Google makes GGL certification mandatory for gambling advertising in Germany

Google has issued an update specifically for Germany, informing advertisers that it will restrict the promotion of gambling services to businesses licensed by the Glücksspielbehörde (GGL), the Federal Gambling Authority of Germany.

As part of the update to its German market Gambling and Games policies, advertisers were informed that GGL licensing certification for gambling services will be required from 25 September 2024.

The update stated: “Only gambling operators and brokers licensed by the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) will be eligible to apply for advertising certification for the gambling products specified in our Gambling and Games Policy.”

The requirement for GGL certification will be adopted as a mandatory measure for all gambling advertisers in Germany, including affiliates. Those offering gambling aggregation services, such as linking to multiple offers from different operators on their landing page, will no longer be accepted.

As a result of these change..

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Gambling harassment campaign for athletes launched in Ohio

Ohio for Responsible Gambling is taking steps to protect student-athletes from gambling-related harm.

The initiative has launched More Than A Bet, a new campaign aimed at fostering a safe environment in sports as the online sports betting industry continues to grow.

“The mental toll of online harassment is unacceptable,” said Ohio Casino Control Commission Chairman Tom Stickrath. “By learning about the issue and supporting student-athletes, we can change the narrative.”

The campaign is geared toward student-athletes and coaches and provides resources on how to deal with gambling-related harassment. More Than A Bet also provides educational tools on gambling-related harm for counselors, team officials and campus faculty.

More Than a Bet has a section exclusively geared toward coaches that provides educational tools to combat online abuse toward student-athletes. It also provides users with the opportunity to take an anonymous quiz to gauge their risk for a gambling disorder.

Ohio f..

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BetMGM to promote Responsible Gaming Education Month at NFL stadiums

MGM Resorts International and its joint-venture operator BetMGM are linking up with the American Gaming Association (AGA) to promote Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM 2024) in September.

The two companies will display GameSense messaging and resources around numerous NFL stadiums for the second year running. GameSense is an industry-leading responsible gaming program developed and licensed to MGM Resorts in 2017 by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC).

GameSense messaging will be promoted prominently at nine NFL stadiums this summer:

Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders)

Empower Field at Mile High (Denver Broncos)

Ford Field (Detroit Lions)

GHEA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Chiefs)

M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore Ravens)

MetLife Stadium (New York Jets)

Nissan Stadium (Tennessee Titans)

State Farm Stadium (Arizona Cardinals)

“We’re excited to bring responsible gaming initiatives directly to fans in these NFL v..

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Public survey to advise on New Zealand anti-gambling harm plan

To mark the start of New Zealand’s Gambling Harm Awareness Week, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has urged citizens to share their opinions on the country’s gambling harm prevention strategy over the next three years.

“While many New Zealanders enjoy gambling as a pastime without issue, the statistics are clear that harm from gambling can have a significant impact, therefore it is important that we put in place initiatives and interventions that prevent and minimise harm from gambling,” the Minister clarified.

“I would encourage you to have your say on this consultation document by 6 October 2024 to help inform its development. In talking to people about mental health and addiction, I’ve become firmly of the view that the ideas we need to solve the issues we face are already in the community, so please make your voice heard.”

The ministerial speech gave special acknowledgement to those with lived experiences of gambling harm, with Doocey clarifying that vulnerable groups and thei..

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Finnplay integrates Mindway AI safer gambling technology into offering

Finnplay, an igaming platform provider, has formed a partnership with Mindway AI, integrating the Danish software company’s safer gambling technology onto its platform.

The Nordic-based platform supplier noted that the collaboration will assist operators with their safer gambling practices by providing them with “enhanced tools to detect and monitor at-risk gambling behaviours in real time”, helping to promote responsible gaming and safeguard players’ well-being.

“Our strategy in Finnplay is to be a platform of cooperation and bring together the best operators, the best providers and the best solutions to ensure players and regulators have the best and safe experience for gambling,” stated Jaakko Soininen, Managing Director of Finnplay.

“We’re excited about partnering with Mindway AI. This partnership is at the core of this strategy, bringing world-class responsible gambling tools available for our operators to enhance the player experience.”

Finnplay added that operators using the..

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Belgium told to strengthen Kansspelcommissie as enforcer of Royal Decree rules

The government of Belgium has been urged to increase funding and resources available to the Kansspelcommissie to help the Gambling Commission enforce new rules and penalise illegal gambling websites.

