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BetMGM fined $110K by AGCO for improper marketing practices

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BetMGM Canada is being penalized for violating internet gaming rules in Ontario.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued BetMGM Canada an Order of Monetary Penalty of $110,000 for violating the commission’s standards for internet gaming regarding advertising and marketing for gambling in 2024.

Last year, BetMGM participated in marketing campaigns with companies offering cash to the public in exchange for opening new accounts. The violations occurred in public forums, including a national trade conference. BetMGM has been penalized for the actions of the marketing companies as the AGCO’s standards hold operators responsible for the conduct of their third-party suppliers who are contracted to support operations in Ontario.

“Responsible gambling safeguards and the protection of Ontarians on registered gaming sites is among our key priorities,” said AGCO CEO and Registrar Dr. Karin Schnarr. “The AGCO monitors the activities of all registered operators and their ..

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UKGC shake-up caps wagering requirements on incentives and bans bonus mixing

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The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has introduced new rules on wagering requirements and bonus mixing designed to provide a safer and simpler experience for players.

Effective from 19 December 2025, the Commission will apply a ban on promotional incentives that require players to play across different types of gambling products and place a cap on bonus wagering requirements.

Additionally, the UKGC will revise the wording of the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) to improve clarity.

The changes have been introduced following consultation with the industry and form part of a broader programme of reforms aligned with the 2023 White Paper ‘High stakes: gambling reform for the digital age’.

Bonus wagering requirements capped at x10

The first change will see online bonus wagering requirements limited to x10 the bonus amount; as such, “a £10 bonus cannot require more than £100 in bets before any winning can be withdrawn”.

According to the UKGC, the change “decreases the li..

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Speculation escalates as Thailand awaits casino bill vote 

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With the Thailand government set to review the casino bill on Thursday, speculation has been rife over the fate of the sector.

It comes after the governance in Thailand voted down a censure motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, which largely cited the impact of the legalisation of gambling venues in Thailand.

It means the draft progress bill for land-based casinos will be considered on Thursday, with it anticipated to outlast opposition.

In a key boost to the bill, the legislation of Thai casinos was backed by public feedback this week following the consultation, with 80% of those asked supporting the proposals.

There was, however, backing for the eradication of the significant limitations put on Thai residents when it comes to the casinos.

There were previous reports that Thai officials would implement a rule that meant that Thai citizens would need at least $1.5m in assets to access casinos in the country.

Yet, providing a summary of responses, it appears t..

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BetVictor Canada launches safer gambling campaign with ex-Raptor McGrady

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BetVictor Canada has officially launched its new responsible gambling advertising campaign fronted by former Toronto Raptor Tracy McGrady.

NBA Hall-of-Famer McGrady, who began his career with the Raptors, was named as the Ontario-licensed operator’s Safer Gambling Ambassador back in October. This week, the partners have taken their marketing live in the province.

Two mobile digital trucks targeting high-traffic areas near the Raptors and the Maple Leafs’ Scotiabank Arena home and the Toronto Blue Jays’ Rogers Centre will provide audience exposure for the campaign. The marketing will be scheduled around Leafs, Raptors and Blue Jays home games.

BetVictor Canada has also partnered with Clear Media Group in a move that will see 100 taxis display key brand messaging around the city.

The campaign coincides with Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a nationwide campaign held every March that seeks to increase public awareness of problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment and recovery..

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AGCO fines BetMGM Canada $110,000 for offering cash to attract customers

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The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has fined BetMGM Canada $110,000 for offering cash to new customers who signed up and placed a deposit.

The AGCO’s regulations expressly forbid gambling operators who are licensed in Ontario from publicly advertising sign-up bonuses or any other inducements designed to attract new players (Standard 2.05). The regulator also makes operators responsible for the conduct of their third-party partners such as marketing affiliates (Standard 1.19).

The commission said in a news release that BetMGM violated its Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming in separate incidents.

The AGCO asserts that in January 2024, BetMGM representatives allegedly attended the National Franchise Show and were offering $100 in cash to new players who opened a new account and deposited $15. Two months later, said the AGCO, BetMGM acknowledged that its marketing affiliate Above the Street had engaged in prohibited inducement marketing.

BetMGM signed up 377 new..

