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BetMGM and FanDuel team up with Kindbridge for Problem Gambling Awareness Month

BetMGM and FanDuel have teamed up with Kindbridge Behavioral Health in the U.S. as part of Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) in the country.

Both operators have joined Kindbridge Behavioral Health’s pilot program, where customers who choose to exclude themselves from a betting app be offered a complimentary mental health assessment as well as access to a range of peer support and educational programs.

This service will be offered to FanDuel customers in New Jersey and Ohio, while BetMGM customers in Colorado will be able to benefit from the program.

“We are thrilled to be working with FanDuel to offer vital mental health support for players in need,” said Kindbridge Behavioral Health CEO, Daniel Umfleet, speaking on FanDuel’s involvement in New Jersey and Ohio. “This collaboration is deeply resonant, extending a compassionate hand to those navigating the complex terrain of problem gambling. At the heart of our ethos lies a fervent belief in the power of accessible mental health resources to illuminate paths toward healing and recovery.”

The pair have also donated five-figure sums to organizations dedicated to helping those who struggle with problem gambling.

MGM Resorts, the owners of BetMGM, has donated $100,000 dollars to the Kindbridge Research Institute which will contribute to research into a first-of-its-kind treatment that aims to reduce gambling urges and symptom severity among veterans with gambling disorders.

FanDuel has agreed to donate $150,00 to the National Council of Problem Gambling’s (NCPG) Agility Grants Program as well as an additional $150,000 to the International Center for Responsible Gaming.

The NCPG’s Agility Grants program provides funding to non-profit organizations across the U.S. for problem gambling prevention in areas that currently have no services to expand existing programming.

Problem Gambling Awareness Month

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month in the U.S. where it is estimated that 9 million American adults suffer from a gambling problem, resulting in a national social cost of $14 billion annually.

Led by the NCPG, the nationwide grassroots campaign will bring together stakeholders across the industry and aims to increase public awareness of problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

“Problem gambling is a clear and growing public health risk, affecting millions of individuals and their loved ones. Yet, our research indicates that fewer than 50% of Americans know where to get help for a gambling problem,” said Keith Whyte, Executive Director of NCPG. “By increasing awareness and fostering an open dialogue about problem gambling, we can work to reduce the stigma surrounding gambling addiction and promote the resources available for treatment and recovery.”

Game developer Wazdan expands reach in Canada to Québec

Software developer Wazdan has agreed a deal to provide its games to Loto-Québec, marking its debut in the province.

The operator’s portfolio of games will be available on Loto-Québec’s website and has been introduced through Light & Wonder’s aggregate platform.

“As the sole iGaming operator in Québec, we pride ourselves on offering titles that truly add value to our platform. We are happy to bring Wazdan’s games to our players,” said Loto‑Québec Product and Innovation Director François Hardy.

Titles now available to customers in Québec include 9 Coins, Grand Gold Edition, Hot Crown, Magic Spins and Hot Slot: Mystery Jackpot Joker.

According to Wazdan, it will bring its engagement-boosting features such as Hold the Jackpot, Cash Infinity and customisable Volatility Levels to an even broader audience in Québec.

“With our sights firmly set on North American expansion, our market entry in Québec is a momentous occasion for Wazdan as we continue to bring innovative experiences to more players than ever before,” added Wazdan Chief Commercial Officer, Andrzej Hyla. “Wazdan and Loto-Québec have a shared vision for delivering fresh content that puts users at the heart and we have no doubt our games will be received with tremendous success by their players.”

Wazdan has had a presence in Canada since May 2022 when it obtained a supplier license in Ontario with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. It launched its products in the province in April 2023 when it signed a deal with Caesars. Most recently, in January 2024, it partnered with Neo.bet to provide an initial batch of 20 game titles to the platform.

Elsewhere in North America, Wazdan has signed deals with Hard Rock, PlayStar and BetMGM in New Jersey.

British Columbia’s gambling operator warns public about online scams

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is raising awareness of casino-related scams.

