SBC Americas

MGC talks wagering limits for sports bettors across Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) is discussing the potential implementation of sports wagering limits.

The MGC has raised the issue of authorizing wagering limits following a public comment submitted last year that questioned whether operators have the authority to limit bettors.

The MGC conducted an investigation on the topic that included a review of regulations, operator house rules, terms and conditions, and approved internal controls. The commission also consulted its legal team and operators to discuss betting limits.

Operators have leveraged wager limits to manage risk and to ensure the integrity of competitions on a per-customer basis. The MGC is discussing wager limits with no imminent changes coming to regulations but is willing to explore options with its six licensed sports betting operators or revisit the topic as the year moves forward.

Commissioners in the MGC are raising questions regarding potential limits in the state.

“It seems to me that the regulation..

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Caesars Sportsbook earns RG Check accreditation for commitment to responsible gaming

Caesars Sportsbook has been recognized by the Responsible Gambling Council for its commitment to responsible gaming.

The operators announced that it has received the “prestigious” RG Check accreditation which is awarded to sites or venues that have implemented robust responsible gaming policies.

“We are honored to receive the RG Check accreditation from the Responsible Gambling Council,” Caesars Digital President Eric Hession. “For more than 30 years Caesars Entertainment has been at the forefront of responsible gaming, implementing policies that have carried over to Caesars Sportsbook. This acknowledgment validates our efforts to continue to improve our Responsible Gaming practices and ensure our players are gaming with us for the right reasons.”

As part of the accreditation process, Caesars Sportsbook underwent a thorough assessment of its responsible gaming practices, team member training process, player education and protection efforts.

From this assessment, the RGC concluded t..

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AU10TIX launches future proofed digital ID solution

Identity verification solutions provider AU10TIX has unveiled an all encompassing Digital ID solution suitable for the transition to digital identity.

The system will allow businesses to “rapidly, accurately and securely” verify IDs of all types, including physical, digital, eID and verifiable credentials.

The Digital ID solution works by validating the cryptographic signature and cross checking personal identifiable information displayed on user IDs with government databases.

“Our Digital ID solution empowers businesses to embrace the global shift to digital identity with confidence,” said AU10TIX CEO Dan Yerushalmi. “It combines unparalleled accuracy and global reach with robust security measures to streamline onboarding and minimize fraud risk, all while addressing the diverse array of global ID formats.”

ID verification is a key part of the onboarding process for betting operators to ensure they are compliant with state regulations. Last year NeoGames partnered with AU10TIX to ..

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US sportsbooks form new Responsible Online Gaming Association

Seven major U.S. sportsbooks have launched a united effort to tackle problem gambling.

The new Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) will serve as an independent trade association focused on developing and implementing responsible gaming best practices in the most impactful way possible across the industry. The founding members are BetMGM, bet365, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, Hard Rock Digital and PENN Entertainment, a septet that ROGA says accounts for more than 85% of the legalized online sports betting and gaming industry in the U.S.

Initiatives from the association will include funding and supporting research, helping to lead both consumer-facing and industry-facing responsible gaming education and awareness and promoting responsible gaming best practices. It will also aim to create a database to facilitate information sharing in the industry as well as launch an independent certification program to evaluate members’ responsible gaming efforts.

ROGA will be led by Execu..

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Ohtani clears the air on sports betting and fraud allegations

MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani has denied any wrongdoing following allegations of his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara stealing millions from him to wager on sports.

Ohtani spoke to the media on Monday for the first time since allegations were made against his former confidant, Mizuhara, who allegedly partcipated in an illegal gambling operation run by California resident and bookie Matthew Bowyer. According to the LA Times, Mizuhara allegedly siphoned at least $4.5 million from Ohtani’s bank account to cover gambling losses. Mizuhara had previously told authorities the money was transferred by Ohtani.

“I’ve never bet on baseball or any other sports or asked someone to do it on my behalf,” said Ohtani during Monday’s press conference. “I’ve never asked a bookmaker to do it on my behalf. Up until a few days ago, I didn’t know this was happening. In conclusion, Ippei has been stealing money from my account and has told lies.”

Ohtani was first informed of Mizuhara’s allegedly stealing la..

