Compliance Updates

ASA Bans 7 Crypto Ads in the UK

Published

2 years ago

December 20, 2021

Reading Time: 2 minutes

UK advertisements watchdog has banned seven cryptocurrency ads by categorising them as “red-alert priority”. The banned ads include ones by Coinbase and Papa Johns.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said its rulings follow proactive monitoring of cryptoasset ads, and form part of a wider project that will eventually shape specific guidance around advertising these products in 2022.

It added that consumers need to know about the risks of investing in cryptoassets and companies should make sure that their ads aren’t misleading or socially irresponsible, and don’t take advantage of consumers’ lack of awareness around these “complex and volatile products”.

A Twitter bio for a cryptocurrency trading platform Coinburp, cryptocurrency promotion by Papa John’s and a digital poster for online cryptocurrency exchange Payward were all banned, mainly for “irresponsibly taking advantage of consumers’ inexperience.”

The Coinburp ad also failed to illustrate the risk of the investment, ASA said.

A YouTube video promoting Exmo Exchange, an in-app ad for Luno Money, a paid-for Facebook ad for Coinbase Europe, along with an ad for eToro were also among the offenders.

“We’ll continue to review cryptoasset ads over the next few months, not just for cryptocurrencies but also for nonfunglible tokens and fan tokens, and this will feed into our future enforcement work and guidance,” the authority said.

“Cryptoassets are a red-alert priority issue for us, so we’re conducting proactive monitoring and interventions where we find issues,” said Miles Lockwood, director of complaints and investigations.

“Our rulings published today and over the next few weeks will shape follow-up enforcement work in the new year to bring all cryptoassets ads into line with our expectations and will form the basis of updated guidance.”

“We won’t hesitate to take action against ads that break our rules. We encourage anyone with any concerns about ads they’ve seen to get in touch.”

Elizabeth Rayment, director at Your Mind Media, said the ban of the crypto-related ads by the UK watchdog “comes as regulators move to set up rules around the crypto industry in general, be it trading or advertising to protect retail users”.

“While cryptocurrencies have gained significant popularity recently they are still unknown to many consumers. The understanding of cryptocurrencies, their financial impact and the risk they involve remains limited among the general public and as such, advertising to them can be seen as concerning.”

Alex Lieblong

Arkansas Casino Seeks iGaming Approval

Published

18 hours ago

April 24, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

An Arkansas casino is seeking approval to operate an iGaming app, allowing people within the state to go online to play casino games such as slots, blackjack, craps and more.

On March 13, Carlton Saffa, Chief Market Officer for the Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, wrote to Arkansas Racing Commission Chairman Alex Lieblong asking for a change in the rules to allow Internet casino gambling, which is often referred to as iGaming or iCasino platforms.

On Monday, Saffa told Gambling.com he hopes to appear before the Arkansas Racing Commission on May 6 seeking approval to offer iGaming. The Arkansas Racing Commission regulates all gambling matters in the state including horse racing and casino games.

iGaming Doesn’t Hurt Bricks-And-Mortar Casinos: Saffa

Nationwide, only a half dozen states from Michigan to Connecticut offer Internet casino gambling. Arkansas would be the first in its region with iGaming, permitting users who want to log onto a computer or download an app to play traditional casino games for money. Other states in the region already offer sports betting.

In his March 13 letter to state regulators, Saffa said estimates indicate Internet casino gambling from the Saracen Casino Resort alone would generate an additional $12 million in taxes annually for the state. Internet casino gambling, or iGaming, generally raises more tax revenue than sports betting in states that have both.

However, in some states without iGaming, casino operators have fought legalization, contending customers won’t visit a bricks-and-mortar casinos and spend money at restaurants and on other amenities including entertainment and lodging if they can log onto cellphones or computers and gamble from anywhere. In his letter to state regulators, Saffa pointed to research showing iGaming doesn’t cannibalize bricks-and-mortar casinos but instead gives them ‘a lift’.

State Rule Change Required

Arkansas already allows online poker, though that has not been made available to consumers, Saffa said. He said the ability to allow iGaming would require the Arkansas Racing Commission to amend a rule to include Internet casino games in addition to the currently legal online card games such as poker.

