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Connecticut government agency reminds public to use RG resources

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is reminding bettors ahead of March Madness of responsible gaming resources available across the state.

The DCP has teamed up with the state’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling to remind residents and visitors to only wager on licensed platforms and to review available RG resources.

“We know that March Madness can be an exciting time for those who participate in sports betting, but we want to encourage you to do so responsibly,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli. “Before you play, create a game plan. Set time and money limits, know your odds, use the necessary resources, and only engage with legal online platforms.”

The DCP takes steps to curb problem gambling by offering a public statewide portal.

The portal allows bettors to voluntarily exclude themselves from receiving direct marketing from licensed operators. The portal also aids in the exclusion from..

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NCAA debuts Don’t Be a Loser video to hinder online abuse

The NCAA is bolstering its sports betting education campaign ahead of March Madness.

The governing body of college sports has launched a new anti-harassment video before the start of the largest single-elimination amateur sports tournament in America. The NCAA has debuted its Don’t Be a Loser spot, which is aimed at preventing gambling-related abuse and harassment towards student-athletes. The TV spot is a part of the NCAA’s Draw the Line Campaign. The campaign debuted in 2024 and draws awareness of problem gambling while educating student-athletes and staff on the effects of sports betting.

“The horrific messages we are seeing across online platforms are absolutely unacceptable,” said NCAA President Charlie Baker. “Angry fans are sending numerous abusive messages and threats to student-athletes, publicly and privately, because of lost bets placed on the athlete’s performance in a game. These actions severely threaten student-athlete mental health and well-being, while harming the c..

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FanDuel teams up with Craig Carton for problem gambling show

FanDuel TV is bolstering its responsible gaming efforts with a new program.

The linear cable TV network announced on Monday the debut of The Comeback with Craig Carton, a new program dedicated to problem gambling recovery hosted by FS1 personality Craig Carton. The show creates an open dialogue between Carton and guests on the experiences of gambling addiction and how to raise awareness for recovery.

Carton, a FanDuel responsible gaming ambassador, has established a safe space for problem gambling discussions as someone who has suffered from problem gambling.

“As someone who has personally navigated the challenges of gambling addiction, I understand the impact it can have on your life and the lives of those you care about,” said Carton. “The road to recovery isn’t easy, but I’ve committed myself to helping others who are facing similar struggles. My mission for this show is to inspire hope, offer support, and remind everyone that the path to regaining control starts with understa..

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West Virginia holds responsible gaming symposium on campus

West Virginia University is promoting responsible gaming through a new event.

The public research university has hosted its first-ever Responsible Gaming and Digital Entertainment Symposium providing an opportunity for students and faculty to discuss the growth of sports betting and ways to create a safe and fair environment on campus.

The symposium, organized by the school’s Esports Business and Entertainment Program, also saw faculty and staff discuss growth within esports and digital entertainment industries.

“This symposium was the first step of something truly impactful, and we’re excited to continue our partnership with West Virginia to create many more groundbreaking events,” said Absolutebet Head of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Krisztina Kalla. “Together, we’re paving the way for a future that introduces students to responsible gambling practices and opens doors to the world of iGaming.”

West Virginia held the event with support from major stakeholders in the gaming ..

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Mizzou discusses sports betting ban on school events and athletes

An institute of higher education is preparing for Missouri’s launch of online sports betting.

The University of Missouri Faculty Council is considering a ban on sports betting for all faculty, staff and students on the school’s sporting events and its online network.

The potential ban would not require legislative approval as it is only a school policy. It has been proposed to protect the well-being of student athletes, faculty and the student body.

“It’s consistent with some policies put in place by other universities, it’s been a point of discussion in NCAA meetings, in the faculty athletics representatives meetings,” said MU Faculty Council Chair Tom Warhover during a meeting addressing sports wagering.

MU’s potential new rule would resemble Purdue University’s policy. Purdue’s ethics and compliance rules prohibit all faculty, staff, students and independent contractors from placing or accepting sports wagers on any Purdue team, student athlete, or contest.

The mandate also app..

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World Lottery Association awards Scientific Games recertification

Scientific Games is continuing to adhere to responsible gaming standards.

