Licensing

New UKGC Reports Show Growth in Esports Suspicious Event Reports

February 21, 2024 William Mcmaster

The betting integrity reports have been released by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). These reports contain a detailed analysis of all sports betting activities in the UK, based on briefs sent in from sports governing bodies, betting operators, sport and betting trade associations, and law enforcement representatives.

The report helps the UKGC identify rising complexities in sports betting like match-fixing and gameplay disruptions so they can be adequately handled. Savvy bettors can benefit from the information in the reports, and they can make better-informed decisions when betting on esports.

Unfortunately, the current reports have evoked concerns about the events in esports. Football alone accounted for 44% of the reported integrity issues. Tennis followed next with 21% and esports with 20%. Other sports contributed to the remaining 15% (iGaming Business, 2021).

This is the first report published since the policy on all licensees submitting details of integrity issues to the Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit was implemented on April 1. The policy was part of an amendment to the UKGC’s license Condition and Codes of Practice in October 2020.

Factors Affecting Esports Betting Integrity

With the rise in popularity of esports among professional bettors mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, several reports have been received on issues that potentially influence the different games under esports (Esports Insider, 2020).

Some of these issues may be classified under the following:

Technological issues
Institutional issues
Player issues

Esports relies on the internet, hence a lot of concerns have arisen due to glitches during the game of play, game bugs that may cause issues, favoring a player over another, and the rising issue of deliberate server attacks by hackers.

Many institutions are known to have corrupt officials and technicians that have the power to illegally influence a game, and several of these institutions do not have a responsible gambling policy in place to protect their players.

The players too are not left out of the situation, as some of them are guilty of taking certain substances to enhance their performance. Some players also agree to match-fixing and abuse their opponents physically and mentally to get an edge over them (Liebertpub, 2021).

Plans by the UKGC for the Sports Betting Industry

The UK Gambling Commission has released the yearly Action Plan for the Sports Betting Integrity. It details the Sports Betting Integrity Forum (SBIF) objectives for keeping the sports betting industry in Britain as safe as possible. The objectives include accommodating the effects of the recent pullout from the EU by the UK government and COVID-19 (iGaming Business, 2021).

In addition to this, the regulatory body also empowered SBIF to redesign its official website to make resources on betting integrity more accessible. This serves as an educational resource for the Betting industry in the UK as it comes in the form of a training module.

Sources:

iGaming Business, 2021
https://igamingbusiness.com/gambling-commission-integrity-data-shows-growth-in-esports-reports/
Liebertpub, 2021
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/glr2.2020.0017
Esports Insider, 2020
https://esportsinsider.com/2020/04/esi-gambling-report-esports-betting/

Comparing the USA and Canada Online Casino Landscapes

February 22, 2024 William Mcmaster

Considering that they share a border, it’s not much of a surprise that the two largest countries in the Americas are compared often. One notable point of comparison between them is online gambling. Though both countries share a passion for online gambling, they differ on every other count as far as the casino landscape is concerned. Let’s take a look at the difference between USA online casino laws and those of Canada.

Difference in Regulations

In the 1900s, gambling laws in the USA and Canada were not different from each other; it was pretty much illegal everywhere you went in both countries. While that is no longer the case in either country – there are now less strict levels of restriction in the gambling laws of both nations and gambling is no longer illegal – both countries have taken different routes to reach that stage.

The US introduced the Unlawful Gambling Enforcement Act in 2006. The law sought to prohibit casinos and other gambling organizations from approving any bets that were placed via the use of the internet. While that law persisted, online gambling in Canada began to increase in popularity.

In 2018, though, the US made up for the lost time by striking down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) that had restricted sports betting in the country for 25 years. It also ruled in favor of New Jersey, legalizing sports betting in online casinos and horse racing tracks. In that period, sports betting in the US has taken massive strides in the states where it is allowed. Sports betting is not yet considered as prominent within Canada.

What might count as the most significant difference between casino regulations in the US and Canada is that online gambling is legal across Canada. The country’s government simply doesn’t grant licenses to online casinos, meaning there are not a lot of online casinos based there. Canadians who are interested in online gambling typically register at and play casino games at online casinos based offshore. There are also some online casinos in Canada that are operated from within Mohawk Territory. Some of these territories provide licenses to online casinos with the most prominent of these being the Kahnawake Gambling Commission.

