Top Down Help for Problem Gamblers

The gaming industry needs to step up and increase help for potential problem gamblers, says Stephanie Goodman, the executive director of Nevada’s Problem Gambling Center. Since casino employees are one quarter of the center’s clients, more assistance is in the casinos’ best interest.

Facial Recognition and a New Approach to Responsible Gaming

Self-exclusion is a wonderful tool in the responsible gaming toolbox, but it requires dedication from both sides. The self-excluded will often try to sneak into casinos and the industry needs to respond with another tool: Facial recognition, according to Malcolm Rutherford.

Responsible Gaming in a World of Digital Payments

Responsible gaming progress is much easier to track in the online casino world, but the crossover between online gaming and bricks-and-mortar casinos can be cashless transactions. Christopher Justice, the president and CEO of Global Payments Gaming Solutions, explains how it works.

Wynn Resorts Gives New York City Details

Wynn Resorts is partnering with Related Companies, developer of New York City’s Hudson Yards project (l.), to bid for a Las Vegas-style resort casino on an undeveloped portion of the property. It’s the first fully detailed bid for what in reality is the one New York City area casino license available.

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WEEKLY FEATURE: Twitch Bans Streams of Offshore Gambling Sites, Sportsbooks OK

Viewers everywhere tune into Twitch to watch people play video games, react to news or sporting events, and, more recently, gamble on offshore iGaming sites. However, the proliferation of these gambling streams has become increasingly controversial, even leading to scams and other scandals. Now, the platform has announced a ban on such streams, but has left poker and sports betting alone.

In Philippines, Officials Look to Ban iGaming

Two online gaming operators in the Philippines have closed due to the alleged human trafficking of foreign workers. In response, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva (l.) has filed a bill to ban all types of online gambling.

Following Bell Report, Star Scrambles to Salvage NSW License

Ben Heap (l.), interim chairman of Star Entertainment, has released a statement apologizing for his company’s shortcomings, which were recently made public via the Bell Report. The company could lose its NSW casino license entirely, but many expect the state’s regulator to suspend it and appoint an external manager instead.

Genting Unlikely to Win Macau License

Gaming analysts are doubtful that a subsidiary of Genting Malaysia will win an “outright” concession in Macau. But its surprise bid could position the company as a “prospective rescuer” of an incumbent operator.

Sweden Elects New Government, Regulatory Changes Follow Soon After

A new four-party coalition has come to power in Sweden, led by Ulf Kristersson (l.). The new regime is now tasked with finishing the reform of the country’s iGaming industry. Meanwhile, its gaming regulator, Spelinspektionen, has already begun implementing new responsible gaming measures.

Leading iGaming Companies Launch Joint RG Initiative

A partnership has been formed between six leading iGaming operators regarding responsible gaming efforts. BetMGM, FanDuel, Entain, Bally’s, MGM Resorts and DraftKings released a joint commitment featuring 12 principles that they will become standard.

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Stick With Results, Not Promises or Projections

The online sports betting and iGaming sector is expanding rapidly, and that comes with innumerable partnerships, outlooks and estimations. But at the end of the day, there is a clear, established hierarchy—-it’s FanDuel, BetMGM and DraftKings, then everyone else can fight for what’s left.

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Chau Denies Involvement in Multiplier Bets

Imprisoned former junket runner Alvin Chau (l.), now on trial on charges of illegal gaming, fraud and money laundering, says he had no involvement in multiplier betting at Macau casinos. But an IT executive says the company developed a program to account for such bets.

Philippine Court Tosses Okada Suit

A Manila court has dismissed a complaint against casino magnate Kazuo Okada (l.) that charged him with falsifying records. The court cited a lack of evidence against the Japanese billionaire and his team.

Will South Korea IR Ever Be Completed?

An incomplete casino resort project in Incheon, South Korea, may need help getting over the finish line. The developer is reportedly looking for a partner to both invest capital and act as operator.

EUROPEAN GAMING More

Malta Regulators Publish 2021 Report, Search for New Processes

The Malta Gaming Authority canceled seven licenses and issued over €150,000 in fines last year, according to its 2021 annual report. CEO Carl Brincat (l.), also said the authority is seeking ways to cut back on red tape and make things more efficient.

Norwegian Regulator Tells Kindred to Get Out, or Face Big Fines

Norway’s gaming regulator, Lotteritilsynet, has issued a final warning to Kindred Group and its Trannel affiliate, saying that it will levy daily fines against the company until it ceases operations. Lotteritilsynet director Henrik Nordal (l.) said the agency owes it to the Norwegian people to get Kindred out.

GLOBAL GAMING More

Victoria Passes New Legislation Following Crown Melbourne Inquiry

Following last year’s Royal Commission into the operations of Crown Melbourne, the Victorian government has introduced new legislation in efforts to curb money laundering, problem gambling and other missteps highlighted in the report. The state’s top regulator, Melissa Horne (l.), has said this is Crown’s last chance for reformation before its license is revoked.

Australian Officials Shift Focus to Online Gaming With New Inquiry

A committee of Australian officials, headed by Peta Murphy MP (l.), is launching a new inquiry into the country’s online gambling industry. The investigation will explore current legislation regarding problem behavior and illegal sites to determine whether or not new restrictions are needed.

