Compliance Updates
Our UKGC consultation response: Failing to protect the vulnerable should not be the White Paper’s legacy
The dust has settled and the process is complete. The consultation on the proposed changes outlined in the UK Gambling White Paper is closed so now we just have to wait and see. Whilst we do so, we thought that in the spirit of transparency, we would share our own thoughts, more or less as they were communicated in our consultation response to the UK Gambling Commision.
Offering a real-time customer risk profiling tool, ClearStake’s focus was obviously on affordability checks. But then, much of the industry’s attention has been on this topic over the last few months. This is, to our mind, the single most important challenge facing the sector. Addressing it in the right way, a way that protects both punters and operators, will be the key to a sustainable, profitable future.
And with that goal uppermost in our mind, here is what we said:
1. Affordability checks must use real financial data
Certainly at the levels of spend proposed as meriting more thorough checks (£1,000 in a day or £2,000 over the space of three months), we don’t believe there is any real substitute for real financial data, by which we mean bank data. There is simply no other way of establishing whether a player can afford to lose this amount of money or not. Everything else – including data from credit reference agencies – is guesswork. We believe that the single greatest mistake that could be made during this process is not solving the problem of financial harm caused by gambling. That won’t be an issue if the government requires decisions to be made by operators in possession of a proper financial picture of their customers.
2. We can solve two problems at once
The consultation focused on affordability checks, but it would be almost perverse to ignore the wider reality at play here. Operators also have to perform anti money-laundering and source-of-funds (SOF) checks on their customers, and they do so by looking at bank statements. Given this is the case, it makes a lot of sense to us to effectively combine both these requirements within a single check.
3. At higher spend levels, it makes sense to keep customers connected
There has been a lot of talk about how frequently checks should take place, or to put that another way, whether it should be necessary to go back to a customer within six months or a year if they have already passed a check. To us, this rather misses the opportunity presented by Open Banking in particular. After the first check, assuming the player allows it, any checks in future can be entirely frictionless. The connection can remain in place and used when necessary (and only when necessary!) in order to make the ongoing compliance relationship as smooth as possible. We don’t expect ongoing connection to be mandated, but it should certainly be held up as best practice for all concerned.
4. Some of the proposed data points make little sense
When a solution that takes guesswork out of the equation is available, does it really make sense to suggest that postcodes and job titles are meaningful ways to determine an individual’s financial situation? We don’t think so. We believe that continuing to ‘lean in’ to data like this gives a misleading impression that it is good enough. It isn’t. Even as part of a broader decision-making process, it is very difficult to see where some of these data points fit in. You could say the same, of course, about missed loan repayments from three years ago.
5. The solution exists – why cobble together a new one?
Hovering behind the entire consultation process appears to be a not-quite-defined ‘solution’ to the affordability challenge. This is apparent in the various hints towards the use of CATO data (let’s just say it, even if the Commission aren’t willing to) and a hodge-podge of random data points in order to make affordability decisions, as part of a system that would have to be piloted in order to ensure a) it works and b) it doesn’t create data security issues.
Leaving aside the absurdity of asking us to judge the merits of an approach that hasn’t actually been defined, we would simply point out that in Open Banking, a solution to this challenge already exists. One that is already used by over 7 million people in the UK, by most UK operators to handle payments, and already used to handle affordability and SOF checks by forward-thinking operators. Why on earth are we re-inventing the wheel?
So there you have it. That’s what we told the consultation, albeit in language a little less colourful. I hope they listen.
The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has allocated funding to five new strategic projects dedicated to preventing and reducing gambling-related harm.
Gambling harm can have major consequences for the individuals themselves, their environment and society as a whole. Research shows that 20% of Dutch people who gamble are at moderate or high risk of gambling addiction. By focusing on prevention, early detection and support, problems can be prevented from developing into serious debt, addiction or mental health issues. The projects are being carried out by the Anonymous Gamblers Foundation and the Gamblers’ Environment Foundation, the Dutch Association for Psychiatry, the Trimbos Institute and the Naast Foundation.
With a grant from the Addiction Prevention Fund, the Anonymous Gamblers and Gamblers’ Environment (AGOG) foundation can train new group facilitators and invest in professional development. In addition, AGOG is exploring the possibilities for digital peer support meetings. This could offer a solution in regions where there are no physical AGOG groups yet, or for people who are unable to attend meetings on location.
The Dutch Association for Psychiatry (NVvP) is receiving funding from the Addiction Prevention Fund for the development of a guideline for the treatment of gambling and gaming addiction. NVvP guidelines contain recommendations for the medical practice of healthcare professionals. This new guideline follows up on one of the recommendations of the National Rapporteur on Addictions (NRV) from the report “Gambling with Health”.
The Trimbos Institute has launched two pilots exploring the theme of gambling, also funded by the Addiction Prevention Fund. The Growing Up in a Promising Environment (OKO) programme is exploring whether it can contribute to preventing gambling behavior among young people. To this end, a literature review is being conducted, monitoring data analysed, appropriate interventions sought and discussions held with municipalities and local partners. Additionally, within the alcohol, drug and medication policy, it is being explored how employers can prevent gambling behavior in the workplace and how they can better refer employees with emerging problems to help.
