Compliance Updates

Better Collective reflects on the initiatives from the ongoing UK Gambling Act review and expects limited to no financial impact

Published

1 year ago

April 28, 2023

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The UK Government published a “White Paper” as part of a Gambling Act review. Better Collective welcomes the long awaited proposed initiatives with a stronger focus on safer gambling. Given the already taken compliance measures from the sportsbooks, and Better Collective’s continued focus on safer gambling, the Group estimates the proposed measures to have zero to limited financial impact on the Group.

Regulatory Release no. 24/2023

The UK Gambling act review
The UK gambling act review was initiated in 2020 and is said to be wide-ranging and evidence-led to strike the right balance between protecting the vulnerable, whilst not spoiling the enjoyment of those who enjoy betting as entertainment.

Better Collective welcomes the review and believes it provides an opportunity to drive further changes on safer gambling. This is fully aligned with Better Collective’s mission to make sports entertainment more engaging and fun while preventing problem gambling through the education of our users.

The impact on Better Collective will be zero to limited
The potential impact from the proposed regulatory changes mentioned in the White Paper will have zero to limited financial impact on Better Collective given the following reasons:

Since the review of the UK gambling act was initiated, UK sportsbooks have strengthened and implemented new compliance measures such as affordability checks, which impacted the Group’s sports win margin during that period. We have now seen a normalized sports win margin and do not expect for this to change given the proposed measures.
Better Collective has always had a core focus on safer gambling as shown in the below mentioned examples of RAiG and Mindway AI.

Financial targets remain unchanged
Better Collective’s financial targets for 2023 and 2027 remain unchanged. Better Collective will continue to monitor the global regulatory developments and potential changes in market dynamics, and will provide updates to any changes to future financial expectations.

Better Collective remains committed to safer gambling
In 2019, Better Collective entered into a partnership with its peers Spotlight Sports Group and Oddschecker to co-found the UK based trade association, Responsible Affiliates in Gambling (RAiG). Through RAiG, an independent body set up to help raise standards in the sector, we promote socially responsible marketing of gambling products and a safer gambling environment for users.

Mindway AI (part of the Better Collective Group) specializes in supporting the gambling industry with various safer gambling tools and solutions. This supports our ambition to make betting safer and provides the sportsbooks with a chance to take initiative in developing sustainable gaming through Mindway AI tools and software, already in use by Tier 1 sportsbooks in the UK market.

Asia

Thailand Considers Limiting Gambling Areas to 5% of Total Project Space

Published

6 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Niji Narayan

thailand-considers-limiting-gambling-areas-to-5%-of-total-project-space

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The Thai government is exploring the possibility of restricting gambling areas within entertainment complexes to no more than 5% of the total project space. This proposal was revealed by Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, who also chairs the House committee responsible for evaluating the potential establishment of casino resorts in the country.

Amornvivat noted that the allocation of space for gaming activities within these entertainment complexes would be determined based on input from various governmental entities involved in a project.

Last month, Thailand’s cabinet approved a report from the National Assembly committee that examined the feasibility of introducing casino resorts in the country. The Ministry of Finance was tasked with conducting a 30-day study to assess the viability of implementing such a policy.

Each proposed venue would require a minimum investment of THB100 billion ($2.75 billion), according to the committee report. Amornvivat recently requested a two-week extension for the study period to further evaluate the matter in collaboration with 16 other government agencies.

The special House committee’s study focused on three main areas. First, it examined the potential impacts of introducing entertainment complexes with casinos on various aspects of Thai society, including economics, politics, social dynamics and the environment.

Second, the committee analysed the business framework of integrated entertainment venues, exploring revenue generation mechanisms such as taxes, fees and licensing structures. It recommended the implementation of specific casino taxes and the establishment of a fund aimed at addressing the negative effects of gambling activities.

Last, the report highlighted the importance of conducting a comprehensive review of the legal framework governing entertainment venues and gambling laws in Thailand. This effort aims to update existing legislation or develop new laws that align with the evolving societal landscape.

The post Thailand Considers Limiting Gambling Areas to 5% of Total Project Space appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Canada

Court Decision Upholds iGaming Ontario’s Model

Published

1 day ago

May 15, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

court-decision-upholds-igaming-ontario’s-model

iGaming Ontario has welcomed the decision of the Ontario Superior Court, which found that iGaming Ontario’s model is consistent with the Criminal Code and that iGaming Ontario is conducting and managing igaming in the province.

“We have always been confident in our model and are pleased that the court has ruled in our favour, and that Ontarians can continue to play with confidence in our regulated igaming market,” said Martha Otton, Executive Director of iGaming Ontario.

“Ontario’s model meets the requirements and contributes to the public good by protecting players, their data and their funds, while helping to fund priority public services in Ontario, and bringing well-paid, high-tech jobs and economic development to Ontario,” Otton added.

In dismissing the application brought forward by the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK), the Superior Court found that iGaming Ontario is the “operating mind” behind Ontario’s competitive igaming market in accordance with the conduct and manage requirements of the Criminal Code.

iGaming Ontario will continue to conduct and manage igaming as it has since the launch of the regulated market on April 4, 2022.

Compliance Updates

Supremeland Gaming Continues U.S. Expansion With Supplier License Approval In Michigan

Published

1 day ago

May 15, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

supremeland-gaming-continues-us.-expansion-with-supplier-license-approval-in-michigan

Supremeland Gaming, Inc., the emerging brand in American iGaming, has gained approval for a Supplier License in Michigan, marking the company’s fourth U.S. state approval following the successful acquisition of interim approvals in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and West Virginia.

Supremeland Gaming is approved to operate under this license and is now authorized to offer its cutting-edge innovation to the Great Lakes State. Their continued expansion underscores its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the iGaming industry.

Rickard Öhrn, CEO of Supremeland Gaming, said: “With approvals already in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and West Virginia, our entry into Michigan underscores our dedication to serving players nationwide. We are excited about the opportunities this new market brings and look forward to delivering innovative, engaging, and responsible gaming solutions to the rapidly growing U.S. iGaming community.”

Supremeland’s game portfolio has garnered international appeal since its debut in November 2023. The innovative brand produces first-class games, including Red Panda Rising and its global debut, Munition Mine, for which its subsidiary, Powderkeg Studios, is shortlisted at the CasinoBeats Game Developer Awards.