NCPG establishes Tribal Advisory Council with tribal gaming executives

The National Council on Problem Gambling has established the Tribal Advisory Council, representing a “deeper level of collaboration to address matters of responsible gambling and problem gambling that are of importance to Native American communities”.

Although the NCPG has worked with tribal gaming entities for several years, the Tribal Advisory Council has been created “to increase awareness and respect for Native cultures as they relate to all facets of gambling so that these cultural practices can help other Native and non-Native communities”.

In addition, expertise and momentum for NCPG’s culturally specific work will be provided by the Tribal Advisory Council, “while recognising the importance of Native American history and sovereignty in consultation with Native American leaders and experts”.

Several executives from across the tribal gaming industry have been named as founding members of the NCPG Tribal Advisory Council, including:

Raquel Buari, J.D., Executive Vice Presid..

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Michigan regulator still considers gray machines illegal

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is answering calls for the agency to minimize efforts to combat the use of what it considers to be illegal casino-style gaming machines in the state.

The MGCB is responding to gray machines manufacturer Pace-O-Matic’s presence at brick-and-mortar properties across the Wolverine State. Pace-O-Matic, which also licenses skill games, believes the casino-style games are lawful sources of entertainment and are exempt from gambling prohibitions because they include an element of skill.

However, the MGCB takes a different stance, insisting the machines are illegal gambling tools.

“The MGCB is committed to upholding the integrity of the state’s gambling regulations and ensuring a fair and responsible gaming environment for all citizens,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “It is essential to clarify that these casino-style electronic gaming machines are not exempt from Michigan’s penal code, and individuals operating or utilizing them are s..

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Loket Kansspel promotes risk awareness for Dutch under-25s

Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands Gambling Authority, has backed the new ‘gambling risk advice’ campaign of Loket Kansspel.

Titled “Don’t Play with Games,” the campaign has been developed by Loket Kansspel to raise awareness of gambling behaviours and risks among Dutch audiences under the age of 25.

Loket Kansspel serves as a central advice bureau for gambling addictions, offering help to all citizens concerned with problem gambling.

The campaign directs its audience to the Don’t Play with Games website, where viewers can “self-test about their gambling behaviours.”

Loket Kansspel launched the campaign in response to a summer of sporting activity, featuring the UEFA Euro 2024 championship and the Paris Olympic Games.

KSA and Dutch authorities have previously raised concerns about the high exposure of gambling to Dutch consumers aged under 25.

From 1 October, new safeguards and preventative measures will be applied to the Remote Gambling Act (KOA Act).

Headline measures w..

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New KSA President backs ‘Globalised approach’ against Black Market threats

Michel Groothuizen has delivered his first address as Chairman of Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands’ Gambling Authority, opening the iGB Live, Amsterdam Conference (16-19 July).

Beginning his tenure as KSA chairman on 1 July, Groothuizen told delegates: “I am probably entirely new to you, the gambling market is not entirely new to me,” referencing his casework in 2015 with the Ministry of Justice to establish the KSA as Dutch gambling’s new authority.

“A lot has happened since I worked on the file and so there is still a lot for me to learn. I look forward to the conversations I will have today and in the future with gambling operators, international regulatory colleagues, legislators, and regulators, among others, many of whom I am sure are already here.”

KSA demands higher Duty of Care standards
Groothuizen takes charge of KSA as Dutch authorities and a new government continue to amend the Remote Gambling Act (KOA), the legislative framework, which launched the Netherland..

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Aristocrat amplifies key elements in reissued Light & Wonder legal battle

An ongoing legal battle between two of the US’ biggest igaming suppliers has taken another turn, as Aristocrat restated this week that Light & Wonder copied its Dragon Link slot title.

Following last month’s developments where Aristocrat saw its initial complaint partially dismissed, the Dragon Link supplier has issued its first amended complaint “to stop Light & Wonder from free-riding” on the success of its slot machine.

Filed with the US District Court for the District of Nevada, Aristocrat’s reissued complaint refers to the maths within Dragon Link as “difficult, if not impossible, for others to replicate”, while suggesting that L&W has conducted a “wide-ranging campaign to copy Dragon Link” by hiring several former Aristocrat employees.

The defendant suggests that this campaign began in 2022, when L&W renamed one slot title from Dragon Unleashed to Dragon Unleashed Link. According to Aristocrat, this was a “transparent attempt to sow confusion” with Dragon Link.

