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Hard Rock Continues Fight Against Human Trafficking

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Hard Rock International continues to proactively combat human trafficking by implementing several programs this month. The company kicked off its programs on January 11, as part of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

Human trafficking, which includes commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor, is a complex challenge for the entire global hospitality industry because it intersects a range of organized criminal activities.

For several years, Hard Rock has implemented comprehensive protocols to increase awareness of and prevent human trafficking, including training over 27,000 hotel and casino team members globally and collaborating with community partners and advocacy groups. In May 2022, the company signed the ECPAT Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct, the world’s first and only voluntary set of business principles travel and tourism companies can implement to prevent sexual exploitation and trafficking of children.

“Hard Rock is committed to working with our community partners across the country and the world to innovate solutions that help prevent human trafficking,” Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International, said.

This January, Hard Rock is expanding and innovating its direct support for victims, survivors, and at-risk youth, through partnership programs.

Youth Employment Program with Covenant House New York

To help vulnerable youth avoid risks or escape a life of trafficking, Hard Rock is providing access to careers in hospitality. Through a partnership with Covenant House New York, the largest provider of runaway and homeless youth services in New York City, the program aims to enable youth to overcome systemic barriers, achieve sustainable independence, and break free from cycles of poverty and homelessness.

“Vulnerable and exploited youth need stable employment to transition their lives from the street to a better future. This program seeks to not only offer jobs at Hard Rock, but to help these youth build careers by offering the experience, training and knowledge to build long-term futures in the global hospitality industry,” Julie Farer, Executive Director of Covenant House New York, said.

Participants will receive employment with Hard Rock Cafe Times Square and Hard Rock Hotel New York. After completing a 90-day transition period, they can work to forge opportunities across a range of roles, to learn and grow as hospitality professionals.

First Hospitality Company to Implement Twentyfour-Seven QR Code

Hard Rock is improving how the hospitality industry provides information and support to those who need it, while also deterring traffickers from targeting its properties. To advance communications, Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming represent the first hospitality company to pilot a QR code on its properties that will provide information on trafficking, and for those who may need it, direct access to immediate help resources.

The Twentyfour-Seven Anti-trafficking QR Code was created by survivors to help those vulnerable to trafficking, the QR code sticker will be placed in bathrooms, elevator waiting areas, transportation waiting areas, and parking lots.

“Victims who are being trafficked are constantly fed false information by their traffickers. The Twentyfour-Seven Anti-Trafficking QR code breaks the cycle by providing relevant and accurate information to victims so they may obtain help. Hard Rock is the first company in the hospitality sector to implement this program designed to help victims in bad situations. Using the anti-trafficking QR code will explain what laws and resources are available to victims,” Tsvetelina Thompson, Managing Director of Twentyfour-Seven, said.

When scanned, the person selects their location, selects prompts for the specific information they want, and can choose actions to take, whether it is calling for immediate help, filing a report, or understanding the law. The pilot will test the QR code stickers at properties in New York City, Hollywood Florida, Cincinnati Ohio, and Madrid Spain.

Expanded Education to Prevent Online Luring with ECPAT-USA

In January 2022, Hard Rock launched the Social Identity Quest, an education program designed to help teens understand risks of being lured online. Content was co-developed with experts at ECPAT-USA and EduNetwork Partners. By June 2022, 1.2 million students completed the curriculum, taught by 60,000 teachers in high schools across 45 states. This innovative program increased students’ human trafficking awareness and capacity to make informed decisions within social media practices.

The program is now being adapted to help prevent online exploitation amongst youth in Mexico, and indigenous communities in the USA.

“The Social Identity Quest (SIQ) helps young people examine how they interact and express themselves online. This creative approach is successful with youth because online games resonate with them. Rather than allow sexual perpetrators to exploit social media by identifying and contacting young people, the SIQ provides strategies to help kids protect themselves. By adapting this successful program for Mexico and indigenous youth in the USA, we are extending its reach to prevent grooming for sexual exploitation and trafficking,” Lori L. Cohen, CEO of ECPAT-USA, said.

Local Champion with the Broward Human Trafficking Coalition

In the community of its headquarters, Hard Rock will join the Broward Human Trafficking Coalition (BHTC), community leaders, and elected officials on January 21 to raise awareness about the plight and rights of trafficking victims. Hard Rock is the lead sponsor of the BHTC Town Hall and Community event, which takes place at The African American Research Library & Cultural Center.

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AGCO Removes Cap on Seller Commission for Charitable Lottery Products

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The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has updated several lottery policies to remove the cap on seller commission for Paper Raffles and Media Bingo, along with removing the prohibition on Catch the Ace paper lotteries, to align with other charitable lottery products.

Licensed charities may now negotiate commissions directly with sellers and determine commissions, provided they are reasonable and tied to the cost of service provided by the seller.

These updates further the AGCO’s commitment to adopt an outcomes-based regulatory approach and reduce burden for the charitable gaming sector. Local charitable organizations will have greater flexibility to make decisions that best serve their fundraising objectives.

