Compliance Updates
Navigating the Complexities of Gambling Compliance: A Look at Recent Decisions and Regulations in California
In the intricate and highly regulated world of gambling and betting, staying compliant with the myriad of rules and regulations is crucial for every entity involved. Recent developments in the regulatory landscape highlight the ongoing efforts to ensure fair and responsible gambling practices. This article delves into the latest decisions and requirements as outlined in a recent commission meeting of the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) held on January 25, 2024.
Ensuring Compliance in Cardrooms
A key focus in the meeting was the compliance of cardrooms with regulatory standards. Before opening for business, cardroom owners must submit a comprehensive Business Entity Supplemental Information form, including the new address of the gambling establishment. This requirement underscores the need for transparency and up-to-date information in gambling operations.
Additionally, cardrooms must adhere to specific relocation requirements, hold a valid business license, and have an approved Safety and Security Plan, alongside an Emergency and Evacuation Plan. These measures are not just bureaucratic formalities; they are vital for the safety and security of patrons and staff.
License Renewals and Considerations
The commission meeting also discussed several key employee and third-party proposition player services employee license renewals and applications. For example, the renewal application for Brandon Wong was put forth with two options – approval through January 31, 2026, or referral to an evidentiary hearing. This case illustrates the careful scrutiny applied to individuals involved in the gambling sector.
In another instance, the initial application of Devin Willis from Faros Unlimited, Inc., was recommended for approval, reflecting the commission’s confidence in the applicant’s ability to adhere to regulatory standards.
Addressing Individual Cases with Sensitivity
Particularly noteworthy were the individualized conditions and considerations given to various applicants. For instance, Johan Navarrete Rodriguez from Knighted Ventures, LLC, was required to provide proof of efforts to resolve a Failure to Appear fine. This level of detail in regulatory oversight ensures that each case is addressed with the appropriate level of scrutiny and consideration.
The Broader Picture: Ensuring a Safe Gambling Environment
These decisions and regulations are part of a broader effort to maintain a safe, fair, and responsible gambling environment. By requiring detailed plans for safety, security, and emergency procedures, and by scrutinizing the backgrounds and activities of key employees and third-party service providers, regulatory bodies are working to uphold high standards in the gambling industry.
In conclusion, the decisions made in the January 25, 2024 commission meeting reflect the ongoing commitment to regulatory compliance in the gambling sector. By staying vigilant and adaptive to changing circumstances and challenges, the commission ensures that the gambling industry operates within a framework that protects all stakeholders involved.
AGCO
AGCO issues $110,000 in penalties to BetMGM Canada for offering cash to induce new gambling customers
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has served BetMGM Canada Inc. with an Order of Monetary Penalty (OMP) of $110,000 for violations of the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.
In two separate incidents in 2024, BetMGM engaged marketing companies who offered cash to members of the public in return for opening new BetMGM accounts. The marketing activities occurred in public forums, such as a major national trade conference. Under AGCO’s Standards, operators are responsible for the conduct of their third-party suppliers who are contracted to support the operator’s Ontario gaming business, and must require their third-parties to meet Ontario laws, regulations and standards (Standard 1.19).
Ontario is one of the first jurisdictions in the world to establish and enforce rules that strictly limit high-risk inducement advertising and marketing in the online gambling industry. Registered iGaming operators are prohibited from offering gambling inducements, bonuses and credits as part of their broad public advertising and marketing activities (Standard 2.05). These Standards exist to protect Ontarians from predatory advertising and promotional marketing practices in order to limit the risk of gambling-related harm.
A registered operator served with an OMP by the AGCO has the right to appeal the Registrar’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), which is an adjudicative tribunal independent of the AGCO and part of Tribunals Ontario.
QUOTE
“Responsible gambling safeguards and the protection of Ontarians on registered gaming sites is among our key priorities. The AGCO monitors the activities of all registered operators and their third-party suppliers to ensure they are meeting our high standards and we continue to take strong action to ensure they operate within the public interest.”
Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar – AGCO
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
BetMGM Canada Inc. failed to comply with the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming. Specifically, the licensee failed to comply with the following provisions of the Standards:
- 1.19 Operators are responsible for the actions of third parties with whom they contract for the provision of any aspect of the Operator’s business related to gaming in Ontario and must require the third party to conduct themselves in so far as they carry out activities on behalf of the operator as if they were bound by the same laws, regulations, and standards.
- 2.05 Advertising and marketing materials that communicate gambling inducements, bonuses and credits are prohibited, except on an operator’s gaming site and through direct advertising and marketing, after receiving active player consent.
