Gambling
Overhaul of UK Gambling Laws Postponed Again?
The long awaited changes in the UK gambling regulations seem to be delayed once again. The changes announced back in 2020 are scheduled to be released soon in the form of a whitepaper. However, the changes proposed by the UK government are subjected to further consultation, meaning another delay is surely coming.
Although the proposed gambling laws changes are designed to make gambling safer, especially due to cases where gamblers have suffered significant losses and have even taken their own lives because of it, some regulations will further reviewed by the Ministers.
To remind ourselves of the proposed changes, some of the most notable ones included mandatory levies on gambling industry revenues, limitations for online slot machines that will range between £2 and £15, regulations to slow down online casino games and affordability checks, among others, of course.
The former Tory leader who chairs a cross-party parliamentary group examining gambling harms, Iain Duncan Smith, told the Guardian that there is a general concern about the white paper as putting off so many measures for consultation is “tantamount to doing nothing”.
One of the biggest concern is the there was no discussion regarding limits on stakes for online slot games, which are currently unlimited even though they are responsible for some of the highest addiction rates among all gambling products.
The consolation will revolve around enforcing limits of £2 for under-25s and the cap will be in line for customers of all ages on shop-based-fixed-odds betting terminals. However, the most notable change in the current laws is the affordability checks for gamblers making big losses alongside limitations on digital marketing endeavors by UK’s online casinos as per Casino Gambler.
All of the aforementioned changes will undergo further consultation within the legislative block in parliament, meaning these changes might see yet another significant delay in implementation. Speaking of which, the affordability checks will revolve around operators performing credit checks when a customer loses a certain amount of money as a result of their gambling activities.
So far, the lobbyists for the £11bn-a-year industry have campaigned hard against tougher checks that would require operators to demand proof of earnings. And just a quick reminder, the early draft of the whitepaper suggested credit checks for punters who lose £1,000 in a day or £2,000 over 90 days, which is what the lobbyists have campaigned against.
Ministers will likely consult with the UK Gambling Commission regarding how and when to perform such checks. After all, this is what is expected of them. That said, another changed that will undergo consultation is the curb on digital marketing campaigns offering “free bets” or casino bonuses to gamblers. The legislative backlog resulted from “Brexit” made it impossible to implement such changes without further consultations.
Gambling
NYC Man Wins $2M Powerball – Doubled from $1MM Win
Jackpot.com – the online lottery courier service that allows consumers to order official state lottery tickets on their phone, tablet, or computer – announced today that a $2 million Powerball prize has been won in New York with a ticket ordered using the Jackpot.com website.
The winner is a longtime New York City resident. He served in the Army and had an illustrious career in the music business – both as a musician and as an executive. His ticket matched all five white balls, just missing the red Powerball for the $174 million drawing on August 5. The winner’s $2 million prize was actually a $1 million win that was doubled thanks to the Power PlayⓇ feature, which multiplies non-jackpot winnings when you add just $1 to your ticket. It was only after joining Jackpot.com that he discovered this game-changing feature.
When he first heard about Jackpot.com about a year ago, the main point that caught his attention was how convenient it was to be able to get lottery tickets online – and he’s been a regular customer ever since. He identifies himself as a spiritual person, and shared that the numbers he chose were inspired by Jewish scripture, where numbers often carry deep symbolic meaning.
“We are thrilled to congratulate the winner on his incredible $2 million win—the biggest to date in New York through our platform! This monumental win not only highlights the excitement of the lottery but also the ease and convenience our service provides,” said Akshay Khanna, CEO and co-founder of Jackpot.com. “With just a few clicks, he was able to secure his ticket online, and today, he’s a millionaire. We’re proud to offer a seamless way for people to participate in these life-changing opportunities from the comfort of their own homes.”
Jackpot.com, which launched in the Empire State last August with investments from the New York Yankees and the Tisch family (co-owners of the New York Giants), allows New Yorkers to order tickets for Powerball, Mega MillionsⓇ, Numbers, Win4, Cash4Life, New York Lotto and Pick 10. The innovative and secure courier service purchases tickets on behalf of its customers from official state lottery retailers, displaying a scan of their ticket and transferring winnings of less than $600 in real-time to their account. For prizes of $600 or more, Jackpot.com securely sends the winning ticket to the lucky player so they can collect the winnings from the New York Lottery.
Jackpot.com has significantly invested in responsible gaming protocols by allowing customers to set spend limits and default limits on daily deposits, all while providing access to local and national responsible gambling resources, self-exclusion, self-suspension and automated notifications that offer help should problematic behavior be detected. Jackpot.com is also the only lottery courier service to launch with iCap certification from the National Council on Problem Gambling.
