On Thursday, June 27, the Michigan Legislature finalized an agreement on the state’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget, earmarking $1.9 million to support the addition of 14 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff positions at the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). These new positions are crucial for expanding the MGCB’s regulatory capacity, particularly in internet gaming and sports betting, among the fastest-growing gaming markets in the U.S. This move aims to enhance protections against illegal activities and ensure a fair gaming environment.

Expansion of Regulatory Capacity

The additional funding will enable the MGCB to bolster its regulatory operations significantly. With the influx of 14 new FTE positions, the agency can better manage the increasing demands of the growing gaming market in Michigan. The Wolverine State has seen rapid growth in both sports betting and internet gaming, necessitating a more robust regulatory framework to maintain integrity and prevent illegal wagering.

In addition to the staffing boost, the MGCB will allocate another $3 million from its FY2025 budget to continue its “Don’t Regret the Bet” responsible gaming campaign. Launched on March 1, 2023, this campaign provides valuable tips and information to help Michigan citizens gamble responsibly and avoid the pitfalls of problem gambling.

Support for Compulsive Gambling Prevention

A significant portion of the new budget focuses on responsible gaming initiatives. The Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund will see a $3 million increase, doubling its previous allocation. These funds will enhance the 24/7 Gambling Disorder Helpline operated by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. Additionally, the funding will support gambling research, educational programs for youth, and existing treatment options for those struggling with gambling addiction.

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams expressed his gratitude, stating, “The MGCB’s increased contribution, from $3 million to $6 million, to the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund demonstrates our proactive approach towards responsible gaming. Together, we are safeguarding the industry’s integrity while prioritizing the well-being of Michigan citizens.”

The bipartisan budget agreement now awaits Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s signature before becoming law. Once signed, the funding allocations will take effect on October 1, marking the beginning of the state’s FY2025 budget year.

Ongoing Regulatory Actions

As Michigan navigates its dynamic gaming industry, the MGCB continues to take decisive actions against illegal operators. In May, the MGCB issued a cease and desist order to Bovada, an offshore sportsbook, demanding it stop accepting customers from Michigan. The Costa Rica-based sportsbook was given 14 days to comply or face legal action for violating several state gaming laws. Bovada has since exited Colorado and is banned in New York and Maryland.

The MGCB also oversees the state’s daily fantasy sports market, which has seen regulatory changes. Late last year, the board banned pick’em style DFS contests due to their resemblance to player prop bets, demonstrating the MGCB’s commitment to maintaining a fair and regulated gaming environment.

Source: 

Michigan Gaming Control Board to increase regulatory capacity with additional staff, contribute $6M to Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund, michigan.gov, June 27, 2024.

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ItalyDigitalEjis, a leading software development company specializing in responsible gaming, has formed an exciting partnership with Exalogic, Italy’s premier gambling platform provider. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the Italian gaming landscape, particularly in enhancing responsible gambling practices and preventing addiction.

Predictive Software for Safer Gaming

DigitalEjis has developed a groundbreaking software solution that can predict the onset of gambling addiction before a player places their first bet. Unlike existing tools that detect addiction only after compulsive behavior has begun, DigitalEjis’ predictive software allows operators to tailor the betting experience for each customer from the start. This innovative approach enables operators to offer their players the safest and most engaging environment possible, setting a new standard in responsible gaming.

Exalogic, known for its robust and reliable gambling platform, has selected DigitalEjis as its exclusive partner for predictive and anti-addiction products. This strategic alliance ensures that responsible gaming practices are deeply integrated into the Italian gambling landscape. By incorporating DigitalEjis’ cutting-edge technology, Exalogic can provide a safer, more responsible gaming experience for its users.

Embracing the Italian Market

Dr. Ian McLoughlin, Founder and CEO of DigitalEjis, expressed his excitement about the partnership: “It’s great to see how wholeheartedly the Italian market has embraced DigitalEjis through this agreement with Italy’s number one platform provider and value-added services partner to the gambling industry.” This collaboration positions DigitalEjis as a leader in the Italian market, setting a precedent for responsible gaming practices.

Responsible Gambling at the Core

The recent decree on gambling in Italy, particularly Article 14, highlights the critical importance of responsible gaming. The decree focuses on protecting players from the onset of gambling addiction by adopting software empowered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). DigitalEjis’ product aligns perfectly with this initiative, offering precise predictions and personalized protection for players.

