Compliance Updates
Navigating New Frontiers: AI’s Role in Reinventing iGaming Compliance
By Paul Addicott-Evans, Managing Director for Products at ComplianceOne Group
In high-stakes world of iGaming, regulatory compliance is not just a box to be checked – it is the bedrock upon which the industry’s integrity and customer trust are built. As we navigate this complex landscape, the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially through Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, promises a revolution in how we approach regulatory processes. Yet, with great power comes great responsibility, and the integration of AI in compliance raises crucial questions about the verifiability and accuracy of its data inputs.
The Data Verification Dilemma
At the core of this AI-driven transformation in iGaming compliance is ChatGPT, a marvel of modern technology powered by a sophisticated Large Language Model. ChatGPT opened the world’s eyes to the possibilities of AI, whilst simultaneously creating a major question with wide-spread adoption: Can we trust it?
Despite its impressive capabilities, a fundamental challenge persists: verifying the accuracy and currency of the information it provides. In many walks of life, not least the ever-changing regulatory environment of iGaming, relying on AI tools without verifiable data sources could lead to non-compliance, legal challenges, and potentially financial penalties.
This dilemma is intensified by the dynamic nature of iGaming regulations, which can vary significantly across jurisdictions and are subject to frequent updates. Non-compliance can be extremely costly, so ensuring that AI tools are not only informed by but also aligned with the latest legal standards is paramount. This calls for a robust framework where AI tools are continuously fed with up-to-date and verified regulatory data, and their outputs are regularly audited for accuracy and compliance.
The science bit…
How do we approach this problem? The availability of large language models is now almost a commodity. The technology is available for everyone to use. However, when faced with such an important problem as reliability and verifiability, there is a need to weave supporting technologies into the AI-framework. This is where vector embeddings come into play, acting as a bridge between raw data and the AI’s ability to understand and verify it.
Imagine vector embeddings as a vast library, not of books, but of words, phrases, and concepts, each with its own unique location. This library is created by a neural network, a type of AI, which reads and understands vast amounts of text, then organizes this information into a map.
Each word or phrase is placed precisely, so that words with similar meanings are neighbours.
For iGaming compliance, this library becomes invaluable. When AI uses vector embeddings, it’s like consulting this map to understand not just words, but the context and meaning behind them. This is crucial for verifying vast, complex regulatory information.
In essence, vector embeddings allow AI to comprehend and verify information much like an expert human would, but with the speed and accuracy that only a machine can offer. This boosts the reliability of AI in iGaming compliance, ensuring that the operators get accurate and up-to-date information, crucial for staying within regulatory boundaries.
AI’s Edge in iGaming Compliance
The use of AI in iGaming compliance, when done correctly, can offers a suite of advantages:
- Enhanced Precision and Efficiency: AI’s ability to swiftly and accurately synthesize regulatory information ensures that operators are always in step with the latest compliance requirements. For instance, an AI tool could analyse recent amendments to anti-money laundering laws across different jurisdictions within minutes, a task that would take humans significantly longer.
- Customized Regulatory Insights: AI can offer bespoke guidance, adapting to the unique operational and geographical nuances of each iGaming operator. An example of this is how AI tools can provide tailored advice to operators based on specific games offered or markets targeted, considering the unique regulatory landscape of each area.
- Automated Compliance Oversight: Continuous AI surveillance of iGaming operations guarantees adherence to regulatory standards, proactively identifying and rectifying instances of non-compliance. This could include real-time monitoring of player interactions to ensure responsible gaming practices are maintained.
Looking Ahead
The journey of integrating AI into iGaming compliance is fraught with challenges, yet the potential rewards are substantial. By anchoring AI in the principles of data verifiability and source transparency, we can redefine how the iGaming industry navigates its regulatory maze – a shift not just in technology but in establishing a new era of trust and reliability.
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Introducing IntelligentOne AI
At Complitech, we stand at the forefront of this exciting frontier with OneAI. Developed as part of the comprehensive Complitech database of global regulations, this groundbreaking AI product is poised to redefine iGaming compliance. OneAI distinguishes itself by providing current, accurate data, free from the common ‘hallucinations’ of LLMs, thereby offering responses to regulatory inquiries that are not just swift, but also dependable and verifiable.
Take the example of a Games studio assessing the impact of Germany’s regulations on slot games, particularly concerning the maximum bet limit and the mandatory delay between spins.
Using OneAI, the studio inputs a query about slot regulations in Germany. The AI tool quickly processes this request, providing a detailed analysis of the current German regulations on slot games. It highlights that the maximum bet per spin is capped at €1 and that there is a required minimum interval of 5 seconds between spins. This information is directly linked to the relevant sections of the German Interstate Treaty on Gambling, ensuring accuracy and verifiability.
This targeted insight allows the studio to make informed decisions about game design and offerings in the German market, ensuring compliance while optimizing their product for the new regulatory environment.
With OneAI, iGaming companies can access instant, reliable insights for complex technical compliance questions, streamlining decision-making processes. This innovative tool represents a significant leap in the application of AI in iGaming compliance, marrying the linguistic dexterity of LLMs with the robust, updated Complitech database. It heralds a new chapter in iGaming regulation, where technology not only expedites but also elevates the trustworthiness and accuracy of compliance processes. As AI continues to evolve, tools like OneAI are set to play a pivotal role in fostering a safer, more compliant, and trustworthy iGaming ecosystem.
Chris Christie
Chris Christie bets on Texas to approve OSB in 2025
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has backed Texas to legalise online sports betting in the state’s next legislative session.
Christie helped pave the way for sports betting liberalisation across the US by bringing the Supreme Court case that led to the repeal of PASPA.
