Compliance Updates
UK Government launches review to ensure gambling laws are fit for digital age
The Culture Secretary has launched a major and wide-ranging review of gambling laws to ensure they are fit for the digital age as committed to in the manifesto.
Online restrictions, marketing and the powers of the Gambling Commission will be looked at as part of a call for evidence, to examine in detail how gambling has changed over the past 15 years.
Protections for online gamblers like stake and spend limits, advertising and promotional offers and whether extra protections for young adults are needed will all be explored.
The findings will be used to inform any changes to the Gambling Act 2005 to ensure customer protection is at the heart of the regulations, while giving those that gamble safely the freedom to do so.
The review will also look at evidence on the action customers can take where they feel operators have breached social responsibility requirements, such as intervening to protect customers showing clear signs of problematic play, and how to ensure children and young people are kept safe from gambling-related harm.
The Government recognises the need to balance the enjoyment people get from gambling with the right regulatory framework and protections.
It has also been announced today that the minimum age for playing the National Lottery will be raised from 16 to 18 from October 2021.
Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden, said:
“Whilst millions gamble responsibly, the Gambling Act is an analogue law in a digital age. From an era of having a flutter in a high street bookmaker, casino, racecourse or seaside pier, the industry has evolved at breakneck speed.
“This comprehensive review will ensure we are tackling problem gambling in all its forms to protect children and vulnerable people. It will also help those who enjoy placing a bet to do so safely.
“This builds upon our clear track record of introducing tough measures to protect people from the risk of gambling harm – banning the use of credit cards, launching tighter age verification checks and cutting the maximum stake on fixed odds betting terminals.”
Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage Nigel Huddleston said:
“We’re committed to protecting young people from gambling related harm which is why we are raising the minimum age for the National Lottery. Patterns of play have changed since its inception, with a shift towards online games, and this change will help make sure the National Lottery, although already low-risk, is not a gateway to problem gambling.”
It follows a range of measures recently introduced by the Government to protect consumers from the risk of gambling-related harm. These include cutting the maximum stake on fixed odds betting terminals, bringing in tighter age and identity checks for online gambling, banning gambling using credit cards and expanding national specialist support through the NHS Long Term Plan.
In September the Government launched a call for evidence to explore young people’s experiences of loot boxes in video games. This will provide a clearer picture of the size of the loot box market in the UK and fully examine any evidence of harms or links to problem gambling.
The review of the Gambling Act 2005 will also consider the Gambling Commission’s powers and resources to ensure it can keep pace with the licensed sector and tackle the black market.
In October the Gambling Commission introduced new rules on VIP schemes, and has called for evidence around how to ensure operators identify and intervene where people are at risk of harm, including through carrying out affordability checks. The Commission will also soon set out new rules on safer game design for online slots and withdrawing winnings.
Alongside the launch of the review, the Government is announcing its decision to raise the minimum age to play the National Lottery from 16 to 18, to protect young people from gambling related harm.
Since it began in 1994 the National Lottery’s games portfolio has changed significantly and there has been a growing trend towards online play and instant win games like scratchcards. Following a consultation, from October 2021 it will be illegal to sell all National Lottery products to under 18s.
The Government is working with the Gambling Commission and Camelot to roll out the new age limit across the National Lottery products as quickly as possible and to ensure that it is in place by October. Under current plans, online sales to 16 and 17 year olds will stop in April 2021.
Source: gov.uk
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has appointed Mark Evenson as its new board member. Evenson, a seasoned financial executive from South Lyon, is the Chief Financial Officer at Diversified Members Credit Union. His appointment took effect on Sept. 10, 2024, and will continue through Dec. 31, 2026.
Evenson succeeds Northville resident Robert (Bob) Anthony, a senior risk and quality partner of Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP, who had resigned.
“We are excited to welcome Mark Evenson to the Michigan Gaming Control Board. His extensive background in corporate finance and community service will be invaluable as we continue our mission of ensuring fair and honest gaming operations across Michigan. His leadership will further strengthen our efforts to protect the interests of Michigan’s citizens and uphold the integrity of gaming within the state,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said.
Evenson brings with him a wealth of experience in management and corporate finance. He holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s degree in corporate finance from Walsh College. His leadership experience extends beyond the finance industry, having served for four years on the board of directors of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, including a year as the Chairman of the Board. He has also held other volunteer positions, including as a trustee with the Plymouth Canton Schools Educational Excellence Foundation and as a volunteer with the Plymouth Community United Way.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to be appointed to serve in this capacity. I’m looking forward to making an impact with the Board and our community as a whole,” Evenson said.
The MGCB is responsible for implementing, administering, and enforcing the provisions of the law related to the licensure, regulation, and operations of the three authorized Detroit casinos — MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown. The agency also licenses and regulates fantasy contests, regulates pari-mutuel horse racing and casino-style charitable gaming (millionaire parties), and audits tribal gaming compact agreements for the state’s 12 federally recognized tribes.