The gambling operator has issued warnings to the public about scams that mimic land-based casino brands on various social media channels. The scams, which have been found on platforms including Facebook and Instagram, are designed to make individuals provide their financial details on illicit sites.

The sites have been able to scam British Columbia residents with logos, names, and images of local casinos with offers of exclusive bonuses and promotions. As a result of the scams, the BCLC is informing customers of its only online gambling site, PlayNow.com.

The BCLC supports other sites, which include BCLC Lotto! and PlayNow BC Sportsbook.

The operator is taking additional steps to curtail illicit gambling-related advertisements.

The BCLC and its casino partners have been removing posts that are not sanctioned while also providing communication channels for residents to report marketing scams. The BCLC is directing residents to its customer support centre and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. The anti-fraud centre allows residents to report scams via telephone or online.

BCLC’s commitment to fair gaming

In March 2023, the BCLC was appointed as a new member of United Lotteries for Integrity in Sports (ULIS).

Following its approval by the ULIS Executive Committee, the BCLC was tasked with working with law enforcement and public authorities to combat the manipulation of sports. The BCLC joins the Loto-Québec and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation as lotteries in Canada that have become regular members of ULIS.

Not an isolated issue

Other provinces in Canada have been dealing with gambling-related instances of fraud.

Earlier this year, the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (MBLL) issued warnings about online scams. The MBLL has been working to report fraudulent advertisements to social media brands but is continuing to combat these scams.

The illicit marketing has also been identified by Great Canadian Entertainment (GCE), which operates Casino New Brunswick and Casino Nova Scotia. In November 2023, GCE notified the public about online scams that featured false casino promotions and used unauthorized photos of employees and properties.

North America remains a safe environment for sport betting

North America remains a safe environment for betting activity, according to Sportradar Integrity Services’ betting corruption and match-fixing review.

Of the approximately 850,000 events analyzed across 70 sports Sportradar detected 1,329 suspicious matches across 11 sports, which is no significant difference compared to 2022.

Just 35 of these matches were held in North America which demonstrates how the region remains an area with limited instances of suspicious wagering. Despite this number increasing from 24 in 2022, North America’s results still remain lower than a number of other regions.

Europe led the way with 667 suspicious matches, up from 630 in 2022, followed by Asia where 302 suspicious matches were held (240 in 2022). Like last year, Oceania remained the only region to not have any suspicious activity.

Of the individual sports, soccer remained top in match-fixing with 880 instances of suspicious activity in 2023, up from 775 for the year prior. This result is not unexpected given the fact that soccer is the most popular sport worldwide. 23 of the suspicious matches were from Africa and North America combined.

Basketball finished second with 205 suspicious matches followed by table tennis with 70, up from 62 last year.

A new weapon in the Sportradar arsenal

Sportradar’s ability to monitor matches was bolstered by artificial intelligence, which detected 73% of all suspicious matches in 2023. AI detected 977 suspicious matches which was a 123% increase from 2022. The company integrated artificial intelligence into its Universal Fraud Detection System, which launched in 2005.

“2023 saw significant advancements in Sportradar’s technology capabilities. Our ongoing investment and innovation in the technology fuelling the UFDS have enabled it to monitor sporting events at a more advanced level, and identify more suspicious incidents than ever before,” said Sportradar EVP of Integrity, Rights Protection and Regulatory Services Andreas Krannich. “This AI-driven technology has firmly established itself as the gold standard in sports-betting corruption detection, enhancing our ability to detect diverse forms of match-fixing.”

Despite instances of suspicious activity increasing in most categories, Sportradar determined that 99.5% of sporting events are free from match-fixing as no sport has a suspicious match ratio greater than 1%.

 

 

Blueprint Gaming: we carefully select games and brands for Ontario audiences

Since it first opened for official business on April 4 2022, Ontario’s regulated market has proved itself as one of the leading up-and-coming regions in the global igaming space and Blueprint Gaming was one of several suppliers that recognised the potential the significant market holds.

