NEWS & NOTES

Liquor & Gaming NSW has announced that it has fined Betchoice, otherwise known as Unibet, a total of US$39,660 for advertising-related violations. According to the agency, the fine came as a result of offering inducements, or ads designed to entice people to gamble—the company was allegedly offering bets with boosted odds, which it dubbed as “price pushes.” This is the second time Unibet has faced such penalties, having been fined $31,730 in July 2021. ● The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) has canceled the accreditation of CGC Technologies, a customer relations provider for the POGO industry, after finding it engaged in illegal activities. PAGCOR says the provider engaged in credit card fraud, illegal detention and human trafficking activities. ● Marina Bay Sands in Singapore has signed a strategic partnership with the Events Industry Council to boost its meetings and convention business. At least 100 client-facing MBS staffers will complete the EIC’s Sustainable Event Professional Certificate program, “advancing uniform standards of practice and setting the highest standards for professional and personal growth for those in our industry.” ● A total of 89 people are being investigated in Singapore for alleged involvement in illegal horse betting. Raids at multiple locations uncovered almost $48,000 in cash, mobile phones and horse betting paraphernalia. Anyone who partakes in illegal betting can be fined up to $7,410, serve a jail term of up to six months, or both. ● Goa, India-based offshore Big Daddy Casino says it has no connection with an Indian gaming investor arrested in Thailand for illegal gambling. Chikoti Praveen Kumar was one of 83 people arrested in Phuket after authorities discovered a makeshift casino at a local hotel. Media reports said Kumar operates a floor of the casino boat. ● The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has fined MGM Springfield for multiple violations involving underage patrons gambling at the facility. The Investigations and Enforcement Bureau (IEB) of the MGC settled with MGM Springfield on a $45,000 civil administrative penalty. “We appreciate that MGM Springfield self-reported many of these instances and their ongoing cooperation to put enhanced practices into place to prevent similar incidents in the future,” said Kathleen Kramer, senior enforcement counsel of MGC’s Investigations and Enforcement Bureau.   ● Camelot U.K. Lotteries reported May 23 that the National Lottery’s sales for FY 2022-2023 were £8.19 billion (€9.42 billion/$10.18 billion), fueled by report digital sales, according to iGB. The 12-month figures to the end of March 2023 were £99.6 million higher than the year before. They were the second highest since the National Lottery began in 1994. Camelot attributes this success to EuroMillions and 30 draws with jackpots larger than £100 million. Instant sales were also higher than last year, despite a fall in scratchcard sales.