

Compliance Updates
Michigan Gaming Control Board Rejects Recent Claims Regarding Skill Games
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has refuted recent assertions questioning the legitimacy of its efforts to protect citizens by combating illegal gambling within the state, particularly in relation to the rise of casino-style electronic gaming machines that self-identify as “skill games.”
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the presence of electronic gaming machines in bars and restaurants across Michigan. The suppliers of these machines misleadingly contend that the games include an element of skill and are therefore exempt from Michigan’s gambling prohibitions. Specifically, they claim that the games qualify as “redemption games” under MCL 750.310b, which allows a limited and very narrow exception to Michigan’s gambling prohibitions.
“As the regulatory authority overseeing the three Detroit commercial casinos and online gaming in Michigan, the MGCB is committed to upholding the integrity of the state’s gambling regulations and ensuring a fair and responsible gaming environment for all citizens. It is essential to clarify that these casino-style electronic gaming machines are not exempt from Michigan’s penal code, and individuals operating or utilizing them are subject to enforcement actions by the state,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said.
Ongoing investigations by the MGCB have consistently established that the operation of these games does not comply with the strict requirements of MCL 750.310b because these games operate in a manner that is identical to a slot machine, whereby winning depends primarily upon fortuitous or accidental circumstances beyond the control of the player. Patterns observed with the illegal use of casino-style electronic gaming machines have included the use of cash as prizes, issuance of Visa gift cards, and false claims of legality and/or state authorization. Operations of these unregulated gaming machines put citizens at risk — because they have no recourse should they be misled, cheated, or otherwise taken advantage of — and results in a loss of state revenue, depriving Michigan citizens of taxes and revenue used to support schools through the School Aid Fund and communities and local governments with essential state funding dollars.
Comprehensive joint investigations conducted by the MGCB and the Michigan Attorney General’s Office in the past five years have resulted in 29 individuals being convicted of 27 felonies and 16 misdemeanors. These investigations have also resulted in 436 illegal machines seized, along with $176,001.69 in cash and $15,415 in Visa, MasterCard, and/or Simon gift cards.
“The public is being misled when told that skill and gift cards equate to the legality of a machine. What is being ignored is that the machines in question have been played and/or examined by investigators and determined to be casino-style slot machines for which winning depends on chance. And by law they do not qualify as a redemption game exception to the penal code. The mere use of a gift card as a prize does not render the machine legal,” ,” Williams said.
Unregulated machines used illegally lack the necessary consumer safeguards that licensed and regulated establishments provide, leaving the individuals who use them susceptible to unfair practices. More importantly, they offer no player protections and do not allow patrons to influence game outcomes through skill or strategy. This lack of oversight poses significant risks, particularly when minors can access these machines, potentially increasing the likelihood of future gambling problems among youth.
“The presence of unregulated casino-style electronic gaming machines in restaurants and small businesses risks grooming minors for gambling at an early age. This can have damaging consequences on their future well-being, potentially desensitizing them to the negative impacts of gambling, leading to addiction and financial problems later in life. Kids don’t need access or exposure to slot machines when they go out to enjoy a burger and fries or a pizza. If it’s not on the menu, it should not be available,” Williams added.
The MGCB has provided businesses with educational materials to ensure that any machine they are considering having in their business complies with Michigan law. Additionally, these materials have been uploaded to the MGCB website for public consumption. But the MGCB’s efforts continue to be undermined by the repeated spreading of misinformation, causing the illegal use of these machines to expand across Michigan.
The MGCB has also made it clear that it is not hindering local business owners’ ability to increase profits. Businesses engaged in the use of these machines are committing criminal acts with false assurances that their conduct is legal. In cases where investigations into casino-style slot machines have taken place at bars and restaurants, each of the affected business owner(s) were served adequate, advance warning that they were not in compliance with the law by way of cease-and-desist letters that provided them an opportunity to comply before enforcement action, including criminal charges, was taken.
