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Compliance Updates

UK Government launches review to ensure gambling laws are fit for digital age

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The Culture Secretary has launched a major and wide-ranging review of gambling laws to ensure they are fit for the digital age as committed to in the manifesto.

Online restrictions, marketing and the powers of the Gambling Commission will be looked at as part of a call for evidence, to examine in detail how gambling has changed over the past 15 years.

Protections for online gamblers like stake and spend limits, advertising and promotional offers and whether extra protections for young adults are needed will all be explored.

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The findings will be used to inform any changes to the Gambling Act 2005 to ensure customer protection is at the heart of the regulations, while giving those that gamble safely the freedom to do so.

The review will also look at evidence on the action customers can take where they feel operators have breached social responsibility requirements, such as intervening to protect customers showing clear signs of problematic play, and how to ensure children and young people are kept safe from gambling-related harm.

The Government recognises the need to balance the enjoyment people get from gambling with the right regulatory framework and protections.

It has also been announced today that the minimum age for playing the National Lottery will be raised from 16 to 18 from October 2021.

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden, said:
“Whilst millions gamble responsibly, the Gambling Act is an analogue law in a digital age. From an era of having a flutter in a high street bookmaker, casino, racecourse or seaside pier, the industry has evolved at breakneck speed.

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“This comprehensive review will ensure we are tackling problem gambling in all its forms to protect children and vulnerable people. It will also help those who enjoy placing a bet to do so safely.

“This builds upon our clear track record of introducing tough measures to protect people from the risk of gambling harm – banning the use of credit cards, launching tighter age verification checks and cutting the maximum stake on fixed odds betting terminals.”

Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage Nigel Huddleston said:
“We’re committed to protecting young people from gambling related harm which is why we are raising the minimum age for the National Lottery. Patterns of play have changed since its inception, with a shift towards online games, and this change will help make sure the National Lottery, although already low-risk, is not a gateway to problem gambling.”

It follows a range of measures recently introduced by the Government to protect consumers from the risk of gambling-related harm. These include cutting the maximum stake on fixed odds betting terminals, bringing in tighter age and identity checks for online gambling, banning gambling using credit cards and expanding national specialist support through the NHS Long Term Plan.

In September the Government launched a call for evidence to explore young people’s experiences of loot boxes in video games. This will provide a clearer picture of the size of the loot box market in the UK and fully examine any evidence of harms or links to problem gambling.

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The review of the Gambling Act 2005 will also consider the Gambling Commission’s powers and resources to ensure it can keep pace with the licensed sector and tackle the black market.

In October the Gambling Commission introduced new rules on VIP schemes, and has called for evidence around how to ensure operators identify and intervene where people are at risk of harm, including through carrying out affordability checks. The Commission will also soon set out new rules on safer game design for online slots and withdrawing winnings.

Alongside the launch of the review, the Government is announcing its decision to raise the minimum age to play the National Lottery from 16 to 18, to protect young people from gambling related harm.

Since it began in 1994 the National Lottery’s games portfolio has changed significantly and there has been a growing trend towards online play and instant win games like scratchcards. Following a consultation, from October 2021 it will be illegal to sell all National Lottery products to under 18s.

The Government is working with the Gambling Commission and Camelot to roll out the new age limit across the National Lottery products as quickly as possible and to ensure that it is in place by October. Under current plans, online sales to 16 and 17 year olds will stop in April 2021.

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Source: gov.uk

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Asia

Digital gaming disruption tackled in 1st AsPac Regulators’ Forum

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Regulators from across the Asia-Pacific region underscored the need to adapt to digital disruption in the gaming industry during the first-ever Regulators’ Forum held in Manila on Thursday, September 11.

In her keynote address, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) President and COO Wilma Eisma said that while gaming jurisdictions across the region vary in size and maturity, they share common challenges such as cross-border transactions, rapid digitalization, and balancing economic benefits with social responsibility.

“In the Philippines, electronic gaming has become a significant growth driver and PAGCOR has responded with initiatives that ensure accountability, security, and consumer protection while allowing the industry to thrive responsibly,” Ms. Eisma said.

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However, she said that digitalization, remote gaming, and emerging platforms are testing the limits of traditional oversight models.

“By exchanging best practices, aligning responsible standards, and keeping pace with innovation, we can ensure that the region’s gaming industry grows not just in size but in trust, resilience, and sustainability,” she said.

Ms. Eisma said PAGCOR has introduced reforms such as stricter advertising rules, stronger financial safeguards, and expanded responsible gaming programs but noted that the greater challenge lies in keeping pace with the rapid evolution of online and remote gaming.

The PAGCOR executive also expressed hope that the Regulators’ Forum will become an annual platform for dialogue, with an expanded edition already being planned for 2026.

“I am confident that this Regulators’ Forum will evolve into a hub for knowledge, collaboration and shared commitment,” she said. “Together, let us set the tone for gaming regulation in Asia: one that is innovative, collaborative and firmly anchored on integrity.”

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The event was organized by PAGCOR and Inside Asian Gaming (IAG) and hosted by Newport World Resorts. It gathered regulators, operators, and stakeholders from across the region to tackle concerns on player protection and financial integrity, among others.

The post Digital gaming disruption tackled in 1st AsPac Regulators’ Forum appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Compliance Updates

MGCB Renews Licenses for Detroit’s Three Commercial Casinos, Highlighting Continued Community and Economic Impact

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The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) unanimously approved license renewals for Detroit’s three commercial casinos—MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown—during its regularly scheduled public board meeting.