This partnership between DigitalEjis and Exalogic signifies a major advancement in the field of responsible gaming. By integrating DigitalEjis’ predictive software with Exalogic’s platform, the two companies are setting a new benchmark for player safety and addiction prevention in Italy. This collaboration not only enhances the user experience but also underscores the commitment of both companies to promoting responsible gaming practices.

Looking Ahead

As DigitalEjis and Exalogic move forward with their partnership, they aim to continue innovating and improving their offerings to further support responsible gaming. This alliance is expected to have a lasting impact on the Italian gambling industry, providing operators with the tools they need to protect their players and foster a safer gaming environment.

Source: “DigitalEjis and Exalogic: Pioneering Responsible Gaming in Italy”. European Gaming. May 20, 2024.

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DigitalEjis Limited, a trailblazing research and development company, has entered into a strategic partnership with Betpoint, a premier regulated gaming operator in Italy. This collaboration aims to advance technological safeguards for players, emphasizing responsible gaming practices.

Innovative Technological Solutions

DigitalEjis is renowned for its cutting-edge technological solutions, specifically designed to aid gaming operators in fostering responsible gaming environments. The company has developed the world’s first anti-addiction prediction software, a groundbreaking tool borne out of extensive scientific research and collaboration with esteemed institutions. This advanced software leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence to enhance player protection.

Ian McLoughlin, CEO of DigitalEjis, highlighted the ethical motivation behind their innovative software: “Our mission is to create a safe and fun gaming environment for all players. By allowing operators to better understand their players, we aim to implement protection tools for the most vulnerable users without compromising anyone’s fun.”

Commitment to Player Protection

McLoughlin further expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, noting, “It was a pleasure to work closely with Betpoint to enable them to offer a quantum-leap in player protection compared to the competition. Throughout the process, Betpoint has shown a constant commitment to maximizing the safety of its players. What I now hope is that players will turn to gaming operators who offer more protection. Currently in Italy, Betpoint represents the reference point for this.”

Betpoint has distinguished itself as a leader in the Italian gaming sector, particularly in the realm of player protection. The operator has a longstanding commitment to transparency, player trust, and safety. The collaboration with DigitalEjis signifies a further enhancement of Betpoint’s dedication to responsible gaming.

Enhanced Safety Measures

By integrating DigitalEjis’s sophisticated software into its gaming platform, Betpoint solidifies its status as Italy’s most dedicated operator in promoting safe and responsible gaming practices. Betpoint’s commitment to these principles aligns with its corporate philosophy, which places a high priority on transparency and player trust.

Giuseppe Simone, CEO of Betpoint, reaffirmed this commitment: “The collaboration with DigitalEjis reflects our commitment to player safety. We firmly believe that operators should provide a safer gaming experience for their customers, and we are committed to doing exactly that.”

This partnership between DigitalEjis and Betpoint represents a significant step forward in the realm of responsible gaming. By utilizing advanced technology to predict and prevent addiction, the collaboration aims to create a safer gaming environment for all players. Betpoint’s proactive approach to player protection sets a new standard in the industry, encouraging other operators to adopt similar measures.

Source: “DigitalEjis and Betpoint together in safeguarding responsible gaming”. European Gaming. May 13, 2024.

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The Responsible Gambling Affiliate Association (RGAA) announced recently that it will be launching a new membership initiative at SBC Summit North America. With the help of the program, RGAA wants to keep fostering a stronger community of affiliate companies while at the same time prioritizing consumer protection.

RGAA Expands Membership to Strengthen Integrity and Consumer Protection Efforts

Max Bichsel, Chair of RGAA, emphasized the importance of the fresh program, stating: “The launch of our membership program is a pivotal moment for the RGAA as we strive to promote responsible gambling practices and advocate for equitable regulation in the industry. With each new affiliate that joins our ranks, we fortify our efforts to ensure that integrity and consumer protection remain at the forefront of our sector.”

RGAA was founded in 2023 by a consortium of industry giants including Better Collective, Catena Media, FairPlay Sports Media, Gambling.com, Spotlight Sports Group, and XLMedia and since then it has upheld a commitment to promote integrity and responsible marketing practices. 