The AGCO initially certified over 50 of Blueprint’s highly engaging games such as ‘The Goonies’ and ‘ted’, helping Blueprint Gaming fulfil its aim to be regulated for its international expansion. Bolstering its drive into the territory, there was also an adaption of the studio’s well-known branded ‘Deal or No Deal’ games, based on Canada’s equivalent show Le Banquier.

Jackpot King, an updated version of Blueprint’s progressive jackpot system, has also resonated with Canadian players, according to the supplier. Rebranded as Jackpot Royale, it has been modified to work with the specific requirements and liquidity of the various provinces within Canada.

Fast forward to early 2024 and this initial influx of Blueprint’s extensive portfolio has secured itself a strong foothold in Canada, strengthening its already leading position in the region with players accustomed to Blueprint’s signature gameplay. There are now over 197 games certified and live to date with over 20 leading operators such as OLG and Loto- Quebec.

“We recognise we are trying to penetrate a market that has traditionally enjoyed a strong land-based presence,” explained Blueprint’s Director of Marketing and Relationships, Jo Purvis. “But our content has resonated well since our entry with games like ‘Rise of Atlantis’, ‘Wolf Legend’ and ‘Bison Rising Megaways’ all returning strong numbers in the past 18
months or so.

“While we’re not omni-channel in Ontario, we still proved capable enough to perform very well indeed and it’s a challenge we’ve welcomed. We’ve had great confidence in our library of legacy games which have been incredibly well supported by our recent roadmap of releases – King Kong Cash Even Bigger Bananas Jackpot Royale and Crabbin’ for Christmas Jackpot Royale both lent their considerable weight to our Canadian portfolio.”

Consistency is key, as is the quality of games in any market, but what Blueprint has strived to do is carefully select the titles that will engage Canadian players. Purvis added: “Going forward, we’ve got high hopes for the rest of our 2024 roadmap. It’s a schedule that differs from what we’ll take to market in the UK, for example, as the demographic is very much its own, so we’re well aware that we need to provide the slot experiences that players in Ontario are looking for.

The games that have seen Canadian success and those on the future roadmap will go to new and existing partners with Blueprint’s dedicated team focused on growing both relationships and revenues. The day-to-day management of operators falls under the responsibilities of both Georgia Parry and Kane Holland, both of whom Blueprint explained “exhibit a track record of
building long-term success stories with Blueprint partners”.

That team is backed by an expanded portfolio of upcoming titles, with titles like Gold Strike Jackpot Royale and ‘The Goonies: Hey You Guys! Megaways’ set for release soon.

Budget plan in Alberta includes $1M to review gaming legislation

Alberta may become the latest jurisdiction in Canada to authorize online casinos following a review of its gaming legislation.

The government of Alberta has released its capital plan and budget for FY2024, which includes allocating funds toward a review of the province’s Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Act. The act, which also includes provincial lotteries, was last updated in December 2022.

The review, which is backed with $1 million in funding, could determine Alberta’s viability as an open online gaming market as Ontario reaps the benefits of regulated mobile sports betting and iGaming. Alberta, which is the fourth-largest province in Canada with a 4.7 million population, is initiating a review of its active gaming legislation as it looks to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses while increasing revenue for the community.

Alberta has online gambling but only through its government-owned platform, PlayAlberta.

The province’s budget, which aims to invest $25 billion over three years, estimates that net income from gaming, lottery, liquor, and cannabis sales in 2024-25 will decline due to an uptick in operational expenses from system upgrades and modernizations. The implementation of online gaming from a multitude of operators could help drive profits and mitigate future losses.

The profits would then go back into Alberta communities, which will see a $7.2 billion investment over three years, according to the province’s capital plan for 2024.

About $2.1 billion of the investment will go to support over 90 projects for K to 12 schools. Alberta estimates its total expense in 2024-25 to reach approximately $73.2 billion.

Efforts to bring an open market to Alberta

Minister Dale Nally of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction launched an initiative in 2023 to broaden the province’s online gaming market through indigenous partners.

