Compliance Updates
BGC CEO Warns of Growing Threat of Illegal Gambling Black Market
Betting and Gaming Council CEO Grainne Hurst has spoken at the annual Gambling Anti-Money Laundering Group (GAMLG) training event, warning participants of the growing illegal gambling market and the dangers it poses to the regulated industry.
The annual event, first held in 2022, brings together the regulated betting and gaming sector, industry experts and leading figures from the Gambling Commission, Treasury, UK Financial Intelligence Unit and law enforcement, to understand better how the sector can meet the challenges of fraud, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Terrorist Financing (CTF).
Independent body GAMLG provides an important platform for the whole industry to share knowledge and raise standards in AML and CTF, and is Chaired by Keith Bristow, former Director General of the National Crime Agency.
Over 100 guests attended the event in central London to hear from a host of keynote speakers working in collaboration with industry to keep regulated betting and gaming crime-free.
The event also heard from John Pierce, Director of Enforcement and Intelligence at the Gambling Commission, Claire Wilson, Illicit Finance Technical Assistance Adviser, Supervision and Preventive Measures and Hala Najjar, Policy Advisor, Economic Crime Strategy Unit at HM Treasury, John Leigh, Detective Inspector from the Regional Economic Crime Unit at West Midlands Police, plus Beth Dale and Astrid Morrison, from the UK Financial Intelligence Unit.
At the event Grainne Hurst said: “This is a shared challenge, and it requires a shared response, and GAMLG is the independent body by which we can, together, raise standards across our sector, and ensure we are fulfilling our responsibilities to keep regulated betting and gaming crime free.
“As a sector, we should lead the way in making certain our products are not hijacked and misused by those engaged in illegal activity, activity that has no place in our sector, activity which undermines our laws and our society.
“While we work hard in this space, as you will hear today, we are also acutely aware how black market gambling is already being used by those criminal elements to raise funds that support their illegal business empires. A recent study by the BGC found 1.5 million adults in Britain spend up to £4.3bn on the illegal gambling black market.
“Even now, we are working together, in this very space, on a new AML Code, which we hope will drive up standards, while not compromising player safety.”
GAMLG Chair Keith Bristow said: “GAMLG is a vital platform to share knowledge and raise standards so the sector can remain a leader in preventing money-laundering, fraud and terrorist financing.
“The incredible turn out at this year’s training event, and the stellar line up of speakers, shows how serious this sector is about keeping regulated betting and gaming crime free, and the level of constructive collaboration it has with the regulator, Government and law enforcement.
“The professionalism and commitment of our members makes all the difference. That commitment remains strong, which is good news for the industry, its members, the police and public. Unfortunately, it’s not such good news for organised crime and fraudsters.
“Working together, I’m proud to say we are at the forefront of this work and will remain there.”
As part of the BGC’s ongoing commitment to encourage knowledge sharing across the sector, for the first time, tickets for the training day were made available to non-BGC members.
Grainne, added: “Raising standards is part of the DNA of the BGC, and I think one of the surest demonstrations of that, is on display today. Because for the first time, we have opened up this event, now a regular annual fixture for the sector, to non-BGC members.
“This was a very deliberate decision for us, because we recognise knowledge sharing, and understanding best practice, is the key to the unified response, I am sure, we all seek when it comes to keeping regulated betting and gaming crime free.”
The post BGC CEO Warns of Growing Threat of Illegal Gambling Black Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Following the Government’s announcement of the new Prevention Commissioner to be introduced alongside the already announced Research and Treatment Commissioners to tackle gambling harm, GambleAware CEO Zoë Osmond OBE and Chair of Trustees Prof. Siân Griffiths CBE released the following joint statement.
“We welcome the Government announcement that the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) will be the Prevention Commissioner within the new statutory system for addressing gambling harms. It is entirely appropriate that a statutory organisation takes on this responsibility, working alongside NHS England, relevant bodies in Scotland and Wales, and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in their roles as treatment and research commissioners.
“At GambleAware we have long advocated for a statutory, Government-led approach to addressing gambling harm, recognising it is a serious public health issue which can affect millions of people each year. We are immensely proud of the solid foundations, our flagship campaigns and critical digital interventions that we have developed over the years, which have had input from a breadth of lived experience expertise, and support millions of people each year. We remain committed to ensuring all groups in the population are aware of the risks of gambling and can continue to access free help and support.
“We look forward to working with the Government and three new commissioners to build on the existing expertise and strong capabilities within the current gambling harms system. The breadth of the lived experience community’s expertise is fundamental to the life-saving work of the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) and is central to GambleAware’s work. We look forward to seeing how the variety and depth of these experiences continue to be recognised and sustained within the future system.
