Compliance Updates
BGC Strengthens Ads Rules to Further Protect Under 18s
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has unveiled new measures to further prevent under-18s from seeing digital media adverts.
The standards body, which represents the UK regulated betting industry, has announced changes that will be published in the Seventh Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising (IGRG code).
As well as raising advertising standards for young people, the new code will extend the current commitment, which ensures 20% of TV and radio advertising is devoted to safer gambling messaging, to digital media advertising too.
BGC members have already taken major steps to ensure only those legally allowed to bet see online marketing for regulated betting and gaming products.
Previous rules ensured all sponsored or paid for social media adverts must be targeted at consumers aged 25 and over unless the website can prove its adverts can be precisely targeted at over 18s.
Under the new guidelines, the 25+ rule will be extended to all digital media platforms who provide an appropriate age filter.
The new code, which will come into force on 1 December 2023, is the latest example of the BGC’s determination to drive up standards within the betting and gaming industry.
Other measures already introduced include the whistle to whistle ban on TV gambling adverts, cooling off periods on gaming machines, encouraging deposit limits, new ID and age verification checks and massively increasing funding for research, education and treatment.
A BGC code of conduct was also introduced placing a ban on football clubs using their social media accounts – which are popular with youngsters – posting direct marketing on betting odds and sites.
BGC members have also led on a push with social media platforms to allow the public to opt-out from receiving betting and gaming advertising online. BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher wrote to DCMS earlier this year, urging the Department to put pressure on social media platforms to do more.
DCMS Minister Stuart Andrew MP has since confirmed he will convene a meeting to help drive change.
BGC members take a zero-tolerance approach to betting by children. According to the Gambling Commission’s “Young People and Gambling Report” (2022) the most popular forms of betting by children are arcade games like penny pusher and claw grab machines (22%) bets between friends (15%), playing cards for money (5%) and fruit machines (3%) – not with BGC members.
Michael Dugher, chief executive of the BGC, said: “As the standards body for the regulated sector, we are committed to continuing to drive up standards and make big changes across the betting and gaming industry. Helping protect young people is our number one priority.
“BGC Members have already taken significant steps to ensure adverts by our members only reach the right audiences. With more help from the platforms, we can do even more.
“Safer gambling messaging is also absolutely crucial. It is about ensuring that customers use safer gambling tools like setting deposits limits and time outs, but also it is about the vitally important work of signposting the help that is out there to help the minority of gamblers who might be struggling with their betting and gaming.
“The new edition of the IGRG Code is further evidence of our determination to continue to ensure that standards are rising and are as high as they can possibly be.”
BGC worked alongside Bacta, Bingo Association and the Lotteries Council to formulate these new rules and ensure it was a cross industry effort.
Around 22.5 million UK adults enjoy a bet each month. The regulated betting and gaming industry in the UK contributes £7.1bn to the economy in GVA and generates £4.2bn in taxes which fund essential public services, the industry also supports 110,000 jobs across the country.
Participation in gambling by children (11-16 years) has fallen significantly since 2011 – from 23% of children participating in some form of gambling on a past-week basis to 7% in 2022 (GC Young People and Gambling Report 2022).
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has appointed Mark Evenson as its new board member. Evenson, a seasoned financial executive from South Lyon, is the Chief Financial Officer at Diversified Members Credit Union. His appointment took effect on Sept. 10, 2024, and will continue through Dec. 31, 2026.
Evenson succeeds Northville resident Robert (Bob) Anthony, a senior risk and quality partner of Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP, who had resigned.
“We are excited to welcome Mark Evenson to the Michigan Gaming Control Board. His extensive background in corporate finance and community service will be invaluable as we continue our mission of ensuring fair and honest gaming operations across Michigan. His leadership will further strengthen our efforts to protect the interests of Michigan’s citizens and uphold the integrity of gaming within the state,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said.
Evenson brings with him a wealth of experience in management and corporate finance. He holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s degree in corporate finance from Walsh College. His leadership experience extends beyond the finance industry, having served for four years on the board of directors of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, including a year as the Chairman of the Board. He has also held other volunteer positions, including as a trustee with the Plymouth Canton Schools Educational Excellence Foundation and as a volunteer with the Plymouth Community United Way.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to be appointed to serve in this capacity. I’m looking forward to making an impact with the Board and our community as a whole,” Evenson said.
The MGCB is responsible for implementing, administering, and enforcing the provisions of the law related to the licensure, regulation, and operations of the three authorized Detroit casinos — MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown. The agency also licenses and regulates fantasy contests, regulates pari-mutuel horse racing and casino-style charitable gaming (millionaire parties), and audits tribal gaming compact agreements for the state’s 12 federally recognized tribes.
Compliance Updates
FDJ Brings Forward the Expiry of the Acceptance Period of its Offer on Kindred to 2 October After Having Obtained All Necessary Regulatory Approvals
La Française des Jeux (FDJ) has brought forward the expiry of the acceptance period of its offer on Kindred to 2 October, after having obtained all necessary regulatory approvals.