With this new expansion of its membership rooster, RGAA wants to enhance its influence and build upon the foundation of the goals set by its initial members. New affiliates can reap the benefits of united representation in the gaming industry and will be able to access a wide range of resources such as regulation updates, educational materials, and tools designed to empower their businesses.

Better Collective CEO Highlights Industry Dedication to Player Welfare

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and founder of SBC Gaming, also expressed enthusiasm regarding the collaboration, stating: “Last year’s Summit was a huge success and brought together industry leaders throughout North America eager to exchange ideas, collaborate and make lasting change. I am confident that this year will be no different and our collaboration with the RGAA will further elevate the conversation surrounding responsible gambling practices and player protection.”

Members are obliged to make a commitment to upholding responsible gambling standards. This also includes a yearly compliance audit. The membership also means that all participants receive the esteemed RGAA Standards of Excellence certification, which shows the member’s dedication to championing responsible gambling marketing and advertising practices, and safeguarding consumer interests.

Marc Pedersen, CEO of North America for Better Collective and RGAA board member, underlined the collective dedication to player protection the RGAA propagates and underscored that Better Collective as a founding member has over 20 years of experience in the industry. He further mentioned that he expects many new members to join the RGAA as the organization continues its work to ensure the improvement of safer gambling practices and the protection of players.

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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.

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Seven key operators of online casinos and sports betting websites in the United States have announced their alliance with the purpose of creating the Responsible Online Gaming Association.

The aim of the respective association is to promote responsible gaming in the United States and to promote best practices for the iGaming industry in the country and not only.

The association was formed by BetMGM, Bet365, DraftKings, Fanatics Betting & Gaming, FanDuel, Hard Rock Digital and Penn Entertainment, operators that are licensed to conduct their business in several American states.

These seven companies are dominating the market in the United States, their combined market share reaching 85 percent of the American online sports betting and iGaming market. The seven companies pledged a sum in excess of 20 million dollars for the Responsible Online Gaming Association in order to finance its activity for the first year.

Dr Jennifer Shatley, a professional with 25 years of experience within the industry, was appointed Executive Director of the Responsible Online Gaming Association. She is also the President of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling and also a member of the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Five Main Objectives

The Responsible Online Gaming Association has set five key objectives for its activity. The first one is to promote research regarding responsible gaming, including funding independent research on the impact and effectiveness of current responsible gaming tools.

Moreover, the Responsible Online Gaming Association will also promote best practices for responsible gaming, encouraging companies in the industry to employ these principles in their activities.

Another goal of the association is to raise awareness about the problems generated by irresponsible gaming and encourage appropriate advertising for gambling services and brands.

The Responsible Online Gaming Association has also announced that it will work to create an independent data clearinghouse, a tool for the member companies to share information between them in order to protect their customers.

Last but not least, the Responsible Online Gaming Association will try to establish an independent certification programme. This will have the task of evaluating the responsible gaming efforts made by the member companies and provide objective feedback regarding their responsible gaming policies.

Source: “Responsible Online Gaming Association“. iGaming Business. March 27, 2024.

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In the context of the growing pressure to implement safer gambling standards in Australia, the country’s federal government has embraced the task of enforcing a series of fresh regulations that would increase the protection of players. 

The new regulations are impacting several areas of sportsbook operations, including retail betting and payments.

Cashless Retail Betting 

Given the Victoria Gambling and Casino Control Commission’s (VGCCC) latest report related to the rise in the number of gambling incidents involving minors, they decided to take immediate action by asking Tabcorp, which is Victoria’s exclusive betting license holder, to introduce cashless retail betting on 70% of all of its terminals. 

This way, Tabcorp’s staff would be the first to prevent potential underage betting scenarios. 

Approximately 1,800 electronic betting terminals belonging to Tabcorp are expected to become cashless effective later on in the month. 

In order to use them, visitors would need to obtain a voucher from the betting venue’s counter. This way, customers who appear to be younger than 25 would need to first go through an ID verification procedure.

Last December, Liquor & Gaming New South Wales announced it would expand its cashless gambling trial amid increased interest shown by clubs and other venues. 