Stichting Naast receives a subsidy to provide webinars, individual counseling, and newsletters for loved ones of people with a gambling addiction. On helpmijndierbareisverslaafd.nl, they publish additional information about gambling-related harm. This aligns with the OpenOverGokken.nl platformme. The goal is to effectively connect the information and helplines of Stichting Naast and OpenOverGokken, ensuring clear referrals between them. This creates a recognisable pathway for loved ones seeking help, advice or a listening ear.
Through the funding of these projects, the KSA, together with partners, focuses on early detection, prevention, improved care and support for gamblers and their loved ones. In doing so, work is being done simultaneously on multiple fronts to prevent gambling harm and limit its consequences. The resources for the aforementioned projects come from the Addiction Prevention Fund (VPF). Managed by the KSA since 2021, this fund is financed via an additional gambling levy for providers of high-risk gambling.
The post KSA Funds Five New Gambling Harm Prevention Projects appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Arizona Department of Gaming
Arizona Department of Gaming Launches On-Demand Responsible Gaming Training
The Arizona Department of Gaming has announced the release of its Responsible Gaming Training initiative, consisting of free, self-paced training in responsible gaming foundations. Training participants will learn the fundamentals of risks associated with gambling, including problem gambling, how problem gambling differs from positive play, and how to connect with others in the context of addressing problem gambling.
“Offering this responsible gaming training is about increasing knowledge, confidence, and skills that make a tremendous difference in improving the conversations and interactions we may encounter day-to-day. I’m excited to share information and resources about responsible gaming that promote a safer, more sustainable gaming environment – and I look forward to briefing community members on how to make this training work for them,” said Jessica Roza, Assistant Director of Government and Community Affairs.
To provide members of the media, stakeholders, and Arizonans the opportunity to become familiar with the newly released training resource, the Department invites all interested individuals to a live, virtual webinar on April 28, 2026, at 10am Arizona Time, hosted by Jessica Roza.
Responsible gaming is about ensuring that individuals who choose to play have the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and enjoy gaming as a form of entertainment. It emphasizes safety and prevention by sharing the risks associated with gambling, encouraging healthy play behaviors, and raising awareness of the treatment resources and support available for gambling disorder, which impacts three to four percent of Arizonans 21 and older. Gambling can take many forms, such as lottery, casino gaming, sports betting, bingo, raffles, office pools, and poker.
The training is organized into three self-paced phases, with optional continued learning quizzes at the end of each phase and a total of about three hours of content (depending on the trainee). Students may pause the training at any point and resume it later.
“For many years, responsible gaming training has served as a cornerstone of education for gaming industry employees, strengthening safety and promoting responsible entertainment across the state. Today, we’re excited to expand that impact by offering an on-demand training designed for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of responsible gaming—including those who may not currently participate in gambling, or work in the industry. This broader approach reflects our commitment to the Arizonans we serve,” Jessica Roza added.
The April 28 virtual briefing will preview the training resource, allow for audience question-and-answer, and conclude with actionable next steps for individuals to further the health and safety of their community.
The post Arizona Department of Gaming Launches On-Demand Responsible Gaming Training appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Aviator
SPRIBE Wins Interim Injunction in Brazil – Court Orders Betnacional to Immediately Cease Unauthorized Use of “AVIATOR”
Following a claim by SPRIBE OÜ, the Court of Justice of Pernambuco (TJPE) has issued an immediate injunction against NSX Brasil S.A. regarding the unauthorized use of the “AVIATOR” brand.
Court Mandate and Enforcement
The Court granted the request for active effect, ordering NSX Brasil S.A to immediately cease using the “AVIATOR” trademark, as well as any identical or confusingly similar signs, including the reproduction of visual, graphical, or audiovisual elements associated with the Claimant’s product. The Court has imposed daily fines for non-compliance. This measure is will remain in force until further decision or final judgment of the appeal. The Court’s decision noted the plausibility of the legal claim based on SPRIBE’s ownership of the “AVIATOR” trademark, which is registered with the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). This registration grants the owner exclusive use rights throughout the Brazilian territory under the Industrial Property Law.
About Betnacional
Betnacional is one of the most prominent sports betting brands in the Brazilian market. It is operated by NSX Brasil S.A., which recently became a core part of the global gaming giant Flutter Entertainment Plc, following Flutter’s acquisition of a majority stake in the NSX Group. Worth to note, that Betnacional had been an authorized licensee of SPRIBE since 2022. While SPRIBE is deeply loyal to its clients and values long-term professional relationships, the company stated that it cannot tolerate violation of its intellectual property. The legal dispute arose after Betnacional featured a game under the “Aviator” name, offered by “Aviator Studio” since 2025. According to SPRIBE OÜ’s allegations, this version is an unauthorized reproduction of their popular crash game, AVIATOR, which was developed by SPRIBE in late 2018 and has been established in the global entertainment market.
Global Stance on IP Protection
This interim decision in Brazil marks a significant milestone in SPRIBE’s worldwide strategy to safeguard its assets. The company is actively monitoring markets across all continents and will continue to enforce its trademark and copyright protections in every jurisdiction. SPRIBE remains committed to taking all necessary legal actions against infringer to protect the integrity of the original “AVIATOR” experience and ensure a fair, transparent environment for its global player base.
The post SPRIBE Wins Interim Injunction in Brazil – Court Orders Betnacional to Immediately Cease Unauthorized Use of “AVIATOR” appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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