Compliance Updates
How payments can drive iGaming operators’ growth as they navigate an evolving regulatory landscape
With iGaming regulation changing in multiple European and Latin American markets, Paysafe’s Rory Howard considers the invaluable role of payments
By Rory Howard, GM of iGaming for EMEA, Paysafe
After enacting new gambling legislation at end-2023, Brazil is expected to launch its iGaming market on January 1st. With 215m people, Latin America’s most populated country is almost certain to rapidly become a major global jurisdiction. Annual gaming revenue is forecast to grow to $4.9bn within five years, according to Vixio.
While the new Brazilian market offers an important opportunity for operators, licensing includes significant regulations to negotiate, including around payments. With other markets also enacting or considering more robust iGaming regulation, the operators that successfully navigate this new space can make change pay.
From Sao Paulo to Sweden via the UK
In April, Brazil published an Ordinance on operators’ payment requirements, preventing players from depositing using credit cards, cash, cheques, pay slips, bank slips and cryptocurrencies. Withdrawals of winnings will only be possible via electronic transfer between the operator and the player’s bank account, which must be a financial institution authorized by the Brazilian Central Bank.
Such restrictions, especially around credit cards, are part of a broader global trend to promote responsible gambling. In neighbouring Argentina, the Buenos Aires legislature is currently considering a bill to ban credit cards and social assistance debit cards for online betting in the capital region’s regulated market.
Over in the UK, operators have not been able to offer credit card deposits since the Gambling Commission restricted this in April 2020. More recently, the UK government’s Gambling Act Review white paper, which was released in April 2023, has resulted in more robust know your customer (KYC) checks for operators, including on affordability. From August all UK bettors depositing a net £500 needed to be checked, lowered to net deposits of £125 from February.
And UK operators are also facing marketing restrictions. From summer 2026, front-of-shirt Premier League football club sponsorships will no longer be an option following the association’s voluntary ban. In addition, the government is currently considering whether bonuses should be tightened, though it appears unlikely that the UK will go as far as Brazil’s complete ban on bonusing and free bets.
The UK isn’t the only European country strengthening its iGaming regulatory framework, with Sweden only allowing operators to offer players a single sign-up bonus following the Scandinavian country’s re-regulation of the market in 2019. More recently, the Swedish gambling regulator has come out in favour of the government’s proposed ban on credit cards for iGaming from April 2025.
Playing and paying it forward
With Sweden’s eastern neighbour, Finland, looking to liberalize its government monopoly with a licensing system for private operators by early 2027, the only constant when it comes to iGaming regulation is change. While regulatory change providers operators with opportunity, they need to have a solid strategy in place.
The global regulatory space is highly complex and diverse, so it’s essential for operators to develop a robust compliance framework that covers all the different legal requirements for each global market. Against the backdrop of the responsible gambling shift, KYC protocols have never needed to be more granular, requiring automation and specialised software for the highest accuracy and efficiency.
Payments are an indispensable element in negotiating the new regulatory landscape. Every market is unique, including when it comes to payments. If a jurisdiction restricts credit cards or other payment methods, operators’ cashiers need to include alternatives such as digital wallets, eCash or even pay-by-bank options to ensure players don’t abandon a brand before they become a customer.
With markets restricting bonuses and other marketing channels like sponsorships, operators need to ensure they are getting payments right. Payments – including quick payouts and deposits and the availability of preferred payment methods – are much more important factors in players’ selection of online sportsbooks than sign-up offers and sports sponsorships, according to Paysafe’s 2024 research.
More broadly, it’s also vital for operators to choose the right payment provider. Partnering with a payments company with global experience and which offers a comprehensive range of its own and third-party payment solutions, including local payment methods (LPMs) like Brazil’s Pix, will enable operators to effortlessly tailor their cashiers to a particular market.
Whether in Brazil, Argentina, the UK, Sweden or Finland, the global iGaming market is diversifying from a regulatory perspective. While the changing space poses significant challenges, it gives savvy operators an opportunity to ensure their brands and cashiers are not only compliant but have a completive edge that will ultimately pay out.
Rory Howard
As General Manager for iGaming in the EMEA region at Paysafe, Rory oversees the company’s online gambling business in the U.K. and continental Europe as well as neighbouring regional markets. He has close to 20 years’ experience in payments and fraud analysis, with a strong focus on the iGaming space. Rory’s previous roles include payment leadership positions at The Rank Group, Racing Stars, Gamesys, and Eyas Gaming.