RWA Deems Underage Gambling as “Absolutely Unacceptable” 

SBC News and Payment Expert discussed the matter with Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA), the trade body that represents a number of high-profile holders of Australian licenses with names like bet365, Sportsbet, Pointsbet, Betfair, Unibet, and Entain on the list.

While Tabcorp is not a representative of RWA, the association has highlighted the critical importance of accurately meeting all standards regarding responsible gambling across the industry as a whole. 

Plus, Tabcorp shares responsibility concerning the implementation and enactment of safer gambling standards throughout Australia. 

RWA’s chief executive officer, Kai Cantwell, called it “absolutely unacceptable” for any underage Australian to be able to gamble, further mentioning the way online betting suppliers perform age and identity verifications on all customers prior to allowing them to make any transaction. 

Cantwell called the procedure “an important mechanism to mitigate money laundering and terrorism financing risks.”

The CEO added that RWA encourages “sensible regulatory measures” that can carry other forms of gambling up to the current standard that online betting providers are now operating on. 

At the moment, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s cabinet is busy implementing no less than 31 recommendations made by a parliamentary inquiry into gambling.
 

Last December, the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee issued a request to the state of Victoria, asking for TV gambling ads to be restricted as part of a more complex report on gambling and liquor regulations in the state.

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On November 27, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, PSI, and WynnBet presented their sports wagering Q3 results to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) chaired by Catherine Judd-Stein. 

The four operators took the opportunity to update the regulator on their recorded revenue and various approaches to a variety of initiatives including responsible gambling (RG), lottery engagement, and diversity in sports betting.

Chair Judd-Stein raised a series of concerns as a result of the presented data on responsible gambling tools, with emphasis on the low rate of utilization among consumers in the Bay State. 

DraftKings, Asked to Improve its RG Figures 

During the meeting, DraftKings, represented by senior director of regulatory operations, Jake List, explained that less than 0.1% of their customers had actively used time limits. 

Moreover, only 2.3% of them used deposit limits while 0.13% were reported using spending limits. Wager limits were only imposed by 0.4% of all users. 

Judd-Stein expressed her dissatisfaction with the numbers, asking Draftings to take action toward improving the figures. She further added that the regulator’s director of research of RG had also shown concern over the fact that “the patrons just are not utilizing” the tools. 

The chairwoman emphasized the need to make RG tools appear to be “cool” in order to stimulate customers in the state to use them while welcoming any idea that DraftKings might wish to use to “get the folks to use these.”

List responded to the chairwoman’s observations by explaining that while they will continue to push for the destigmatization of RG tools, the small percentages presented in their report actually equated to thousands of people. 

Few Minor Betting Examples

The open meeting also saw the four licensees reporting single-digit or zero examples of minors betting. 

Commissioners wanted to know the measures taken by operators to identify these examples while tackling bad parenting practices that enable children to bet using the accounts of adults in the household.

Caesars Digital’s compliance manager, Curtis Lane Jr, emphasized that while this is a difficult task, some indicators including sudden location or IP address changes might be used as hints of these offenses occurring.

DraftKings spoke about the advanced Know Your Customer tools they rely on to establish when these offenses take place, including their geo-compliant tool that matches players’ phones to see if they are recognized from other types of things they had signed up to. This way, the operator can recognize the devices used to sign up to its platform.

MGC’s commissioner, Jordan Maynard, said he did not trust that the underage betting numbers presented by the operators were “zero or single digits” when more than 70% of the 3,527 people surveyed in the National Collegiate Athletic Association survey were too young or unable to gamble for the survey. Maynard expressed disbelief at the fact that operators are currently doing everything in their power to prevent minors from gambling. 

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A leading gaming technology and equipment provider, International Game Technology (IGT), has now been accredited by the reputable gaming certification and accreditation body Global Gambling Guidance Group (G4) for responsible gaming operations of the provider’s Global Gaming and PlayDigital verticals.

Renewed Certification

The latest IGT accreditation for responsible gaming practices follows the previous G4 responsible gaming accreditation for the company. IGT was accredited for its sports betting operations in 2022, its digital solutions proved in line with the G4 respective standard already in 2019 while the company’s gaming operations secured the responsible gaming accreditation for IGT as early as in 2017 to showcase the corporate commitment to providing a safe gambling environment.

