Responsible Gaming NEWS

America's escalating gambling boom is sounding alarm bells in Congress, where Representative Andrea Salinas, (photo above), is spearheading a push for federal intervention to address the surge in rates. Despite the gaming industry's fierce resistance, lawmakers are considering legislation that could allocate tens of millions of dollars in funding to support those adversely affected.

Salinas is adamant that the urgency of holding gambling operators accountable for the escalating addiction rates. The legalization of sports betting in 38 states, following the Supreme Court's 2018 decision, has led to a booming market attracting billions in wagers monthly. Simultaneously, the spike in addiction cases has raised concerns among clinicians, counsellors, and advocates.

To combat the growing crisis, Salinas and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal have proposed the Grit (Gambling addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment) Act. This legislation leverages the federal sports excise tax, which experienced a substantial increase in revenues – estimated at $271 million last year – due to the expanding legal market.

The outlines a strategic approach: half of the tax revenues would be allocated to gambling addiction treatment, prevention, and research. Importantly, this financial support wouldn't burden taxpayers, as the funds would flow through an existing federal grant program. Experts believe that this act would significantly enhance resources for addiction prevention, research, and treatment.

Salinas draws attention to the interconnectedness of gambling addiction with other mental health disorders, such as alcoholism. She warns that if left unaddressed, the unchecked gambling boom could become a major contributor to an escalating mental health crisis, emphasizing the need to tackle this issue at its upstream source.

Despite the potential benefits of the Grit Act, the proposal faces staunch opposition from gambling operators. Chris Cylke, senior vice-president at the American Gaming Association, argues that the act would give illegal operators an advantage and suggests that the antiquated excise tax should be repealed. This stance, however, is criticized by advocates for greater compulsive gambling support, who argue that the industry must take external responsibility.

In conclusion, the battle between legislators and gambling operators intensifies as the Grit Act seeks to address the unchecked gambling boom's impact on mental health. While Salinas acknowledges the challenges ahead, she remains committed to the long campaign, recognizing that addressing gambling addiction rates requires urgent attention and proactive legislative measures.

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The journey began months ago with a vision to make a difference in the lives of children in need. A group of amazing individuals embarked on a transformative adventure, culminating in a trek through the Sierra Nevada Forest in Colombia. The destination: Premium Care Kids Clinic in Cartagena, where the team witnessed the impact of their hard work and dedication to the Cleft Lip and Palate Reconstruction Project.

The four-day tested the participants' endurance and determination. From rigorous training schedules to fundraising events that went beyond expectations, the team's commitment was unwavering. The trek began on Tuesday, January 23rd, leading the team through the breathtaking Sierra Nevada Forest.

In one of his posts post trek, Keith Marshall expressed his pride in standing alongside the resilient individuals who had withstood extensive uphill battles amidst scorching heat, exhaustion, and encounters with nature's relentless challenges. He acknowledged the hardships, including bites and stings from sand flies, midges, and mosquitoes as the team made their way deep into the heart of the Colombian jungle, ultimately reaching the awe-inspiring Lost City.

Following their journey, the team spent a day at on Monday, January 29th, for the official inauguration of the collaboration between the SiGMA Foundation and Premium Care Kids. Families whose children have undergone successful surgeries were present, sharing stories of renewed hope and brighter futures. The trekkers were also able to witness first hand the transformation that the kids underwent as a number of surgeries were held on the day.

The journey to Cartagena was not merely a trek through the Sierra Nevada Forest; it was a collective effort to piece together a beautiful picture for children in need. The SiGMA Foundation team's dedication, coupled with the impactful collaboration with Premium Care Kids, reinforces the idea that together, we can create lasting change and bring smiles to the faces of those who need it most.

The SiGMA Foundation provides anyone wanting to get involved with “a voice to strive for the voiceless.” Chief Philanthropy Officer at the SiGMA Foundation

SiGMA Foundation was founded in 2019 and is the philanthropic arm of SiGMA Group with a mission to empower underserved individuals and communities around the world through fundraising activities, charity work, education programmes, and skills training. Find out more .

