SBC News

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

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..

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NCPG establishes Tribal Advisory Council with tribal gaming executives

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..

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Michigan regulator still considers gray machines illegal

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..

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Loket Kansspel promotes risk awareness for Dutch under-25s

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..

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

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..

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GamCare promotes Alexa Roseblade to Chief of Staff

GamCare has appointed Alexa Roseblade as the new Chief of Staff. She will support GamCare’s leadership team in delivering on organisational priorities and achieving the charity’s governance objectives.

Alexa Roseblade steps into this role after four successful years managing GamCare’s Children and Young People’s Team. She further led the Young People’s Service and the Young People’s Gambling Harm Prevention Programme (YPGHPP).

Under her leadership, the YPGHPP worked effectively with regional support providers. They delivered workshops to 133,000 young people and 28,000 professionals, providing high-quality support services, participation, and digital information.

Margot Daly, Executive Chair at GamCare, said, “I am delighted to welcome Alexa as our new Chief of Staff. She has done important work in our Children and Young People’s services, helping develop GamCare into the charity it is today. I look forward to her supporting our Board and leadership team as we continue to reduce gam..

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Police drop gambling charges against Patriots’ Kayshon Boutte

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has received a favorable outcome following allegations of underage gambling and computer fraud.

According to an ESPN report, the State of Louisiana dropped charges on Tuesday against the former LSU Tiger after he was arrested in January for illegally wagering during his time in Baton Rouge. Boutte was under investigation by the Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division but is no longer facing a penalty after being charged with a felony count of computer fraud and a misdemeanor count of gambling prohibited for persons under 21. Boutte, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, played in six games for the Patriots last season recording two receptions and 19 yards despite his previous legal woes.

Investigation into Boutte

Louisiana State Police investigators found that Boutte allegedly used an alias to place nearly 9,000 sports bets between April 2022 and May 2023. Boutte, who was 20 years old during some of the alleged wagerin..

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GamCare promotes Alexa Roseblade to Chief of Staff

GamCare has appointed Alexa Roseblade as the new Chief of Staff. She will support GamCare’s leadership team in delivering on organisational priorities and achieving the charity’s governance objectives.

Alexa Roseblade steps into this role after four successful years managing GamCare’s Children and Young People’s Team. She further led the Young People’s Service and the Young People’s Gambling Harm Prevention Programme (YPGHPP).

Under her leadership, the YPGHPP worked effectively with regional support providers. They delivered workshops to 133,000 young people and 28,000 professionals, providing high-quality support services, participation, and digital information.

Margot Daly, Executive Chair at GamCare, said, “I am delighted to welcome Alexa as our new Chief of Staff. She has done important work in our Children and Young People’s services, helping develop GamCare into the charity it is today. I look forward to her supporting our Board and leadership team as we continue to reduce gam..

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Buenos Aires bill seeks to ban ATMs in land-based gambling venues

A bill has been presented in the Argentinian province of Buenos Aires to ban the presence of ATMs in land-based gambling venues.

According to SBC Noticias, Legislator Daniela Reich’s proposal covers “bingo halls and casinos, slot machine rooms, racetracks or any public area in which bets are made for money or any other means of payment”.

Reich stated: “Considering the immediate availability of money as a concrete action that encourages compulsive gambling, we propose that the prohibition be through a law, with concrete and temporary effect, so that the executive branch can comply with its effective implementation within a period of two months.”

The proposal to prohibit ATMs at casinos follows a measure taken by Governor Axel Kicillof in 2022 which enabled electronic payment methods, repealing a 2016 decision of the previous administration which removed them from gaming halls.

However, the 2022 measure was reversed by Resolution 693, which was published in the Official Gazette on Ap..

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PAGCOR set to tighten gambling framework in the Philippines 

Significantly elevating its efforts to eradicate the illegal gambling market and evolve the country’s sector, Filipino authorities have revealed plans to ban Pogo hubs.

The PAGCOR has underlined its overall ambition to strengthen safeguards against offshore gambling taking place in the region.

According to local news outlet the Inquirer, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO, Alejandro Tengco, revealed that strengthened guidelines will be brought out in the near future in a bid to combat illicit activity.

At the heart of the new approach is increased monitoring, which Tengco stated can lead to them deterring offshore betting operations and ensure authorities deliver a quick response.

PAGCOR initially introduced hubs in 2019 in order to differentiate communications between Chinese workers and local Filipinos. However, PAGCOR’s latest plans outline that hubs will eventually be outlawed, and the regulator won’t allow for the opening of any new hubs.

Controversy around the hubs has escalated in..

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