Compliance Updates
Tennessee Sports Wagering Council Takes Action Against Illegal Sportsbook
The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council through its executive director issued $50,000 in fines to Bovada.lv, an unlicensed and therefore illegal sportsbook operating in Tennessee.
Bovada failed to comply with cease and desist letters delivered to addresses in Curaçao, and Council investigators placed wagers through Bovada’s platform on three separate occasions, including as recently as October 16, 2024.
The Sports Gaming Act authorizes the Council to impose a $10,000 fine for the first offense of accepting wagers without a license, which rises to $15,000 for the second offense, and $25,000 for the third offense. Subsequent offenses may lead to the imposition of a $25,000 fine for each occurrence, an occurrence being a single wager accepted in Tennessee.
In the cease and desist letters, the Council ordered Bovada to allow all Tennessee users to withdraw any funds currently held by the unlicensed sportsbook.
“The Sports Wagering Council recommends that Tennessee users of Bovada withdraw their funds immediately. Our primary role is the protection of the public interest through a safe, regulated environment, and Tennessee sports bettors need to know that just because they can access a sports betting website or app inside Tennessee’s borders does not mean it is licensed to do business here,” Mary Beth Thomas, Executive Director of Tennessee Sports Wagering Council, said.
Legal sportsbook operators provide important bettor protections not found in the illegal market. If an individual wagers with unlicensed sportsbooks, their sensitive financial and personal information may not be protected and could even be shared with criminal enterprises. The bettor’s money could be withheld or disappear without a way to recover it.
The SWC is working closely with its network of law enforcement at the state and federal level to eradicate illegal sportsbooks such as Bovada and others.
Tennessee is the largest “online-only” sports betting market in the US, with more than $4.7 billion wagered in Tennessee last fiscal year through online sportsbooks licensed by the Council.
Australia
Regulating the Game Announces its Latest Addition to its 2025 Masterclass Series in Sydney
The organisers of the Regulating the Game conference have announced the latest addition to its 2025 Masterclass Series in Sydney: “Beyond Compliance – Safer Gambling Training and Building a Culture of Customer Care,” presented by the renowned Jay Robinson, chief stakeholder relations officer at Focal Research Consultants.
With over 20 years of global experience in developing and delivering impactful training programs across jurisdictions—from pubs and clubs to casinos and online operators—Jay is a leading voice in creating safer gambling environments that transcend compliance. Jay’s approach focuses on building a culture of customer care that prioritises player protection and staff well-being while enhancing the overall gambling experience.
Why attend this masterclass?
Great training is more than ticking a compliance box—it is the foundation of cultural transformation and customer care. This masterclass will delve into:
How industry leaders, regulators, and frontline staff can embed a culture of safer gambling.
The critical role leadership plays in sustaining training initiatives.
Strategies to extend the reach and effectiveness of safer gambling programs, improving customer experiences, reducing staff burnout, and driving long-term benefits for operators and stakeholders alike.
“Effective gambling staff training must meet the real needs of both staff and customers, ensuring that safer gambling practices become second nature. This masterclass is about empowering organisations to go beyond compliance, fostering a culture of care and leadership that makes a lasting impact,” said Jay Robinson.
Who should attend?
This masterclass is essential for operational leaders, C-suite executives, regulators, and anyone committed to advancing safer gambling initiatives. Participants will leave with actionable insights and tools to lead cultural change, elevate training outcomes, and strengthen their organisation’s reputation.
Regulating the Game: A leading global event
The Regulating the Game conference has established itself as a flagship event, bridging the gap between regulators, industry professionals, and stakeholders. Now entering its fifth year, the conference continues to attract world-class speakers and attendees, driving innovation and inspiring meaningful discussions on policy, regulation, and sector challenges.
The post Regulating the Game Announces its Latest Addition to its 2025 Masterclass Series in Sydney appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
Advertising Standards Authority Partners with Grambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has partnered with the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), the new statutory body that, once established, will be responsible for the licensing and regulation of gambling services in Ireland, to streamline the process for complaints around advertising for gambling.