Interview with SiGMA Group Founder, Eman Pulis on the SiGMA Foundation

In an exclusive interview with Nathan Lunt, the Strategic Partnership Manager at Digital Isle of Man, a public/private partnership within the Isle of Man Government's Department for Enterprise, explores the regulatory landscape of the Isle of Man Gaming Supervision Commission (GSC). Lunt sheds light on key regulations, international collaborations, challenges faced, and the jurisdiction's pivotal role in championing innovation within the gaming industry.

The Isle of Man is globally recognized for its commitment to safety and security, underpinned by the Online Gambling Regulation Act (OGRA). The GSC, an independent statutory board established in 1962, oversees the regulatory framework, ensuring licensees uphold the highest standards. It is one of the oldest regulatory authorities in the world and regulates all gaming operations on the island, irrespective of location of the location of the players. Notably, the Isle of Man boasts robust Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations and prioritizes player protection, with no reported instances of players unlawfully losing money to Isle of Man companies.

Licences issued by the commission are highly respected in the gambling industry, representing a rigorous and transparent regulatory body.

Lunt (pictured above), emphasizes the Isle of Man's dedication to responsible gaming practices, mandating licensees to implement tools for self-exclusion, deposit limits, and information on problem gambling. The jurisdiction's emphasis on integrity extends to gaming systems, with the Online Gambling (Systems Verification) (No 2) Regulations 2007 ensuring rigorous testing of Random Number Generators (RNGs).

Collaboration with other regulatory bodies is a cornerstone of the Isle of Man's approach. The GSC has formal arrangements with regulatory bodies globally, including the United Kingdom, Alderney, Malta, and Denmark, fostering a global framework for industry integrity. Actively participating in forums such as the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) and the the Isle of Man actively contributes to shaping international regulatory practices.

Addressing challenges, Lunt dispels misconceptions, asserting that obtaining a license in the Isle of Man is not a daunting task. The jurisdiction's growing appeal is attributed to uncertainties in other jurisdictions, with operators seeking regulatory stability and excellence. The Isle of Man actively supports operators, adapting its regulatory environment to meet evolving industry needs.

Player protection remains paramount, with compulsory controls for player limits, links to support organizations like GamCare, and requirements for segregated funds to protect players in case of insolvency. The Isle of Man's commitment to financial standards creates a stable gaming ecosystem that prioritizes player well-being.

The 's role in supporting innovation within the gaming industry is highlighted by its proactive approach to emerging technologies. Initiatives such as bringing digital currency under AML legislation, licensing blockchain-powered lotteries, and creating regulatory structures for crowdfunding platforms showcase the jurisdiction's commitment to pioneering developments.

In terms of future prospects, Lunt asserts that the Isle of Man has already solidified its position as a premium destination for operators. With a surge in inquiries and a 100 percent increase in licensees over the past five years, the jurisdiction's regulatory environment, supported by Digital Isle of Man and a competitive tax regime, has garnered global recognition. While acknowledging the unique strengths of each jurisdiction, Lunt believes the Isle of Man's commitment to innovation and industry support positions it favourably, making a comparison to other premium jurisdictions, such as Malta, valid.

Looking ahead to 2024, the Isle of Man aims to further enhance its value proposition, evaluate its offering, and expand the number of live GSC licences. Engaging with major industry events throughout the year, the jurisdiction seeks to highlight the ease of doing business and maintain its status as a top-tier gaming jurisdiction. Events such as ICE London, and SBC Lisbon, alongside industry partnerships, will play a pivotal role in showcasing the Isle of Man's strengths on the global stage.