On 22 January 2024, FDJ, announced a recommended public offer to the holders of Swedish Depository Receipts (the SDRs) in Kindred Group plc to tender all their SDRs in Kindred at a price of SEK 130 in cash per SDR (the Offer). An offer document relating to the Offer was published on 19 February 2024 and supplements to the offer document were made public 25 April 2024 and 25 July 2024.
FDJ announced that it has obtained final approval from the French Competition Authority to complete the Offer.
The definitive clearance of the acquisition of Kindred by the French Competition Authority was the last regulatory condition required for the completion of the Offer. Thus, having obtained all necessary regulatory clearances, approvals and decisions, FDJ has decided to bring forward the expiry of the acceptance period of the Offer to 17.00 CEST on 2 October 2024 (from the initial date of 19 November 2024).
Completion of the Offer remains subject to other conditions, notably it being accepted to such an extent that FDJ becomes the owner of more than 90% of the total number of shares in Kindred (on a fully diluted basis):
• To date, five shareholders (Corvex Management LP, Premier Investissement SAS, Eminence Capital, Nordea and Veralda), representing 26.72% of Kindred’s outstanding Swedish depository receipts, have made an irrevocable commitment to tender their SDRs to the offer.
• In addition, FDJ acquired 1.11% of Kindred’s outstanding SDRs directly from Veralda in March.
FDJ will announce the result of the Offer on or around 3 October 2024 at the close of the market. If the Offer is completed, settlement and delivery for Kindred shareholders who tender their SDRs will take place on or around 11 October 2024.
The post FDJ Brings Forward the Expiry of the Acceptance Period of its Offer on Kindred to 2 October After Having Obtained All Necessary Regulatory Approvals appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
ECA Announces its Security and Safety Workshop to be held during the Global Table Games & Game Protection Conference
The European Casino Association (ECA) is going to conduct its 2024 Security and Safety Working Group meeting in conjunction with the Global Table Games & Game Protection Conference (GTGC/GGPC) at the Hippodrome Casino in London from November 18-20, 2024.
This collaboration marks a significant expansion of the ECA’s annual Security and Safety Working Group meeting, now encompassing a broader range of crucial industry topics.
The Global Table Games & Game Protection Conference (GTGC/GGPC) will address a wide array of subjects vital to the European casino industry, including:
• Security and Safety
• Safer Gambling Practices
• Customer Experience Enhancement
• Game Protection Strategies
• Technological Advancements in Casino Operations
Guido Berghmans, ECA Board Member, Working Group Leader, and Director of Casino 2000 Luxembourg, stated: “We are pleased to integrate our ECA Security and Safety Workshop with this conference. The GTGC/GGPC Euro provides our members with a valuable opportunity to engage with security experts and gain insights into the latest developments in game protection and secure casino operations.”
The GTGC/GGPC, organised by game protection expert Richard Marcus, is making its European debut following three successful years in Las Vegas. The event will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including:
• Simon Thomas, ECA Board Member and Executive Chairman of the Hippodrome Casino
• Ted Whiting, Corporate VP of Surveillance and Asset Protection for MGM Resorts International
• Mike Matranga, former Secret Service agent and founder of M6 Global Defense Group
• Richard Noble, COO at Crown UK
• Michael Boettcher, industry veteran and President of Storm International
• Last but not least, conference organiser Richard Marcus.
Marcus is considered to have been the most significant professional casino cheat of all time. He turned the tables to become a casino game protection consultant and trainer with clients worldwide. Marcus began his career as a blackjack dealer in Las Vegas and later became infamous for his ingenious cheating methods. He has dedicated his expertise to helping casinos worldwide improve their security measures and game protection strategies. Richard Marcus speaks French and German, enhancing his ability to communicate with a diverse European audience.
The conference will address current security risks in casinos and the methods to detect and prevent fraud and manipulation at gaming tables and slot machines. Key topics include AI in surveillance, facial recognition technology, and cybersecurity. Additionally, the conference will cover other relevant subjects, making it appealing not only to security managers but also to all executives in European casino companies. This event offers an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge and network with industry peers.
Guido Berghmans added: “This collaboration between the ECA and GTGC/GGPC underscores our commitment to advancing security and safety standards in the European casino industry. We encourage all our members to attend and recommend that European land-based casino operations consider sending their key employees to participate in this conference. It presents a unique learning and networking opportunity that merits serious consideration.”
As part of this collaborative effort, on November 20, the managers of ECA member casinos responsible for security and safety will convene with experts and relevant consultants at their annual Security and Safety Working Group meeting to exchange experiences from the past year and discuss improved casino security practices.
The post ECA Announces its Security and Safety Workshop to be held during the Global Table Games & Game Protection Conference appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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