“Alongside this, it is essential that key research, education and training programmes are recognised and maintained. This must include the evidence-based vital prevention programmes we deliver, such as our national public health behaviour change campaign to reduce stigma and the GambleAware website which is accessed by over 5 million people each year and provides access to free self-help tools, advice and other support services. In addition, the hugely impactful work of the wider third sector, including the treatment and prevention activity delivered by the NGSN, which supports thousands of people each year, needs to be fully recognised within the future system.
“To truly address gambling harms, a prevention led population-based public health approach is needed. This must involve engagement with the public health community to ensure an integrated approach at both a national and local level across prevention and treatment, with a focus on achieving an agreed set of public health outcomes. To inform this, we now hope to see details of the new Levy Board and Advisory Panel published soon, to ensure no further delays to the full implementation of the future system.
“As we move forward, we will work with OHID to ensure a smooth and safe transition to the future system. We believe the new system needs effective population-based prevention activity to raise awareness of the risks of gambling and ensure an integrated approach to supporting those at risk of harm. We will strive to play our full part in the future system in whichever way best ensures a collaborative and effective system is created to move us towards our vision of a society free from gambling harm.”
The post GambleAware’s Response to Govt Announcement of New Prevention Commissioner appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
DNSFilter Data Reveals Dangers to Fake Gambling Sites and Illegal Streaming in Lead Up to Super Bowl LIX
DNSFilter has released the information gathered through its DNS content filtering platform regarding gambling traffic, both malicious and legitimate, in the lead up to Super Bowl LIX. The data showcases key threats during the NFL playoff season, particularly in January during the NFL playoffs, where unsanctioned streaming and gambling activities increased.
On the day of the Super Bowl, DNSFilter blocked 57% more malicious content related to gambling and betting compared to the rest of the NFL post-season. Previous high spikes to these malicious betting sites coincided with Super Bowl LVIII and 2024 March Madness.
Since sports betting is now legal in a majority of US states, overall traffic to DNSFilter’s gambling category has increased over the last year. Compared to the same timeframe last February, daily traffic to all gambling sites has increased 71%, surpassing DNSFilter’s overall network growth of 16%.
Other key statistics and insights from DNSFilter’s research, focusing on online threats leading up to the 2025 Super Bowl, include:
Streaming Media and Malware:
A 15% increase in illegal streaming and torrenting traffic related to fake streaming sites during championship weekend compared to the previous average held between May and December 2024, indicating an escalating risk of security issues tied to streaming during major NFL events. This week had the highest traffic to illegal streaming sites ever on the DNSFilter network. Unauthorized streaming is a common risk factor for organizations, especially with unmanaged devices accessing potentially harmful content.
Threats by Domain:
Domains related to the NFL have been seeing increased security threats, with spikes in malicious activity associated with streaming sites, gambling and possibly phishing attacks targeting Super Bowl fans or bettors. Threat domains with “football” in the domain name surged in January, with spikes on January 14, the day after Super Wild Card Weekend, and Super Bowl Sunday.
Fake Betting Site Trends:
A significant 20% of malicious gambling domains identified during the NFL playoffs used a string of numbers in their names, a common tactic for “mirror” sites that attempt to evade detection. If you’re unsure of the legitimacy of a gambling site, this is an indicator that it may be a scam.
Most malicious domains related to betting were categorized as malware, while most traffic came from newly registered domains. A site with a captcha does not necessarily mean it is safe. Some malicious sites will show a captcha before entering because the host is suspicious of the site, but has not taken it down. DNSFilter encountered a handful of fake betting sites with Captchas during this investigation.
TK Keanini, CTO of DNSFilter, said: “Our technology prevents access to unwanted content by identifying and categorizing threats and harmful sites before a connection is made. With real-time insights into evolving tactics, we’re committed to staying a step ahead, safeguarding users from threats tied to high-profile events like the Super Bowl. By continuously educating and protecting users, we can help foster a safer online environment during sporting events and beyond.”
The post DNSFilter Data Reveals Dangers to Fake Gambling Sites and Illegal Streaming in Lead Up to Super Bowl LIX appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has taken strict action against nine online casinos, issuing cease-and-desist letters for violations of state gaming laws. The affected websites offer a range of casino-style games, such as slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, and craps, as well as betting services for sporting events and horse races.
The following operators have been issued cease-and-desist orders:
BetAnySports (BAS)
CoolCat Casino
Diamond Sportsbook International, d/b/a BetDSI.eu (BetDSI)
Solar Game LTD and Busan Trade Office (Go Go Gold)
My Dreams Casino
NonStop casino
Palace of Chance
Xbet Casino
WagerWeb
“These unlicensed operators are not only in violation of Michigan’s laws but also pose significant risks to consumers by offering limited and often unreliable withdrawal options. Our role is to protect Michigan residents by ensuring that all online gambling activities are carried out legally and responsibly. These operators have 14 days to cease their illegal activities or face further legal action,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.
The post MGCB Issues Cease-and-Desist Letters to Nine Unlicensed Online Casinos appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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