The post How payments can drive iGaming operators’ growth as they navigate an evolving regulatory landscape appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”) is issuing this Consumer Protection Alert to inform Arizonans of a concerning nationwide trend that has now reached Arizona. Fraudulent operators are falsely claiming that legitimate Arizona casinos have launched online gaming platforms. These illegal online casino platforms are presenting themselves as legitimate platforms by offering illegitimate or illegal gaming services. Online casinos (often referred to as “igaming”) are not legal in Arizona. Any claims otherwise should be treated as highly suspicious. These scams not only put players at financial risk but also undermine the integrity of Arizona’s regulated gaming industry.
ADG has received multiple reports of fraudulent online casinos targeting Arizonans, as well as complaints from patrons who have been misled. These scams are being widely disseminated through social media advertisements directing consumers to download apps and visit websites, and are enticing unsuspecting consumers to spend money on illegitimate games.
The Arizona Department of Gaming urges residents to verify the legitimacy of any online gaming platform before engaging in play. Many of these operations are not legal or regulated, leaving users vulnerable to fraud, identity theft, and other serious risks. Due to their unregulated nature, ADG is unable to resolve complaints and disputes arising from unregulated and illegal gaming sites, leaving victims with little to no chance of recovering lost funds. It is important to remember that just because you can download the app, visit the website, and play the games, it does not mean it is a legitimate and legal gaming platform.
In light of these developments, the Department encourages both Arizona residents and visitors to visit our website to find a list of all regulated casinos and licensed event wagering and fantasy sports operators legally taking bets in Arizona. The list can be found on the Department’s website at gaming.az.gov. Legal, regulated operations provide important consumer protections not found in the illegal market, helping ensure a safer experience for participants.
The Dangers of Illegal Online Casinos:
Fraudulent online casinos often mimic reputable platforms, using familiar branding, flashy advertisements, and enticing promotions to lure victims. These unregulated operations leave participants vulnerable to:
- Financial loss through fake gaming platforms or fraudulent prize fees.
- Identity theft resulting from shared personal or financial information.
Common Red Flags of Illegal Platforms:
These deceptive platforms often use tactics such as:
- Mimicking branding of legitimate Arizona casinos, including similar or actual logos and names.
- Enticing promotions that appear too good to be true, such as excessive bonuses or guaranteed wins, luring players into providing sensitive information.
- Incorrect Website URL/Mobile App – Fraudulent sites often use web addresses that closely mimic legitimate casino names but have slight misspellings or different domain extensions (e.g., .net instead of .com).
How to Protect Yourself:
- Check before you bet: verify the licensed and regulated casinos and operators in Arizona.
- Be skeptical of advertisements or promotions on social media promising guaranteed wins or no-risk gaming.
- Avoid sharing personal or financial information with unverified sources.
- Look for sites that include resources for dispute resolution, as well as self-exclusion, responsible gaming messaging, or a toll-free helpline number.
Reporting Suspicious Activity, Fraud, or Identity Theft:
If you encounter fraud, identity theft, or suspicious online gaming operations, apps, or websites impersonating a casino or claiming to be a licensed operator in Arizona, please take the following steps:
- Document the website URL, app, business name, and any promotional materials associated with the fraudulent operator.
- Report it to ADG at [email protected] and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Consumer Information and Complaints Unit at (602) 542-5763 or by visiting azag.gov/consumer.
- Cease activity on the platform and monitor financial accounts for unauthorized transactions.
If you suspect identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”): for help in English, go to IdentityTheft.gov and for help in Spanish, go to RobodeIdentidad.gov.
The post ADG PSA: Consumer Protection Alert – Rise in Fraudulent Online Casinos Targeting Arizonans appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Compliance Updates
EPIC Global Solutions highlighted as a key element in PrizePicks’ iCAP Accreditation
EPIC is proud to have played a key role in helping PrizePicks achieve iCAP certification, the industry’s leading responsible gaming (RG) assessment.
As the globally recognized experts in harm minimization, EPIC worked closely with PrizePicks to enhance its responsible gaming initiatives, contributing to this historic milestone. With the certification, PrizePicks becomes the first and only daily fantasy sports operator in North America to achieve this level of recognition.
