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Budget 2023 boosts digitisation and formalisation of gaming sector: AVGC sector experts

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Experts and industry leaders in the AVGC (animation, visual effects, gaming and comic) industry praised the Union Budget 2023-24 as beneficial for the industry. Measures such as the clarification in the applicability of TDS only on the “net winnings”, and that too at the end of the year or during withdrawal, were particularly hailed as significant for the industry.

Bharat Patel, Chairman and Director, Yudiz Solutions Ltd, said, “Considering how fast India’s economy is adapting to modern technologies, the budget surely emphasizes the ‘Amrit Kaal’, mentioned by our Hon’ble Prime Minister. We at Yudiz are particularly thrilled that the government has recognised the potential of the gaming industry, and has taken steps in this budget towards fairer recognition of incomes from gaming. It is a positive move that the government has clarified that taxes will be applicable on net winnings, and not on aggregate winnings. We’re also grateful that Hon’ble Finance Minister FM Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the government will issue more clarity on the taxability of online gaming, and ease the tax burden. Proactive measures such as these can unleash the brimming gaming potential of India.”

Jay Sayta, technology and gaming lawyer, struck a more cautious note and said that while the measures are appreciated, more clarity was awaited on the calculation of net winnings.

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“The budget and Finance Bill, 2023 has provided important clarity on applicability of TDS for winnings on online gaming platforms that the industry was seeking. It is a welcome step that the concept of ‘net winnings’ has been recognised in the Income Tax Act for online games and TDS only has to be deducted at the end of the financial year or at the time of withdrawal from the user account,” said Mr. Sayta. “However, the manner in which net winnings are supposed to be calculated and the set-offs that may be permitted before calculating such net winnings are left to be clarified by the CBDT through rules/guidelines. Hopefully, the CBDT will soon provide guidance on the manner in which net winnings have to be calculated.”

The new rules also bring parity between online gaming avenues such as apps and offline gaming avenues such as casinos.

Other measures such as the relief in customs duty for import of critical smartphone parts such as lenses and batteries will help stabilize smartphone prices, and help more Indians access mobile technologies and games. The raising of the minimum taxable slab from Rs.5 lakh to Rs.7 lakh under the new tax regime will also indirectly help the industry, as it increases disposable income available to consumers.

Experts also praised the overall support given to the startups in the form of the proposed National Data Governance Policy which will help start-ups access anonymised data, and providing the benefit of carry forward of losses on change of shareholding of start-ups from seven years of incorporation to ten years.

Suraj Chokani, Founder, Ability Games, said, “It is an excellent budget from every aspect, from our point of view. The FM spoke about 7 major thrusts in the budget, calling it Saptrishi, out of which the 6th pointer spoke about new-age technologies. Recognizing such new age tech in itself is a big boost to the industry as a whole and shows the forward looking character of the Government. Focus on MSME and Startups is also a welcome step from our perspective and will help us go a long way. Overall we are very happy and satisfied with such an inclusive Budget.”

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Globally, the AVGC industry was valued at $168 billion in 2021, while the Indian AVGC industry was valued at $1.1 billion, a 28% growth over the previous year, according a report by the AVGC task force. The sector has plenty of room for growth, and the government’s recent decisions such as the proposed self-regulation of the online gaming industry and appointment of MeITY as the nodal Ministry will help boost the sector’s growth.

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An Intro to iGaming Fraud 101

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By Tamas Kadar, CEO and Co-founder, SEON

The shift to digital has fundamentally transformed the gambling world, welcoming us to the exciting era of iGaming. But, as much as we love the ease and reach of online platforms, they come with their own set of headaches, especially when it comes to keeping things safe from the prying eyes of fraudsters and bad actors.

In this article, we take a closer look at the risks lurking in the iGaming industry to see how they could mess with businesses, and chat about why end-to-end fraud prevention is like having a good bouncer at the door of your online casino.

