Compliance Updates
UK Gambling Commission Considers Banning VIP Schemes
The UK Gambling Commission is considering whether to ban VIP schemes after collecting data from betting firms, including one that took 83% of all deposits from 2% of its customers.
The much-criticised membership programmes reward gamblers who habitually lose large sums of money with perks such as free bets, cashback on losing wagers or football tickets. The award of VIP status has been cited as a factor in seven out of 10 regulatory penalties issued to companies by the commission for failures to prevent problem gambling.
A Gambling Commission spokesman said it was already taking action to address poor practice linked to VIP programmes but was prepared to go further.
The regulator said: âOperators must improve their interaction with VIPs and we have challenged the industry to make faster progress to improve how they manage their customers. We have also taken robust action against operators who fail to protect consumers and we will be even tougher if behaviour does not change.â
The commission collected data on VIP schemes from nine companies that have been granted anonymity but are understood to be among the UKâs largest and best known. In one case, an operator told the commission that while only 2% of its customers are VIPs, they account for 83% of deposits made on the site.
âThis report shows how completely reliant the industry is on people with gambling problems and that they are profiteering from them. As the Gambling Commission has itself suggested these practices should be banned to protect problem gamblers and stop the transfer of money from vulnerable addicted gamblers directly into the pockets of the online gambling industry,â Labour MP Carolyn Harris, who chairs a cross-party parliamentary group on gambling, said.
Compliance Updates
Dutch Gaming Authority Maps Risky Gambling Behaviour with Markers of Risk Research
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The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has used collected (pseudo-anonymised) player data to map indicators of risky gambling behaviour. With the results of the research, the supervisor can compare the various license holders with each other in other areas than just extreme losses.
Gambling problems and excessive gambling are often associated with the loss of large sums of money. Gambling large amounts of money can indeed be an indicator of risky gambling behaviour, but other indicators also play an important role in detecting problem gamblers, such as playing time or changes in gambling behaviour (for example, gambling more often or at unusual times).
Licensed gambling providers have a mandatory data vault (CDB) in which pseudonymised player and transaction data is stored. The KSA has analysed this data to map risky gaming behaviour, to look at (the usefulness of) applied interventions by providers and to compare the different providers with each other.
The study looked at various indicators of problem gambling: intensity (gambling many days, or losing a lot of money), loss of control (number of deposits per day), increase in gambling behaviour (gambling more often or for longer, spending more money), chosen game (for example sports betting versus slot machines) and interventions by the provider. The analyses were conducted based on one year of data from the CDB.
By comparing or linking different indicators, the KSA gained many new and interesting insights. For example, playing at night is generally seen as an important indicator of risky gambling behaviour. The data shows that players play casino games more often than sports bets at night. This could mean that casino games are riskier than sports bets. At the same time, it could mean that placing sports bets at night is a stronger indicator of risky behaviour: it occurs less often and deviates more from the norm.
The KSA is now looking at how this research and the findings from it can be used by the supervisor to gain more insight into possible problem players and how to tackle them. In addition, it is looking at how the insights obtained can be used in other ways to improve supervision.
The post Dutch Gaming Authority Maps Risky Gambling Behaviour with Markers of Risk Research appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
MGCB Executive Director Applauds Reappointment of Board Member Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds by Governor
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The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has announced the reappointment of Troy resident and Board member Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. This reappointment reaffirms the governorâs confidence in Lambert-Boundsâ dedication, integrity, and invaluable contribution to the agencyâs mission of ensuring a fair and transparent gaming environment.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams expressed deep appreciation for the governorâs decision, noting that Lambert-Boundsâ continued leadership will greatly benefit the agency.
âBoard member Lambert-Bounds has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment and insight in regulating Michiganâs gaming industry, and we are thrilled to have her continue as a vital part of our Board. This reappointment is a testament to her unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of integrity and fairness,â said Williams.
Reappointed for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2028, Lambert-Bounds is the president and co-owner of Ignite Social Media LLC, and the chief operating officer and co-owner of its sister company, Carusele Media. She also serves on the executive boards of the Sphinx Organization, International Womenâs Forum, and the Michigan Partnership for Equity and Opportunity.
The reappointment is Lambert-Boundsâ second four-year term of serving on the MGCB, representing Independents, for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2028. She previously served from July 22, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2024, and succeeded Barbara Smith, whose term expired Dec. 31, 2020.
The MGCB is responsible for implementing, administering, and enforcing the provisions of the law related to the licensure, regulation, and operations of the three authorized Detroit casinos â MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown. The agency also licenses and regulates fantasy contests, regulates pari-mutuel horse racing and casino-style charitable gaming (millionaire parties), and audits tribal gaming compact agreements for the stateâs 12 federally recognized tribes.
The Board comprises five Michigan residents appointed by the Governor, with one member designated by the Governor as the chairperson. Under the Michigan Gaming Control & Revenue Act, no more than three members may belong to the same political party.
The post MGCB Executive Director Applauds Reappointment of Board Member Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds by Governor appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
BMM Testlabs
BMM Testlabs Earns Accreditation in MaranhĂŁo, Brazil To Test Fixed Odds Betting Systems and Lottery Platforms
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BMM Testlabs, the worldâs original gaming test lab renowned for exceptional product compliance and testing services, today announced its official accreditation to test systems and games for the Brazilian state of MaranhĂŁo.
This new accreditation allows BMM Testlabs to test fixed-odds betting systems and lottery platforms for the MaranhĂŁo market. The Company is now authorized in every Brazilian jurisdiction that has regulated at state-level online fixed-odds betting.
The MaranhĂŁo accreditation, issued by MaranhĂŁo Parcerias SA (MAPA/LOTEMA), authorizes BMM Testlabs to work with lottery operators in the state to ensure compliance and quality standards for the gaming and lottery industry through end-to-end product compliance testing for MaranhĂŁoâs standards.
Additionally, Brazilâs Secretaria de PrĂȘmios e Apostas has federally authorized BMM Testlabs to test betting systems, live gaming studios, and online games used by fixed-odds betting operators.
BMM Testlabsâ Marzia Turrini, President of iGaming & Cybersecurity, said, âWe are excited and deeply honored that the State of MaranhĂŁoâs official lottery has entrusted BMM Testlabs with the responsibility of testing products for their new online fixed odds betting program, knowing that weâll do so with the highest levels of impartiality, technical expertise, transparency, efficiency, and, most of all, integrity.â
With the MaranhĂŁo accreditation, BMM Testlabs solidifies its position as the leading independent test lab in Brazil. BMM Testlabs is accredited in all jurisdictions that have authorized fixed-odds betting for online gaming and sports betting.
BMM Testlabs brings 44 years of global leadership in product compliance across regulated markets and is trusted by games, systems, and lottery manufacturers, suppliers, developers, and regulators worldwide.
In addition to product compliance testing, BMM Testlabs provides end-to-end cybersecurity protection solutions. Through its sister company, RG24seven Virtual Training, BMM also offers compliance-grade virtual training on responsible gaming, anti-money laundering, and other important topics â presented by industry experts and available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
The post BMM Testlabs Earns Accreditation in MaranhĂŁo, Brazil To Test Fixed Odds Betting Systems and Lottery Platforms appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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