A key factor in this achievement was EPIC Global Solutions’ implementation of its comprehensive responsible gaming (RG) tools within PrizePicks. Through an anonymous, company-wide RG survey, EPIC provided valuable insights into the organization’s culture and commitment to player protection. The survey revealed that 82% of PrizePicks employees believe the company fosters a strong RG culture, while 88% emphasized the importance of responsible gaming for the long-term sustainability of the industry.
“Direct engagement with staff was pivotal to our assessment,” said Teresa Fiore, SVP North America at EPIC Global Solutions.
“Our survey underscores how deeply PrizePicks is committed to responsible gaming—not only as an ethical imperative but as a driver of employee morale and long-term industry sustainability. Additionally, they recognize that a strong commitment to RG is essential for the long-term sustainability of the industry.”
EPIC’s robust assessment also highlighted the significant impact of extensive RG training, with over 2,500 hours provided to staff from partners such as EPIC during the past year. The survey’s insights have not only served as a foundational benchmark for ongoing improvements but have also been cited as a critical factor in PrizePicks securing its iCAP accreditation.
Phil Sherwood, Senior Director of Responsible Gaming at PrizePicks, added: “Our partnership with EPIC has been instrumental in elevating our responsible gaming initiatives. Their expertise and insights have enhanced our programs, contributed to our iCAP accreditation, and reinforced our commitment to continuous improvement.”
Both EPIC and PrizePicks are committed to building on these achievements with plans to conduct annual surveys and further integrate employee insights into future RG initiatives.
The post EPIC Global Solutions highlighted as a key element in PrizePicks’ iCAP Accreditation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
AGCO
AGCO issues $110,000 in penalties to BetMGM Canada for offering cash to induce new gambling customers
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has served BetMGM Canada Inc. with an Order of Monetary Penalty (OMP) of $110,000 for violations of the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.
In two separate incidents in 2024, BetMGM engaged marketing companies who offered cash to members of the public in return for opening new BetMGM accounts. The marketing activities occurred in public forums, such as a major national trade conference. Under AGCO’s Standards, operators are responsible for the conduct of their third-party suppliers who are contracted to support the operator’s Ontario gaming business, and must require their third-parties to meet Ontario laws, regulations and standards (Standard 1.19).
Ontario is one of the first jurisdictions in the world to establish and enforce rules that strictly limit high-risk inducement advertising and marketing in the online gambling industry. Registered iGaming operators are prohibited from offering gambling inducements, bonuses and credits as part of their broad public advertising and marketing activities (Standard 2.05). These Standards exist to protect Ontarians from predatory advertising and promotional marketing practices in order to limit the risk of gambling-related harm.
A registered operator served with an OMP by the AGCO has the right to appeal the Registrar’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), which is an adjudicative tribunal independent of the AGCO and part of Tribunals Ontario.
QUOTE
“Responsible gambling safeguards and the protection of Ontarians on registered gaming sites is among our key priorities. The AGCO monitors the activities of all registered operators and their third-party suppliers to ensure they are meeting our high standards and we continue to take strong action to ensure they operate within the public interest.”
Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar – AGCO
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
BetMGM Canada Inc. failed to comply with the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming. Specifically, the licensee failed to comply with the following provisions of the Standards:
- 1.19 Operators are responsible for the actions of third parties with whom they contract for the provision of any aspect of the Operator’s business related to gaming in Ontario and must require the third party to conduct themselves in so far as they carry out activities on behalf of the operator as if they were bound by the same laws, regulations, and standards.
- 2.05 Advertising and marketing materials that communicate gambling inducements, bonuses and credits are prohibited, except on an operator’s gaming site and through direct advertising and marketing, after receiving active player consent.
Contrary to the Standards, BetMGM Canada Inc. and/or their affiliates allegedly engaged in the following activities:
| a) | On or about January 13 and 14, 2024, BetMGM representatives were alleged to have attended the National Franchise Show and were offering $100 in cash to new players for opening a new account and depositing $15. |
| b) | On or about March 11, 2024, BetMGM acknowledged that its marketing affiliate “Above the Street” had engaged in prohibited inducement marketing. The conduct resulted in 377 player sign-ups and $127,180.00 in commissions to “Above the Street”. |
| c) | On or about April 13, 2024, another BetMGM marketing affiliate “Maple Leaf Marketing” engaged in prohibited inducements and marketing to induce on-site activations and acquire new players. The conduct resulted in 94 player sign-ups and about $34,000.00 in commissions paid to “Maple Leaf Marketing”. |
The post AGCO issues $110,000 in penalties to BetMGM Canada for offering cash to induce new gambling customers appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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