Featured

Player Protection Symposium, SBC Americas: IMGL masterclass calls for rethink on regulatory relations

A theme is emerging in Latin America once regulatory frameworks are established, with over-regulation becoming a temptation for states seeking to increase revenue and to appease certain sections ofsocial sectors that oppose the gaming industry. This combination, according to experts, can be counterproductive: it encourages the growth of illegal practices, reduces the room for maneuver…

Read more

Player Protection Symposium, SBC Summit Americas: Financial segmentation and RG tools

Gambling operators and suppliers are using innovation to provide players with efficient payment processing options that also offer responsible gaming resources and tools.

The topics of financial segmentation and responsible payment tools were discussed at SBC Summit Americas in Fort Lauderdale during its Player Protection Symposium.

Financial segmentation and responsible payment tools were examined by a panel of industry experts that included PrizePicks Senior Director of Responsible Gaming Phil Sherwood, idPair CEO Jonathan Aiwazian and EDGE Markets CEO Seni Thomas.

The discussion also included Birches Health founder and CEO Elliot Rapaport.

Need for budgeting tools in gaming

The expansion of gaming across America has seen a bevy of payment processing options provided by operators and suppliers. The competition provides players with a variety of payment options that in some cases lack accessible RG resources and tools.

“You think about all the budgeting tools you have and if you..

Read more

Treatment, prevention and education leaders team up to challenge Select Committee “fantasy”

Controversial evidence given at the UK Health & Social Care Committee has been placed under further scrutiny after a second letter was sent to Chair Layla Moran complaining about its “misleading” testimony. A diverse coalition of charities and commercial organisations working in gambling harm treatment, prevention and education have teamed up to challenge the narrative…

Read more

Norway authorities take notes as sector responds to state RG strategy

Shareholders from all corners of the industry have had their say on Norway’s upcoming national problem gambling strategy.

Gambling regulator Lotteritilsynet, Norway’s Directorate of Health, and the State Media Authority, Medietilsynet, are co-leading the country’s biggest problem gambling reform in years, scheduled for enforcement in 2026.

The three authorities have each reached out to a large number of relevant industry parties to gather as much of a nuanced response as possible as to which areas in Norway’s national problem gambling strategy need the most attention.

ADHD Norway makes its case…
Speaking to the Directorate of Health, non-profit support organisation ADHD Norway said that it wants to see more efforts being put into helping individuals with various neurological disorders.

The body says that between 70-75% of people with ADHD in Norway suffer from various levels of impulsivity, hence putting them at heightened risk of behavioural disorders such as risk gambling.

Gry Lunde, Secretary General of ADHD Norway, added that ADHD and its relation with problem gambling should be more prominently featured in the national health curriculum and social care education – both across the professional primary health care system and in schools.

Another interesting recommendation from ADHD Norway’s proposal is for the Norwegian Correctional Service to introduce targeted courses for the identification and treatment of gambling disorders among prisoners.

To achieve all of the above, the organisation suggests that more funds be allocated to municipalities for the development of better mental health care.

It also wants to see more problem gambling services rolled out across drug treatment wards, alongside more support tools for affected others. A final proposal includes stricter restrictions on gambling advertising.

…Gambling Addiction Norway’s voice heard…
It is perhaps of no surprise that better family aid is also a top recommendation in Gambling Addiction Norway’s (GAN) response – a support network whose work focuses on helping those suffering from gambling harm and their close ones move forward with their lives.

Magnus Pedersen, Political Advisor for GAN, added that the organisation is currently experiencing a steady influx of people reaching out because they’re in need of assistance.

Some of the recommended measures put forward by GAN include a nationwide educational campaign to help relatives of those affected better understand the specialist support tools currently available.

GAN concluded by welcoming the collaborative approach of the Norwegian Lottery Authority, the Norwegian Directorate of Health, and the Norwegian Media Authority, and that it remains open to further contributions towards the problem gambling action plan.

…and the operator, Norsk Tipping
Writing directly to Norway’s regulator, state-owned operator Norsk Tipping proposed for gambling harm efforts to concentrate more on younger people between the ages of 18 and 25, given the increasing proportion of casino games customers within that demographic.

An interesting take from the operator’s letter was a recommended strategy to investigate which minorities are the most exposed to problem gambling. This would be done through a series of language surveys, which Norsk Tipping says would further inform its safer gambling messaging campaigns.

Another proposed approach to Norway’s problem gambling action plan is to research the effects of government-imposed DNS blocking, or IP address blocking.

The company also viewed treatment in a social setting as a positive practice, directly referring to Gambling Addiction Norway as an ‘exemplary’ service in the field and – among others – in need of better financial support from the government.

Given that Norsk Tipping operates as a state-owned entity in a monopoly market, its recommendations carry significantly more weight compared to other responses in the consultations.

Regardless, the operator’s future is being constantly pondered on by politicians given Norway’s status as the last monopoly market in the Nordics.

Read more

New Jersey bill proposes studying how gambling ads are worded

A pair of bills filed in New Jersey would not only introduce new restrictions on where gambling can be advertised but also mandate a study of how the language used in ads affects bettors.

Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese and Assemblywoman Garnet Hall’s Bill A5562 was reported favorably out of the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee on May 8 and is awaiting second reading in the full chamber. Sen. John McKeon and Sen. Renee Burgess’ S4366 introduced a companion piece to a committee in the Senate on May 12.

The bills propose banning gambling advertising in or close to schools or colleges as well as prohibiting marketing in any media that “predominantly” targets people aged under 21.

The stated aim is to, “deter illegal or irresponsible gambling, challenge perceptions of gambling and encourage the use of responsible gambling tools.” A lot of the language is vague, and appears to mostly relate to physical advertising such as billboards and signs while not taking into account th..

Read more

Player Protection Symposium will be part of SBC Summit Americas core agenda

SBC Summit Americas is reinforcing its commitment to promoting safer gambling by integrating the previously standalone Player Protection Symposium into the event’s core conference agenda.

This strategic move ensures that all registered delegates will have access to discussions, insights, and best practices around player protection, cementing the topic as a central pillar of the 2025 summit.

The Player Protection Symposium will be held on May 14 in the Palm Room (Level 2) at the Broward County Convention Center. Featuring a focused conference agenda and networking opportunities, the symposium will offer a dedicated space for operators, regulators, compliance experts and technology providers to share strategies for player protection.

“I think it’s clear to everyone that player safety is no longer a side conversation. It should be a central focus for every company operating in our industry,” said SBC CEO and Founder Rasmus Sojmark.

“That’s why we’ve integrated the Player Protection Sy..

Read more

Five takeaways from the Ethical Gambling Forum

“We need to get recognition for what we do well, rather than constant criticism for what we don’t do so well.” Breakeven CEO Ian Semel There was a recognition among treatment providers, regulators, operators and suppliers that the gambling industry has made great strides in recent years but you would not know it from reading…

Read more