The Georgia-based gaming and lottery technology developer has been recertified by the World Lottery Association (WLA) for its Responsible Gaming Framework Certificate of Alignment. Scientific Games has been recertified following a comprehensive independent auditioning process that expanded across the company’s entire operations.

“Scientific Games celebrates our WLA global recertification as it reaffirms our steadfast commitment to responsible gaming innovation and ethical business practice across our operations and technology,” said Scientific Games CEO Pat McHugh.

Scientific Games received initial WLA certification for its European operations in 2015 becoming one of the first suppliers to be awarded with the confirmation of approval. Since then, it has earned several recertifications with an initial global certification in 2022.

The company was given global certification following the release of its RG p..

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MLB urges CFTC to take sports event contracts in hand

Major League Baseball (MLB) wants the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to create an “integrity framework” around sporting event contracts as the burgeoning vertical continues to expand.

In a letter dated March 7, MLB EVP of Legal and Operations Bryan Seeley stressed that, “as the resemblance between sports event contracts and traditional sports betting markets continues to grow, so too does the need to replicate the integrity and consumer protections that exist at the state level.”

The executive noted that, while leagues have partnered with sportsbooks, regulators and integrity monitoring firms to track betting activity, he does not know of any stipulation that requires prediction markets such as Kalshi and Crypto.com to notify leagues of potential integrity threats or share data for integrity purposes.

“MLB has been advised that some exchanges and brokers take the position that they are not even permitted to share information with MLB under current CFTC regulations,” add..

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Lawmakers reintroduce SAFE Bet Act ahead of March Madness

The SAFE Bet Act is being reintroduced ahead of one of the largest U.S. sports events.

Rep. Paul Tonko and Sen. Richard Blumenthal held a press conference to reintroduce the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every (SAFE) Bet Act. The legislation would create federal oversight of sports betting, which is currentlyregulated by states that offer it. The two lawmakers have reintroduced the act ahead of March Madness, one of the largest sports events in the U.S.

“Tens of millions of Americans are anxiously awaiting the beginning of March Madness,” said Tonko during the press conference at the U.S. Capitol. “In exactly one week, those Americans will be placing and most likely losing bets made on their favorite teams.”

The SAFE Bet Act claim the measure would protect sports bettors across the country while cracking down on illegal gambling operations and a lack of oversight.

“We are not here because we want to stop the industry from breaking records, nor are we here to prevent A..

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PrizePicks first DFS operator to receive NCPG’s iCAP certification

Daily fantasy sports giant PrizePicks is the first DFS operator to receive Internet Compliance Assessment Program (iCAP) accreditation from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).

iCAP certification is granted to operators that meet the NCPG’s standards for responsible gaming and consumer protection practices.

The process involves an independent, comprehensive review of an operator’s responsible gaming policies and practices, including considerations such as Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, staff training programs, work culture, consumer protection measures, RG tool offerings, customer service standards and regulatory compliance.

PrizePicks CEO Mike Ybarra called the certification “powerful recognition” of the company’s operations and “an incredible honor that underscores our unwavering commitment to putting player safety first.”

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to the NCPG for their thorough evaluation, and to our exceptional team for setting the bar as an industr..

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Texas lawmakers file measure to prevent lottery ticket collusion

A pair of Texas lawmakers are taking legislative action to prevent collusion regarding the sale of lottery tickets across the state.

Sens. Bryan Hughes and Paul Bettencourt have introduced Senate Bill 1346 as a measure that prohibits lottery ticket sales to “persons attempting to purchase all possible winning tickets in a lottery drawing”. The two lawmakers co-authored the bill amid allegations of fraud pertaining to a multimillion-dollar jackpot awarded in 2023.

SB 1346 mandates that a lottery ticket sales agent may not “knowingly sell or allow the sale” of tickets for a lottery game to one or more persons who are attempting to buy all possible winning tickets. The measure, pending in the Senate State Affairs Committee, also calls for a hearing if illicit sales are expected. The hearing will determine whether the Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) shall revoke the licenses of sales agents.

Sales agents who violate SB 1346 and have their licenses revoked are prohibited from applying for..

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