Compliance Updates
W2 Identifies Key Statistics from Financial Risk Checks to Support Gambling Operators
Regtech orchestration platform provider, W2, has identified key statistics within their financial risk check solution to help operators understand the affordability of their customers and support player protection initiatives.
W2, the provider of leading regulatory compliance services to the gambling industry, has identified keys statistics relating to High-Cost Short-Term loans within its financial risk affordability solution. With the release of the gambling industry white paper last week, gambling operators must now prepare to implement financial risk checks when customers hit certain net loss limits.
The solution combines data assets from multiple sources at the individual, demographic, and geographic levels on a ‘where available’ basis and has been built to provide as clear a picture as possible in a way that is not intrusive to the player. Operators can customise data consumption either through API integration at onboarding, or trigger based on various markers of harm (MOH).
One of the 50+ data indicators included in the solution analyses data on High-Cost Short-Term loans. This is key data for operators to have access to as consumers who are considering using loans to pay for critical costs such as bills and debt may not have the means to gamble.
When comparing a batch trial completed in 2023 vs. 2022, the results of High-Cost Short-Term or payday loans were staggering. W2 has identified the following statistics:
- High Interest Short Term loan enquiries to pay for bills increased by 1700%.
- High Interest Short Term loan enquiries to pay for debt increased by 1000%.
- High Interest Short Term loan enquiries for short term cash increased by 1050%
Warren Russell, CEO & Founder at W2 commented “The results of this batch trial when compared to data from 2022 is clear evidence that the cost-of-living crisis is hurting. The sheer number of consumers needing loans to pay for day-to-day costs is certainly the type of data which can be helpful to operators when implementing their player protection initiatives.
We are pleased that the long-awaited gambling white paper has now been released to give operators guidance on how best to comply with updated regulation. It is also promising that financial risk checks are going to play a key part in a safer gambling industry. W2’s financial risk solution has been specifically developed with the needs of gambling operators in mind, and we are looking forward to being able to provide this to the industry.”
Powered by WPeMatico
AUSTRAC intelligence sparked an investigation that helped the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) to uncover a NSW police officer who sold more than $1.3 million in family gold bars to fund a gambling addiction.
The officer was found by the LECC to have engaged in serious misconduct after taking 12 gold bars, weighing 50 ounces each that belonged to his uncle and was stored underneath his mother’s house.
He falsified know your customer forms to sell the bullion to 2 dealers, claiming the gold was a birthday gift or inheritance and then he used the proceeds on sports betting apps and later admitted to the false information stating he “needed the money”.
AUSTRAC first raised the alarm by flagging transactions, including significant gold sales to a bullion dealer with reported money laundering links.
Operation Dartmoor was launched and uncovered the full extent of misconduct.
The officer resigned from the NSW Police Force and has been referred to the Department of Public Prosecutions.
AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas said the case highlights the risks facing the bullion sector.
“Gambling harm doesn’t just drain bank accounts, it can drive desperate people into crime,” Mr Thomas said.
“When gambling turns to addiction, people often look for fast money and that can mean stealing, fraud or money laundering.
“Bullion is portable, valuable and attractive to people wanting to use it illegitimately.
“If you trade in bullion, you are part of the front line in stopping its exploitation.
“Your AML/CTF controls are the difference between being a trusted dealer or a weak link for crime.
“Every transaction is a potential red flag – it’s your responsibility to look twice, and if needed, report it.”
The post AUSTRAC Intelligence Helps Crack Gold Laundering Case Linked to Gambling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist letters to four unlicensed online casinos—Betty Wins, Orbit Spins, Pacific Spins Casino, and Yabby Casino—all operated by Tech Zone Inc., a company registered offshore in the Union of Comoros.
The enforcement action is part of the MGCB’s ongoing commitment to protect Michigan residents from illegal gambling platforms that lack oversight, player safeguards, and responsible gaming protections.
“These offshore operators lure players with flashy ads and promises of big winnings, but in reality, they put consumers at serious financial and personal risk. We will continue to take strong action against unlicensed sites to ensure gambling in Michigan is legal, fair, and secure,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of MGCB.
Under Michigan law, only MGCB-licensed operators are authorized to offer internet gaming and sports betting. Tech Zone’s four brands were found to be illegally targeting Michigan residents, violating the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and sections of the Michigan Penal Code.
“Illegal operators may use familiar branding or social media ads to appear trustworthy. But if the site isn’t licensed by the MGCB, it isn’t safe. We encourage all players to check before they bet,” Williams said.
The post MGCB Orders Four Offshore Online Casinos to Cease Operations in Michigan appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
CT Interactive is strengthening its presence in Romania’s regulated iGaming market by certifying 20 new games, bringing its total portfolio in the country to 101 titles. This is a significant achievement in the company’s European growth strategy.
Among the new certified releases are fan favorites such as Lucky Clover 10, the latest addition to the beloved Clover series featuring vintage-inspired graphics and nostalgic design elements, and 20 Mega Star, a classic fruit-themed slot that combines familiar gameplay with modern visuals to keep players engaged. Both titles have already proven their success across multiple international markets with strong player engagement.
Additionally, CT Interactive is launching its new Buy Bonus product line in the Romanian market. This exciting lineup includes Doctor Winstein Buy Bonus, Duck of Luck Buy Bonus, Fruits & Sweets Buy Bonus, Nanook the White Ghost Buy Bonus, and Hyper Cuber Buy Bonus — all offering thrilling bonus features and enhanced gameplay tailored to local player preferences.
“Certification in Romania is an important part of our European growth strategy,” said Martin Ivanov, COO of CT Interactive. “This expansion not only strengthens our presence but also enables us to offer a diverse and premium range of content to the regulated Romanian market.”
With these new certifications, CT Interactive continues to be a trusted provider of engaging gaming content, offering Romanian operators a broad range of advanced titles fully aligned with local regulatory standards.
The post CT Interactive grows its certified portfolio in Romania appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
eSports6 days agoTEAM VITALITY AND HUMMEL LAUNCH ALTERNATE JERSEY AND EXCLUSIVE APPAREL COLLECTION
-
Africa7 days agoRise & Hustle partners with Altenar to power its new sportsbook offering
-
EurAsia7 days ago
Groove Technologies Shines in Georgia at SmartSoft Partner Event: Culture, Connection, and Collaboration Take Centre Stage
-
Africa7 days ago
Ghana’s NLA Introduces New Sticker to Clamp Down on Illegal Lotto Operators
-
Eastern Europe6 days ago
Digitain Strengthens Romanian Market Presence Through KingCasino Partnership
-
Central Europe7 days ago
CT Interactive Announces Strategic Partnership with Ecasino
-
Alex Malchenko Head of Sales at Evoplay7 days ago
Evoplay strengthens Ontario presence in partnership with Caesars Entertainment
-
Central Europe6 days ago
CT Interactive grows its certified game portfolio in the Slovak market