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Dealing with iGaming Fraud

iGaming has got a lot going for it. Unfortunately, It’s also a magnet for some unhelpful fraudsters. The front line in this ongoing battle? It’s all about getting to know your customers (KYC) and keeping money laundering (AML) at bay with some solid protocols. These aren’t just red tape; they’re your tickets to staying on the right side of the law, keeping your players safe, and holding onto your hard-earned reputation in an industry that’s often scrutinized.

Ultimately, if you think skimping on these regulations is a minor risk, think again. Getting lax here can hit iGaming operators with everything from eye-watering fines and the nightmare of losing licenses to taking a serious hit on their street cred. And let’s not forget the players – pile on too much paperwork, and they’ll head for the hills, leading to a revolving door of new users that never stick around.

 

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Common Types of iGaming Fraud

Like many problems, getting on top of iGaming fraud first necessitates an understanding of the problem and its main forms. Below is a list of some of the main types of activities that we’re seeing affect those in the sector:

  • Bonus Abuse: The exploitation of promotional offers through the creation of multiple fake accounts is a prevalent issue. While bonuses are effective in attracting new players, without proper restrictions, they can result in significant financial losses.
  • Affiliate Fraud: Unethical third parties may employ deceptive methods, such as using stolen data or creating misleading domains, to siphon off profits illegitimately.
  • Gnoming: A concept that involves the manipulation of games or promotions using multiple accounts controlled by a single individual.
  • Chip Dumping: A tactic used in online poker where players collude to transfer funds under the guise of legitimate gameplay.

If not prevented, fraud won’t only impact the financial bottom line. It also has the potential to erode trust and could lead to regulatory scrutiny. Thankfully, the good news is that there are now highly effective fraud prevention solutions on offer to prevent them. As such, the task for iGaming operators is to ensure these solutions are onboarded and operational as quickly as possible.

 

Preventing iGaming Fraud and Staying Ahead of Compliance Requirements

In response to these challenges, end-to-end fraud prevention companies can offer a comprehensive suite of anti-fraud solutions tailored to the unique needs of the iGaming sector. Multi-faceted in their design, these solutions can help to reduce instances of fraud across the sector. More importantly, these solutions are allowing iGaming companies to find that sweet spot between following the rules and retaining slick consumer experiences.

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While they don’t all work the same, there are a few key things to look out for when evaluating the effectiveness of modern fraud prevention solutions:

  • AML Screening: Utilizing an advanced API, some modern fraud prevention solutions can facilitate both manual and automated screenings against global watchlists, enhancing regulatory compliance and risk management.
  • Pre-KYC Checks: It’s important to find technologies that enable the early detection of potential fraudsters through device fingerprinting, IP analysis, and digital footprinting, thereby minimizing user friction and optimizing the KYC process.
  • Real-time Transaction Monitoring: Fraud can happen in a split second, so having real-time transaction monitoring is a huge benefit for iGaming businesses. By flagging suspicious transactions and behaviour in real-time, solutions of this nature can ensure prompt action to mitigate risks.
  • Customizable Rules for iGaming: Everyone knows their own risk tolerances. A versatile rule engine can allow operators to implement both predefined and custom rules based on their specific business insights and observed user behaviour.
  • Machine Learning: Leveraging AI-driven machine learning, solutions like SEON continuously refine and suggest new rules, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of fraud prevention measures over time.

 

 Fighting Fraud Earlier and More Effectively

When it comes to fortifying iGaming platforms against fraud, embracing comprehensive fraud prevention solutions is a game-changer for operators. These solutions play a pivotal role in not just warding off prevalent fraud risks but also in bolstering compliance efforts. Moving forward, this enhanced focus on security will enable the iGaming sector to craft a safer and more reliable space for users, significantly boosting trust and satisfaction.

