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Our UKGC consultation response: Failing to protect the vulnerable should not be the White Paper’s legacy

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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.

Compliance Updates

GeoComply Launches Unified Identity Platform for Brazil

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GeoComply has launched a unified identity platform for Brazil, bringing KYC verification, anti-fraud intelligence, and geolocation compliance together in a single value package designed specifically for the country’s regulated iGaming market.

“Brazil is one of the most complex and fast-moving regulated markets in the world, and operators there are dealing with challenges that off-the-shelf solutions simply aren’t built for. We’ve taken the same approach that has delivered industry-leading pass rates across more than 30 jurisdictions—custom-built, locally tuned, obsessively optimized—and applied it to Brazil. The result is a single platform that solves KYC, fraud, and compliance together, so operators can focus on growth instead of managing vendor sprawl,” said Kip Levin, CEO of GeoComply.

The platform is designed to make trust-versus-risk decisions clear from the first interaction—helping operators welcome legitimate players quickly while acting decisively against fraud.

Best-in-Class Pass Rates, Made Easy

At the core of the Brazil launch is a managed, local KYC waterfall delivered through one endpoint. Instead of stitching together fragmented vendor integrations and inconsistent onboarding flows, operators gain access to leading Brazilian data sources through a continuously optimized identity infrastructure.

Players experience a streamlined registration journey with docless flows that leverage CPF validation, while operators achieve stronger pass rates without increasing operational complexity or manual review queues.

This same identity framework has delivered pass rates above 95% across U.S. states and above 90% in the UK, demonstrating a repeatable model for improving conversion in regulated markets.

“As we grow internationally, we know we can trust GeoComply to deliver excellent results and show up as a strategic partner that is focused on our success. Their team’s expertise and dedication to getting it right have helped us achieve high pass rates and an excellent player experience in Brazil and Argentina, all while giving the entire team at Betano peace of mind that we are meeting evolving regulatory standards,” said George Moschetas, Director of Product at Kaizen Gaming, the parent company of Betano.

Fraud Intelligence That Extends Beyond Registration

What differentiates GeoComply from standalone KYC vendors is what happens after verification. The platform applies real-time device, location, and behavioral intelligence throughout the player lifecycle—helping operators detect deepfakes, local mule rings, and account takeover attempts without disrupting legitimate users.

Machine learning models trained specifically for Brazil analyze device manipulation, high-risk location activity, and cross-account linkages in real time—while supporting AML compliance requirements through continuous monitoring.

One Platform. One Partner.

Rather than layering separate KYC vendors, fraud tools, and geolocation providers, operators gain a unified identity infrastructure and a single operational partner.

GeoComply manages vendor relationships, waterfall optimization, regulatory alignment, and continuous model tuning—supported by a dedicated Fraud and Risk team that works alongside operators as threats evolve. The platform delivers up to 99.7% geolocation pass rates and 99.999% uptime reliability in regulated environments.

The post GeoComply Launches Unified Identity Platform for Brazil appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

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BHA Appoints Brant Dunshea as its Chief Executive Officer

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The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed the permanent appointment of Brant Dunshea as its Chief Executive Officer.

Brant has been leading the BHA in an acting capacity since December 2024 following the departure of Julie Harrington.

He has held several senior positions at British racing’s governing and regulatory body since joining the organisation in March 2015, most recently as Chief Regulatory Officer prior to being appointed acting CEO.

The BHA board has also approved the appointment of David Jones as Interim Chair. This follows the resignation of Lord Charles Allen on Tuesday 3 March.

David assumes the role for a second time, having previously filled the position between Joe Saumarez Smith stepping down in January 2025 and Lord Allen formally joining the BHA in September of the same year.

He was appointed to the BHA Board in January 2021 as Senior Independent Director, with extensive experience of British racing and the regulation of the sport, including as a BHA steward for more than a decade.

Steps will now be taken to recruit a permanent BHA Chair.

David Jones, Interim Chair of the BHA, said: “While it is clearly regrettable that agreement could not be reached around governance reform, the sport’s leaders have recognised the need for change. I do believe this is possible, and we must all work to achieve it, in the interests of the sport and the livelihoods that depend on our industry.

“The process to recruit a permanent chair will commence shortly. My hope is that this can be achieved as quickly as possible.

“The BHA will continue to lead British racing with energy and integrity, and I am delighted that the Board has agreed to appoint Brant as the CEO.

“He has proven he is a dynamic and hugely respected leader, and I look forward to working closely with Brant, the Executive and the hard-working, dedicated team at the BHA during a significant year for the sport.”

Brant Dunshea, Chief Executive Officer of the BHA, said: “I am delighted to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of the BHA.