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OddsJam launches RG partnership with Birches Health

Sports betting data platform OddsJam has partnered with responsible gaming and behavioral health treatment company Birches Health to offer resources, education and care for problem gambling addictions.

All OddsJam users will now have easy access to a wide selection of responsible gaming resources and treatment services. Birches Health aims to help problem gamblers who would otherwise have been unable to access care through traditional channels immediately get the support they need.

The service provides a program covered by insurance and the government and run by a clinical team with decades of experience in gambling-specialized care.

“OddsJam is passionate about educating our users to bet smarter by focusing on value when it comes to decision-making, so working with Birches Health is a win-win,” said OddsJam CEO Matt Restivo. “We have a duty to partner with entities in our space who are doing the right thing, and Birches Health is the epitome of this philosophy.”

“We are thrilled ..

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NCPG awards Tipico first sportsbook compliance accreditation

Tipico Sportsbook is making history as an operator in America’s gaming market.

The Malta-based operator has earned Internet Compliance Assessment Program (iCAP) accreditation in New Jersey and Ohio becoming the first sportsbook in the U.S. to receive the accreditation for best practices in consumer protection. Tipico earned the iCAP accreditation following the launch of its Fair Play Pledge, a first-of-its-kind initiative that aims to foster a safe and enjoyable betting experience for users while maximizing value.

The National Council on Problem Gambling is the administrator of iCAP accreditations.

“ICAP accreditation is a meaningful award for Tipico because it validates our approach to make fair play a companywide initiative that requires buy-in by our employees,” said Tipico Compliance & Legal SVP Bryan Schroeder in a statement. “I am incredibly proud of our team for rallying around our efforts to continuously improve safety and clarity. Our primary goal is to ensure customers hav..

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ESPN host slammed for ‘risk-free’ betting comment

ESPN host Rece Davis is under fire for equating a college basketball wager to a “risk-free investment.”

During an ESPN Bet segment on Sunday, betting analyst Erin Dolan and Davis were discussing the rationale of betting the under for a team’s total points in a March Madness matchup between UConn and Northwestern. Dolan explained her decision to bet Northwestern to score under 60.5 points in which Davis replied with a controversial comment.

“Some would call this wagering, gambling. I think the way you’ve sold this; I think what it is, is a risk-free investment,” said Davis during the segment.

Davis describing a sports wager as a risk-free investment is an issue that continues to be a topic of discussion throughout America’s regulated gambling industry.

In 2022, FanDuel and DraftKings eliminated “risk-free” and “free bet” terminology in their marketing following criticism of advertising practices in gambling.

Last year, New York became the first jurisdiction in the U.S. to take le..

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NCAA launches gambling harm education campaign

The NCAA is continuing to protect its student-athletes from gambling harm.

The governing body of college sports has launched Draw the Line, a campaign aimed at educating student-athletes on the effects of sports betting. The campaign, which debuted during the start of March Madness, will also address problem gambling.

“Sports betting is everywhere, especially on college campuses, so it’s critical student-athletes get the real story about how it can impact them and their ability to play,” said NCAA President Charlie Baker. “We know some bettors are harassing student-athletes and officials, so that’s why we are advocating for policy changes at the state level and launching monitoring tools around championships to refer serious threats to law enforcement.”

The NCAA’s new campaign comes during the governing body’s most profitable event, March Madness. The three-week men’s and women’s tournament will see the NCAA generate approximately $1 billion in revenue, which is roughly 85% of its a..

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Kindbridge expands problem gambling partnership with DraftKings

DraftKings is continuing to invest in efforts to curtail problem gambling.

The Boston-based company has announced an expanded partnership with Kindbridge Behavioral Health to provide therapy and treatment for problem gambling in all operational sports betting and iGaming markets. The resources for users in 25 states build on a previous relationship established between DraftKings and Kindbridge.

In 2023, DraftKings and Kindbridge partnered to launch a pilot program in Colorado.

“We appreciate the opportunity to deepen our collaboration with Kindbridge Behavioral Health and strengthen our commitment to providing important resources to those experiencing potential indications of problem gaming,” said DraftKings Chief Compliance Officer Jennifer Aguiar. “We want everyone on our platform to engage in responsible play and we are committed to educating consumers on the multitude of resources offered.”

DraftKings and Kindbridge are offering services to those impacted by problem gambling fr..

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