SBC News - Player Protection Hub

Report: NCAA sports betting violation adds to woes for Georgia

SBC AmericasJuly 18, 20240257 views

The University of Georgia football program is responding to an NCAA violation related to sports betting.

According to an Athens Banner-Herald report, an unnamed former football staffer at Georgia has been relieved of their duties for violating NCAA gambling rules by wagering on pro sports. The staffer was cited for a Level III violation by the NCAA after placing the bets in August 2020 but the wagers were not flagged for suspicious activity until last year.

The NCAA’s Level III violations, which are not new to Georgia football, are considered isolated and not widespread issues. In 2022, the program self-reported an improper real-money wager by a player on a fantasy sports platform. NCAA gambling rules ban wagering by all players, coaches, and team officials on events sponsored by the organization.

The staffer is required to adhere to certain standards if hired by another SEC institution.

“If the staff member is hired by another SEC institution in the future the staff member is req..

NCPG holds annual conference in San Diego

Steve HoareJuly 18, 20240225 views

The National Council of Problem Gambling (NCPG) is holding its annual National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling in San Diego this week (July 17-19). The conference is one of the oldest in the responsible gambling field and features experts from across the US and beyond. The agenda includes sessions on: Participants include regulators,…

EPIC signs Stevin ‘Hedake’ Smith as US sports gambling harm advisor

SBC NewsJuly 18, 20240226 views

Former NBA point guard player Stevin ‘Hedake’ Smith is the latest athlete to join EPIC Global Solutions in their effort to promote gambling harm awareness.

Smith became centre of attention in the late 1990s for his involvement in a point-shaving scandal, landing him a one-year prison sentence and costing him a career in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks.

The story unfolded after a gambler approached him to change the final score of a game, which EPIC says remains a ‘very pertinent’ issue for student-athletes some 30 years after Smith’s wrongdoing.

However, he remains determined to make a change in sports, evident from his latest move to become a US sports advisor for EPIC and deliver a range of education sessions to teams, athletes, coaches and staff connected to the NCAA, MLB, and MLSPA.

“I’m passionate about wanting to tell my story and get out there to prevent this from happening again,” he explained.

“I’ve been able to tell my story to players previously and I’m able to ha..

Montenegro to revise unworkable e-payments ban on gambling transactions

SBC NewsJuly 18, 20240225 views

Montenegro will re-evaluate the controversial ban proposed on digital payment systems, wallets and mobile apps for betting transactions.

The government enacted laws this year that prohibit electronic payment methods, including Apple Pay and PayPal, for online gambling services. Incumbents of Montenegros betting sector instantly criticised the laws, that will likely hinder Montenegro’s efforts to join the EU.

Several months later, Montenegro is reassessing the mandate, as market insiders tell SBC that revisions are expected later this year. The government is facing public and industry criticism because of the ban.

Betting industry customers are not happy about the limited payment options. Besides Apple Pay and PayPal, other forms of mobile banking, IPS, and e-banking are also prohibited, which are strongly believed to infringe on EU/EC competition rights

Instead of using electronic payment methods to fund online betting accounts, customers must use cash or specific terminals.

The b..

IGT lottery customers point to responsible gambling as number one priority

Steve HoareJuly 18, 20240229 views

IGT’s lottery customers have indicated that RG is their top priority, while gaming customers indicated that creating sustainable players for the future is their top priority. As part of the supplier’s Sustainability Plan, it conducted a survey “to better understand stakeholder perception of IGT’s role in RG, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement”. Lottery customers…

Quarterly returns set UKGC on right track to ‘evidence-led’ direction

SBC NewsJuly 17, 20240229 views

The UK Gambling Commission’s (UKGC) recent switch to quarterly regulatory reporting for the gambling sector will lead to a “risk-based, evidence-led and outcomes-focused” direction.

This was confirmed by Jason Davies, UKGC Data Data Analytics Manager, who noted that the regulatory returns submission changes also align with the commission’s ‘Corporate Strategy 2024 to 2027’ of using data and analytics to improve the effectiveness of gambling regulation.

