Police in Ontario have charged two individuals from Toronto in connection with fraudulent activities related to online iGaming sites regulated by the province. The arrests come after an extensive investigation into allegations of identity theft and fraud on the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s (OLG) iGaming platform.

Ontario Police Collaboration Uncovers Online Gaming Fraud Ring

The investigation, led by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in collaboration with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), began in July 2022 when reports of identity theft surfaced regarding the OLG’s online gaming site, olg.ca. 

Subsequent allegations of fraudulent activity on the platform’s sports betting section were reported to AGCO in August of the same year.

Following months of investigation, on July 13, 2023, law enforcement executed a warranted search at a residence in North York. The operation resulted in the seizure of multiple electronic devices and fraudulent documents linked to non-gaming criminal activities, according to an OPP release.

On December 21, 2023, the police formally charged two individuals in connection with the case. Ernesto Rasing, aged 38 and a resident of Toronto, faces a slew of charges including fraud, identity theft, and possession of forged documents. 

Similarly, Elaiza Mae Paculanan, aged 20 and also from North York, has been charged with various offenses related to fraud and identity theft, along with an additional charge for violating probation.

Both accused individuals were subsequently released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto to answer the charges.

Ontario Authorities Encourage Reporting of Cybercrime Amid iGaming Fraud Crackdown

Ontario authorities urge anyone who suspects they may have fallen victim to cybercrime or fraud to report it promptly to their local police department. Additionally, individuals can utilize the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system.

The arrests underscore the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat fraudulent activities within the online gaming sector. As the popularity of online gaming continues to rise, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure the integrity and security of these platforms.

At the same time, Ontario’s iGaming market has seen a resurgence, with significant increases in metrics reported in the third quarter of the 2023-24 fiscal year. This includes a notable rise in total wagers, reaching $17.2 million, and total gaming revenue of $658 million, indicating a 22% increase over the previous quarter. 

These figures account for the operations of 49 legal operators and 72 gaming websites in the province, with approximately 1.2 million active player accounts recorded during this period.

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The Netherlands’ gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), announced a probe into slot machine arcades in the country. Set to be carried out from mid-December, the inspections will check if operators are compliant with the local regulations.

The KSA warned that the inspections will pay particular attention to the implementation of social responsibility measures. In line with the regulations introduced on April 1, 2021, the KSA will inspect whether gambling arcades across the Netherlands have sufficient player safeguards to prevent and minimize gambling addiction as much as possible.

KSA supervisors will carry out checks on, among other things, compliance with the requirements of addiction prevention.

KSA statement

The KSA added that it will publish an update on the situation following the conclusion of the audit period. As reported by the authority, it will update Dutch consumers on the findings of the inspections and will highlight areas that require improvement.

The KSA concluded that it will also adjust its guidance if needed. The update will be also published on the regulator’s official website after the audit period.

KSA Issued a Huge Fine to Betent

The Kansspelautoriteit continues its vigilant watch over the Dutch market. The authority just issued a huge EUR 3 million fine to Betent for AML and CTF violations. As reported by the regulator, Betent, which operates the Betcity brand in the country, was issued a warning in September 2022. The operator was asked to improve its know-your-customer processes and prevent money laundering.

However, the KSA learned that Betent had not implemented the required measures and remained lax in requesting sources of income from its customers. In addition, when it intervened, it did so too late.

René Jansen, the chairman of the Kansspelautoriteit, noted that licenses had been warned to get their AML and CTF procedures under control, lest they face fines. He noted that the Netherlands’ gambling market is past the startup phase, meaning that such violations are no longer excusable.

Jansen is set to depart from the authority, which is currently on the lookout for his successor.

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The leading marketing company operating within the iGaming industry, ENV Media, announced it joined forces with the research-based management consulting company operating out of India, Dubai, as well as Indonesia, Ken Research. The new collaboration will see Ken Research conduct surveys, as well as case studies regarding the gambling market in India.

While monthly case studies will be issued, overall, the series of surveys are expected to run for one year. Upon completion of the surveys, Ken Research will prepare reports that reflect different topics regarding player behavior for customers in India. Additionally, the research will probe a wide range of topics, including gambling demand in the country.

The new research is expected to deliver invaluable insights regarding the market in India. At the same time, the studies are expected to grant ENV Media access to strategic information regarding the industry in the country, including product demand and player behavior.

The new collaboration comes at a time when lawmakers in India seek to implement higher taxes for online gambling activities. A proposal recently approved by the country’s Goods and Service Tax Council confirmed the implementation of an increased 28% tax, applicable for online gambling, casinos, as well as horse racing.

Namit Goel, Ken Research’s head of research, explained that the company is delighted to team up with ENV Media. He explained that the new collaboration brings together two companies with extensive experience within the iGaming vertical. At the same time, Goel predicted that the collaboration will deliver “actionable insights for the iGaming industry.”

“Our deep understanding of consumer behavior will support ENV’s data-driven approach and deliver systematic market intelligence, empowering the online gaming vertical.“

Namit Goel, head of research at Ken Research

According to Goel, Ken Research will bring important insights for ENV Media. Finally, he pointed out: “This kind of output will unlock new opportunities, enhance customer experiences and shape the future of a rapidly evolving industry.”

“We believe we need to expand our expertise and authority in the gaming vertical through primary insights into user traits, product demand and market dynamics.“

Svilen Madjov, head of research at ENV Media

Svilen Madjov, ENV Media’s head of research, spoke about the importance of insights into the gambling vertical via research that can have a positive impact on expansion and product delivery. Finally, he predicted that the collaboration with Ken Research will bring benefits to ENV Media.

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The health authorities are investigating the cases and have asked the hotel to assist with the inquiry.

Legionnaires’ Disease Caused by Contaminated Water Droplets

The Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, is collaborating with the Health District by notifying all guests who have stayed at the hotel since December 16, 2022, both past and present. Guests who stayed during this time and experienced symptoms up to 14 days after their stay can report their illness to the Health District.

After Legionella bacteria were detected in the water system at The Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, the hotel has taken swift action by implementing remediation procedures and a proactive water management plan. The remediation process involves disinfection efforts to remove harmful bacteria and ensure the safety of guests who use the hotel’s water facilities.

Additionally, the Health District is closely monitoring the hotel’s water system throughout the process to ensure that the disinfection efforts are effective in eliminating any traces of the Legionella bacteria. By taking such measures, the hotel aims to minimize the risk of further contamination and prevent the spread of the disease.

What is Legionnaires’ Disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by inhaling aerosol droplets of water contaminated with the bacteria, which, however, does not spread from person to person. Sources of aerosol can include showers, hot tubs, faucets, cooling towers, misters, and decorative fountains. While most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick, the disease can be severe and sometimes fatal.

Symptoms typically appear within two to 10 days after exposure, but guests should watch for symptoms for about two weeks after. Those who stayed at The Orleans Hotel & Casino more than two weeks ago and have not developed symptoms are not at risk. If guests develop symptoms within 14 days of their stay, they should seek medical attention immediately and inform their healthcare provider of their potential exposure to Legionella. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, and headaches, and the disease is treated with antibiotics.

Factors that can increase the risk of getting sick include being age 50 or older, being a current or former smoker, having a chronic lung disease (like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema), having a suppressed immune system or taking drugs that suppress the immune system, having cancer, diabetes, or kidney failure, or having other underlying illnesses.

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