Compliance Updates
FDJ Brings Forward the Expiry of the Acceptance Period of its Offer on Kindred to 2 October After Having Obtained All Necessary Regulatory Approvals
La Française des Jeux (FDJ) has brought forward the expiry of the acceptance period of its offer on Kindred to 2 October, after having obtained all necessary regulatory approvals.
On 22 January 2024, FDJ, announced a recommended public offer to the holders of Swedish Depository Receipts (the SDRs) in Kindred Group plc to tender all their SDRs in Kindred at a price of SEK 130 in cash per SDR (the Offer). An offer document relating to the Offer was published on 19 February 2024 and supplements to the offer document were made public 25 April 2024 and 25 July 2024.
FDJ announced that it has obtained final approval from the French Competition Authority to complete the Offer.
The definitive clearance of the acquisition of Kindred by the French Competition Authority was the last regulatory condition required for the completion of the Offer. Thus, having obtained all necessary regulatory clearances, approvals and decisions, FDJ has decided to bring forward the expiry of the acceptance period of the Offer to 17.00 CEST on 2 October 2024 (from the initial date of 19 November 2024).
Completion of the Offer remains subject to other conditions, notably it being accepted to such an extent that FDJ becomes the owner of more than 90% of the total number of shares in Kindred (on a fully diluted basis):
• To date, five shareholders (Corvex Management LP, Premier Investissement SAS, Eminence Capital, Nordea and Veralda), representing 26.72% of Kindred’s outstanding Swedish depository receipts, have made an irrevocable commitment to tender their SDRs to the offer.
• In addition, FDJ acquired 1.11% of Kindred’s outstanding SDRs directly from Veralda in March.
FDJ will announce the result of the Offer on or around 3 October 2024 at the close of the market. If the Offer is completed, settlement and delivery for Kindred shareholders who tender their SDRs will take place on or around 11 October 2024.
The post FDJ Brings Forward the Expiry of the Acceptance Period of its Offer on Kindred to 2 October After Having Obtained All Necessary Regulatory Approvals appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
ECA Announces its Security and Safety Workshop to be held during the Global Table Games & Game Protection Conference
The European Casino Association (ECA) is going to conduct its 2024 Security and Safety Working Group meeting in conjunction with the Global Table Games & Game Protection Conference (GTGC/GGPC) at the Hippodrome Casino in London from November 18-20, 2024.
This collaboration marks a significant expansion of the ECA’s annual Security and Safety Working Group meeting, now encompassing a broader range of crucial industry topics.
The Global Table Games & Game Protection Conference (GTGC/GGPC) will address a wide array of subjects vital to the European casino industry, including:
• Security and Safety
• Safer Gambling Practices
• Customer Experience Enhancement
• Game Protection Strategies
• Technological Advancements in Casino Operations
Guido Berghmans, ECA Board Member, Working Group Leader, and Director of Casino 2000 Luxembourg, stated: “We are pleased to integrate our ECA Security and Safety Workshop with this conference. The GTGC/GGPC Euro provides our members with a valuable opportunity to engage with security experts and gain insights into the latest developments in game protection and secure casino operations.”
The GTGC/GGPC, organised by game protection expert Richard Marcus, is making its European debut following three successful years in Las Vegas. The event will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including:
• Simon Thomas, ECA Board Member and Executive Chairman of the Hippodrome Casino
• Ted Whiting, Corporate VP of Surveillance and Asset Protection for MGM Resorts International
• Mike Matranga, former Secret Service agent and founder of M6 Global Defense Group
• Richard Noble, COO at Crown UK
• Michael Boettcher, industry veteran and President of Storm International
• Last but not least, conference organiser Richard Marcus.
Marcus is considered to have been the most significant professional casino cheat of all time. He turned the tables to become a casino game protection consultant and trainer with clients worldwide. Marcus began his career as a blackjack dealer in Las Vegas and later became infamous for his ingenious cheating methods. He has dedicated his expertise to helping casinos worldwide improve their security measures and game protection strategies. Richard Marcus speaks French and German, enhancing his ability to communicate with a diverse European audience.
The conference will address current security risks in casinos and the methods to detect and prevent fraud and manipulation at gaming tables and slot machines. Key topics include AI in surveillance, facial recognition technology, and cybersecurity. Additionally, the conference will cover other relevant subjects, making it appealing not only to security managers but also to all executives in European casino companies. This event offers an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge and network with industry peers.
Guido Berghmans added: “This collaboration between the ECA and GTGC/GGPC underscores our commitment to advancing security and safety standards in the European casino industry. We encourage all our members to attend and recommend that European land-based casino operations consider sending their key employees to participate in this conference. It presents a unique learning and networking opportunity that merits serious consideration.”
As part of this collaborative effort, on November 20, the managers of ECA member casinos responsible for security and safety will convene with experts and relevant consultants at their annual Security and Safety Working Group meeting to exchange experiences from the past year and discuss improved casino security practices.
The post ECA Announces its Security and Safety Workshop to be held during the Global Table Games & Game Protection Conference appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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