“The MGCB encourages business owners to contact the agency should they have any questions on whether a gaming machine they have in their establishment complies with the law. Our goal is education and compliance. Any suggestion otherwise is simply not true,” Williams said.
ADG
ADG PSA: Consumer Protection Alert – Rise in Fraudulent Online Casinos Targeting Arizonans

The Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”) is issuing this Consumer Protection Alert to inform Arizonans of a concerning nationwide trend that has now reached Arizona. Fraudulent operators are falsely claiming that legitimate Arizona casinos have launched online gaming platforms. These illegal online casino platforms are presenting themselves as legitimate platforms by offering illegitimate or illegal gaming services. Online casinos (often referred to as “igaming”) are not legal in Arizona. Any claims otherwise should be treated as highly suspicious. These scams not only put players at financial risk but also undermine the integrity of Arizona’s regulated gaming industry.
ADG has received multiple reports of fraudulent online casinos targeting Arizonans, as well as complaints from patrons who have been misled. These scams are being widely disseminated through social media advertisements directing consumers to download apps and visit websites, and are enticing unsuspecting consumers to spend money on illegitimate games.
The Arizona Department of Gaming urges residents to verify the legitimacy of any online gaming platform before engaging in play. Many of these operations are not legal or regulated, leaving users vulnerable to fraud, identity theft, and other serious risks. Due to their unregulated nature, ADG is unable to resolve complaints and disputes arising from unregulated and illegal gaming sites, leaving victims with little to no chance of recovering lost funds. It is important to remember that just because you can download the app, visit the website, and play the games, it does not mean it is a legitimate and legal gaming platform.
In light of these developments, the Department encourages both Arizona residents and visitors to visit our website to find a list of all regulated casinos and licensed event wagering and fantasy sports operators legally taking bets in Arizona. The list can be found on the Department’s website at gaming.az.gov. Legal, regulated operations provide important consumer protections not found in the illegal market, helping ensure a safer experience for participants.
The Dangers of Illegal Online Casinos:
Fraudulent online casinos often mimic reputable platforms, using familiar branding, flashy advertisements, and enticing promotions to lure victims. These unregulated operations leave participants vulnerable to:
- Financial loss through fake gaming platforms or fraudulent prize fees.
- Identity theft resulting from shared personal or financial information.
Common Red Flags of Illegal Platforms:
These deceptive platforms often use tactics such as:
- Mimicking branding of legitimate Arizona casinos, including similar or actual logos and names.
- Enticing promotions that appear too good to be true, such as excessive bonuses or guaranteed wins, luring players into providing sensitive information.
- Incorrect Website URL/Mobile App – Fraudulent sites often use web addresses that closely mimic legitimate casino names but have slight misspellings or different domain extensions (e.g., .net instead of .com).
How to Protect Yourself:
- Check before you bet: verify the licensed and regulated casinos and operators in Arizona.
- Be skeptical of advertisements or promotions on social media promising guaranteed wins or no-risk gaming.
- Avoid sharing personal or financial information with unverified sources.
- Look for sites that include resources for dispute resolution, as well as self-exclusion, responsible gaming messaging, or a toll-free helpline number.
Reporting Suspicious Activity, Fraud, or Identity Theft:
If you encounter fraud, identity theft, or suspicious online gaming operations, apps, or websites impersonating a casino or claiming to be a licensed operator in Arizona, please take the following steps:
- Document the website URL, app, business name, and any promotional materials associated with the fraudulent operator.
- Report it to ADG at [email protected] and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Consumer Information and Complaints Unit at (602) 542-5763 or by visiting azag.gov/consumer.
- Cease activity on the platform and monitor financial accounts for unauthorized transactions.
If you suspect identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”): for help in English, go to IdentityTheft.gov and for help in Spanish, go to RobodeIdentidad.gov.
The post ADG PSA: Consumer Protection Alert – Rise in Fraudulent Online Casinos Targeting Arizonans appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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.
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