Jewel of t..

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GamCare strengthens leadership team with Alexa Roseblade as Chief of Staff

GamCare has boosted its leadership team after naming Alexa Roseblade as its new Chief of Staff.

In this role, Roseblade will work across the gambling support charity to deliver its priorities and mission, overseeing its annual governance programme and operational delivery, processes and ways of working.

She will also help to develop strong relationships and partnerships to support those affected by gambling harm.

Previously, Roseblade spent four years managing GamCare’s Children and Young People’s Team, which includes its dedicated Young People’s Service and the Young People’s Gambling Harm Prevention Programme.

Commenting on her new role, Roseblade said: “In my four years at GamCare, I have seen the vital work our dedicated staff deliver for those who need our support. Not just through our Helpline and Treatment services, but our many impactful prevention and education programmes.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with GamCare’s staff and Board to support the charity as w..

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GamCare promotes Alexa Roseblade to Chief of Staff

GamCare has appointed Alexa Roseblade as the new Chief of Staff. She will support GamCare’s leadership team in delivering on organisational priorities and achieving the charity’s governance objectives.

Alexa Roseblade steps into this role after four successful years managing GamCare’s Children and Young People’s Team. She further led the Young People’s Service and the Young People’s Gambling Harm Prevention Programme (YPGHPP).

Under her leadership, the YPGHPP worked effectively with regional support providers. They delivered workshops to 133,000 young people and 28,000 professionals, providing high-quality support services, participation, and digital information.

Margot Daly, Executive Chair at GamCare, said, “I am delighted to welcome Alexa as our new Chief of Staff. She has done important work in our Children and Young People’s services, helping develop GamCare into the charity it is today. I look forward to her supporting our Board and leadership team as we continue to reduce gam..

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Police drop gambling charges against Patriots’ Kayshon Boutte

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has received a favorable outcome following allegations of underage gambling and computer fraud.

According to an ESPN report, the State of Louisiana dropped charges on Tuesday against the former LSU Tiger after he was arrested in January for illegally wagering during his time in Baton Rouge. Boutte was under investigation by the Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division but is no longer facing a penalty after being charged with a felony count of computer fraud and a misdemeanor count of gambling prohibited for persons under 21. Boutte, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, played in six games for the Patriots last season recording two receptions and 19 yards despite his previous legal woes.

Investigation into Boutte

Louisiana State Police investigators found that Boutte allegedly used an alias to place nearly 9,000 sports bets between April 2022 and May 2023. Boutte, who was 20 years old during some of the alleged wagerin..

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Svenska Spel: Restructuring results starting to show in Q2 financials

Svenska Spel President and CEO Anna Johnson has highlighted the operator’s recent restructuring, stating that it has led to “lower costs, improved earnings and a strengthened operating margin” in the second quarter of 2024.

In addition, Johnson noted that opportunities have now been created for the Swedish operator to “invest in transformation, strengthened responsible gaming work and investments that create growth”.

Casino Cosmopol closures impact overall revenue

Publishing its interim report, Svenska Spel declared an overall Q2 net gaming revenue of SEK 1.87bn (€161.8m), down by five per cent year-over-year (Q2 2023: SEK 1.97bn).

The operator noted that the decrease was partly due to its Casino Cosmopol business only having one casino open in comparison to three the previous year following the closure of casinos in Malmö and Gothenburg, resulting in a SEK 90m reduction.

Its online unit improved by eight per cent in comparison to the same period last year, accounting for 59 per ..

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GamCare promotes Alexa Roseblade to Chief of Staff

GamCare has appointed Alexa Roseblade as the new Chief of Staff. She will support GamCare’s leadership team in delivering on organisational priorities and achieving the charity’s governance objectives.

Alexa Roseblade steps into this role after four successful years managing GamCare’s Children and Young People’s Team. She further led the Young People’s Service and the Young People’s Gambling Harm Prevention Programme (YPGHPP).

Under her leadership, the YPGHPP worked effectively with regional support providers. They delivered workshops to 133,000 young people and 28,000 professionals, providing high-quality support services, participation, and digital information.

Margot Daly, Executive Chair at GamCare, said, “I am delighted to welcome Alexa as our new Chief of Staff. She has done important work in our Children and Young People’s services, helping develop GamCare into the charity it is today. I look forward to her supporting our Board and leadership team as we continue to reduce gam..

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