“It is no secret that the sport has experienced a challenging period as it faces up to the process of change at a governance level, but I want to be clear that this has not stopped the BHA and the industry making important progress to safeguard the long-term health of British racing.

“The past year has seen growth in racecourse attendances, the success of the Axe The Racing Tax campaign, major initiatives to ensure more horses are raced and retained on our shores and continued improvements in horse and human welfare.

“I know that the incredible team at the BHA shares my deep passion for our sport and is committed to securing a brighter and more sustainable future for our people and horses.

“It is a huge privilege to be given this opportunity to lead such a knowledgeable and dedicated team at a time of great opportunity for British racing.”

The post BHA Appoints Brant Dunshea as its Chief Executive Officer appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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GREY2K USA Worldwide and Animal Wellness Action Celebrate House Agriculture Committee Passage of a Ban on Greyhound Racing in America

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GREY2K USA Worldwide and Animal Wellness Action celebrated the U.S. House Agriculture Committee’s adoption of the Greyhound Protection Act, H.R. 5017, by amendment into H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, also known as the Farm Bill. The legislation will prohibit dog racing nationwide, bar US gamblers from betting on foreign races and block the export of American dogs for racing elsewhere.

Once the sixth largest spectator sport in the US, greyhound racing now occurs at just at two tracks in West Virginia, both owned by Delaware North, a New York-based gambling and food-service company, which has signaled its desire to step back from this outdated and unpopular form of gambling. Greyhound racing is illegal in 44 states, and remote gambling on dog races has recently been prohibited in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Oregon. A generation ago, there were 60 tracks in the United States, so the collapse of racing has been precipitous.

The Greyhound Protection Act was introduced last year by Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), who also offered last night’s successful amendment to the Farm Bill. The legislation is co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of 28 members of Congress, including Rep. Randy Fine, R-Florida, Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Iowa, and Rep. Don Davis, D-N.C. Nunn and Davis both spoke in favor of the amendment, which passed overwhelmingly by a voice vote of the Agriculture Committee. The groups thanked these lawmakers for their leadership on the issue.

“This is an historic victory for the protection of greyhounds, and the result of decades of grassroots campaigning. We are grateful for the leadership of these legislative champions who have given the dogs a voice,” said GREY2K USA Worldwide Executive Director Carey Theil.

Dogs used for racing are kept confined in stacked metal cages for up to 23 hours a day. When let out to race, they suffer serious injuries including broken legs and backs, crushed skulls, and paralysis. In 2024, 487 greyhound injuries were reported at the final two tracks in West Virginia, including 162 dogs that suffered broken bones and thirteen dogs that died. Since 2020, greyhound breeders in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Colorado have been documented killing rabbits in cruel “live lure” training exercises.

“Passing the Greyhound Protection Act in the House Agriculture Committee is more evidence of the emerging national consensus that greyhound racing is archaic and inhumane. This is just the first step on this legislative journey, but it’s the first ever vote on the Greyhound Protection Act and it signals future success,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy.

In 2018, Florida voters passed a ballot measure to end gambling on greyhound races with 69% of the statewide vote. Florida was the first state to legalize dog racing in 1931 and prior to the launch of the ballot measure campaign, Florida hosted 12 of the 18 tracks operating in the US. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was then Attorney General of Florida, actively supported the measure. Multiple other states followed Florida’s lead, including Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, and Texas. However, West Virginia law currently mandates that greyhound racing continue as a condition of offering other forms of gambling. The state also requires annual subsidy payments of up to $22 million to owners of racing dogs.

“Greyhound racing is cruel and inhumane, and will soon be relegated to the dustbin of history. In modern society, greyhounds are loving companions, and should not be used and abused as gambling props,” said GREY2K USA Worldwide President and General Counsel Christine A. Dorchak, who drafted the bill.

The Greyhound Protection Act has been endorsed by more than 250 animal protection groups, local animal shelters, anti-gambling organizations, international NGOs, and greyhound adoption groups. In the last Congress, a nearly identical bill won the support of 80 cosponsors. Notable endorsers include Stop Predatory Gambling, the Federation of Humane Organizations of West Virginia, Eastwood Ranch Rescue, the National Greyhound Adoption Program, the National Humane Education Society and Best Friends Animal Society.

The federal government has authority on this subject because dogs are bred and transported across state lines for racing and races are broadcast to numerous states for simulcast gambling. The bill amends the Animal Welfare Act to achieve its purpose of ending greyhound racing.

The post GREY2K USA Worldwide and Animal Wellness Action Celebrate House Agriculture Committee Passage of a Ban on Greyhound Racing in America appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

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