“A solution exists by amending ARC Rule 5, which already authorizes online poker, to include other types of table games and slots,” Saffa told Gambling.com on Monday. “Doing so would provide significant tax revenues to government and, just as important, ensure that operators be held accountable by the government. Given that we have seen online operators in the fantasy sports space ignore cease and desist demands from the state, merely attempting to police the matter is not a workable solution.”

Saffa recently made a similar argument on the topic of unregulated gambling, telling Gambling.com on The Edge he opposes a ban on college player props bets, saying, “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.”

“People in Arkansas are already gambling in online casinos and those companies are not regulated or taxed by the Arkansas Racing Commission,” Saffa said Monday. “Those companies are not held to the standards the people of Arkansas set forth for operators to include that a customer must be 21.”

Compliance Updates

Boldplay Awarded UKGC Licence

Published

21 hours ago

April 24, 2024

George Miller

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Boldplay, the renowned provider of premium casino games, has been awarded a remote operating licence from the UK Gambling Commission, to sit alongside their existing licenses in Gibraltar, Malta, Romania, Argentina, and Peru.

This latest development marks a significant step for the company and further solidifies Boldplay’s position as a trusted provider within the iGaming industry. The UKGC licence will allow the company to further expand in regulated territories, a key element of their growth plan, and establish new partnerships within the vibrant UK market.

Having fulfilled the criteria to provide services to UK players Boldplay is well-positioned for success. With a diverse catalogue of over 100 titles, ranging from slots and table games to bingo, keno, and virtual scratch cards, the company is well-known for its innovative features, including their trademark Boldplay Spins.

Speaking of the UK Gambling Commission’s decision to grant the operating licence, Boldplay CEO, Valli Fragoso, said: “We are proud to receive our remote software supplier licence from the UK Gambling Commission. This milestone reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, engaging casino games to licensed operators while upholding responsible gaming standards. We can’t wait for UK players to try our games.”

The post Boldplay Awarded UKGC Licence appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Compliance Updates

U.S. INTEGRITY AND ODDS ON COMPLIANCE ANNOUNCE REBRAND AS INTEGRITY COMPLIANCE 360

Published

23 hours ago

April 24, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

us.-integrity-and-odds-on-compliance-announce-rebrand-as-integrity-compliance-360

Following the successful completion of their merger, U.S. Integrity and Odds On Compliance Launch IC360, Establishing the One-Stop-Shop Standard for Integrity and Compliance Solutions

U.S. Integrity and Odds On Compliance announced the completion of their merger and the launch of the combined entity’s new name, Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360). The merger cements IC360 as the unequivocal global leader in delivering best-in-class integrity and compliance regtech products and services for the sports betting and gaming sector.

IC360 will leverage the combined expertise, resources, and industry knowledge of U.S. Integrity and Odds On Compliance to continue delivering innovative solutions that empower organizations to achieve and maintain the highest standards of integrity and compliance.

“The coming together of U.S. Integrity and Odds On Compliance represents a strategic alignment of values and a shared commitment to excellence,” said IC360 CEO Matt Holt, formerly CEO of U.S. Integrity. “As IC360, we are dedicated to providing our clients with 360-degree solutions that address their unique compliance challenges, ensuring they can operate with integrity and confidence in today’s complex regulatory environment.”

The strategic unification of these two prominent organizations reflects a commitment to providing unparalleled compliance and integrity solutions in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. “Our vision is clear: to help lead our industry forward on compliance and integrity standards, empowering our partners to raise the bar. We believe the IC360 brand represents just that. This is only the beginning of an exciting chapter for Integrity Compliance 360,” commented Eric Frank, President of IC360, formerly CEO of Odds On Compliance. The merger creates a comprehensive and dynamic suite of solutions and services.

IC360’s portfolio of services includes integrity monitoring, compliance advisory, and education, along with established products like the Integrity Monitoring dashboard, a foundational product for monitoring real-time sports integrity issues, PlayBookAI, the robust online repository of sports betting laws and regulations, and ProhiBet, the pioneering solution for ensuring compliance for athletes, coaches, and staff.

“With a comprehensive suite of services and leveraging the collective expertise of U.S. Integrity and Odds On Compliance, this is an evolution of a journey dedicated to setting industry benchmarks and creating a one-stop-shop for integrity and compliance needs,” added Scott Sadin, COO of IC360, formerly COO of U.S. Integrity. “Integrity Compliance 360 looks forward to a future marked by continued growth, impactful partnerships, and a steadfast dedication to the highest standards of integrity and compliance.”