

Compliance Updates
Gaming Americas Q1 2024 Meetup: Balancing Slot Mechanics and the US Legislation Roundup
HIPTHER’s Virtual Quarterly Meetups for the Gaming industry have officially returned for 2024! The Gaming Americas Q1 Virtual Meetup took place on February 28, featuring an informative panel on Innovating Slot Mechanics, and our staple US Legislation Round-up.
HIPTHER’s Co-Founder, Zoltan Tuendik, hosted the first session about Slot Mechanics, featuring Connor Blinman, Head of Games at Gaming Corps, and Raph Di Guisto, Founder at Silverback Gaming. For the Q1 US Legislation Roundup, the “usual suspects” Martin Lycka, SVP for American Regulatory Affairs & Responsible Gambling at Entain, Bill J. Pascrell III, Esq, Partner at Princeton Public Affairs Group Inc, and Jeremy Kleiman, Gaming Attorney and Member at Saiber LLC, reunited for a session that offered ample insight into the latest regulatory updates in the United States.
The first part of the Meetup primarily focused on the future direction of the gaming industry, including emerging trends in slots and game mechanics, the potential of virtual reality and multiplayer technology in the casino industry, and the game development process. The US Legislation Roundup walked us through the challenges faced by the online gambling industry due to the popularity of unregulated offshore sites, the sports betting industry, the legalization of iGaming in various states, the regulation of online gambling and sports betting, and the future of online sports betting and iGaming services.
Innovating Slot Mechanics: Balancing Novelty with User Experience
Connor and Raph discussed the game development process, highlighting the importance of understanding the target audience, conducting market research, and introducing innovative mechanics. They anticipate a trend towards medium volatility games with increased player engagement. They also discussed the potential of skill-based and personalized gaming experiences, as well as integrating multiplayer technology. The conversation underscored the complexities of the market and the need for continuous innovation. They discussed the challenges of introducing a new feature in the competitive slots game market and the importance of adapting and innovating. They also focused on reducing player fatigue and burnout and adapting to evolving market needs. The discussion ended with a focus on measuring the success of new game mechanics after their release using player feedback and data analysis.
Q1 US Legislation Roundup: Online Gambling Challenges, New Markets,Taxation, and Sports Betting Industry
Jeremy discussed the difficulties faced by the online gambling industry due to the popularity of unregulated offshore sites among players in regulated markets. He questioned the incentives for players to switch to regulated sites and acknowledged this as a challenge for both the industry and regulators.The conversation between Jeremy, Bill, and Martin revolved around sports betting, particularly in New York and North Carolina, with a focus on tax rates and policy. The need for investing in consumer protection, innovation, and improved customer experience was emphasized.
Bill Pascrell discussed the challenges and progress of online gaming in various states, including the potential tax increase proposed in New Jersey and the readiness of other states to legalize iGaming. The conversation primarily focused on the introduction of sports betting legislation in various states and its potential impact. The panelists also briefly touched on the possibility of regulating online casino and poker games in Maryland. The conversation emphasized the importance of bringing in interested operators, incentivizing them with bonuses, deductions, and reasonable tax rates.
Bill, Martin and Jeremy had a wide-ranging discussion about the sports betting industry. They highlighted the role of Senator Hoskins and his support for the industry. They also touched upon the public perception of the industry and the need for responsible gambling. The conversation explored the challenges of regulating the Black Market and the potential for increased tax revenue. The group also acknowledged the need for the industry to proactively educate the public about its benefits. Towards the end, they discussed the difficulty of creating a positive narrative around the industry.
Bill, Jeremy, and Martin discussed the regulation of online gambling and sports betting, emphasizing the need for a balance between industry growth and job creation, and addressing concerns about dysfunction and stakeholder engagement. They also touched on the potential of technological innovation and the risk of entrenched market shares. The conversation concluded with a reminder about the importance of integrity, compliance, legality, and responsible gaming in the industry. The trio discussed the need to respect tribes and engage with them in negotiations. The issue of betting on college sports was raised, highlighting potential risks for players and the need for regulation. The discussion ended with a brief mention of the NCAA tournament and the importance of commercial operators’ support for legislation.
The panel concluded with thoughts on the future of online sports betting and iGaming services. The speakers emphasized the importance of agreements with individual states and the federal government to offer these services. The role of human interaction in understanding stakeholders’ interests and pain points was highlighted, and the potential for legalizing sports betting in California and other states was discussed, while acknowledging the problems with the black market. The need for a more efficient way to engage with tribes and the necessity of regulation were stressed as next steps to drive out the black market.
Coming up Next:
Watch the recording of the Gaming Americas Q1 Meetup on HIPTHER TV, and keep an eye out for our next Gaming Americas Quarterly Meetups for 2024!
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”. |
The post AGCO issues $110,000 in penalties to BetMGM Canada for offering cash to induce new gambling customers appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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.
-
gaming3 years ago
ODIN by 4Players: Immersive, state-of-the-art in-game audio launches into the next generation of gaming
-
EEG iGaming Directory8 years ago
iSoftBet continues to grow with new release Forest Mania
-
News7 years ago
Softbroke collaborates with Asia Live Tech for the expansion of the service line in the igaming market
-
News6 years ago
Super Bowl LIII: NFL Fans Can Bet on the #1 Sportsbook Review Site Betting-Super-Bowl.com, Providing Free Unbiased and Trusted News, Picks and Predictions
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
Rick Meitzler appointed to the Indian Gaming Magazine Advisory Board for 2018
-
News6 years ago
REVEALED: Top eSports players set to earn $3.2 million in 2019
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
French Senator raises Loot Boxes to France’s Gambling Regulator
-
News7 years ago
Exclusive Interview with Miklos Handa (Founder of the email marketing solutions, “MailMike.net”), speaker at Vienna International Gaming Expo 2018