Wendy Montgomery, IGT SVP, Marketing, Communications and Sustainability reportedly said: “Responsible gaming is embedded into the core of IGT’s business and receiving this G4 accreditation for our Global Gaming and PlayDigital product offerings demonstrates our ongoing commitment to our Sustainable Play initiatives.

Mongtomery added: ‘’IGT was the first industry supplier to earn G4 accreditation for gaming and digital responsible gaming excellence, and the first in the U.S. to be accredited for sports betting. IGT will continue upholding itself and our partners to the highest responsible gaming standards as we promote positive play for all.”

Pieter Remmers, Chairman of the G4 Board of Directors said: “IGT has showcased its responsible gaming commitment and industry leadership year after year, and G4 is pleased to recognize the company’s Global Gaming and PlayDigital operations with accreditation again.’’

Rammers also said: “We applaud IGT’s critical responsible gaming efforts and appreciate all that the Company does to maintain the integrity of gaming globally.”

High Standards

As a reputable accreditation and certification entity, G4 aims to ensure the maintenance of the highest gaming industry standards through a worldwide accreditation and certification of gambling suppliers and service providers. With an aim to minimize the impact of problem gambling, the body conducts audits of industry stakeholders to ensure their adherence to the responsible gaming standards.

The assessment has been conducted with IGT with the goal for the company to maintain the G4 certification. The independent G4 assessment has reportedly proven that the technology supplier has established an elevated level of industry standards in the responsible gambling practices.IGT showcased a high standard in providing players with protection tools and sufficient responsible gaming information.

Accreditation Now Effective

Global Gambling Guidance Group’s audit of the IGT verticals Global Gaming and PlayDigital included responsible gambling guidance for players, as well as the company’s adherence to responsible gaming internal standards and the operational code of practice. Also, the training of staff for responsible gaming practices, protection tools and problem gambling were audited. As G4 found these operations highly compliant, the IGT certification for responsible gaming has now become effective.

Source: “IGT Reaffirms Responsible Gaming Leadership with G4 Certification for Global Gaming and PlayDigital Segments”, European Gaming.November 20, 2023.

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888, the company that acquired William Hill earlier this year, provided insights into its efforts to promote responsible gambling across its retail business during the ongoing Safer Gambling Week. According to the company, the initiative is a great opportunity to reflect on its progress.

Mark McCaffrey, the company’s head of compliance policy, retail & sportsbook, highlighted the efforts of the company’s shop employees who have a great relationship with their customers. According to McCaffrey, 888’s genuine care for the customers provides it with a significant advantage when it comes to safer gambling.

McCaffrey also noted that 888 has introduced a number of new tools and changes that help them shield consumers from harm. This includes the introduction of exception reporting that helps 888 employees identify at-risk players based on changes in their behavior.

In addition, 888 introduced a new affordability approach to prompt conversation at key points in the customer journey. Furthermore, the company made improvements to the system its workers use to record customer interactions and decisions, providing a more holistic view of their time with the company.

McCaffrey praised the progress but said that there is still more to do.

The Company Implemented Many New Solutions

According to 888’s head of compliance policy, retail & sportsbook, the company will continue to improve into 2024. As a result, it will make further investments and is currently exploring options to change its customer management system.

McCaffrey added that the company is also planning to include better support for colleagues to identify customers through the implementation of a data-driven markers of harm model. The gambling giant also plans to introduce bespoke shop-level prompts based on each shop’s risk profile.

In addition to innovating through the use of cutting-edge technology, 888 also recently teamed up with BetKnowMore to offer a training program for its cluster operations managers and shop teams. The training will enhance the managers’ and team’s skills even further, McCaffrey said.

888’s head of compliance policy, retail & sportsbook also promised that there is a lot more the company has in store. He noted that as retail shops celebrate Safer Gambling Week, customers can expect to see a number of webinars, top tips, best practices and quizzes.

Player safety is important to us every day of every week in every shop. Safer Gambling Week provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the great things we do, share the exciting plans we have and provide opportunity for everyone to learn a little more about this important subject.
Mark McCaffrey, head of compliance policy, retail & sportsbook, 888

In other news, a recent report said that DraftKings may be eyeing a takeover of 888.

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