iGaming Industry
Australian Gaming Regulator Agrees Loot Boxes Constitute Gambling
The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) of Australia has also spoken about the debate concerning the gambling nature of loot boxes in video games which has recently made headlines and is in agreement that loot boxes constitute gambling.
Loot boxes made headlines this month after Star Wars: Battlefront II was released to the public on November 17.
Loot boxes are prize packs that contain randomized items that could boost the player’s performance or alter the cosmetic appearance of their character. Players could purchase these loot boxes for a price.
Ever since the launch, a number of gambling regulators in different parts of the world called the loot box system a form of gambling, since there is money and stakes involved in the game. The Belgian Gaming Commission, the Netherlands Gaming Authority and the US State of Hawaii were some of the first agencies to start investigations against these loot boxes and call out the developer, Electronic Arts(EA) for trivializing gambling and making it accessible to minors who are playing the Star Wars game.
TomoNews US
State representative Chris Lee of Hawaii even went as far as calling Battlefront II, a themed online casino designed to prey on younger and vulnerable kids, and encourage them to spend money on the hopes that it would improve their gameplay. The Victorian gambling regulator has also investigated loot boxes and based on their findings confirm that loot boxes fall very much into the gambling category as defined by Victorian legislation.
Similar findings and investigation efforts are being conducted by the Victorian gambling regulator in Australia as well.
Jarrod Wolfe, a Strategic Analyst for the Compliance Division at VCGLR stated that the normalization of gambling mechanics in such venues where minors are largely involved is legally questionable. VCGLR should technically be taking action against these loot boxes because they can be classified as gambling but the Victorian regulator is limited by their jurisdiction.
In a statement, Jarrod Wolfe said: “Unfortunately where the complexity arises is in jurisdiction and our powers to investigate. Legislation has not moved as quick as the technology; at both State and Federal level we are not necessarily equipped to determine the legality of these practices in lieu of the fact the entities responsible are overseas.“
VCGLR’s said that their hands are tied for now but one of the best things they can do at the moment is to work with the Australian Classification Board. Wolfe said that any game that uses the same predatory loot box mechanics could be automatically rated R in the market. An R rating in Australia means Restricted Exhibition and establishes that the product is suitable only for individuals who are 18 and above.…
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Source: EEGaming.
Bradley Khoury
eCOGRA Approved to Operate in Arizona, Indiana and Panama
eCOGRA, a leading international authority in Testing, Inspection and Certification services for the iGaming industry, has secured new regulatory approvals across three key jurisdictions: Arizona, Indiana and Panama. With these developments, eCOGRA strengthens its position in the U.S. and Latin American markets, offering excellence in compliance through their Quality, Speed, and Service promise.
This strategic expansion allows eCOGRA to conduct independent compliance audits and certification services in each region, addressing the growing demand for rigorous regulatory oversight in the fast-evolving global iGaming industry.
Securing approval in Arizona, where eCOGRA has now been licensed as an Event Wagering Ancillary Supplier, enables the International Testing Laboratory (ITL) to audit event wagering licensees in line with Arizona’s expanding regulatory landscape. Indiana, which introduced online sports betting in September 2019, has authorised eCOGRA to perform regulatory compliance audits, providing licensed operators with crucial assurance in meeting the state’s high standards.
In Panama, the Board of Gaming Control officially recognised eCOGRA as an Authorised Entity for Compliance Certification, specifically for slot machines and gaming software. This endorsement reinforces eCOGRA’s role as a trusted partner for operators seeking to meet stringent regulatory requirements in Latin America’s emerging iGaming sector.
“Our recent approvals in Indiana, Arizona, and Panama underline our dedication to continually expand our offering, to support our growing portfolio of clients with their global growth plans. We are committed to ensuring that we bring the same quality, speed and service that marks us out to both our clients and regulators in these dynamic markets,” said Will Shuckburgh, Group CEO of eCOGRA.
Bradley Khoury, Chief Technology Officer at eCOGRA, said: “Securing licensure as an Event Wagering Ancillary Supplier in Arizona and an Authorised Entity in Panama underscores our dedication to supporting responsible and sustainable iGaming operations. We are committed to driving trust and accountability within the industry by providing compliance solutions that uphold the highest standards.”
BetConstruct
BetConstruct to Showcase Latest Innovations at G2E Las Vegas 2024
BetConstruct, a global leader in the iGaming industry, is going to showcase its cutting-edge solutions at the highly anticipated Global Gaming Expo (G2E), taking place from October 7-10.
As the premier event for the global gaming industry, G2E serves as a hub for innovation, driving growth by bringing together industry professionals from around the world to foster business opportunities.
Taking place at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, this all-in-one event features both an education program from October 7-10 and an expansive expo hall running from October 8-10.
BetConstruct’s stand is 5230, where the team will showcase an exciting range of products, including the newly launched the Last Battle, a novel loyalty system that is the byproduct of BetConstruct’s commitment to innovation. The company will also demonstrate its comprehensive Sportsbook and Casino Suite, along with DECA, its next-level decentralised casino platform, and Umbrella, an AI-powered risk management solution. These offerings are designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of operators, ensuring seamless and engaging experiences for players across the regulated market.
Amusnet
Amusnet Sets the Stage for Global Gaming Excellence at G2E Las Vegas
Amusnet has announced its participation in the 23rd edition of G2E Las Vegas (Global Gaming Expo) at The Venetian Expo from October 7-10. As one of the largest expos globally, G2E provides a platform for the company to showcase products across its Online Casino, Live Casino, and Land-based verticals, positioning Amusnet as a prominent all-casino provider in the competitive iGaming industry.
“We are excited to attend G2E Las Vegas 2024 to present our latest online casino portfolio and Type S slot cabinets: our first-ever product series for Land-based casinos, designed to offer a competitive edge by combining Amusnet’s top-notch game portfolio with an immersive player experience. Our focus is on delivering solutions that maximize performance and cater to the evolving needs for both online and land-based casinos,” said Borislav Marinov, Head of Business Development, Land-based, at Amusnet.
Alongside its technical excellence, the premium Type S series showcases the company’s award-winning titles, including 20 Golden Coins, Extra Crown, Fruits & Gold, and Cocktail Rush. It also features Amusnet’s popular four-level bonus game, Jackpot Cards, along with other exciting features like Free Spins, Buy Bonus, Pick Me Bonus, and Symbol Upgrade.
Amusnet will host an activation featuring its premium slot cabinets at the upcoming expo, offering attendees the opportunity to experience the thrill of Type S in real time and win exciting gifts.
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