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UK’s NAO – Gambling regulation: problem gambling and protecting vulnerable people

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The UK Gambling Commission and government need to do more to ensure that regulation can protect gamblers effectively, according to a new NAO report.

There are an estimated 1.8 million ‘at risk’ gamblers and 395,000 ‘problem’ gamblers – including 55,000 children, some of whom are as young as 11.1

Gambling addiction can lead to mental health problems, relationship difficulties, large-scale financial loss and, in some cases, crime or suicide.

The NAO’s report looks at regulation of an industry which now yields over £11.3 billion2 for gambling operators every year. The Gambling Commission3, which regulates the industry, has annual funding of £19 million and almost all of it comes from licence fees paid by gambling operators. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) is the government department with overall responsibility for gambling policy and regulation.

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The report concludes that while the Commission has improved regulation, there is much more it should do. It has increased enforcement against gambling operators that break rules, for example by revoking licences, and has also strengthened its rule book.4 But it needs to do more to incentivise operators to raise standards and be more systematic and detailed in recording and analysing information about gamblers to plug gaps in its knowledge.

Even if the Commission makes these improvements, it is a small body that is unlikely to be fully effective in regulating a challenging and fast-changing industry within the current system. Gambling regulation does not have features seen in other sectors, such as an ombudsman, and the way it is funded is not flexible meaning the Commission cannot change licence fees to respond to new risks emerging quickly from changes in technology and demand.

The report’s recommendations include that the Commission and DCMS should:

Be more strategic about getting gambling companies to better protect people. This could include incentivising companies to do more to make gambling safer beyond meeting minimum requirements
Ensure gamblers are aware of services to resolve disputes, and review whether these arrangements are working effectively.
Review how regulation is funded so they can keep pace with a fast-changing industry.

“Licensed gambling has grown by 57 per cent – £4.1 billion – over the last decade mainly due to a massive increase in online and smartphone gambling. The risks to gamblers are changing as technologies develop.

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“Yet the Gambling Commission is a small regulator in a huge and fast-evolving industry. While the Commission has made improvements, gambling regulation lags behind the industry. The Commission and government need to work together to ensure that regulation keeps pace with the risk to gamblers.” – Gareth Davies, the head of the NAO.

BiS SiGMA Americas

GR8 Tech Brings “Best Workplace 2024” and Fresh LatAm Insights from BIS SiGMA Americas

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GR8 Tech’s participation at the recent BIS SiGMA Americas event held in São Paulo was quite successful, highlighted by winning the ‘BEST WORKPLACE 2024’ award at the SiGMA Americas Awards and holding over 150 meetings with operators and other stakeholders. These interactions have laid a solid foundation for GR8 Tech’s strategic expansion in the region and provided the team with significant insights into the evolving Latin American iGaming market.

A Closer Look at the Brazilian Market and Wider LatAm

Brazil is not synonymous with Latin America. Each country on the continent has its own unique characteristics,Evgen Belousov, GR8 Tech CEO.

The most important thing to understand in the LatAm region is that it’s very diverse. There are significant cultural and operational differences that necessitate a localized approach. For example, “Brazil’s rhythm is distinct; life starts in the afternoon, and business interactions reflect this laid-back pace. To thrive here, understanding and integrating into the local lifestyle is essential.

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Belousov further discussed the Brazilian market’s competitive nature, highlighting retention strategies’ crucial role. “The churn rate is high as players frequently shift between operators lured by aggressive marketing. Hence, having robust retention mechanisms, such as real-time tools and enticing bonus mechanics, is crucial to maintaining a loyal customer base,” he added.

Yevhen Krazhan, CBDO, addressed trending compliance and market preferences. “Regulation is a hot topic, with a keen focus on product compliance. Moreover, while classic sportsbooks saturate the market, emerging interests lie in areas like fantasy sports and social gaming, which present new opportunities for differentiation and growth.”

Thomas Carvalhaes, Senior Business Development Manager for the Latin America region, provided his expertise during the panel discussion “Understanding the demands and evolution of the B2B market”, highlighting the demand for localization and intuitive technology. “In Latin America, where many markets are still learning the ropes of iGaming, the simplicity of the technology is key. Products need to be user-friendly to ensure they meet the expectations of a clientele that values straightforward and engaging gaming experiences,” Carvalhaes explained.