The recommendation was endorsed by researchers conducting an evaluation of “Belgium’s Gambling Advertising Ban” – primarily funded by the Federal Ministry of Justice.

On 1 September, Belgium adopted new rules raising the minimum age for all gambling segments (online and retail) to 21 years and adding an outright ban on bonus inducements to its Royal Decree on Gambling.

In July 2023, Belgium’s government authorised a Royal Decree banning gambling advertising across all mediums, including TV, radio, outdoors, magazines, newspapers, and in public spaces. Online advertising on websites and social media was further prohibited.

Further restrictions are set to follow as Belgium will apply a ban on gambling advertising in sports stadiums from 1 January 2025 and on all forms of gambling sponsor..

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Belgium told to strengthen Kansspelcommissie as enforcer of Royal Decree rules

The government of Belgium has been urged to increase funding and resources available to the Kansspelcommissie to help the Gambling Commission enforce new rules and penalise illegal gambling websites.

The recommendation was endorsed by researchers conducting an evaluation of “Belgium’s Gambling Advertising Ban” – primarily funded by the Federal Ministry of Justice.

On 1 September, Belgium adopted new rules raising the minimum age for all gambling segments (online and retail) to 21 years and adding an outright ban on bonus inducements to its Royal Decree on Gambling.

In July 2023, Belgium’s government authorised a Royal Decree banning gambling advertising across all mediums, including TV, radio, outdoors, magazines, newspapers, and in public spaces. Online advertising on websites and social media was further prohibited.

Further restrictions are set to follow as Belgium will apply a ban on gambling advertising in sports stadiums from 1 January 2025 and on all forms of gambling sponsor..

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New Zealand government opens consultation on gambling harm prevention

New Zealand’s government has opened a consultation to ask for the country’s opinion on the next three-year strategy to prevent and minimise gambling harm.

Matt Doocey, the Minister for Mental Health, published the comments on gambling harm prevention and minimisation in a statement on the government’s website, encouraging the public to voice their views so that the right initiatives and interventions can be put in place.

The government’s comments also come as Gambling Harm Awareness Week takes place in New Zealand this week.

“While many New Zealanders enjoy gambling as a pastime without issue, the statistics are clear that harm from gambling can have a significant impact, therefore it is important that we put in place initiatives and interventions that prevent and minimise harm from gambling,” stated Doocey.

“I would encourage you to have your say on this consultation document by 6 October 2024 to help inform its development. In talking to people about mental health and addiction,..

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Dutch Minister Struycken pressed on online gambling ad ban

Members of the Dutch Parliament continue the debate around the adoption of a motion to ban online gambling advertising over target audience concerns.

As reported by Casinonieuws.nl, Dutch Secretary of State for Legal Protection Teun Struycken responded to a number of questions during a Parliamentary Q&A session regarding a research done by media firm De Groene Amsterdammer.

In it, the news publisher suggested that there is currently a high number of online gambling ads circulating in the Netherlands that are “explicitly aimed at young adults”.

The July report predicted that the State Secretary will most likely be faced with ensuing questions, which did eventually happen during last Friday’s House of Representatives meeting.

Struycken, who is a member of the New Social Contract Party (NSC), became a central figure for the gambling industry as soon as he was appointed State Secretary as part of the new cabinet under PM Dick Schoof following the last election cycle.

He is tasked..

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Finnplay partners Mindway AI to enhance safer gambling

AI-powered gambling solution supplier Mindway AI has partnered with igaming platform provider Finnplay in an effort to advance safer gambling practices.

Finnplay will integrate Mindway AI’s technology onto its platform to provide igaming operators with the necessary tools to detect and monitor at-risk gambling behaviours in real-time.

Jaakko Soininen, Managing Director of Finnplay, said: “Our strategy in Finnplay is to be a Platform of Cooperation and bring together the best operators, the best providers and the best solutions to ensure players and regulators have the best and safe experience for gambling.

“We’re excited about partnering with Mindway AI. This partnership is at the core of this strategy, bringing world class responsible gambling tools available for our operators to enhance the player experience.”

Rasmus Kjaergaard, CEO of Mindway AI, added: “Mindway AI is dedicated to creating innovative solutions that enhance the safety and enjoyment of gaming experiences. By par..

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