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Compliance Updates

Veikkaus Fined €2.9M for Advertising to Minors

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In May 2024, Finnish Operator Veikkaus received a request for clarification from the Police Board about its advertising in connection with television programmes that are also watched by minors. The company responded to the clarification request and adjusted its operations in cooperation with the authority. As a result, Veikkaus’ advertising will no longer appear in certain programme environments.

Veikkaus has received a marketing ban from the Police Board dated 12 November 2024 enhanced by a fine. It refers to the clarification request from May and highlights the wrongly placed advertisement that happened in July as a violation. In addition to this, it brings out new perspectives on the placement of advertisements in connection with television programmes. They have now included new programmes aimed at adults, but may also be of interest to minors. Examples include popular Saturday night entertainment programmes.

“It seems that the Police Board may interpret the matter in a new and broader way. We have been in contact with the Police Board as soon as the decision was made and we are going through this issue with them. We need clarity so that we know how to act correctly,” Anu Kytö, sales and marketing director at Veikkaus, said.

“We are very sorry that, despite our joint development measures, our advertising has been seen in the advertising breaks of programs aimed at minors due to human error,” Kytö added.

Veikkaus’ advertising is bought in such a way that the target group is people aged 25 and over. The media office books and the television channel places the ads based on viewer profiles. The instructions have been reviewed together with the Police Board.

“Veikkaus has been buying TV advertising from us for years, with an age distribution set for the purchase: more than 70% of the program’s viewers must be adults. This is a jointly agreed model that has been valid for years and is known to the authorities. Now we are waiting for possible new instructions,” MTV’s commercial director Sauli Asikainen said.

The ban is valid for three months and its validity begins 30 days after notification. The Police Board imposed a fine of 2.9 million euros as an effect of the marketing ban.

The post Veikkaus Fined €2.9M for Advertising to Minors appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Adam Packer

PrizePicks Secures Gaming Licenses in Puerto Rico and Maine

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PrizePicks, the largest daily fantasy sports operator in North America, announced it has secured gaming licenses in both Puerto Rico and Maine, marking a major milestone in the operator’s continued growth. With this expansion, PrizePicks becomes the first daily fantasy sports operator to obtain a gaming license in Puerto Rico.

PrizePicks players can now access Arena in Maine, with Puerto Rico set to go live in the coming months. Following the launch, PrizePicks will be operational with its fantasy contests in 47 jurisdictions across the US.

“We’re grateful to the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission and the Maine Gambling Control Unit for their partnership and support throughout the licensure process. We’ve seen tremendous engagement with Arena across the country, and we’re confident that momentum will carry into these new jurisdictions,” said Adam Packer, Senior Vice President of Legal & Compliance at PrizePicks.

The post PrizePicks Secures Gaming Licenses in Puerto Rico and Maine appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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AGLC

AGLC Announces New Board Chair

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Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has announced the appointment of Larry Spagnolo as the new Board Chair, effective August 15, 2025. This announcement follows the official Order in Council issued by the Alberta Government and marks a new chapter in AGLC’s ongoing commitment to support communities, encourage responsible choices and position Alberta as the best place to do business.

Larry brings a wealth of experience in technology and business leadership to the AGLC Board and will play an integral role in guiding AGLC’s strategic direction. He is currently serving as VP and GM of Emerson’s SaaS SCADA business and has held senior roles at Zedi and Telus, driving innovation, growth, and global success.

A strong advocate for education and community, Larry serves as Vice Chair of Athabasca University’s Board of Governors and has held board roles with NAIT and Polytechnics Canada. He was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his community contributions.

AGLC and the Board of Directors extend their heartfelt thanks to Len Rhodes for his leadership and dedication as Board Chair since August 2019. He decided not to seek a third term and will continue to serve in this role until August 14, 2025. Len led AGLC through some significant milestones, including reducing red tape by 51%, growth of the emerging cannabis industry and ensuring AGLC delivered a balanced approach to business development, social responsibility, and regulatory oversight.

The post AGLC Announces New Board Chair appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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VGCCC Fines Werribee RSL for Self-exclusion Failures

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The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has fined the Werribee RSL $30,000 for failing to prevent 2 self-excluded customers from gambling.

VGCCC CEO Suzy Neilan said: “This is the first time the VGCCC has taken disciplinary action against a club or hotel for self-exclusion breaches.

“Self-exclusion programs empower people to manage their gambling by registering to be temporarily or permanently blocked from entering gambling areas of clubs, pubs and casinos.

“By failing to respect a person’s decision to self-exclude, a venue may put customers who have decided to take a break from gambling, or quit altogether, at risk of experiencing gambling harm.”

In January 2024, the VGCCC received an anonymous tip-off that a self-excluded person entered the Werribee RSL gaming room and used the poker machines. The venue self-reported a second breach in May 2024, after realising a different customer had gambled at the venue on at least 4 occasions between February and May 2024.

Ms Neilan said: “Taking disciplinary action is the last resort. We would prefer venues take their harm minimisation responsibilities seriously by complying with their legal obligations, including through the effective implementation of tools like self-exclusion.

“Venues and their staff are the last line of defence for self-excluded customers, who should be able to trust that their decision to self-exclude will be respected. They must have the appropriate controls in place to prevent self-excluded people from entering gaming rooms.”

The VGCCC acknowledged that Werribee RSL cooperated with the investigations and has since taken steps to strengthen its procedures. These include improved and regular staff training, daily audits of the self-exclusion register and greater use of technology to identify self-excluded customers who attempt to enter the gaming room.

This remedial action was taken into consideration in determining the amount of the fine.

The post VGCCC Fines Werribee RSL for Self-exclusion Failures appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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