“Alberta can be a leading hub for iGaming, with a strong emphasis on openness and a free market. We have low corporate taxes, streamlined regulations, and high disposable incomes,” Nally’s office told PlayCanada last month. “These conditions will allow us to establish ourselves as a premier destination for the iGaming industry.”

Nally and other supporters of online gaming will continue to advocate for the industry despite the Alberta Court of Appeal’s upholding PlayAlberta’s right to exclusively operate last year.

mkodo teams up with Ellipse Entertainment to provide geolocation services

mkodo has agreed a deal to provide its geolocation verification service GeoLocs to Ellipse Entertainment’s Ontario-based igaming brand, High Flyer Casino.

GeoLocs, mkodo’s product launched to wider markets in 2023, specializes in North America’s regulated sports betting and igaming markets and its platform will now be integrated into the High Flyer Casino brand.

According to the release, this will provide a safe. secure and fraud-free environment for players across Ontario while also exceeding the Alcohol and Gaming Commision of Ontario’s (ACGO) regulations and requirements.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Ellipse Entertainment in Ontario, introducing GeoLocs to enhance their iGaming operations. Our partnership supports Ellipse Entertainment’s High Flyer Casino brand, ensuring a secure and seamless geolocation verification experience for players across Ontario,” said mkodo Managing Director, Stuart Godfree.

GeoLocs was developed by mkodo with North American regulated betting and gaming markets in mind, specifically seeking to enhance how operators comply with licensing requirements relating to fraud and responsible gaming.

The platform allows operators to ensure they are operating in licensed jurisdictions as well as providing users with a seamless journey, eliminating the need for additional download or companion apps.

“GeoLocs has been the ideal solution for our geolocation verification needs in Ontario. The platform’s advanced technology and expertise, tailored for iGaming operators, align perfectly with our commitment to responsible gaming,” added Ellipse Entertainment Director Andy McDowall. “Teaming up with mkodo and their GeoLocs service allows Ellipse Entertainment to provide High Flyer Casino players with a compliant and enjoyable online gaming experience.”

GeoLocs has already been taken live in Ontario, Canada’s only regulated betting market, by a number of operators. Most recently Jumpman Gaming announced that they would be using GeoLoc’s services for its The Six Gaming brand.

 

Industry responds to AGCO’s formally adopted ad standards

The industry knew the changes were coming and had time to adapt to the new ad standards put in place by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), but now that the rules are formally adopted, some industry leaders are acknowledging the changes and commending the group for the changes.

This week, the Canadian Gaming Association sent this email about the new rules to its members:

“Currently, there are over 20 individual requirements related to advertising standards which cover a wide range of activities from the location of outdoor advertising to the prohibition of mass-market advertising of bonuses or incentives, to requiring customers to opt-in to receive promotions from gaming operators, and the use of celebrities or endorsers who would be expected to appeal to minors.
Online gaming operators do not target minors and have robust “know your customer” (KYC) procedures for opening customer accounts and preventing minors from accessing sites registered to operate in Ontario.
In addition to the ACGO’s regulatory standards, operators must submit all TV commercials to thinkTV for clearance. Together these provide a high level of scrutiny and all licensed iGaming operators must be in full compliance before a commercial can air on television.
Ontario has some of the most robust regulatory standards in the world, which the industry actively supports.”
One of the industry leaders in the country, the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) issued a press release about the new rules, commending the regulator for taking steps to ensure online gambling advertising is held to high standards.

“Usually a regulator will develop regulations and then keep those regulations for a decade before they do anything,” said RGC CEO Shelley White. “But this regulator, the AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario), has made it a priority that it’s going to monitor the regulations and make changes as they see changes are required.”

“It’s rare, actually, for regulators to do that. It is well known that the province of Ontario is a leader in responsible gambling globally.”

Advocacy groups from outside the industry are also weighing in.

The Canadian Mental Health Association issued a statement this week applauding the effort and advocating to potentially add more restrictions in the future.

