Compliance Updates
U.S. District Court Confirms Federal Wire Act Applies only to Sports Betting Activities
NeoPollard Interactive LLC and New Hampshire Lottery have been thrilled by the U.S. District Court decision which confirms that the federal Wire Act applies only to sports betting activities. This decision is important for the U.S. lottery industry as a whole as it alleviates concerns pertaining to the transmission of lottery data over the Internet, whether in connection with traditional retail or online lottery sales.
The Wire Act subjects to criminal liability any person who “knowingly uses a wire communication facility for the transmission in interstate or foreign commerce of bets or wagers or information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers on any sporting event or contest, or for the transmission of a wire communication which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or wagers, or for information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers.â€
In January 2019, OLC released a new opinion concluding that the Wire Act extended beyond the sports-betting context to criminalise the interstate transmissions of all bets or wagers, whether or not they are sports-related—thereby reversing the conclusions of the 2011 opinion and threatening to shut down the burgeoning iLottery industry.
Working alongside the New Hampshire Lottery Commission, NeoPollard Interactive and Pollard Banknote, the New Hampshire Lottery’s technology providers, immediately sought a declaratory judgment in federal court that the OLC’s new Wire Act interpretation was based on an incorrect reading of the statute.
By concluding that the Wire Act applies only to transmissions related to bets or wagers on a sporting event or contest, Judge Paul Barbadoro safeguards the New Hampshire Lottery and NeoPollard Interactive from the threat of unlawful prosecution in New Hampshire, Michigan, and in each other U.S. state where NeoPollard Interactive operates.
“We are very happy with the recent judgement regarding the interpretation of the Wire Act. This is a great success for the Lottery industry generally and iLottery specifically, as it ensures that the sale of both iLottery games and national and regional multi-state games across all sales channels can continue to be strong contributors to lottery sales and the good causes that lotteries in the United States support. In terms of iLottery, we know first-hand the positive effect that these operations have not only on sales, but on the overall player experience. We look forward to continuing to provide state-of-the-art iLottery products and strategies to lotteries as they explore new, interactive sales channels,†Doug Pollard, Co-Chief Executive Officer of NeoPollard Interactive said.
“We are pleased that not only will our national and regional multi-state game sales carry on, but also importantly that our own relatively new yet highly successful iLottery operations will be able to continue. Since the launch of our iLottery program last year, we have seen an increasingly positive response from our players, resulting in higher returns to education programs in New Hampshire. We are grateful for the leadership and support from the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, NeoPollard Interactive and Pollard Banknote in this highly complex matter. We are excited to continue our strong partnership with NeoPollard Interactive to provide entertaining online products that deliver an enhanced play experience to all our customers,†Charlie McIntyre, Executive Director of the New Hampshire lottery said.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist orders to 11 illegal online gambling operators found to be targeting Michigan residents without proper state authorization. These unlicensed casinos—some based offshore, others operating from undisclosed or domestic locations—pose serious risks to consumers by skirting Michigan’s regulated gaming laws.
The casinos named in the enforcement action include the following:
Club Player Casino
7 Bets Casino
NinBet Casino
Cherry Jackpot Casino
PitBet
SlotsNBets
Bookmaker.eu
Wild Vegas Casino
VIP Slots Casino
Prism Casino
ABC Islands Casino
“These sites are operating illegally and without proper oversight, putting Michigan players at risk. We’re committed to shutting down unlicensed gambling operations and protecting the public from deceptive practices, unfair play, and financial harm,†said Henry Williams, Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
The named operators have been found to accept wagers from Michigan residents via a range of payment methods—including credit cards, digital wallets, and cryptocurrencies. Players may be subjected to questionable practices, such as the withholding of winnings, unrealistic wagering requirements, and denial of withdrawals.
In addition to financial concerns, these illegal operators are not required to follow the same rigorous data protection standards that are mandated in Michigan’s regulated market. As a result, players’ personal and financial information may be highly vulnerable when shared with these unlicensed platforms, increasing the risk of data breaches, identity theft, and other cybercrimes.
The MGCB has formally notified all 11 operators to immediately stop offering gambling services to Michigan residents. They have been given 14 days to comply. Continued violations may result in further enforcement, including collaboration with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to pursue legal action.
“This should serve as a strong warning to illegal operators: Michigan does not tolerate unauthorized gambling activity. We will continue our relentless pursuit of actively identifying and disrupting these operations,†Williams said.
“We want every patron in Michigan to have access to a fair and secure gambling experience. By eliminating illegal operators, we’re helping ensure the public can enjoy gaming without fear of fraud or abuse,†Williams added.
The award-winning crash game Aviatrix has received certification for Brazil’s online gaming market, ensuring full compliance in the market.
Aviatrix has been granted full Federal Certification to offer its games via licensed operators in the country. Meanwhile, Aviatrix has also acquired a dedicated certification for the state of Paraná.
This means Brazilian players can now enjoy the most innovative crash game on the market –Â one that has already gained a loyal following across Latin America.
Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “This is a huge milestone for Aviatrix. Brazil is one of the most exciting, newly-regulated markets in the world. There is massive demand for high-quality content, and that’s why we know Aviatrix is going to thrive. We’re looking forward to bringing the game to the country via some world-class partners. Get ready for takeoff.â€
Aviatrix has been rapidly expanding in Latin America over recent months, including in Peru and Colombia.
The company was also named ‘Rising Star in Casino’ at last year’s SBC Awards Latinoamérica.
Leading sportsbook technology provider ready to deliver premium virtual sports offering to local operators
Altenar has achieved a significant milestone in its LatAm expansion by securing a new certification to offer sportsbook and RGS, including virtual sports in Brazil.
This development underscores Altenar’s commitment to providing cutting-edge and engaging sportsbook solutions in regulated markets, and follows a string of landmark deals with industry leaders, such as Inspired, Kiron, Leap and Sportradar.
To achieve the certification, Altenar underwent a thorough evaluation process, demonstrating the provider’s dedication to compliance and its ability to meet the stringent requirements of the Brazilian market.
The integration of virtual sports from renowned providers will further enhance Altenar’s comprehensive platform, offering a dynamic and exciting vertical for Brazilian players that can be enjoyed 24/7.
Dinos Doxiadis, Director of Product – Sportsbook and Data at Altenar, said: “We are thrilled to achieve certification for virtual sports in Brazil. This marks another significant step in our growth across Latin America and reinforces our commitment to the burgeoning region.
“By joining forces with some of the industry’s most renowned providers, we are confident in our ability to deliver an unparalleled virtual sports experience to operators and players in Brazil. This offering will complement our existing sportsbook solutions and provide further opportunities for engagement and growth in this key market.â€
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