Lea Hogg from spoke with Nathan Lunt, the Strategic Partnership Manager at Digital Isle of Man. In his role within the public/private partnership of the Isle of Man Government's Department for Enterprise, Nathan focuses on cultivating partnerships with digital businesses. His goal is to foster the growth of these businesses on the Isle of Man by facilitating effective two-way communication between the private sector and the government. This collaborative approach provides businesses a platform to actively engage in discussions about policies and strategies, aiming to support the expansion of Isle of Man businesses and create opportunities for new sectors.

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Amidst the news of increased gambling controls by the Georgian government, the SiGMA News team posed some clarifying questions to the Georgian Gambling Association (GGA). George Mamulaishvili, GGA's head of administration, commented on the restrictive measures the state intends to take in the near future.

How does Georgia monitor gambling offences?

The monitoring system in Georgia has already been in place since 2021 and company data is received daily by the organization, which analyzes them and passes them to the tax inspectorate. This is a complex process and it should be constantly developed. As the gambling business is constantly integrating new technologies, it is necessary to improve the system of monitoring and accounting of bets. 

However, both online and offline accounting will take place in real time. Real-time accounting makes the business more transparent.

Will the government block payment systems?

The government, with the help of interested community and business, constantly combats illegal operators and tries as much as possible to make them uncomfortable in transfers. But we know that there are many ways to fund accounts with illegal means, such as crypto wallets and e-money. 

There is only one way to fight against illegal operators, and it has been proven in practice many times: the development of a local legal operator contributes to the reduction of illegal operators. And the ban, on the contrary, contributes to their development and increase of illegal money turnover. 

Payment systems in Georgia are very well developed and blocking of systems for legal operators is not considered. Every operator must comply with the rules set by the regulator and the National Bank: development of user verification and identification system, as well as compliance with AML and KYC rules. Every legal operator complies with these rules.

In your opinion, how realistic is the in the country? 

Online casinos in Georgia are not in danger of being banned. Firstly, online casinos are major contributors to the State budget. Secondly, banning online casinos will only lead to the emergence of additional illegal operators that bring harm to both the government and society. 

Bans, as I have said many times, don't do any good. We have seen the practice of different countries when illegal operators appeared after a ban and it had a negative impact on both society and the government. 

A legal operator not only plays by the rules and pays taxes. It develops related business sectors, such as IT, payment systems, and sports. For example, in 2022 operators paid more than 700 million GEL ($264 million) in taxes to the state budget. Therefore, the gambling business should be legal and controlled by the state.

How many registrations are there now on the government's Gaming Addict Database?

I would divide this base into two parts. According to the , any citizen can exclude himself from gambling not only with the state, but primarily with the operator. Therefore, the state's database does not give complete statistics of gambling addiction in Georgia. There are also registered users who simply want to exclude   themselves access to gambling. But that doesn't mean they are gambling addicts. 

As of today there are 12,720 people registered in the database, 39 of them by court order. I believe that just these 39 people are gambling addicts. Even if we take all registered people who have self-banned access to gambling, their percentage does not exceed the average number of gambling addicts in the world - 0.3% of the country's population.

Learn more about responsible business at SiGMA Eurasia 

From February 25 to 27, 2024, industry representatives from around the world will share valuable knowledge and spend quality time in Dubai. The unifying event will be the fourth SiGMA Eurasia and the main location will be the ultramodern entertainment center Dubai Festival City with an area of more than 5,000 square meters, capable of accommodating 15,500 delegates. Get your at the early bird price.

Gamstop, the national self-exclusion scheme for the UK, has reported a 9.5% year-on-year increase in new registrations for 2023.

More than 92,000 players registered with Gamstop in the 12 months of 2023. This is a new record for the scheme, up from the previous record of 84,000 set in 2022.

Of the individuals who registered, 55% opted for a five-year gambling exclusion, which is the longest term available through Gamstop. Other exclusion periods include six months and one year.

In addition to the record annual figures, registrations reached a new monthly high in May.  A total of 8,591 people registered during the month.

More and more young people are registering with Gamstop

The annual figures come after Gamstop published an update for the first half of the year in August. Some of the trends seen in the first half of the year have continued into the second half.