“With the gamification of online gambling, youth are especially at risk of gambling-related harms,” said CMHA Ontario spokesperson Camille Quenneville. “These restrictions are a crucial first step in the regulatory action needed to reverse the alarming trends in online gambling among youth in Ontario.”

”We encourage a public health approach to regulating iGaming,” Quenneville added. “This includes implementing further restrictions on advertising and marketing until all advertising for iGaming is completely prohibited.”

Kaizen Gaming establishes foundation with $4M investment

Kaizen Gaming is initiating change through the establishment of a foundation.

The Greece-based gaming technology company has launched the Kaizen Foundation, which will support non-profit organizations and launch initiatives where it has secured market access. Kaizen Gaming, which owns gambling operators Betano and Stoiximan, has established a presence in 13 countries, including, Canada, Brazil, Ecuador, Germany, Peru, Romania and Nigeria.

“From the moment it started operating, Kaizen Gaming has worked to make a difference in society,” said Kaizen Foundation President Panos Konstantopoulos in a statement. “The creation of the Kaizen Foundation is a natural progression, the next step that allows us to implement initiatives on a larger scale, which will have an impact at an international level.”

The Kaizen Foundation will begin giving back to the community with a renovation project at Penteli Children’s General Hospital in Athens, Greece. The foundation has vowed to invest just over $4 million to refurbish the hospital’s surgical rooms and clinics, which will be the facility’s most significant upgrades in the last 80 years. Penteli Children’s General Hospital will also use the donation to renovate outdoor areas and install fire safety systems.

The Kaizen Foundation aims to complete the renovations by the end of 2024 and will contribute to other future projects with a focus on society, education, and the environment.

Kaizen Gaming’s commitment to its communities

Earlier this month, Kaizen Gaming’s Betano brand partnered with FC Porto to introduce a new sensory room that will serve neurodivergent individuals. Betano, which is the club’s main sponsor, has opened the “INZONE” sensory room at Estádio do Dragão.

The room at the club’s home stadium since 2003 is available for use during team matches.

IGT merging with Everi in $6.2 billion deal

After more than six months of strategic review, IGT has a path forward for its Global Gaming and PlayDigital divisions. And that path forward is a huge merger with financial services company Everi valued at $6.5 billion.

“As previously announced, IGT’s Board of Directors embarked on a review of strategic alternatives for our Global Gaming and PlayDigital businesses as a way to unlock the intrinsic value of our portfolio of industry-leading assets,” said Marco Sala, IGT Executive Chair of the Board. “The transaction announced today is a key milestone in that process. The transaction will combine two robust gaming platforms with complementary capabilities, geographic footprints, and enhanced growth opportunities. It also facilitates the separation of IGT’s Global Gaming and PlayDigital businesses from our Global Lottery business, resulting in a pure play global lottery business. After closing, IGT’s shareholders will continue to own one hundred percent of IGT’s Global Lottery business, which is positioned for long-term success, and will own a majority of a combined company that offers global gaming, digital and fintech.”

The idea is the two companies combining will create a “one-stop shop” for land-based and igaming companies offering options for every facet of the business.

“We are bringing together two businesses with complementary strengths that are stronger and more valuable together,” added IGT CEO Vince Sadusky. “The combination results in a comprehensive and diverse product offering, addressing more aspects of the gaming ecosystem across land-based gaming, iGaming, sports betting, and fintech. The creation of separate gaming and lottery companies, each with experienced management teams and simplified business models, better positions each company to service customers and create significant value for stakeholders.”

“We believe this merger combines two highly complementary businesses in a transformational manner, creating a global, land-based and digital gaming, fintech and systems business. We expect the combined company will deliver a comprehensive range of products and services that will engage gaming patrons and drive efficiencies and revenues to our customers,” stated Michael Rumbolz, Everi Executive Chairman.

According to a presentation supplied by the companies, the merger would create two separate companies under the IGT name, Global Lottery and MegeCo. Global Lottery would remain a “pure play” lottery business, while MergeCo would handle the land-based and online casino sector.

If the deal receives necessary regulatory approvals, it is expected to close early next year.