However, in the US, online gambling is regulated differently in each state. Residents in states with legalized online gambling can register to play at online casinos, but residents in states that haven’t do not have that privilege – same country; different online casino regulations.

Gaming and Currency Disparities

One notable difference in the casino landscape between the USA and Canada is in the way online casinos are played. Online casinos in Canada are known for allowing free trials for casino games more often than not. These free trials help players get familiar with the games before staking real money, and are encountered more often in Canadian online casinos than in US casinos.

Playing online poker, roulette, or blackjack in the US is a slightly less lucrative endeavor than it is in Canada. Up north, players are permitted to spend whatever winnings are made without having to pay taxes. The US however taxes 25% of every win made on online gambling.

Another difference to note is in the currency. The US dollar is the most generally accepted currency in casinos online, alongside the Euro and British Pound. Quite simply, Canadian dollars do not come with that level of acceptance. This means that online casinos in Canada, especially those based offshore, will prefer to convert deposits or withdrawals made in CAD to USD rather than list the former as an accepted currency.

Software Providers and Popularity

Due to the generally accepted nature of online casinos across Canada, players in the country are able to access games from top software providers all over the world. Several popular game providers are restricted from providing games in online casinos in certain states in the US. These providers include NetEnt, Playtech, Quickspin, and Microgaming.

Banking options in both countries don’t hold too many differences. Deposits and withdrawals can be made via debit/credit cards or with several e-wallet options. Withdrawal times vary between different casinos and are not dependent on the country it is located.

As far as popularity is concerned, there isn’t so much to separate both countries. Major gambling states in the US, such as New Jersey and Nevada, can boast of having online casino popularity levels that could rival any in Canada.

The differences in the casino landscape in the US and Canada are quite extensive, but both countries are firmly on the upward path as far as online gambling is concerned. Different countries; same trajectory.

Sources

Federal Trade Commission, 2006- https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/statutes/unlawful-internet-gambling-enforcement-act
Montreal Times, 2021 – https://mtltimes.ca/life/gambling-laws-canada-vs-usa/
Baron, 2021 – https://baronmag.ca/2021/01/the-usa-vs-canada-main-online-casino-differences/

Connecticut State Signs Gambling Bill into Law

February 22, 2024 William Mcmaster

Connecticut has become the sixth state in the US where online gaming casinos are legal, and also the seventh state to have regulated poker online. Governor Ned Lamont signed house bill 6451 on Friday, May 28 after it received support in the state senate, with an overwhelming vote margin of 28-6. Of all the senators, three Democrats and three Republicans voted against the bill, expressing fears over addictive gambling.

In a public statement released by the Governor’s office, the Governor described the signing as the beginning of an era.

“By signing this bill into law, Connecticut is now on the cusp of providing a modern, technologically advanced gaming experience that will be competitive with our neighboring states and positions us for success into the future. Today, we celebrate the result of months of hard work and dedication toward an agreement that is best for the residents of Connecticut and the respective tribal members.” Governor Lamont said.

The idea of legalizing online gaming casinos in Connecticut started in 2011 when former Governor Daniel P. Malloy advised state legislators that regulation of online casinos and online poker is worth looking into.

Legal Framework For the New Bill

The legal framework of the new bill shows that only the two tribes of the state, the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes will be licensed operators, operating out of their Mohegan Sun and Foxwood casinos, although they will be regulated by the Department of Consumer Protection.

The Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CLC) will also be a beneficiary of the law, offering selected online games. This won’t cover online poker though. The corporation can own 15 retail sportsbooks across the state, 25 miles away from each of the two casinos. The lottery is expected to partner with Sportech, for many of these brick-and-mortar games.

With the framework, it is expected that there will be a swift approval from the Federal Government, as Federal tribal gaming laws including court proceedings have barred tribes from operating online gaming casinos or own a casino outside a tribal territory, except they are regulated under the state.

All that remains is the confirmation by the US Department of Interior.

The Future of Online Casinos in Connecticut

Online gaming casinos are expected to provide up to 80% of the state’s sports revenues with an estimated population of 600,000 taking advantage of this law. The law is projected to generate a minimum of $30 million in a fiscal year, with estimates seen to rise above $80 million by the year 2026. As for taxes, 18% in gross revenues will be remitted in the first five years, followed by a 2% rise in the next five years after with 13.75% on sports betting.

With the deal struck between the government and the two tribes, each casino will pay $500,000 each year towards programs for gambling addictions, while the lottery commission will contribute $1 million.

