming landscape.

The Ontario Superior Court’s ruling marks a decisive moment in the ongoing debate over online gaming regulations. With the legality of Ontario’s framework affirmed, the province can continue to enforce its regulatory measures, ensuring a secure and responsible gaming environment for Ontarians.

Source: “Court Decision Upholds iGaming Ontario’s Model”. igamingontario.ca. May 13, 2024.

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The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) has released its March 2024 revenue report, revealing a notable surge in revenue for the month. The combined taxable revenue from the state’s four casinos amounted to over $94.7 million, marking a significant 13.4% increase from February 2024’s gaming revenue of $83.5 million.

Moreover, there’s a modest 1.4% annual rise in revenue compared to the previous year. It’s worth noting that this revenue encompasses earnings from both slots and table games and excludes in-person sports betting, as online casinos are not yet legalized in Ohio.

While Ohio has yet to legalize online casinos, recent discussions among lawmakers suggest a potential shift in this landscape. Lawmakers have convened to deliberate on the feasibility of legalizing online casinos, citing the state’s interest in this burgeoning sector and the thriving markets already established in neighboring states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Monthly Revenue Surge Across Ohio Casinos

The OCCC’s March 2024 revenue report indicates across-the-board monthly revenue increases for all four casinos. Of the total taxable revenue of $94.7 million, slot revenue contributed $69.0 million, with table games bringing in $25.7 million. Notably, Hollywood Columbus demonstrated the most substantial monthly progress, with a revenue of $25.6 million, reflecting a robust 13.3% monthly growth. Other casinos also saw notable increases in revenue compared to the previous month:

• Jack Cleveland Casino: $24.5 million in revenue, a 13.3% monthly rise
• Hollywood Toledo: $22.5 million in revenue, a 16.8% monthly increase
• Hard Rock Cincinnati: $22.2 million in revenue, up by 10.5% from February

Annual Revenue Trends

Examining the year-over-year performance, there are varied trends among the casinos. Hollywood Toledo and Hollywood Columbus both reported annual rises, with increases of 8.2% and 5.1%, respectively. Jack Cleveland Casino saw a marginal annual increase of 0.4%. However, Hard Rock Cincinnati experienced a notable annual decline of nearly 7.5%, the only casino to do so in March. This contrasts with February, where Jack Cleveland Casino had shown a year-over-year decline.

Recent discussions among Ohio lawmakers have revolved around the possibility of legalizing online casinos. The Study Commission on the Future of Gaming in Ohio, in its initial meetings, has delved into the topic, with upcoming sessions slated to address various aspects, including iLottery, racinos/charitable gaming, sports betting, and daily fantasy sports. Proponents argue that regulating online casinos could aid in addressing issues related to problem gambling while potentially generating significant tax revenue for the state. Estimates suggest that Ohio could generate between $205 million and $410 million annually in new tax revenue if online casinos were legalized.

The success and revenue generated by neighboring states like Michigan and Pennsylvania, where online casinos are thriving, serve as compelling examples for Ohio lawmakers. With these states raking in substantial tax revenues from iGaming, the pressure mounts for Ohio to consider legalizing online casinos, possibly in the near future or by 2025.

Source: “Ohio Casino Control Commission. “Monthly Revenue Report: March 2024.” [pdf]

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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. 

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