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Online Gambling Opponent: UIGEA Architect Bob Goodlatte To Retire From Congress

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Online Gambling Opponent Bob Goodlatte To Retire From Congress

One of the architects of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act(UIGEA) is calling it a career. After 26 years, Virginia Republican Bob Goodlatte announced he will be retiring at the end of his current term.

 

Goodlatte announced his retirement through a statement that reads in part: “With my time as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee ending in December 2018, this is a natural stepping-off point and an opportunity to begin a new chapter of my career and spend more time with my family, particularly my granddaughters.”

Goodlatte is the latest in a string of retirements by high-profile Republican lawmakers, and just days after Virginia Republicans suffered historic electoral defeats at the state level.

Goodlatte is also the second anti-online gambling congressional chair to announce his retirement this year. Earlier this year, Jason Chaffetz, the sponsor of the Restoration of America’s Wire Act (RAWA), abruptly retired.

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Goodlatte’s gambling legacy

Goodlatte’s legacy is vast. But he’s best known in gaming circles for his role in crafting the UIGEA, and sneaking it through Congress in the Safe Ports Act of 2006.

Goodlatte authored the original legislation the UIGEA was largely based on, the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act, and was one of the UIGEA’s most vocal supporters in Congress.

As much damage as Goodlatte caused, he inadvertently opened the door for legal online gambling in the US.

When a ban turns into legalization

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Daily fantasy sports has used the fantasy exemption in UIGEA to its advantage.

UIGEA states: “…participation in any fantasy or simulation sports game or educational game or contest in which (if the game or contest involves a team or teams) no fantasy or simulation sports team is based on the current membership of an actual team that is a member of an amateur or professional sports organization … and that meets the following conditions: …”

In part because of this language, DFS is now expressly legal in no less than 17 states.

Another UIGEA supporter, Rep. Jim Leach (R-IA) has since said DFS is something he never anticipated: “The assumption was that while unconstrained Internet gambling could change the nature of America’s savings and investment patterns, fantasy sports would be a ‘de minimus’ footnote. No one ever conceived of it becoming a large scale activity or that it could transition into one-day contests”

Online gambling, too

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Further, UIGEA contains language that allows intrastate online gambling: “The term “unlawful Internet gambling” does not include placing, receiving, or otherwise transmitting a bet or wager where— “(i) the bet or wager is initiated and received or otherwise made exclusively within a single State;

“(ii) the bet or wager and the method by which the bet or wager is initiated and received or otherwise made is expressly authorized by and placed in accordance with the laws of such State, and the State law or regulations include—”

That language, along with a 2011 Office of Legal Counsel opinion, paved the way for  Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey and now Pennsylvania to legalize online gambling.

Goodlatte’s name is anathema to online poker players. But they can take some comfort in knowing his efforts to prohibit online gambling have been indirectly driving legalization efforts.…

The post Online Gambling Opponent: UIGEA Architect Bob Goodlatte To Retire From Congress appeared first on Eastern European Gaming – News – Interviews – Legal Market Updates – Premium Reports – Events – Directory.

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Source: EEGaming.

Alejandro Navarro

Betski Secures $345,000 in Pre-Seed Funding for First-ever Tokenized Casino Ownership Platform

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Betski is set to launch its online casino ownership platform in Q1 of 2025, enabling users to earn casino profits through digital tokens. The system will allow anyone to receive a share of casino earnings without managing casino operations, marking a new chapter in the multi-billion-dollar iGaming industry. Supported by a $345,000 pre-seed funding round, the platform aims to democratize access to casino earnings and reshape the multi-billion-dollar gaming industry.

Opening Casino Ownership to Everyone

The platform’s tokenization system reshapes traditional casino business rules through an automatic profit-sharing program. Token holders receive a percentage of every bet placed on the platform.

This system eliminates steep entry costs, such as operational expenses, licensing fees, and administrative management. Users can start earning returns without previous casino experience or large capital investments.

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“A small group have exclusively enjoyed casino industry profits until now. Our platform opens these earnings to everyone through our tokenized profit-sharing system, turning users into online casino owners,” said Alejandro Navarro, founder and CEO of Betski.

Direct Profit-Sharing Through Tokens

Through a verified digital system, the ownership program distributes Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) among token holders. Investors have recognized this potential, contributing $345,000 in pre-seed funding that combines gaming entertainment with digital asset ownership. The platform maintains strict security protocols and automated distribution systems for reliable profit sharing.

“The platform distributes real money to token holders from every bet placed by players. This creates a steady income stream for online casino owners – something the traditional casino structure has never offered,” said Navarro.

Global Growth of Online Casino Ownership

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The platform has attracted 2400 active Discord members and over 20,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter). These early adopters are expected to participate in test runs of the profit-sharing system once it goes live. Over the next 24 months, the platform will roll out first in Latin America, followed by expansion into European and select Asian markets.

Betski offers casino games, live casino experiences, eSports betting, global lotteries, fantasy sports, and traditional sportsbooks. This variety creates multiple revenue streams for online casino owners. Players can access all gaming options through a single interface, which streamlines the betting experience and maximizes potential returns for token holders.

The team has partnered with major payment processors and marketing agencies to support the platform’s global expansion. These collaborations will facilitate smooth transactions and user acquisition across different regions. The platform meets all regulatory requirements in its target markets, certifying long-term stability for token holders.

New Opportunities for Investment

Following the successful pre-seed round, Betski is now opening its seed funding round to welcome additional participants into its casino ownership platform. This investment opportunity enables individuals and entities to join the platform’s growth journey ahead of its official launch in Q1 2025.

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Bradley Khoury

eCOGRA Approved to Operate in Arizona, Indiana and Panama

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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.

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“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.”

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BetConstruct

BetConstruct to Showcase Latest Innovations at G2E Las Vegas 2024

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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.

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