A new feature will also be added to every online gaming casino website, where there will be reminders to show the amount of time spent on the site, credit limits, and an option to go off at once.

Rep. Maria Horn, D-Salisbury, who led the passage commented on the safeguards:

“There are to be clear displays on your phone, whatever device you’re using to do online gaming, clear displays of the amount of time spent, means to initiate a break at play and display the amount of money available, as well as self-exclusion programs,” Horn said, describing them as a way to “hopefully catch addictive behavior before it goes too far.”

Sources

i95Rock, 2021
https://i95rock.com/sports-wagering-and-online-gambling-okd-in-connecticut/
CtMirror, 2021
https://ctmirror.org/2021/05/20/connecticut-house-votes-122-21-to-legalize-online-gambling

Public Opinion on Gambling Safety Measures

February 22, 2024 William Mcmaster

Online gambling is being regulated differently across various countries, some of the most important include the United States, the United Kingdom, and India.

Additionally, internet gambling has grown in popularity over the years, under both minors and adults. Regulation, therefore, is of the essence for (among others) the safety and protection of underage gamblers who are taking a liking to this way of spending free time. But how does the public of these different core markets react to these regulations?

In this article, we will be discussing the public opinion on online gambling safety measures for different important countries.

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UK Public in Support of the Online Gaming Safety Measures

The support shown by the public towards the under-18s and the £2 limit for the online slot machines should encourage the government to institute additional strict safety measures if we care about the safety of the future generation.

According to the Gambling Health Alliance (GHA), only eight percent of the punters and five percent of non-punters are opposed to the £2 limit for the online slot machines, according to the Gambling Health Alliance (GHA).

With the pandemic halting education programs and children staying at home for longer, online slot machines have become the place to spend more time. Additionally, the lockdowns have led to more punters turning to online slot machines.

Both Gamblers and Non-Gamblers Have a Say

The front-line people also said that there is little defiance to prohibit VIP schemes, which could lure punters into staking more than they planned. However, there must be sufficient research and proof of the level of harm before this levy in the gambling industry can be enforced.

Many of the punters and non-punters supported the ban of all the gambling advertising activities in areas near sporting grounds or any checks where punters can gamble.

57 percent of gamblers and 63 percent of non-punters support the idea to ban all gambling activities for the underage – that is 18 years old and below. The 18-year-olds can find the low-stake machines, crane grabs, and coin pushes that can lure them into an obsession with gambling while still young.

What the US Public is Saying About Online Gambling Safety

The United States also has a series of gambling laws to enhance online gambling safety measures. There’s the Federal Wire Act, which is still the most popular to regulate online gambling.

Other laws enhance the safety of gamblers in the US. For example, the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIEGA) bans online gambling companies from accepting funds, except in those states that have legalized online gambling.

The US public is also against the lifting of the ban on online gambling and is calling for a ban or regulation to guarantee the safety of the younger generation and other punters.

In a survey carried out by Statista, 41 percent of respondents disagree with the legalization of online gambling in several states.

In another report by prnews, only four out of ten Americans view online gambling as morally acceptable in society. This is a clear indication that the US public isn’t supporting the legalization of online gambling and if there’s such legalization, then it must be regulated.

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India’s Online Gambling Fate

In India, younger people are more likely to indulge in online gambling than any other group. This is why online gambling safety measures will play a significant role in India’s gambling industry.

Approximately 45 percent of Indian gamblers are between 18 and 24 years 32 percent are between 25 and 34 years old. There’s more harm to this group of gamblers than you can imagine and this is why there’s a need to enact more robust online gambling regulations.

The government has played a significant role in ensuring that there’s an age restriction for those who are eligible to bet. In India, you must have attained the age of 21 to take part in online gambling. There are also live casino games that you can play, but you must play responsibly – within your limits.

There have been several amendments by different states, such as Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. And according to recent reports, Maharashtra is planning on legalizing and regulating online gambling.

Up to this point, there’s not much clarity about the new laws that will come up. What’s clear, though, is that discussions are ongoing to regulate online gambling in most Indian states and that new regulations will soon be introduced.

With online gambling in India growing in popularity, the plans to legalize and regulate it have commenced throughout the country. The best of all is that public opinion favors the move to legalize and regulate it for more safety, even as they wager their money.

