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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UFC fighters suspended amid illegal gambling probe

The Nevada Athletic Commission is handing suspensions to a pair of UFC athletes.

The regulator of combat sports in the Silver State has suspended UFC fighters Jeff Molina and Darrick Minner following an investigation into an illegal gambling scheme. The illegal gambling scheme drew the attention of the UFC and the Nevada Athletic Commission in November 2022 after monitoring service provider U.S. Integrity flagged suspicious betting activity for a featherweight bout between Minner and Shayilan Nuerdanbiek.

Minner failed to disclose a “serious knee injury’ before his bout with Nuerdanbiek on the UFC’s pre-fight medical questionnaire. Molina, with knowledge of Minner’s knee injury, placed a large wager on Minner’s bout, which ended in a first-round finish for Nuerdanbiek.

Molina admitted to the Nevada Athletic Commission that he had placed a large illicit wager.

“On his pre-fight medical questionnaire to the question, ‘Have you had any injuries to your elbows, hands, knees, ankles,..

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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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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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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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DraftKings launches $10m safer gambling ad campaign

DraftKings has launched its $10m responsible gambling advertising campaign with Kenny Rogers’ classic song The Gambler soundtracking a mass singalong. The advert evolves around the lyrics to The Gambler — knowing when to hold ‘em, fold ‘em, walk away and run — just in time for March Madness.

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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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