Among them is an increase in the number of young people signing up compared to the previous year. In the second half of the year, there was a 31% increase in registrations among 16-24 year olds. This age group accounted for 21% of new registrations in the six months to December, up from 17% in the previous year.

A total of 433,357 consumers have registered with Gamstop since the scheme launched in April 2018.

Spreading the word about Gamstop

Gamstop CEO Fiona Palmer also noted an increase in the number of young people signing up to Gamstop. She said work will continue to be done to make more people aged 16-24 aware of the service.

"The predominance of young people amongst those registered on Gamstop shows the importance of education and we will continue to reach out to this age group in 2024, working with like-minded organizations and benefiting from the support of our partner soccer clubs," Palmer said.

Difficulties with illegal operators

Despite the fact that more and more people are using Gamstop, the service faces certain problems related to illegal operators. Some unlicensed sites specifically advertise their services as not integrated with Gamstop, allowing those registered to continue gambling.

Yield Sec found thousands of Google searches aimed at helping to avoid self-exclusion. By January 2024, Yield Sec discovered millions of "not on Gamstop" and other similar Google search results.

As a result, Yield Sec said, at-risk punters are falling into the "trap" of seeking betting opportunities from illegal and potentially dangerous operators that are not monitored by tools such as Yield Sec and Gamstop.

Learn more about responsible business at SiGMA Eurasia 

From February 25 to 27, 2024, industry representatives from around the world will share valuable knowledge and spend quality time in Dubai. The unifying event will be the fourth SiGMA Eurasia and the main location will be the ultramodern entertainment center Dubai Festival City with an area of more than 5,000 square meters, capable of accommodating 15,500 delegates. Get your .

The rise of online gaming has made it easily accessible to teens and young adults, with little regulation or awareness about the potential risks involved. The C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital recently surveyed parents of teens aged 14-18, shedding light on the prevalence of online betting and the lack of parental understanding.

• Over half of parents do not know their state’s legal age for online betting.
• 1 in 4 parents have talked with their teen about online gaming.
• 55% of parents think they would definitely know if their teen was betting.

According to the poll, one-third of parents (31%) reported that they or another adult in their household engaged in online, in-person, or social betting. Furthermore, 63% of parents acknowledged seeing or hearing advertisements for online sports or casino betting in the past year. Despite this exposure, over half of parents (55%) were unaware of their state's legal age for online betting.

Concerns about the impact of online gaming on teens prompted the survey, with 67% of parents advocating for a legal age of 21 for online betting. Only 2% of parents believed their teen had used an online betting platform, with a higher incidence among parents of teen boys compared to girls (3% vs. 0.4%). Additionally, 55% of parents were confident they would know if their teen was betting online.

The survey revealed that one in four parents (25%) had discussed some aspect of online betting with their teens. These discussions covered topics such as risks (18%), reasons against it (12%), the prevalence of advertisements (4%), and strategies for winning (2%). However, many parents remained uncertain about key aspects of online gaming, including its potential for addiction, the influence of social betting, and the ease with which teens can open online accounts.

Parents identified various risks associated with online betting for youth, including accumulating debt (83%), developing a gaming addiction (77%), damaging credit scores (51%), and potential links to drug or alcohol abuse (27%). Proposed strategies to minimize these risks included restricting betting after a set loss (43%), implementing a "parent view" option for monitoring accounts (38%), age verification with photo ID (33%), limiting bet amounts within a certain timeframe (33%), and covering treatment costs for those with gaming addictions (25%).

The implications of the survey underscore the prevalence of gaming advertisements, particularly targeting teens through popular entertainers and sports figures. While over half of states have legalized some form of online gaming, the lack of uniformity in regulations and loopholes in age verification contribute to the increased accessibility of betting for teens online.

Despite concerns about the risks, only 2% of parents believed their teen had engaged in online betting. However, the survey highlights the potential underestimation of teen involvement due to the ease of discreet access through personal devices. Parents are encouraged to initiate open conversations with their teens about the risks of online gaming and to be aware of state regulations. Seeking immediate help for concerns about online betting is crucial, as states offer gaming hotlines that can guide families to treatment resources for gaming addiction.