Online Gambling Has Adverse Effects

According to Louisa Mason, the spokesperson of GHA, the gambling industry has grown in popularity and there are very high chances that it could influence and possibly undermine vulnerable people’s finances. She emphasized the need to do better and protect punters, which the public now supports.

The public now suggests the government should put more robust rules to protect the population from the negative effects of gambling. Consultations are still ongoing among the Department of digital, culture, media, and sports and will be due before the end of this month.

Industry Poised for Dutch Gambling Legalization

February 22, 2024 William Mcmaster

The outgoing Dutch Minister of Legal Protection, on 19th January 2021, issued a letter in which he announced that the Dutch Gambling Bill was further pushed forward.

According to Sander Dekker, they further pushed the Dutch Gambling Bill because they felt that the bill’s implementation needed more time.

And because of this, the legalization of the Dutch Gambling Bill will take effect from 1rst April 2021 and issuing licenses to begin on 1rst October 2021.

The Unique Regulations in the Dutch Remote Gambling Act

We can trace a strict approach to the Dutch gambling industry historically. While this new gambling act to take effect on 1rst April allows private operators to enter the Dutch market for the first time, we still see some emphasis on player protection. Let’s take a look at what’s in the Act:

All casinos – both online and physical must use a central registrar (CRUKS), ensuring that all gamblers are registered using their social security number (SSN). Punters can self-exclude from any licensed websites, but once this is done, they will not access those sites. However, it’s important to note that the central registrars don’t apply to lotteries
They’ll be stern regulati o ns on how operators can promote and market
There will be an obligatory age verification using IDIN.
Compulsory participation in ‘controledatabank’ KSA’s database control to record all the activities in online casinos

What this Law Means to the Dutch Gambling Industry

Once the law takes effect on 1st April 2021, operators can start applying for licenses in October. And like we said, there is some positive news from opening the Dutch gambling market, such as:

Existing providers will have the opportunity to expand
New operators will be granted the chance to come into the market

Currently, a few legal online officers are drafting the new opportunities that will result from this legalization. TOTO, one of the largest Dutch betting services, is already planning on how to capitalize on its monopoly status by launching multiple marketing campaigns before new competitors can emerge.

Dutch Market to Become Europe’s Biggest

According to analysis, Netherlands’ online gambling market is set to become one of Europe’s biggest.

This analysis forecasts that sports betting will soon become one of the most popular among Dutch punters. Then follows the online casino, which is set to be legalized in the Netherlands in April. Lotteries are already legal and also very popular with the Dutch crowd.

The Dutch gambling Bill is set to take effect starting from 1rst April and this legislation will see new competitors come into the Dutch gambling market for the first time. According to various sources, roulette is one of the most loved games, with 32 percent of the players. Blackjack follows closely with 31 percent.

The report also reveals that 25 percent of gamblers enjoy playing slot games. The rest of the punters (12 percent) play classics such as Bingo, online poker, and Baccarat.

We are Set for a New Gambling Era

Finally, the Dutch gambling legalization is here, after near a decade to put up the laws. Looking at the trends, it’s true that there will be explosive growth after the Dutch gambling bill and licenses have been issued.

While the legalization seems to be only big news to the gambling operators in the country, punters have also, in most cases, suggested that they would love to gamble on Dutch legal sites.

11 US States to Watch for Online Gaming Expansion in 2021

February 22, 2024 William Mcmaster

Is online gambling legal in the USA? It’s a question that often pops up when you search about online gambling in the USA. Even the country’s residents find it challenging to answer because gambling online in the USA is a confusing subject. Unlike in the UK, where gambling is well regulated, American gambling laws differ from state to state.

The simple answer is yes, but only in some places such as New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. However, in other US states, it is less clear. Nevertheless, some of the best offshore online casinos accept players from the USA. This means that online gambling with real money is not impossible, even if you’re in US states where it is prohibited. These offshore online gambling sites hold licenses not from the USA but from other jurisdictions. So, the legality of them offering services to the USA falls in the grey area.

Fortunately, more states are looking into offering legal online gambling in the USA. Considering the recent gambling events in the country, it’s likely most USA states will legalize online gambling by 2021. If you’re wondering which US states will follow the footsteps of New Jersey and company this year, read on. We’ve looked into the USA gambling landscape and listed 11 states most likely to legalize online gambling this year.

Alabama

In 2019, Alabama passed a gambling bill allowing betting on few professional and college sporting events. The Alabama Sports Wagering Commission takes care of regulating sports betting in the state. There are talks about expanding the scope of the said bill, which might include online gambling.