Future Directions and Engagements

Building on the insights and achievements from BIS SiGMA Americas, GR8 Tech is actively expanding its presence in Brazil and LatAm, establishing its reputation as a key player in the region. The company is also exploring opportunities in other global markets, with Asia as the next target at SiGMA Asia, scheduled for June 3-6 in Manila, Philippines. This upcoming event presents another fantastic opportunity for GR8 Tech to demonstrate the capabilities of its flagship GR8 Sportsbook platform and forge new partnerships in another exciting and diverse region. We invite all our partners and clients to stay tuned, following our updates at https://gr8.tech/.

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Choctaw Casinos and Resorts

Kambi Group plc Signs Landmark Sportsbook Partnership with Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

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One of the largest Indian nations in the United States to utilize Kambi’s market-leading turnkey sportsbook on property and online in exclusive nationwide partnership

Kambi Group plc (Kambi), the world’s trusted sports betting partner, has signed a landmark multi-state sportsbook agreement with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (Choctaw Nation), one of the largest Indian nations in the United States, to provide its sports betting technology and services to Choctaw Nation’s gaming entities.

Choctaw Nation, operator of Choctaw Casinos and Resorts, owns a selection of gaming and hospitality destinations throughout southeastern Oklahoma and is the official and exclusive casino and resort partner of the Texas Rangers, Major League Baseball’s World Series Champion. Choctaw Nation’s flagship resort is located near the Texas border and in close proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex with a population of more than eight million people.

The long-term deal will see Choctaw Nation combine its digital and ecommerce expertise with Kambi’s market-leading turnkey sportsbook with the ambition to become an online and retail sports betting powerhouse. Pending regulatory approvals, the agreement includes the scope to expand into multiple states.

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The relationship with Choctaw Nation strengthens Kambi’s position as the sportsbook partner of choice for Indian nations across the United States, with Choctaw Nation selecting Kambi for its proven online and retail technology as well as its collaborative approach to delivering tailored sports betting solutions.

“This is a landmark partnership for Kambi with exciting long-term potential,” the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer for Kambi, Kristian Nylen, said. “Not only does Choctaw Nation have fantastic, well positioned gaming and entertainment facilities in Oklahoma, but its proven track record in developing successful digital businesses gives me every confidence that together we will create thrilling sports betting experiences for its players.

“Due to these exciting credentials, Choctaw Nation was an obvious partner, so I am therefore delighted it saw the benefits of Kambi’s proven technology and recognized our shared values. Trust remains paramount through each tribal partnership and we look forward to delivering a best-in-class sportsbook that generates long-term sustainable revenues for the Choctaw Nation.”

“We are thrilled to have entered into a long-term agreement with Kambi,” the Commerce Senior Executive Officer for Choctaw Nation, Heidi Grant, said. “Adding Kambi’s best-in-class technology and custom player offerings to Choctaw Nation’s brand and market positioning, Choctaw Nation is poised to remain well positioned as the premier, full-service, vertically integrated gaming operator throughout our region.”

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Magnus Natt och Dag Commercial Director North America at Play’n GO

Play’n GO announces expansion of PokerStars partnership with Pennsylvania launch

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Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced its partnership with world-famous gaming brand PokerStars has expanded into a third US state, as the studio’s games are now live with the operator in Pennsylvania.

Play’n GO and PokerStars have already established a successful partnership in the US, following agreements in the states of Michigan and New Jersey, as well as teaming up for a Michigan-exclusive game built around the state’s National Hockey League team, the Detroit Red Wings. This latest announcement sees PokerStars players in the Keystone State gain access to classic Play’n GO titles such as Book of Dead and Reactoonz.

Play’n GO is now licensed in six US states and is aiming to be active in every regulated market, in the US and around the world.

Magnus Natt och Dag, Commercial Director North America at Play’n GO, said: “Following our recent licensing approval in Pennsylvania, we eagerly anticipate the launch of our games with PokerStars, our third operator to go live in Pennsylvania. PokerStars share our vision for a safe, regulated iGaming industry, and we’re confident of further success together in the coming months and years.”

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Brent Rovner, North American Casino Director at PokerStars said: “We are thrilled to launch Play’n GO in Pennsylvania, making their games available in all our active US states. We’re confident that our customers will enjoy these games for years to come.”

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