Harmonised reporting periods have also been introduced – requiring all licensees to submit data for the same period – which the data analytics manager says will help the commission “analyse changes in the market on a timely basis and manage our income more effectively” and publish information more frequently.

Quarterly reporting basis
Back in March, the UKGC amended the frequency of when gambling licensees would be required to send regulatory return submissions, changing it to a quarterly basis.

The amendments to licence condition 1..

NCPG establishes Tribal Advisory Council with tribal gaming executives

CasinoBeatsJuly 17, 20240220 views

The National Council on Problem Gambling has established the Tribal Advisory Council, representing a “deeper level of collaboration to address matters of responsible gambling and problem gambling that are of importance to Native American communities”.

Although the NCPG has worked with tribal gaming entities for several years, the Tribal Advisory Council has been created “to increase awareness and respect for Native cultures as they relate to all facets of gambling so that these cultural practices can help other Native and non-Native communities”.

In addition, expertise and momentum for NCPG’s culturally specific work will be provided by the Tribal Advisory Council, “while recognising the importance of Native American history and sovereignty in consultation with Native American leaders and experts”.

Several executives from across the tribal gaming industry have been named as founding members of the NCPG Tribal Advisory Council, including:

Raquel Buari, J.D., Executive Vice Presid..

Michigan regulator still considers gray machines illegal

SBC AmericasJuly 17, 20240224 views

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is answering calls for the agency to minimize efforts to combat the use of what it considers to be illegal casino-style gaming machines in the state.

The MGCB is responding to gray machines manufacturer Pace-O-Matic’s presence at brick-and-mortar properties across the Wolverine State. Pace-O-Matic, which also licenses skill games, believes the casino-style games are lawful sources of entertainment and are exempt from gambling prohibitions because they include an element of skill.

However, the MGCB takes a different stance, insisting the machines are illegal gambling tools.

“The MGCB is committed to upholding the integrity of the state’s gambling regulations and ensuring a fair and responsible gaming environment for all citizens,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “It is essential to clarify that these casino-style electronic gaming machines are not exempt from Michigan’s penal code, and individuals operating or utilizing them are s..

Loket Kansspel promotes risk awareness for Dutch under-25s

SBC NewsJuly 17, 20240228 views

Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands Gambling Authority, has backed the new ‘gambling risk advice’ campaign of Loket Kansspel.

Titled “Don’t Play with Games,” the campaign has been developed by Loket Kansspel to raise awareness of gambling behaviours and risks among Dutch audiences under the age of 25.

Loket Kansspel serves as a central advice bureau for gambling addictions, offering help to all citizens concerned with problem gambling.

The campaign directs its audience to the Don’t Play with Games website, where viewers can “self-test about their gambling behaviours.”

Loket Kansspel launched the campaign in response to a summer of sporting activity, featuring the UEFA Euro 2024 championship and the Paris Olympic Games.

KSA and Dutch authorities have previously raised concerns about the high exposure of gambling to Dutch consumers aged under 25.

From 1 October, new safeguards and preventative measures will be applied to the Remote Gambling Act (KOA Act).

Headline measures w..

New KSA President backs ‘Globalised approach’ against Black Market threats

SBC NewsJuly 17, 20240234 views

Michel Groothuizen has delivered his first address as Chairman of Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands’ Gambling Authority, opening the iGB Live, Amsterdam Conference (16-19 July).

Beginning his tenure as KSA chairman on 1 July, Groothuizen told delegates: “I am probably entirely new to you, the gambling market is not entirely new to me,” referencing his casework in 2015 with the Ministry of Justice to establish the KSA as Dutch gambling’s new authority.

“A lot has happened since I worked on the file and so there is still a lot for me to learn. I look forward to the conversations I will have today and in the future with gambling operators, international regulatory colleagues, legislators, and regulators, among others, many of whom I am sure are already here.”

KSA demands higher Duty of Care standards
Groothuizen takes charge of KSA as Dutch authorities and a new government continue to amend the Remote Gambling Act (KOA), the legislative framework, which launched the Netherland..