Compliance Updates
SL Green and Caesars Entertainment Announce Pursuit of New York Gaming License for World-Famous Times Square
SL Green Realty Corp. and Caesars Entertainment announced a partnership to redevelop 1515 Broadway as a premiere entertainment and gaming destination in the heart of Times Square, one of the most visited destinations in the world. Caesars Palace Times Square will not only provide billions in tax revenue to New York City and State, it will also accelerate New York’s economic recovery through strategic partnerships with area businesses utilizing its industry-leading loyalty program Caesars Rewards, home to more than 65 million members. Caesars Rewards members will be able to use credits at Broadway shows, local hotels, restaurants, retail stores, comedy clubs, entertainment venues, and more, driving more tourists to area businesses and creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs in and around Times Square.
In addition to major economic benefits to all Times Square stakeholders, SL Green and Caesars are proposing significant security and traffic improvements as part of their proposal, which would boost Mayor Adams and the NYPD’s efforts in Times Square. These efforts will make visitors feel safer, improve mass transit, encourage pedestrian travel, and mitigate vehicle congestion in the area, pursuant to a proposed traffic plan to be included as part of the project.
Caesars Palace Times Square will be designed to include a Broadway Theater for The Lion King. The development will also bring Caesars Entertainment’s more than 50 years of globally-recognized excellence in entertainment, food & beverage, and gaming to New York to deliver a best-in-class experience that will be authentic and complementary to the Times Square entertainment district.
“We believe that Times Square offers the best location for a new resort casino that can attract tourists and benefit local businesses. We’re excited to pursue this license with Caesars and our many local partners. Our approach will ensure that under-represented communities benefit both in terms of employment and investment opportunities,” said Marc Holliday, CEO of SL Green. “A casino in Times Square is in keeping with existing uses in the area. Times Square is the center of the entertainment universe. Because we are proposing a renovation, once the license is issued, we can open quicker than other facilities, which require entirely new construction, changes in law, and will be disruptive to their local communities.”
“Caesars is thrilled to partner with SL Green in connection with a five-star project that will meet and exceed New Yorkers’ expectations for world-class entertainment, immediately enhancing New York City’s tourism engine and elevating this one-of-a-kind global destination to new heights,” said Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars. “As one of the largest mobile sports books in New York, Caesars is passionate about New York itself. Caesars is also deeply invested in New York-based restaurant groups, chefs, and entertainers from across the Empire State.”
Actors’ Equity stated, “The proposal from the developer for a Times Square Casino would be a game changer that boosts security and safety in the Times Square neighborhood with increased security staff, more sanitation equipment, and new cameras. We applaud the developer’s commitment to make the neighborhood safer for arts workers and audience members alike.”
“Carmine’s has been in business in Times Square for over 30 years, and the public-private investments that were made in the late 90s and early 2000s literally transformed Midtown,” said Jeffrey Bank, President and CEO of the Alicart Restaurant Group, which operates Carmine’s and Virgil’s BBQ. “It is time for us to reinvest again – Times Square is the beating heart of New York, but everyone in Times Square is still hurting from the pandemic. The Caesars Palace proposal is the key to bringing tourists back, making Times Square safer, and is exactly the economic driver we need to not only recover but continue to grow and create more jobs.”
“A successful bid will provide a much-needed boost to area theaters, hotels, restaurants, and businesses and commit to fund a wide range of neighborhood initiatives and improvements to make Times Square the safest, cleanest, and most pedestrian-friendly entertainment district in the world,” said Michael Prohaska, Business Manager of Laborers’ Local 79. “This would mean bringing thousands of good union jobs to Midtown and enabling innovative new training and apprenticeship programs — initiatives that will provide disadvantaged community members with pathways to sustainable employment.”
“A trip to New York isn’t complete without a visit to Times Square – it’s the crossroads of the world,” said Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, which franchises 38 hotels in Manhattan and the Great State of New York. “A project of this scale and scope will help bring more tourists back to Times Square, fill hotel rooms not only here, but all across the City and create great jobs at the same time.”
“We know how to bring crime rates down in Times Square because we’ve done it before. With better security infrastructure and 24/7 monitoring, we can anticipate and prevent crime – we just need the financial and political willpower to do so,” said former New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton. “SL Green and Caesars’ proposal for Times Square goes beyond routine, in-house security and would invest millions in a new public-private safety initiative. This investment will ensure Times Square is safe for years to come.”
Caesars is the largest North American gaming operator with more than 50 casino properties across its portfolio, retail and/or mobile sports betting in 27 jurisdictions, and iGaming in five jurisdictions. Caesars Palace Times Square will be 100% privately funded. Caesars will license its brand and manage the operations under a long-term management contract.
