Compliance Updates
BGC Strengthens Ads Rules to Further Protect Under 18s
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has unveiled new measures to further prevent under-18s from seeing digital media adverts.
The standards body, which represents the UK regulated betting industry, has announced changes that will be published in the Seventh Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising (IGRG code).
As well as raising advertising standards for young people, the new code will extend the current commitment, which ensures 20% of TV and radio advertising is devoted to safer gambling messaging, to digital media advertising too.
BGC members have already taken major steps to ensure only those legally allowed to bet see online marketing for regulated betting and gaming products.
Previous rules ensured all sponsored or paid for social media adverts must be targeted at consumers aged 25 and over unless the website can prove its adverts can be precisely targeted at over 18s.
Under the new guidelines, the 25+ rule will be extended to all digital media platforms who provide an appropriate age filter.
The new code, which will come into force on 1 December 2023, is the latest example of the BGC’s determination to drive up standards within the betting and gaming industry.
Other measures already introduced include the whistle to whistle ban on TV gambling adverts, cooling off periods on gaming machines, encouraging deposit limits, new ID and age verification checks and massively increasing funding for research, education and treatment.
A BGC code of conduct was also introduced placing a ban on football clubs using their social media accounts – which are popular with youngsters – posting direct marketing on betting odds and sites.
BGC members have also led on a push with social media platforms to allow the public to opt-out from receiving betting and gaming advertising online. BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher wrote to DCMS earlier this year, urging the Department to put pressure on social media platforms to do more.
DCMS Minister Stuart Andrew MP has since confirmed he will convene a meeting to help drive change.
BGC members take a zero-tolerance approach to betting by children. According to the Gambling Commission’s “Young People and Gambling Report” (2022) the most popular forms of betting by children are arcade games like penny pusher and claw grab machines (22%) bets between friends (15%), playing cards for money (5%) and fruit machines (3%) – not with BGC members.
Michael Dugher, chief executive of the BGC, said: “As the standards body for the regulated sector, we are committed to continuing to drive up standards and make big changes across the betting and gaming industry. Helping protect young people is our number one priority.
“BGC Members have already taken significant steps to ensure adverts by our members only reach the right audiences. With more help from the platforms, we can do even more.
“Safer gambling messaging is also absolutely crucial. It is about ensuring that customers use safer gambling tools like setting deposits limits and time outs, but also it is about the vitally important work of signposting the help that is out there to help the minority of gamblers who might be struggling with their betting and gaming.
“The new edition of the IGRG Code is further evidence of our determination to continue to ensure that standards are rising and are as high as they can possibly be.”
BGC worked alongside Bacta, Bingo Association and the Lotteries Council to formulate these new rules and ensure it was a cross industry effort.
Around 22.5 million UK adults enjoy a bet each month. The regulated betting and gaming industry in the UK contributes £7.1bn to the economy in GVA and generates £4.2bn in taxes which fund essential public services, the industry also supports 110,000 jobs across the country.
Participation in gambling by children (11-16 years) has fallen significantly since 2011 – from 23% of children participating in some form of gambling on a past-week basis to 7% in 2022 (GC Young People and Gambling Report 2022).
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”. |
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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.”
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