The fourth edition of SiGMA Eurasia will once again be held at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, providing invaluable opportunities for attendees to network with industry professionals, gain exposure to the latest tech and innovations in the sector, meet key decision makers, and gain insight into new markets. Find all the details .

For many people around the globe, boarding a plane is no more out of the ordinary than taking a bus. But for an extraordinary team of people, this evening, boarding towards their final destination, Colombia, signals the start of an incredible journey that will see them trek in aid of the Cleft Lip and Palate Reconstruction Project, made possible through an incredible partnership between the and .

The team has set off on a remarkable journey - a four-day Lost City Trek in the Sierra Nevada Forest in Colombia, where post-trek, the team will meet the kids benefitting from this campaign.

The 4-day long trek starts this Tuesday 23rd and on Monday the 29th, the team will spend the day at the Premium Care Kids Clinic for the official inauguration of the project. Kids who have already been operated on with funds already distributed and are fully recovered have been invited for the inauguration together with their families. Present on the day will also be a number of families whose child is due to have the corrective surgery this year and will have their consultation on the day.

The 4-day trek is not for the faint-heartened. The participants have been training hard for months to take on the challenge. From going on treks with 8 kg loads on their backs, to working their way into shape, Rocky style, up and down the 187 steps leading to Għajn Tuffieħa Bay (in Mġarr, Malta).

Anyone signing up for the trek had to commit to sponsoring one child, which meant raising Eur800 to fund one operation. However, many of the participants went completely beyond the call of duty. Various fundraising events were organised ranging from baking, fitness/spin classes, , bingo nights, and . Funds have been collected for an impressive eighty operations.

Click on the names of the kids who have already benefitted to find out more about their story:

As the team embarks on their challenging four-day Lost City Trek through the Sierra Nevada Forest in Colombia, the significance of their journey extends far beyond the physical exertion and breathtaking landscapes they will encounter. This expedition, made possible through the extraordinary partnership between the SiGMA Foundation and Premium Care Kids, symbolises a collective commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of children affected by cleft lip and palate conditions.

Premium Care Kids is a nongovernmental, nonprofit foundation based in Cartagena, Colombia. It is focused on providing gold standard treatment to children with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other conditions that can be cured through plastic surgery and comprehensive care. Surgeons Dr. Alex Campbell and Dr. Carolina Restrepo are recognized worldwide for their contributions to cleft lip and cleft palate surgery and have developed past projects that redefined numerous aspects of cleft care in developing regions.

The SiGMA Foundation was founded in 2019 and is the philanthropic arm of SiGMA Group with a mission to empower underserved individuals and communities around the world through fundraising activities, charity work, education programmes, and skills training. Find out more .

The study covers East and Southeast Asia.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific has released a that says casinos, junkets and cryptocurrency have become a key part of the underground banking and money laundering infrastructure in the regions.

The study shows that the number of illegal online casinos, electronic junkets and cryptocurrency exchanges has increased in recent years. At the same time the region has seen an increase in international crime rates.

Online casinos and underground banking

According to the report, online casinos and related businesses are being used by large organized crime groups to move and launder huge amounts of state currency as well as cryptocurrencies.

The cases examined in the report also highlight that illegal online casino operators have diversified their business to include cyberfraud and cryptocurrency laundering.  

The report recommends "increased knowledge, awareness, policy, capacity and coordination" to help governments manage the situation.

Boom of unregulated online gambling platforms

UNODC Regional Representative for South-East Asia and the Pacific Jeremy Douglas said: "Casinos and related cash-rich businesses have been a vehicle for underground banking and money laundering for years, but the explosion of unregulated online gambling platforms and cryptocurrency exchanges has changed that."