The case was fought and won by prominent conservative lawyer Ted Olson, who Christie hired to argue the case for states to make their own decisions on sports betting. Olson died last week at the age of 84.
After Missouri became the 39th US state to legalise sports betting in some capacity, attention has quickly turned again to the big three states of Texas, California, and Florida.
“I think it’ll happen in Texas in the next legislative session,” said Christie, speaking to Covers.com. The next session is due to commence in Texas on January 14, 2025.
Christie is less confident about California, however, where competing sports betting ballots failed in 2022 amid a bitter dispute and lobbying war between online operators and local tribes.
California is seen as essential to the future prospects of US sports betting operators, given its size and wealth and dramatic impact on the country’s total addressable market (TAM).
“I don’t know about California,” said Christie. “This really takes gubernatorial leadership, and Gavin Newsom has got to decide if this is one of the issues he wants to lead on.
“Without gubernatorial leadership, the legislature won’t do it because they’re pulled like taffy in too many directions by too many different interests. Without the governor pushing for it, I just don’t think it’ll happen.”
Despite another potential setback in California, Christie has backed sports betting to penetrate pretty much every state eventually.
“I really believe sports betting is inevitable to go just about nationwide, because people in America love their sports, they just do,” he said. “I think it is in the leagues’ best interests to grow their audience. The government gets some piece of the pie out of that which they enjoy, and the public seems to be pretty happy for the most part.”
Depending on expansion, US sports betting could, in theory, reach every state. It would then become a national issue, but Christie has warned the federal government not to interfere.
“Let the states handle it,” he said. “The states are doing fine. You haven’t heard of anything awful or irreversible happening since each state has been involved and they should have the ability to decide whether they want gambling or not.
“I don’t think the federal government should have anything to do with it and I don’t think they ever should have. I don’t think they have to be babysitters for the governors of the country.”
Compliance Updates
Spillemyndigheden Calls Attention to FATF’s Updated Lists of High-risk Jurisdictions
The Danish Gambling Authority has called attention to FATF’s (Financial Action Task Force) updated lists of high-risk jurisdictions: the Grey List (jurisdictions under increased monitoring) and Black List (call for actions). Among other things, gambling operators must include FATF’s lists of high-risk jurisdictions when risk assessing players.
Jurisdictions listed on the Grey List are Algeria, Angola, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Ivory Coast, Croatia, DR Congo, Haiti, Kenya, Lebanon, Mali, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Africa, South Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen.
Jurisdictions listed on the Black List are Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran and Myanmar.
Gambling operators are required to conduct enhanced customer due diligence (EDD) pursuant to section 17(1) of the Danish AML Act, if a player is assessed to impose a higher risk of the gambling operator being misused for money laundering or terrorist financing.
Gambling operators shall conduct this risk assessment based on Annex 3 to the AML Act (high-risk factors) which includes the FATF high-risk country lists (the so called black list and grey list).
It is not required that gambling operators perform EDD if a country is listed on the FATF’s list. EDD are only a requirement for players from jurisdictions listed in the EU Regulation of High Risk Third Country list pursuant to 17(2) of the AML Act.
The post Spillemyndigheden Calls Attention to FATF’s Updated Lists of High-risk Jurisdictions appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Africa
South Africa: Tribunal Grants Lottoland Interim Relief – Orders Google to Grant Lottoland Access to its Advertising Platform
The Competition Tribunal (“Tribunal”) has issued an interim order directing Google Ireland Ltd and Google South Africa (Pty) Ltd (collectively, “Google”) to permit Lottoland South Africa (Pty) Ltd (“Lottoland”) to access its advertising services known as “Google Ads”, for so long as Google permits any firm in South Africa to utilise Google’s Ads Services to advertise fixed-odds betting on the outcome of lotteries. The Tribunal’s order applies for a period of six months from its date, or the conclusion of a hearing into the prohibited practices alleged by Lottoland, whichever is the earlier.
This platform enables advertisers to display ads to users who utilise Google search, with Google Ireland acting as the service provider for Google Ads in South Africa.
The Tribunal’s order follows an interim relief application by Lottoland, a licensed bookmaker, which, inter alia, offers fixed-odds bets on the outcome of various lotteries around the world, including the South African national lottery, sporting events and other betting contingencies. Lottoland competes with other licensed bookmakers in South Africa such as Hollywood Bets, World Sports Betting, Betway, Betfred (which owns Lottostar) and Netbet (which trades as Sportingbet).
In summary, Lottoland alleged that Google terminated its access to Google Ads without justification while allowing access to its competitors, causing it financial harm and distorting competition in the market that Lottoland operates in, to the detriment of consumers.
Google contended that Lottoland’s offering of fixed-odds bets on the outcome of the national lottery in South Africa contravenes sections 57(1) and 57(2)(g) of the Lotteries Act. It submitted that in terms of its online advertising policies, which are designed to protect users, restrictions are placed on the promotion of certain gambling activities. Of particular relevance, the promotion of lotteries is limited to state-licensed entities and that this restriction is in place to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Lotteries Act.
Reasons for Decision
A non-confidential version of the Tribunal’s reasons will be published in due course once any confidentiality claims in relation to the reasons have been finalised with the parties involved. In deciding the matter, the Tribunal considered the following three factors holistically, balancing each factor against the other to determine what is reasonable and just:
• Evidence relating to the alleged prohibited practice;
• The need to prevent serious or irreparable damage to the applicant (Lottoland); and
• The balance of convenience.
The post South Africa: Tribunal Grants Lottoland Interim Relief – Orders Google to Grant Lottoland Access to its Advertising Platform appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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