California
Notice and Agenda for California Gambling Control Commission Meeting
The California Gambling Control Commission will hold a meeting on June 20, 2024, to consider various applications and renewals related to cardroom owner licenses and other gambling-related licenses. The agenda includes significant items such as:
- Initial Cardroom Owner License Consideration:
- Commerce Casino: California Commerce Club, Inc.
- Recommendation: Approve the initial application through March 31, 2025.
- Commerce Casino: California Commerce Club, Inc.
- Renewal of Cardroom Owner Licenses:
- Artichoke Joe’s Casino:
- Recommendation: Approve a 90-day extension through September 30, 2024, with existing conditions.
- Capitol Casino:
- Recommendation: Approve the renewal application through March 31, 2026.
- Casino 99:
- Options:
- Approve renewal through December 31, 2025.
- Approve renewal with additional conditions.
- Refer to an evidentiary hearing and issue an interim license.
- Deny the renewal application.
- Recommendation: Option Three.
- Options:
- Jalisco Pool Room:
- Recommendation: Approve renewal through June 30, 2026, with existing conditions.
- Mike’s Card Casino:
- Recommendation: Approve a 60-day extension through August 31, 2024, with existing conditions.
- Artichoke Joe’s Casino:
- Requests and Other Considerations:
- Bell Jackpot Casino: Request to withdraw application.
- Recommendation: Approve the request without prejudice.
- Empire Sportsmen’s Association: Cancellation of Temporary Work Permit.
- Recommendation: Cancel the permit.
- Acme Player Services, LLC: Retraction of hearing referral and renewal application.
- Recommendation: Retract the referral and abandon the renewal application for specified members.
- Bell Jackpot Casino: Request to withdraw application.
- Third-Party Proposition Player Services Employee License Renewals and Approvals:
- Various applications for initial and renewal licenses were considered with recommendations to approve through specified periods.
Compliance Updates
Navigating the Complexities of Gambling Compliance: A Look at Recent Decisions and Regulations in California
In the intricate and highly regulated world of gambling and betting, staying compliant with the myriad of rules and regulations is crucial for every entity involved. Recent developments in the regulatory landscape highlight the ongoing efforts to ensure fair and responsible gambling practices. This article delves into the latest decisions and requirements as outlined in a recent commission meeting of the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) held on January 25, 2024.
Ensuring Compliance in Cardrooms
A key focus in the meeting was the compliance of cardrooms with regulatory standards. Before opening for business, cardroom owners must submit a comprehensive Business Entity Supplemental Information form, including the new address of the gambling establishment. This requirement underscores the need for transparency and up-to-date information in gambling operations.
Additionally, cardrooms must adhere to specific relocation requirements, hold a valid business license, and have an approved Safety and Security Plan, alongside an Emergency and Evacuation Plan. These measures are not just bureaucratic formalities; they are vital for the safety and security of patrons and staff.
License Renewals and Considerations
The commission meeting also discussed several key employee and third-party proposition player services employee license renewals and applications. For example, the renewal application for Brandon Wong was put forth with two options – approval through January 31, 2026, or referral to an evidentiary hearing. This case illustrates the careful scrutiny applied to individuals involved in the gambling sector.
In another instance, the initial application of Devin Willis from Faros Unlimited, Inc., was recommended for approval, reflecting the commission’s confidence in the applicant’s ability to adhere to regulatory standards.
Addressing Individual Cases with Sensitivity
Particularly noteworthy were the individualized conditions and considerations given to various applicants. For instance, Johan Navarrete Rodriguez from Knighted Ventures, LLC, was required to provide proof of efforts to resolve a Failure to Appear fine. This level of detail in regulatory oversight ensures that each case is addressed with the appropriate level of scrutiny and consideration.
The Broader Picture: Ensuring a Safe Gambling Environment
These decisions and regulations are part of a broader effort to maintain a safe, fair, and responsible gambling environment. By requiring detailed plans for safety, security, and emergency procedures, and by scrutinizing the backgrounds and activities of key employees and third-party service providers, regulatory bodies are working to uphold high standards in the gambling industry.
In conclusion, the decisions made in the January 25, 2024 commission meeting reflect the ongoing commitment to regulatory compliance in the gambling sector. By staying vigilant and adaptive to changing circumstances and challenges, the commission ensures that the gambling industry operates within a framework that protects all stakeholders involved.
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