With the industry on an exciting growth trajectory, leveraging advanced fraud prevention tactics is crucial for its enduring success and integrity. Incorporating technologies like SEON, which specialize in identifying and mitigating fraud early in the customer journey, can make a world of difference. Early detection is key to preventing fraudsters from causing damage, enabling companies to intercept suspicious activities before they escalate.

Ultimately, this proactive approach not only safeguards the platform and its users but also streamlines compliance processes, reducing the friction and inefficiencies that can arise from dealing with fraud incidents after they’ve occurred. In an industry where reputation and user confidence are paramount, the ability to pre-empt and neutralize threats through such advanced solutions is invaluable.

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For more information about SEON, please visit: https://seon.io/

The post An Intro to iGaming Fraud 101 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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CT Interactive Appoints Monika Zlateva as Chief Commercial Officer

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CT Interactive has appointed Monika Zlateva as its Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).

Equipped with a strong background in business development and strategic marketing, Monika has a proven track record of driving growth and managing high-level business communications across various regions, including EMEA and Greece.

Throughout her career, Monika has showcased leadership by taking ownership of business strategy, sales initiatives and marketing campaigns. Her expertise lies in new business development, customer acquisition and retention, aligning these strategies with company values and objectives.

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Monika has been instrumental in successful business strategies and upselling initiatives within the iGaming industry. Her strategic vision has consistently led to remarkable increases in sales and market presence in her previous roles. She has focused on enhancing the understanding of customer needs, expectations, and demands in both B2B and B2C environments through market research, successfully identifying insights that drive business behaviour and opportunities.

Possessing relevant international experience, including leadership roles such as Business Development Partner, Business Development Director and Regional Director of Business Development, Monika has developed and executed innovative strategies that have led to successful product launches and relaunches. Her ability to manage complex business communications and PR strategies further enhances her capabilities.

Monika holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Business Administration and Management from the University of National and World Economics in Sofia, Bulgaria. She also has a Master’s degree in Language Interpretation and Translation and a Bachelor’s degree in Modern Greek Language and Literature from Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski.

The post CT Interactive Appoints Monika Zlateva as Chief Commercial Officer appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Navajo Gaming Appoints John James as Chief Executive Officer

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Navajo Gaming has appointed John James as its Chief Executive Officer.

John James brings more than two decades of professional gaming and hospitality experience to Navajo Gaming. He previously served as CEO of River Rock Entertainment Authority in Geyserville California. There he exemplified his strong leadership skills by identifying and implementing innovative operational improvements to grow revenue while improving morale through thoughtful strategic direction and mentoring.

Prior to that, he led numerous tribal casinos including serving as CEO of Muckleshoot Casino Resort in Washington, CEO of Soboba Casino Resort in California, COO of Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in California, and CEO of Gila River Gaming Enterprises in Arizona. Additionally, he has served in leadership positions for Seminole Gaming Inc., Pechanga Resort and Casino, and various successful Station Casino properties.

As CEO of Navajo Gaming, John James will oversee and manage Navajo Gaming properties in New Mexico and Arizona, as well as ensure that Navajo Gaming policies and objectives are met. His three main objectives are to strengthen Navajo Gaming and the hospitality economy, return revenue to the Navajo Nation, and provide additional jobs to members of the Navajo Nation.

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“Navajo Gaming has grown to a multi-million-dollar enterprise over the past 15 years. John James brings extensive gaming and management experience and leadership qualities to lead Navajo Gaming. James has been widely recognized as the industry’s ‘best of the best’ for his exceptional strategic and positive impact. He will stimulate continued growth and success for Navajo Gaming as we remain focused on job creation and enhancing the Navajo economy,” Quincy Natay, Chairman of the Navajo Gaming Board of Directors, said.

“I am honored to serve Navajo Gaming’s team and guests under the stewardship of the board and alongside such a strong management team. Our industry is transforming rapidly and there is tremendous opportunity for Navajo Gaming to capitalize on opportunities, elevate guest experiences and solidify our reputation as exceptional destinations where memories are made,” John James said.

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