Compliance Updates
PRIZE DEBT: CALLS TO REVIEW GAMBLING REGULATIONS AS CONSUMERS RACK UP MILLIONS ON CREDIT CARDS
· Consumers spent £117m on credit cards entering prize draws and competitions, which are not currently regulated by the Government, in a bid to win dream prizes(1)
· Promise of a charitable donation makes nearly half of participants more likely to enter
· Jumbo Interactive calls on the UK Government to regulate the growing prize draw and competition market and for a clampdown on credit cards use
The UK Government is being urged to review current gambling regulations, as new research reveals consumers are racking up millions on credit cards entering popular prize draws and competitions.
The research from Jumbo Interactive found consumers spent £117m on credit cards entering prize draws and competitions in the last year, which due to a loophole, are not currently regulated in the same way as lotteries and raffles.
The study found nearly one in 10 people who entered ‘big ticket’ prize draws, offering the chance to win multi-million pound houses or luxury cars, or prize competitions, have ended up in debt as a result.
Using credit cards to gamble was banned in April 2020, but a loophole in regulation means there are currently no restrictions on commercial prize draw or prize competition companies. For prize draws, this is because they offer “free” entry methods, where it’s possible to play by post for the cost of a postage stamp. Yet, despite this ‘free to enter’ route, an estimated £860m was spent on entries into prize draws in the last year[iii].
Prize draws and competitions that promise a donation to charity also makes 45% of participants more likely to enter, yet over half of players (57%) admit to not checking how much actually goes to good causes.
Jumbo Interactive is now calling for greater regulation of the growing prize draw and competition market, highlighting significant consumer protection concerns over credit card debt, as well as a lack of transparency around prizes and charity donations from entry fees.
It is also urging consumers to check the T&Cs as there is little enforcement of minimum donation percentage for prize draws and competitions. This compares to regulated society lotteries, which give a minimum of 20% of gross ticket sales and often over 50% to good causes.
Nigel Atkinson, UK General Manager, Jumbo Interactive comments: “A huge amount is being spent on credit cards on prize draws, pushing people into debt – despite the free entry option being the reason they are exempt from oversight. With so much money changing hands, the government needs to look at the proper regulation of prize draws and competitions to better protect consumers.
“For many, the fact that some of the cost of entering prize draws and competitions goes to charity is a big part of why they enter. But it remains easy for companies to bury information in the terms and conditions about how much actually goes to charity. Society lotteries on the other hand have minimum donation rates and help raise funds for a wide range of important causes, large and small. Public trust is crucial for society lotteries to operate successfully, and increased regulation of the prize draw and competition market will offer that consistency and transparency.”
Tony Vick, Chair of The Lotteries Council, adds: “The Lotteries Council is increasingly concerned about the use of prize draws operated by commercial gambling companies which are marketing themselves in a similar way to charity lotteries. Lotteries face a series of legislative hurdles that restrict our ability to grow and raise funds for good causes while prize draws face no limits on how many tickets they can sell, what prizes they can offer, and choose whether and how much to give to any charity. We hope the Government looks at this to ensure a fairer playing field.”
Falling foul of scams has also been an issue for 15% of entrants, including paying money for postage on a prize that never arrives, paying a significant amount of money on phone calls or texts to enter a competition without it being clear that it would cost that much, or winning a prize that turned out to be of less value than advertised.
Notably, 72% of those who enter lotteries, draws or competitions think prize competitions and prize draws should be regulated in the same way as gambling.
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Digitain has successfully secured an Isle of Man software supplier license.
This reflects the value Digitain has placed on stable institutions, credible oversight and long-term regulatory certainty — evidencing a clear signal that the Island remains a tier-one jurisdiction for serious, long-term gaming technology businesses.
Granted by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC), with Cavendish Trust and Digital Isle of Man supporting Digitain throughout the process, the licence further deepens the Island’s regulated supplier base and reinforces the Isle of Man’s proposition: a mature, well-regulated jurisdiction with a collaborative, high-standards approach to doing business.
Digitain is a leading global supplier of sportsbook and gaming technology to operators across multiple regulated markets, supporting both online and retail betting. With more than two decades of industry experience, the company is recognised for its scale, technical capability and enterprise-grade approach — making its decision to secure an Isle of Man licence a strong endorsement of the Island’s regulatory credibility and long-term stability.
Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, said: “Digitain is a significant player in the global iGaming industry, and its decision to secure an Isle of Man licence is a strong vote of confidence in the Island’s regulatory credibility and long-term stability. It demonstrates that the Isle of Man continues to attract serious, enterprise-scale technology providers who value high standards and regulatory certainty. We remain committed to supporting a future-focused iGaming sector that delivers sustainable, long-term economic value for the Isle of Man.”
With more than 20 years as a leading iGaming jurisdiction, the Isle of Man is recognised for proportionate, risk-based regulation, political and economic stability, and strong cooperation between Government, the GSC and industry — a combination that continues to attract high-quality businesses seeking a trusted base for regulated growth.
Shaun Corris, Director at Cavendish Trust, said: “We would like to congratulate Digitain on securing its Isle of Man licence. Supporting Digitain through the licensing process highlighted both the strength of the business and the calibre of the jurisdiction. Digitain’s decision to secure an Isle of Man licence reflects the Island’s continued appeal to established, international iGaming technology providers seeking long-term credibility and stability.”
Aida Vardanyan, Director within the Digitain group said: “The Isle of Man represents one of the most credible and mature iGaming jurisdictions globally and working under the oversight of the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission has reinforced our confidence in the Island as a long-term base for our regulated operations.”
“The licensing process of Digitain’s Isle of Man entity, Blue Whale Limited, was rigorous, transparent, and constructive, reflecting the depth of regulatory expertise and institutional stability that the Isle of Man is known for. Cavendish Trust played a central role in this journey, providing exceptional guidance, regulatory insight, and operational support throughout the process. Their experience, professionalism, and deep understanding of both the jurisdiction and the global iGaming landscape were instrumental in achieving this milestone, and we look forward to continuing our partnership as we grow our regulated business from the Isle of Man.”
The post Digitain Secures Isle of Man iGaming Software Supplier Licence appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Compliance Updates
National Council on Problem Gambling Adopts 1-800-MY-RESET as New National Problem Gambling Helpline Number
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) announced it has adopted 1-800-MY-RESET as the new National Problem Gambling Helpline number, designed to be memorable and easily accessible for the public. 1-800-MY-RESET is now live and operational to receive calls.
The adoption of the new number strengthens national visibility for the Helpline and supports NCPG’s ongoing network modernization efforts. 1-800-MY-RESET is neutral, non-stigmatizing, and user-defined, signaling that individuals can reach out for support at any point in their relationship with gambling. Calls to 1-800-MY-RESET will connect individuals to the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network, which serves as a single point of access to 24 contact centers across the US, staffed by trained professionals who meet internationally recognized helpline quality standards. The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available 24/7, is free and confidential, and provides support and referrals to local resources.
“Problem gambling support should never be limited to a single moment or a single definition of harm. 1-800-MY-RESET reinforces that the National Problem Gambling Helpline is available at any stage—whether someone is worried about themselves, concerned about a family member, or simply looking for trusted guidance. Making the Helpline number easier to remember is a practical, meaningful step toward reducing barriers to care,” said Derek Longmeier, President of the NCPG Board of Directors.
Nearly 20 million U.S. adults report experiencing at least one indicator of gambling-related harm in the past year, according to NCPG research. As legal gambling continues to expand across the US, NCPG is committed to ensuring help for a gambling problem is always available and accessible. Improving the memorability of the National Helpline number is part of a broader public awareness strategy to mitigate gambling-related harm by educating communities, reducing stigma, and bringing gambling addiction to the forefront of public health efforts nationwide.
“With gambling now more accessible than ever, the National Problem Gambling Helpline is a critical lifeline. Making the number easier to remember helps ensure people across the country can quickly connect with high-quality, confidential support when they need it,” said NCPG Executive Director Heather L. Maurer, MA, CAE.
The post National Council on Problem Gambling Adopts 1-800-MY-RESET as New National Problem Gambling Helpline Number appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Finland’s Interior Ministry is examining whether scratchcards might once again be allowed as gifts.
The investigation will consider whether winnings from a scratchcard could be claimed by someone other than the person who purchased the card.
At the start of 2024, scratchcards were brought under mandatory identification rules. Since then, recipients of gifted cards have been unable to redeem any prizes they potentially offer.
Parliament approved a new Lotteries Act in December. At the same time, legislators included a statement urging the government to explore ways to permit scratchcards to be given as gifts.
Christmastime is traditionally the biggest season for lottery scratch card sales in Finland.
The post Finland Govt Looks at Whether Scratchcards can be Gifted Again appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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