SBC Americas

BetMGM fined $110K by AGCO for improper marketing practices

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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Michigan regulator adds to list of banned offshore casinos

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

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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Kalshi turns to IC360 to beef up event contract consumer protection

Amid continued scrutiny, prediction markets operator Kalshi has unveiled new measures which it says are focused on strengthening protections for its users and ensuring integrity is upheld in its sports trading operations.

The company’s CEO Tarek Mansour posted on X to announce a new Customer Protection Hub which will include several guardrails we have come to expect from online sportsbooks.

Tools will include deposit caps, trading breaks and voluntary opt-outs, which Mansour said will complement Kalshi’s “internal market surveillance team and regulation systems to improve our market integrity.”

“No important financial innovation has ever been created without critics,” Mansour wrote. “… That said, criticism and doubts play a crucial role in this process: they help stress test new systems and often constructively encourage them to get better.

“From day one at Kalshi, we have been conscious of our position in building prediction markets and we carry the responsibility of fostering a..

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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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