Tasmania to Implement Mandatory Loss Limits for Poker Machines

The Tasmanian government has announced the implementation of a new, mandatory “pre-commitment” program for all of the state’s 3,000+ poker machines. Per the new guidelines, players must set loss limits before playing, and will not be allowed to continue playing once those limits have been reached.

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India Calls for iGaming Regulation

A government panel in India is pushing for the country to create an agency to regulate online gaming in response to concerns over gambling addiction.

Mohegan Launches Online Gaming Platform in Canada

Mohegan Digital, along with Kambi and Pala Interactive, have developed a gaming platform under the Fallsview Casino Resort banner in Ontario. It includes a full suite of casino content and live dealers.

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Massachusetts Temporary Licenses Could Pose Problem if Uncapped

Massachusetts Temporary Licenses Could Pose Problem if Uncapped (Image: Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (l.) expects to approve seven untethered mobile licenses. But until those approvals, the state is thinking of allowing up to 30 temporary licenses. However, more than 20 could be forced to shut down in less than a year.

Polls Show Minnesotans Hotter on Sports Betting than Ohioans

Two recent polls have shown that Minnesotans appear to be much more accepting of sports betting than Ohioans, where it is actually legal. Just under half of Minnesota respondents were in favor of legalization, whereas over 80 percent of Ohio respondents say they will not be participating.

Louisiana Allocates Funds for Problem Sports Gambling

As Louisiana sports betting continues to grow in popularity, the state has allocated $2.5 million for problem gambling services, free of charge, to state residents. An estimated 280,000 Louisiana adults may have gambling addictions.

Manny Pacquiao Named Brand Ambassador for M88

Asian betting platform M88 Mansion has announced that Philippines boxing legend Manny Pacquiao (l.) will serve as its newest brand ambassador. Pacquiao has won 12 world titles in eight categories.

UNITED STATES GAMING More

Mississippi Regulators License Natchez Casino

The Mississippi Gaming Commission granted a gaming license to Saratoga Casino Holdings’ Magnolia Bluffs Casino (l.) in Natchez. Saratoga Casino Black Hawk General Manager Tim Morrissey will assume the same position at Magnolia Bluffs.

Second Baton Rouge Riverboat Moving Ashore

In Louisiana, the Belle of Baton Rouge riverboat casino (l.) will invest $35 million to move ashore downtown. The project will create 200 jobs and be completed in May 2024.

Groundbreaking Set For Illinois Hard Rock Casino

Ground will be broken this week for Hard Rock Casino Rockford (l.) in Illinois. The venue’s temporary casino has been operating for 10 months. The permanent facility will include a 65,000-square-foot casino, Hard Rock Café and Hard Rock Live.

Tunica Casino Debuts High Limit Room

Gold Strike Casino Resort (l.) in Tunica, Mississippi unveiled its $4 million renovated and expanded High Limit area, featuring 111 slots and nine table games in five distinctively designed and decorated zones.

FSG, Ojos Locos Partner for First Latino-Themed Casino in U.S.

Fifth Street Gaming has announced that its Lucky Club Casino (l.) in North Las Vegas will be renovated and rebranded as the nation’s first Latino-focused casino, in partnership with Ojos Locos Sports Cantina. Come next year, the property will be known as Ojos Locos Sports Cantina y Casino at Hotel Jefe.

TRIBAL GAMING More

Oklahoma Supreme Court Rules Against Cherokees

The Cherokee Nation’s insurance policies do not cover losses suffered due to Covid-19 shutdowns in 2020, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled. The decision reverses a district court’s earlier ruling.

Washington Tribe Contracts With U.S. Integrity

The Spokane Tribe Casino (l.) in Washington has contracted with U.S. Integrity to provide sports betting monitoring at its Caesars-powered sportsbook. Currently the venue offers only on-site retail wagering.

Eclipse Partners with Tribal Casinos for Back to School Drive

Eclipse Gaming Systems recently partnered with the Northern Quest Resort & Casino and Prairie Band Casino & Resort to donate backpacks and school supplies to kids at the Real Life Ministries Newport and the Boys & Girls Club of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

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Mark McWhinnie Named CEO of Crown Sydney

Veteran executive Mark McWhinnie has been appointed CEO of Crown Sydney. McWhinnie had a lot of previous success in Macau with Sands China, and will look to replicate that success in Sydney as Crown continues to get back on its feet.

Jamie Shea Named CMO of Strive Gaming

Former DraftKings executive Jamie Shea has been appointed chief marketing officer for Strive Gaming, a Canadian-based iGaming platform. Shea also brings experience with multiple high-profile Las Vegas casinos, including the Venetian and Hard Rock.

GOODS & SERVICES More

IGT Wins Court Battle Over Wire Act

A district judge in Rhode Island has ruled for IGT in a lawsuit over online betting filed by the Department of Justice, affirming that the 1962 Wire Act applies only to sports betting.

Zitro Celebrates Latin America Milestone

Zitro announced that it has surpassed 6,000 machines installed in Codere’s Latin American markets, led by the Glare cabinet line and the Megashare progressive link.

FSB Partners with Olympic Entertainment

Sports betting and iGaming supplier FSB has entered into a multi-year partnership with Olympic Entertainment Group to supply its over-the-counter retail solution to OEG casinos.

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