Important Reminders

• Charities must still receive approval for other expenses incurred under their licence and retain receipts for seller commission paid.

• Licensing authorities will not require documentation to be submitted as part of the application process, however, charities are still subject to audit to determine compliance.

• Charities are reminded of their legal requirement to meet their obligations under the Criminal Code and with respect to conducting and managing a charitable gaming scheme.

• As with all licensed charitable lottery events, charities must take the necessary steps to ensure that they are conducting and managing the lottery event within Ontario.

For charitable gaming-related inquiries, email an AGCO Eligibility Officer at [email protected] or call AGCO Customer Service at 1-800-522-2876, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The post AGCO Removes Cap on Seller Commission for Charitable Lottery Products appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Segev LLP Celebrates 10 Years of Business-Focused Legal Innovation

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Leading business, technology, finance, and gaming law firm, Segev LLP, is proud to announce its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, Segev has evolved from a bold idea into a multi-jurisdictional firm serving clients across Canada, the U.S., and beyond.

Built for innovation-driven industries, the firm is widely recognized for its work with companies at the forefront of gaming, crypto, technology, and emerging sectors. “Our 10-year anniversary is a defining moment,” said Founding Partner, Ron Segev. “It’s a testament to the strength of our team and our culture of teamwork, self-improvement, and growthall of which is directed at scoring wins for our great clients.”

As industries like fintech, crypto, iGaming, and AI have matured, so has the firm, often in parallel with its clients. “We’ve all grown together with our clients from one success to the next, whether it be helping clients complete financings or helping them close business,” said Managing Partner Alon Segev. “I look forward to continued growth for us and our clients in the next 10 years!”

The firm’s client-first approach has consistently earned recognition from top legal ranking guides. Segev LLP is ranked by Chambers and Partners as a “Leading Firm” and “Band-1” in Canada for Gaming Law and are also recommended by The Legal 500 and Lexology. These rankings reflect the team’s ability to deliver strategic, high-quality legal solutions that align with their clients’ business goals.

Recognized for their unique ability to exceed expectations and deliver out-of-the-box solutions, Segev LLP’s clients have affirmed: “The firm demonstrates its capability not only to understand complex matters, but also to offer solutions that are practical, pragmatic, and value-adding.”

“Segev possesses outstanding resources and maintains global partnerships, enabling it to deliver precise and informed responses to any queries related to the iGaming industry.”

“Epic service, very good, I won the case!”

“Great service, friendly atmosphere, and support.”

Several Segev team members also reflected on the milestone: “There was a moment early in my time here when I realized I wasn’t just being brought in to help; I was expected to contribute, take initiative, and run with big ideas. That stuck with me,” said Negin Alavi.

“Together with our clients, [Segev] has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade. I’m honored to have contributed to this journey and to celebrate these shared successes,” said David McHugh.

Segev has cultivated a thriving law practice on the principle that challenges are to be embraced as opportunities. The approach has enabled us to grow as lawyers, but more importantly, it has enabled us to ensure the success of our clients,” said Mark Balestra.

“Since joining through Segev’s Ontario expansion, I’ve had the chance to work alongside some of the sharpest and most collaborative lawyers in the gaming space,” added Manav Bhargava. “As a full-service firm and industry leader, Segev stands out for its ability to support innovative businesses with practical, forward-thinking legal advice.”

Segev LLP will commemorate the anniversary with a series of internal and external initiatives throughout the remainder of the year.

The post Segev LLP Celebrates 10 Years of Business-Focused Legal Innovation appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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INCENTIVE GAMES SECURES ONTARIO GAMING LICENSE

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Incentive Games, a leading B2B games provider, is proud to announce that it has been awarded an Ontario Gaming License by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), effective today. This achievement enables the company to offer its portfolio of real-money games to licensed operators and players across the province.

The license underscores the Incentive Games’ commitment to meeting the highest standards of compliance, security, and operational excellence. The rigorous application process demands robust security protocols and comprehensive responsible gaming measures and affirms the company’s readiness to enter one of Canada’s most dynamic iGaming markets.

The North American market is a strategic focus for Incentive Games, and this milestone follows closely on the heels of the company receiving its Provisional Michigan gaming licence from the Michigan Gaming Control Board earlier this month.

Incentive Games will distribute its real-money gaming content in Ontario through Incentive Studios, the company’s dedicated Real-Money Gaming division, ensuring a focused and tailored approach to the market.

“Ontario represents a huge opportunity for us, and securing this license is a proud moment for the whole team,” said John Gordon, Chief Executive Officer at Incentive Games. “It reinforces our dedication to meeting the highest standards while delivering compelling real-money content. We’re looking forward to building strong relationships in the region and continuing our momentum across regulated markets worldwide.”

The post INCENTIVE GAMES SECURES ONTARIO GAMING LICENSE appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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