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DGOJ: Spain gambling ad-spend has returned to pre-Decree levels 

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DGOJ, Spain’s Directorate General of Gambling (DGOJ), has underscored that online gambling continues to grow its marketing exposure, irrespective of federal restrictions.

The observation led the Directorate’s observation of “State Online Market Report for 2024,” monitoring the activities of licensed operators.

In 2024, Spain’s online gambling market generated gross gaming revenues (GGR) of €1.45bn, up 17% on FY2023 comparatives of €1.25bn.

A breakdown of segments showed online sports betting achieved the highest growth rate of 24%, generating a GGR contribution of €609m (FY2023: €492m).

The report cited that “growth is driven by conventional matched-odds sports betting, which increased by 23.69% last year, and live betting by 24.05%.”

Online Casino maintains its status as the largest GGR segment, generating a revenue contribution of €731m (FY2023: €625m). The segment’s growth primarily reflects increased revenues generated by online slots at €472m (FY2023: €385m).

Apart from ‘Ru..

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UKGC bans bonus mixing and caps 10x wager on incentives 

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The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) will apply new rules on gambling incentives and promotional wording to ensure UK licences apply safe and fair terms for consumers.

New measures include changes to end harmful marketing practices and improve consumer understanding of bonus offers and terms used, which the Commission previously detailed as an outstanding concern.

Following a consultation, the Commission will apply a ban on promotional incentives that combine different types of gambling products, a cap on bonus wagering requirements, and a revision of the wording in the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) to improve clarity.

New rules and reforms will become effective from 19 December 2025 as part of the broader programme of regulatory change aligned with the 2023 White Paper ‘High stakes: gambling reform for the digital age’.

Ban on Bonus Mixing
The headline change includes prohibiting the practice of offering promotional incentives that combinewagering applications ..

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Michigan regulator adds to list of banned offshore casinos

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The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) continues to try and crack down on offshore unlicensed online casinos from acquiring customers in the state.

Michigan’s gaming regulator has issued cease and desist letters to 10 more offshore operators owned by Apex Dynamics. The Belize-based company has seen its unlicensed online casino brands ordered to shutter operations in Michigan for violating multiple state laws.

“The Gaming Control Board’s relentless dedication to maintaining the integrity of Michigan’s gaming industry drives our efforts,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “We will continue to take strong action to shut down illegal operations that undermine trust in Michigan’s legal gaming system.”

The MGCB determined that Apex Dynamic’s online casino brands violated the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act and the Michigan Penal Code. The regulator made its determination through their offering of illegal casino-style games and restrict..

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Gambling-specific debit card completes $17M seed round

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A third-party responsible gaming solution has made its debut with strong financial support.

EDGE Boost has launched as a first-of-its-kind solution providing users with a bank account designed to promote responsible gaming. The platform offers a dedicated debit card and bank account allowing users to separate gambling transactions from normal finances. EDGE Boost has launched after closing a $17.2 million seed round.

The round, led by venture capital fund Bullpen Capital, had contributions from Step Stone Group, Suro Capital, Impulsum Ventures, Mantis VC, Indicator Ventures. EDGE Markets has also raised $32 million in debt to further support its RG platform.

EDGE Boost offers unique features allowing bettors to gamble responsibly including cashback incentives and personalized spending limit suggestions. The financial RG solution also has no maintenance costs and provides frictionless wagering with a slew of operators.

“Bettors want a debit card that is exclusively designed and t..

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Japanese sports stars hit with sanctions over illegal casino activity 

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16 top level baseball players have felt the wrath of the intensified regulatory action in Japan after illegally engaging with online casinos.

The only player named was the Orix Buffaloes’ pitcher Taisuke Yamaoka, with the total amount of fines being issued to the 16 players totalling up to ¥10.2 million ($67,670).

The levels of sanctions issued to each player depended upon a myriad of factors including the frequency of which player gambled and their own salaries.

It comes as Japan is strengthening its framework around safer gambling after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s Cabinet approved a new focus on tackling addiction in the country.

Initially reported by the Japan Times, the plans focus on an intensified strategy against affiliate’s promotions of gambling.

Yoshitaka Ito, the minister in charge of measures to combat gambling addiction stated during a news conference: “There are strong indications the number of people accessing online casino sites is increasing.”

The move w..

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