The annual approval follows a comprehensive review of each casino’s operations, regulatory compliance, and commitment to responsible gaming practices, as required under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act. The decision ensures that Detroit residents and visitors can continue to enjoy a safe, secure, and well-regulated gaming environment.

“Detroit’s commercial casinos are not only entertainment destinations but also major contributors to the city and state economies. By renewing these licenses, the Board reaffirms its commitment to a gaming industry that promotes integrity, accountability, and community benefit. Our oversight helps ensure that patrons have a fair and responsible experience, while Michigan residents continue to see the economic value generated by casino revenues,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.

The Detroit casinos play a vital role in supporting public services through wagering and sports betting taxes. Licensees are taxed at a rate of 19% on adjusted gross receipts, with 8.1% going to the state and 10.9% to the City of Detroit, along with development agreement payments. Casinos also pay an 8.4% tax on retail sports betting qualified adjusted gross receipts and annual fees that support the state’s regulatory functions. These funds help sustain city services, economic development, and state initiatives.

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The MGCB also emphasized the importance of small business participation in the casino supply chain, with measures in place to broaden opportunities for local vendors and suppliers.

Each of Detroit’s three casinos will be eligible for renewal again in September 2026.

The post MGCB Renews Licenses for Detroit’s Three Commercial Casinos, Highlighting Continued Community and Economic Impact appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Amanda Slonzon VP of Compliance and Regulatory Strategy at RubyPlay

RubyPlay’s US Playbook – Turning compliance into a growth engine

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After securing entry into its second US state, and with a third firmly in sight, RubyPlay is sharpening its compliance strategy to balance speed with precision. Amanda Slonzon, VP of Compliance and Regulatory Strategy, explains how the company’s US Playbook is helping to turn regulation into a growth engine, from leveraging New Jersey as a benchmark, to preparing for Pennsylvania’s unique challenges, and building trust-based relationships with regulators and partners across the industry.

When people think about compliance in the US iGaming industry, they often imagine it as the handbrake that slows expansion and stifles innovation. For me, it is the opposite as compliance sits in the driver’s seat. It is not simply a support function but a product in itself that enables us to grow faster, enter new markets with confidence and strengthen our relationships across the industry.

The US online casino market is both highly promising and highly fragmented. Only seven states currently regulate iGaming and each has its own framework. Navigating this landscape requires a deep understanding of both the common threads between states and the subtle differences that can make or break a market entry.

This is why we have developed a US Playbook at RubyPlay, which is a detailed, in-house framework for understanding and applying state-by-state requirements in a way that is tailored to our products and infrastructure. With it, our compliance and regulatory specialists break down each regulation, interpret it in the context of our business, and share that knowledge across the company.

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Market comparisons

New Jersey will always be the starting point for most operators and suppliers entering the US. It was the pioneer of state-level regulation and, in many ways, still sets the standard for others to follow. Meeting New Jersey’s requirements ensures a company is well-prepared for other states, many of which recognise its certifications. Delaware, for example, places direct reliance on New Jersey approvals, a pragmatic approach that can streamline entry for those already licensed in the Garden state. But even with these efficiencies, each state demands its own level of preparation and adaptation.

Regulators in the US take compliance very seriously and ensure that every technical aspect of a business meets their requirements. Unlike some EU markets, where providers may not need a B2B license, every US state requires B2B licensing through a thorough, state-specific process. While major shifts are rare, when they occur they can significantly impact the industry. Right now, sweepstakes is the most talked-about development, and with New Jersey’s Governor having recently signed the ban into law, we are seeing a wave of prohibition that will have a major impact across the industry. Our role is to remain attentive, follow changes daily, and ensure we stay as compliant as we intend to be.

Every state also has its own technical standards, licensing requirements, tax structures, and approaches to product approval. For example, Pennsylvania applies the highest tax rate on operators in the country yet remains one of the most attractive among operators. It also has a deeply ingrained gaming culture and a large, active player base. Entering a state like Pennsylvania, which is a key target for RubyPlay in 2026, is not just about passing compliance checks but more about understanding the regulator’s expectations, the market’s economic realities and the cultural context of its players.

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Fostering close relationships

One of the most important aspects of operating in the US is the strength of relationships with key stakeholders across the entire ecosystem. I have always believed that a strong relationship with the regulator is just as critical as meeting their requirements on paper. We work to ensure that regulators see us as partners who bring solutions, not problems. We communicate openly and demonstrate that we take their rules as seriously as they do. The same process applies to how we work alongside our industry partners. From platform providers or operator customer, we approach every partnership as a collaborative effort to succeed together.

Culture plays a vital role in how we approach regulation. Compliance is considered a technical discipline, but ultimately it is powered by people who care about getting processes and frameworks robust. I am proud to lead a team that is collaborative and solution-oriented. One of my proudest moments recently came during a recruitment process where I was speaking with a candidate for a role within our compliance team. She told me she had been following RubyPlay closely and was so impressed by our company culture, the pride we take in our work and the way we treat our people, that she was willing to relocate to another country just to join the team. It is a real story that speaks to the environment we have built.

Regulation in the US is not going to advance overnight. The state-by-state approach will remain and evolve, and new product categories will emerge that challenge existing frameworks. My perspective is that the companies who thrive will be the ones who embrace this complexity, invest in understanding it deeply, and treat compliance as a strategic asset rather than an operational hurdle.

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The US Playbook we have developed is our way of making that happen. It is an ever-evolving strategy that keeps us compliant, competitive and ready for whatever comes next.

The post RubyPlay’s US Playbook – Turning compliance into a growth engine appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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