Alaska

In 2020, Alaska passed two bills legalizing sports betting in the state. The bills allow Alaska residents to participate in sports betting in lottery form. Online betting is still prohibited, but there are discussions about changing the state’s gambling landscape.

California

Whether there is gambling involved or not, California regulates the majority of gaming activities in the state. As such, there’s an attempt to legalize betting on sports back in 2017. Then Assemblymember Adam Gray reasoned that gaming and sports betting both require skills. The Court ruled against his proposition. However, a referendum might change this ruling, and 2021 might be the year Californians can gamble legally online.

Indiana

In 2019, Indiana legalized sports betting that included mobile wagering. In 2020, there’s a proposition for legalizing online casino games like slots and table games. Discussion is said to be underway in the first quarter of 2021. If all goes well, 2021 might be the year online casino gambling gets legalized in Indiana.

Maryland

With House Bill No. 989 in 2018, Maryland began to take the possibility of legalizing gambling in the state seriously. The bill proposed to give operators a wagering license to provide services to gamblers 21 years old and above. Progress is slow-moving, but the senate voted 47-0 in favor of Maryland’s sports betting referendum. Moreover, leaders are looking into legalizing the online gambling sector. If discussions remain in favor of gambling, land-based and online gambling might be legal in Maryland by 2021.

Massachusetts

Senate Bill 2273 requested a comprehensive look into sports betting and its positive economic impact on the state of Massachusetts. This resulted in the discussion of the legalization of fantasy sports. In 2018, there’s a white paper that detailed a roadmap for online gambling introduction to the state. More documents were added to the mix in 2019. Massachusetts’s incessant attempt to legalize online gambling might pave the way for such a possibility in 2021.

Missouri

Missouri already has some riverboat casinos that have betting licenses. The state also allowed some companies to provide betting services on fantasy sports. There have been bills requesting for gambling industry expansion in Missouri since 2018 covering both online sports betting and casino games. Three state leaders filed separate proposals regarding this matter even before the first legislative session of the new year opened.

Nebraska

There have been efforts to legalize gambling in Nebraska for a long time. The state finally gave a thumbs-up on land-based casinos in 2020. The year also saw state senator Justine Wayne introducing a bill to classify sports betting as games of skills. Gambling receives undeniable support from some state leaders. As such, Nebraska is one of the states that might expand gambling to include the online sector in 2021.

New York

State-level sports gambling has been legal in New York since 2013, but the first sportsbook opened only in 2019. Legal gambling in the Big Apple does not include the online marketplace yet, but there have been ongoing efforts. Two state senators already proposed online gambling expansion. Moreover, New York governor Andrew Cuomo recently made proposals regarding mobile sports betting in the state. This can result in a more in-depth assessment of not only online sports betting but also casino games. With more state leaders backing up the gambling industry, anything is possible. Online gambling might end up getting a full nod in New York City in 2021.

Rhode Island

Currently, there are legal sportsbooks in Rhode Island with only two in-state casinos that can offer legal sports gambling. However, online and mobile betting is also being planned. If approved, online casinos will be the most obvious next move. That’s something online casino enthusiasts in Rhode Island can watch out for.

Virginia

There has been an abrupt change in Virginia’s gambling landscape recently. Lawmakers allowed iLottery, sports betting, and five casinos all at once. The lottery offers not only the typical draw tickets but also some games resembling slots. If the online lottery and mobile sportsbooks proved advantageous, online gambling would expand more in Virginia.

Conclusion

Recent events might have caused the perspective shift of most USA states concerning online gambling. The positive impact of the iGaming industry in the economy has been undeniable in New Jersey. As such, more state leaders are pushing for legalization and expansion of the gambling landscape in their state. This will pave the way for more legal online gambling sites available for USA players. It won’t be long before American punters see new online casinos legally operating in the USA.

Keywords Used: is online gambling legal in USA, online gambling USA, gambling online USA, best online casinos USA, online gambling real money USA, online gambling sites USA, legal online gambling USA, USA online gambling, new online casinos USA

Links:

https://elitesportsny.com/2021/01/14/ny-governor-cuomo-opens-the-door-for-more-with-online-sports-betting/
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/online-gambling-legalization-creates-new-opportunities-for-players-to-bet-on-new-platforms-301202519.html
https://www.sigma.com.mt/news/which-states-could-legalise-online-gambling-in-2021