"The expansion of the illicit economy has required a technological revolution in underground banking to enable faster anonymous transactions, commingling of funds, and new business opportunities for organized crime. The development of scalable, digitized casinos and cryptocurrency-based solutions has led to an increase in criminal business across Southeast Asia and especially in the Mekong."

Learn more about responsible business at SiGMA Eurasia

From February 25 to 27, 2024, industry representatives from around the world will share valuable knowledge and quality time in Dubai. The unifying event will be the fourth SiGMA Eurasia, and the main location will be the ultramodern entertainment centre Dubai Festival City with an area of more than 5 thousand square meters, capable of accommodating 15.5 thousand delegates. Get your now with an early bird price.

In collaboration with the SiGMA Foundation, The Juggling Art Studio are thrilled to unveil their most ambitious project yet – JUGGLEJOY: JugglingForChange. This initiative aims to bring the transformative power of Circus Juggling and Flow Arts to the '3in1' School in Jimma Bonga, Ethiopia, in conjunction with the inauguration of the SiGMA Foundation Women Empowerment Project premises scheduled for late 2024.

Mike from the Juggling Art Studio says: “We're committed to kindling a lifelong passion for the Circus Juggling Arts in these children. We believe it's not just about learning a skill – it's about nurturing resilience, perseverance, and the sheer joy of crafting beauty from the simplest of actions.”

Mike, the driving force behind Juggling Art Studio, is spearheading a series of fundraisers within his classes. These fundraising sessions, held every Tuesday from 18:30hrs - 22:00hrs, are open to juggling and flow-art enthusiasts who want to contribute to this heart-warming cause.

For those interested in supporting this cause, the Juggling Art Studio invites everyone to join the juggling and flow sessions at their studio. For additional details and upcoming events, follow Juggling Art Studio on social media or contact Mike at +356 79323932.

No matter the skill level, the Juggling Art Studio welcomes all adult enthusiasts to join the cause. Whether new to juggling or experienced, the focus is on creating a community that celebrates fun, learning, and the joy of giving back. To participate, a modest €5 donation is all that's required. The generosity of contributors goes towards Juggle Joy - Ethiopia Edition.

Feeling inspired and want to learn more? Visit the webpage, where the spirit of philanthropy comes to life. Discover the heartwarming stories, like Anthony Delia's, that are testament to the profound impact of collective goodwill. From empowering children in need to fostering hope in communities worldwide, the SiGMA Foundation is committed to making a lasting difference. Join us in our mission, learn more about our ongoing projects, and explore how you can contribute to creating a brighter future.

The Danish Gaming Authority has released a comprehensive study in collaboration with Statistics Denmark. The primary focus of the research centres on the online gaming habits of Danes. Of all the players who engage in online gaming activities, 62% said that they mostly played on licensed sites, with 19% stating that they engaged with only unlicenced sites and another 19% stating that they engaged with both.

Key findings from the study reveal that 21.7% of Danes aged 15 and above engaged in online gaming within the last year, accounting for approximately 1.1 million Danes. Notably, despite the legal age for online gaming being 18 in Denmark, 15% of 15-17 year-olds participated in online gaming, totaling around 32,000 young people.

The majority of online gaming activities occurred on licensed websites regulated by the Danish Gaming Authority. These sites comply with Danish legislation, ensuring player protection. Only 3.8% of players in the past year were on unlicensed sites, with online casinos, betting, and skin betting being the most preferred forms of gaming on these platforms.

Over half of the players who intentionally chose unlicensed sites, cited the availability of different games, higher refunds, and better bonuses as motivating factors. Conversely, half of the Danish online gamers within the past year who deliberately opted for licensed sites, emphasised factors such as control, supervision, credibility, seriousness, and the convenience of the Danish language.

SiGMA Eurasia is gearing up for its fourth edition, set to take place once more at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. This event presents attendees with invaluable chances to connect with industry experts, explore the latest technological advancements and innovations in the sector, engage with key decision-makers, and obtain insights into emerging markets. Find all the pertinent details .