GRAI will now advise consumers they can direct complaints around gambling advertising to the Advertising Standards Authority.
Under the new partnership, ASA and GRAI will work collaboratively on triaging complaints around marketing communications for gambling in Ireland. In this regard, the GRAI will in future deal with complaints regarding entities who hold a licence with the organisation, whilst the Advertising Standards Authority will handle other complaints.
This strategic partnership follows the recent collaboration between ASA and the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) to streamline the complaints process for advertising in cinemas and cinema-related promotions across other media outlets.
Additionally, ASA has signed a Cooperation Agreement with Coimisiún na Meán, the statutory body responsible for online safety and media regulation, to establish a cooperative framework on shared interests in advertising and commercial marketing communications. These initiatives further solidify the organisation’s leadership in the Irish advertising sector, fostering confidence and trust in advertising standards.
The partnership between ASA and the GRAI reinforces the commitment of both organisations to ensuring that gambling advertising content adheres to the high standards of the Advertising Standards Authority Code.
“We are delighted to partner with GRAI, a new organisation that will help to safeguard the public from problem gambling, particularly protecting children from accessing places or services where gambling activities are offered. The aim of the Advertising Standards Authority is to ensure that advertisements are legal, decent, honest and truthful for consumers. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to protecting consumers, and, by joining forces, we will remain dedicated to ensuring that the public can easily access information on responsible gambling advertising,” said Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of Advertising Standards Authority.
“The GRAI, once established, will protect the public by promoting a gambling sector that operates transparently and in accordance with the laws of Ireland, particularly the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. This Act contains a number of restrictions on licences in relation to advertising, social media and more. It will also create awareness of problem gambling and establish safeguards to address it. By working with the Advertising Standards Authority, as the GRAI’s powers are commenced, we will aim to address any concerns raised by the public about advertising in and surrounding gambling promptly and effectively, in line with the Advertising Standard Authority’s code. Our partnership reiterates our commitment to safeguard the public, and to ensure they are informed and protected by upholding the highest standards of marketing communications,” said Anne-Marie Caulfield, CEO Designate, GRAI.
The post Advertising Standards Authority Partners with Grambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
Florida Gaming Control Commission Collaborates with Local Law Enforcement Partners to Address Illegal Gambling Activity and Shut Down Illegal Casinos
Last week, the Florida Gaming Control Commission reaffirmed its dedication to the safety and wellness of Florida communities by continuing efforts to address illegal gambling activity. In collaboration with local law enforcement partners in Brevard and Volusia counties, FGCC agents assisted with shutting down five illegal casinos as well as seizing illegal gambling machines from two business establishments.
“The cooperative relationships developed between the Florida Gaming Control Commission and our partner law enforcement agencies are essential to fulfill our mission, and these efforts are making an impact. Through innovative strategies, enhanced resources, and collaboration, these partnerships reflect our dedication to fostering trust and accountability while effectively addressing public safety concerns related to illicit gambling locations,” said Ross Marshman, Acting Executive Director of the Florida Gaming Control Commission.
On Tuesday, FGCC agents assisted the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office as they executed search warrants for five illegal casinos throughout the county. More than 500 illegal gambling machines, related equipment, and more than $845,000 was seized. A 2022 Chevy Silverado, which was actively being used to transport cash from the illegal casinos, was also seized. Criminal arrests are pending.
On Thursday, FGCC agents and the Port Orange Police Department addressed community concerns received by both agencies about two independently owned businesses. More than $6000 and 19 illegal slot and gaming machines were seized. Three arrests were made for charges of Operating illegal Gambling Establishments and Illegal Possession of Slot Machines and Gaming Devices. The two establishments included:
•Stop & Go Convenience Store, 5687 S. Ridgewood Ave, Port Orange
•Mark and Jill’s Village Tavern, 5263 S. Nova Rd, Port Orange
Citizen reports are important to share concerns about illegal gambling activities or facilities in Florida.
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