Press Release
UK’s Starling Bank: 48-hour delay on the merchant block for gambling and betting
Starling Bank became the first UK bank to introduce a gambling block in 2018. This meant that customers could choose to block all payments made to gambling or betting merchants with one switch, found under the ’Card and Currency Controls’ section of the Starling app.
How does the 48-hour delay work?
When the gambling block is on, Starling cards and accounts will be locked for all payments made to merchants associated with gambling or betting. Transactions at non-gambling merchants, for example buying a lottery ticket at a newsagent, will still go through. But if you try to bet on a football match on a betting website, this would be blocked. Once you switch it on, the block prevents payments immediately. It works by excluding payments to all merchants with a gambling licence, giving us a unique and reliable way to group these payments together and block them.
The 48-hour delay feature kicks in from the moment you try to switch the block off. It’s what’s known as ’positive friction’, a ’nudge’ or a ’cooling-off period’ for the customer who may change their mind when they’re given more time to think. It makes gambling or betting on impulse more difficult.
Why has Starling added a 48-hour delay for switching off the gambling block?
Starling added this feature following conversations with mental health and gambling charities and feedback from customers. The consensus is that a 48-hour delay makes the block more effective. The delay cannot be overridden by speaking to customer services or redownloading the Starling app. Customers will be told about the 48-hour delay when they first deactivate gambling and betting payments.
When customers try to switch off the block, they will be provided with details of the National Gambling Helpline in case they need free advice or support on gambling. The number to call is 0808 8030 133.
Source: starlingbank.com
Latest News
Mohegan Appoints Joseph J. Hasson as Chief Operating Officer
Mohegan, a leader in developing integrated entertainment resorts worldwide, announced, subject to all regulatory approvals, that Joseph J. Hasson has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO), overseeing the development and execution of short and long-term strategic business plans across all Mohegan properties. Hasson has served as Mohegan’s interim COO since April of this year.
“Joe Hasson’s expertise, garnered over more than 40 years in the gaming and hospitality industries, coupled with his exemplary leadership at our Las Vegas property, positions him uniquely to ensure strategic alignment and continuity across Mohegan’s diverse portfolio,” said Ray Pineault, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mohegan. “We are confident that his leadership as our Chief Operating Officer will be instrumental in our sustained success.”
As Mohegan’s COO, Hasson will oversee the day-to-day operations of Mohegan’s resorts across the United States, Canada and Northern Asia. He will also maintain his responsibilities as General Manager of Mohegan Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas while the casino transitions ownership. Mr. Hasson will report to Ray Pineault, Mohegan’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
As COO, Hasson will continue to enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction while maintaining the high service standards that define Mohegan. He will also work with Mohegan’s leadership team to align all strategic processes with company-wide goals, emphasizing the sustainable growth of Mohegan’s portfolio of entertainment resorts.
Prior to joining Mohegan, Hasson served as COO of Station Casinos LLC and Red Rock Resorts, Inc. He holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Rider University, NJ.
Adam Greenblatt Chief Executive Officer BetMGM
BETMGM LAUNCHES MOBILE SPORTS BETTING APP THROUGHOUT WASHINGTON, D.C.
BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, launched mobile sports betting operations across Washington, D.C. Previously accessible within only a two-block radius of the sportsbook’s location at Nationals Park, sports fans district-wide now have access to the BetMGM sports wagering experience along with rewards tied to both MGM Resorts and Marriott Bonvoy destinations.
The launch follows the D.C. Council’s approval of its FY2025 budget that included a provision to open the digital sports betting market. BetMGM will retain exclusivity for the two-block radius surrounding Nationals Park where it operates the BetMGM Sportsbook as part of a multi-year partnership with the Washington Nationals.
“After three years of bringing unparalleled, omnichannel experiences to sports fans and supporting the D.C. metropolitan community through our partnership with the Washington Nationals, fans can now bet on their favorite teams with BetMGM across the District with our award-winning mobile app,” said Adam Greenblatt, Chief Executive Officer, BetMGM.
As mobile sports betting operations are now live in Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia, BetMGM continues to generate significant economic impact for the region by creating local jobs and contributing tax dollars. BetMGM has invested in the growth and development of the District with its contributions to community-centric programming such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series, Turkeypalooza presented by BetMGM, and the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program.
BetMGM’s integration with MGM Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy provides users the opportunity to redeem gameplay for experiences at MGM Resorts and Marriott Bonvoy properties nationwide. These destinations include MGM National Harbor in Maryland, Borgata in New Jersey, and Bellagio and MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Melonie Johnson, MGM National Harbor President & COO, said, “This is a full-circle moment as our resort continues to strengthen its reputation as the DMV’s premier entertainment destination. With BetMGM’s launch of mobile sports betting in D.C., customers across the entire region can now enjoy the full MGM Rewards experience. This includes our world-class hotel rooms, restaurants, and our state-of-the art BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge.”
Affiliate Industry
MightyTips and Marathonbet collaborate on a new partnership deal to conquer the Brazilian market
Affiliate website MightyTips and betting platform Marathonbet are entering into a new partnership that covers the Brazilian market to dominate the booming iGaming scene.
This strategic partnership will help Marathonbet to skyrocket its presence in the giant South American country with a population of over 215 million, boosting acquisition numbers in an increasingly competitive market.
A recent report by SOFTSWISS estimated that Brazilians participating in sports betting-related activity and online casinos in 2022 exceeded 46%.
The report also suggested the sports betting market in Brazil is significantly larger than that of online casinos. It is with these figures in mind that Marathonbet will seek to capitalise on.
Launched in 1997, Marathonbet has a rock-solid reputation and primarily operates under a licence issued by the Government of Curaçao. It was one of the first sportsbooks to launch an online betting service back in 2002.
Its brand is associated with some of the biggest names in football thanks to a deep-rooted commitment to the sport. In the past ten years, it has sponsored the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United, Sevilla, and Lazio.
Eugene Ravdin, MightyTips Communications and Marketing Manager said: “Marathonbet is one of the biggest names in betting. Its long and storied evolution from the beginning of iGaming is incredible and we can’t wait to work alongside them.”
A Marathonbet spokesperson said: “We are pleased to announce the beginning of a long and fruitful cooperation with MightyTips. We are sure this will bring us and the players only positive emotions, and we wish all the players good luck and many victories.”
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