Contrary to the Standards, BetMGM Canada Inc. and/or their affiliates allegedly engaged in the following activities:
| a) | On or about January 13 and 14, 2024, BetMGM representatives were alleged to have attended the National Franchise Show and were offering $100 in cash to new players for opening a new account and depositing $15. |
| b) | On or about March 11, 2024, BetMGM acknowledged that its marketing affiliate “Above the Street” had engaged in prohibited inducement marketing. The conduct resulted in 377 player sign-ups and $127,180.00 in commissions to “Above the Street”. |
| c) | On or about April 13, 2024, another BetMGM marketing affiliate “Maple Leaf Marketing” engaged in prohibited inducements and marketing to induce on-site activations and acquire new players. The conduct resulted in 94 player sign-ups and about $34,000.00 in commissions paid to “Maple Leaf Marketing”. |
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Compliance Updates
EPIC Global Solutions highlighted as a key element in PrizePicks’ iCAP Accreditation
EPIC is proud to have played a key role in helping PrizePicks achieve iCAP certification, the industry’s leading responsible gaming (RG) assessment.
As the globally recognized experts in harm minimization, EPIC worked closely with PrizePicks to enhance its responsible gaming initiatives, contributing to this historic milestone. With the certification, PrizePicks becomes the first and only daily fantasy sports operator in North America to achieve this level of recognition.
A key factor in this achievement was EPIC Global Solutions’ implementation of its comprehensive responsible gaming (RG) tools within PrizePicks. Through an anonymous, company-wide RG survey, EPIC provided valuable insights into the organization’s culture and commitment to player protection. The survey revealed that 82% of PrizePicks employees believe the company fosters a strong RG culture, while 88% emphasized the importance of responsible gaming for the long-term sustainability of the industry.
“Direct engagement with staff was pivotal to our assessment,” said Teresa Fiore, SVP North America at EPIC Global Solutions.
“Our survey underscores how deeply PrizePicks is committed to responsible gaming—not only as an ethical imperative but as a driver of employee morale and long-term industry sustainability. Additionally, they recognize that a strong commitment to RG is essential for the long-term sustainability of the industry.”
EPIC’s robust assessment also highlighted the significant impact of extensive RG training, with over 2,500 hours provided to staff from partners such as EPIC during the past year. The survey’s insights have not only served as a foundational benchmark for ongoing improvements but have also been cited as a critical factor in PrizePicks securing its iCAP accreditation.
Phil Sherwood, Senior Director of Responsible Gaming at PrizePicks, added: “Our partnership with EPIC has been instrumental in elevating our responsible gaming initiatives. Their expertise and insights have enhanced our programs, contributed to our iCAP accreditation, and reinforced our commitment to continuous improvement.”
Both EPIC and PrizePicks are committed to building on these achievements with plans to conduct annual surveys and further integrate employee insights into future RG initiatives.
The post EPIC Global Solutions highlighted as a key element in PrizePicks’ iCAP Accreditation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
Continent 8 achieves ISO 50001 certification, championing responsible energy management in its data centres
Continent 8 is committed to efficient energy management, reducing energy consumption and ensuring sustainability across various facilities
Continent 8 Technologies, the leading provider of global managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and cybersecurity solutions to the iGaming and online sports betting industry, is pleased to announce its recent achievement of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 50001:2018 Energy Management Systems (EnMS) standard.
The ISO 50001 certification is an internationally recognised benchmark for energy management. As part of the ISO 50001 certification initiative, Continent 8 is committed to implementing both short- and long-term energy management strategies, identifying energy-saving opportunities and promoting environmental sustainability across its data centre operations. Continent 8’s commitments include:
- Enhancing energy performance by optimising design and operations and investing in energy-efficient technologies.
- Complying with all relevant energy laws, regulations and other operational requirements.
- Exploring opportunities to increase the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Engaging employees in company-wide energy conservation initiatives.
- Collaborating with customers, suppliers and the community to advance energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Michael Tobin, CEO and Founder of Continent 8 Technologies, stated: “For over 25 years, we have been dedicated to delivering best-in-class managed data centre services to our global customers. In recent years, we have equally prioritised sustainability and decarbonisation. We recognise the impact our data centres have on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
“Achieving ISO 50001 certification is a significant step in our commitment to sustainability, and I’d like to congratulate all involved in this accomplishment. This certification ensures that our organisation is responsible for continuously enhancing our energy management system and implementing objectives and best practices for energy efficiency.”
The post Continent 8 achieves ISO 50001 certification, championing responsible energy management in its data centres appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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