In addition to its breadth of experience in operations and development, Caesars prides itself on its 30-year legacy in responsible gaming. Since creating the industry’s first responsible gaming program in 1989, Caesars has devoted millions to organizations working to combat problem gaming. Its pioneering responsible gaming training program reaches every Team Member through Operation Bet Smart, a required company-wide course devoted to problem gaming awareness training, and Project 21, a required class focused on preventing underage gambling. Additionally, the company has more than 1,600 Responsible Gaming Chairpersons and Ambassadors who are specially trained to assist guests who may show signs of a potential gaming problem.
Recently named to the Civic 50 as one of America’s 50 Most Community-Minded Companies, Caesars’ PEOPLE PLANET PLAY framework ensures it acts with integrity and care for its Team Members, communities, and the environment, with stated goals around environmental impact, diversity, equity and inclusion, and community support. Among those goals is a commitment to increase representation of women and people of color in leadership roles to achieve full gender and racial parity by 2025, the promise to reduce water consumption by 20% per square foot by 2035, and a pledge to divert from landfills 65% of all waste generated at our properties by 2030.
Esports betting in the United States is a yet to be fully tapped, and with more regulatory progress the total market and opportunity in esports continues to grow.
It’s why at PandaScore, we recently acquired our first license in the lucrative American market, in the esports-friendly state of Colorado. The move is a strong signal of our ambition in the US, but it also sets out our methodology for solving the uncertainty problem that US esports betting currently suffers from.
Supplier licensing should lead the way
The unknowns about what markets and lines can be offered are a key piece of the puzzle in many jurisdictions. Uncertainty around the legislation means operators are tentative to jump in with both feet. At PandaScore, we’re helping operators navigate US esports betting regulation on a state-by-state basis, so they can make business led decisions in markets with right balance of stability and opportunity.
Except for a few states, esports betting regulation is relatively new: there’s not a great deal of precedent to work from, and its quickly evolving nature means there’s likely more work to be done in the future. We plan to be at the forefront of making sure that esports betting works for the whole ecosystem: operators, suppliers, regulators and the betting public.
The regulatory framework across the country may be shifting at different paces, but almost all states are going in one direction: expansion.
Esports suppliers have a duty to show operators the way and give them the tools, knowledge and expertise to make the right decision. We don’t believe in going all guns blazing, but entering markets with some certainty around esports in a considered fashion.
We can be more confident that those specific markets are built for esports, with Colorado being PandaScore’s first step for several reasons.
Why Colorado
When deciding which market to enter, we consulted heavily with our customers and whittled it down to states that had the right mix of commercial opportunity, solid regulatory environment and straightforwardness in licensing.
Since regulating esports, Colorado has had a friendly framework for esports. The catalogue for regular betting includes a wide range of esports titles based on approved games and tournaments by the publisher or regulator – which follows some similarities to how traditional sports betting is structured.
The process itself was simple and clear, with clear terms and commercials that promote investment, entrepreneurship and innovation – all key ingredients for growing new markets and ambitious organisations to build new audiences.
Colorado is the natural next step in PandaScore’s service-minded, client-first approach. There’s already a generation of bettors who are seeking out esports betting products, esports suppliers need to be the source of knowledge and expertise that helps guide and amplify the esports ambitions of their clients.
Service-minded approach, client-led growth
We bring operators into the licensing conversation from the outset, exploring the licenses most valuable to them and then leveraging our lean, efficient operating model to get it done.
We’ve proven we’re serious about the US market, and that we can get a license efficiently, so if an operator desires a specific jurisdiction, we base our decisions on the revenue potential, give them a clear, no-spin picture of the market, and put in the hard work of licensing to provide our services in the US.
Player age verification as a mandatory service
A huge part of that no-spin picture is addressing the concern and risk around player age verification in esports. Compliance is paramount for suppliers and operators alike, so knowing the requirements from state to state is essential.
PandaScore has been offering player age verification for years and is well established on this front thanks to years of servicing jurisdictions like Australia and Sweden. We already have an API that clients use for peace of mind, and are beefing it up as a standalone service intended to support regulators and governing bodies to ensure compliance, confidence and growth.
Suppliers need to lead from the front for US esports betting to succeed. It’s not just about having the best product – they need to be an expert on relevant regulation, genuinely serve the expansion interests of clients and be a truly safe pair of hands that actively supports and serves operators, bettors and regulators alike.
Author: Oliver Niner, Head of Sales at PandaScore.
The Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”) is warning the public that gaming scam calls are on the rise in Arizona and nearby states. These scammers are pretending to be affiliated with ADG, the National Indian Gaming Commission, and the Indian Gaming Association, among many other organizations, in an effort to steal patrons’ personal information and hard-earned money. Other notable references include, but are not limited. to: the Indian Gaming Association, the Arizona Gaming Commission, the Arizona Indian Gaming Association, the New American Dream Foundation, the Publisher’s Clearing House, etc.
Legitimate organizations such as the ADG, its partner Tribal gaming regulators, and national gaming regulatory agencies will never call a patron to alert them of a “win” or “sweepstakes.” In addition, these legitimate organizations will never call a patron to alert them of delinquent taxes or fees owed to the State of Arizona or the Internal Revenue Service (“I.R.S.”). If someone claims to work for one of these organizations and makes any demands or threats relevant to the information above, they are a scammer. Keep your money safe and secure, pass the information along to others, and report the scammer immediately.
Arizona Attorney General’s Office – Tips to Avoid Falling Victim to Scams:
Verify Information: Before taking any action, hang up the phone and independently verify the legitimacy of the caller by directly contacting the organization they claim to represent by calling those organizations’ official listed phone number(s). Never use the contact details the caller provides call whoever they claim to represent directly. Scammers can mask numbers making it appear that a legitimate company or organization is calling you.
Be Skeptical: Always be skeptical of unsolicited calls, especially those asking for immediate action involving financial transactions. A government agency will never ask you to remove money from your accounts to send via bitcoin, wire transfer, or gift cards.
Only Scammers Demand Payment in Cryptocurrency: No legitimate business is going to demand you send cryptocurrency in advance-not to buy something, and not to protect your money. That’s always a scam.
Secure Your Personal Information: Never share personal information like your social security number, bank account details, or passwords over the phone with unknown callers or give anyone real-time access to your computer. Never click on a link from an unexpected text, email, or social media message, even if it seems to come from a company you know.
Consult Trusted Individuals: Always consult with a trusted family member or friend before making any substantial financial decisions, especially those involving digital currencies like bitcoin.
Report Suspicious Activity: If something feels off, it probably is. Report the call to local law enforcement and file a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
Business, Government, or Job Impersonator Scams:
In a business, government, or job impersonation scam, the scammer pretends to be someone you trust to trick you into sending them money. They might claim that there’s been fraud detected on your accounts and that your money is at risk. To resolve the issue, they may instruct you to send money or cryptocurrency. They might also tell you that there’s a legal problem, that you owe money, or that your accounts or benefits have been frozen as part of an investigation. They then advise you to buy cryptocurrency to fix the problem or protect your money. These are clear warning signs of a scam.
“You’ve Won” scams are a bit different. You may get a call, letter, email, or text saying that you have won. Perhaps it’s a vacation, cruise, lottery, or sweepstakes. They cannot wait for you to get your winnings, however, they advise that there are fees, taxes, or customs duties to pay. Then, they ask for your credit card number or bank account information. In some cases, they might even ask you to pay with cash, gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. If you pay a scammer or share your information, your financial and personally identifiable information have now been breached. There is no prize. Instead, you might even receive more requests for money, and more false promises that you’ve won big.
If you believe you or someone you know has been the victim of fraud, file a consumer complaint by visiting www.azeg.gov/consumer. If you need a complaint form sent to you, contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at (602) 542-5763, in Tucson at (520) 628-6648, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at (800) 352-8431.
It is important to note that the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) frequently educates the public about avoiding and reporting scams, such as “You’ve Won” scams. If you spot a scam, please report it to the FTC. Go online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or TTY 1-866-653-4261. Your report can help protect other people. By reporting fraud, you assist the FTC’s investigators to identify scammers and stop them before they can steal someone’s hard-earned money.
Additionally, if you believe you have been the victim of identity theft, get help from the FTC by visiting www.identitytheft.gov or by calling (877) 438-4338.
ADG takes complaints about illegal gambling seriously. To report suspected illegal gambling activity, visit our website, call (602) 255-3886, or email [email protected]. You can remain anonymous.
SOFTSWISS, a global leader in the iGaming technology with over 15 years of experience, is on track to secure certification for its Casino Platform and Sportsbook in Brazil. The certification process, conducted by an authorised testing laboratory, is currently underway. As the process unfolds, SOFTSWISS shares insights into the critical requirements for success in the burgeoning Brazilian market.
Last year, SOFTSWISS obtained GLI-19 and GLI-33 certifications, providing a solid foundation for meeting Brazil’s regulatory standards. However, the Brazilian market has its distinct regulatory demands. Through close consultations with certifying laboratories, SOFTSWISS has identified key priorities set by the Brazilian Government, including player registration, Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, and responsible gambling practices.
Andrey Starovoitov, Co-CEO at SOFTSWISS, comments: “We view Brazil as a highly promising region and are encouraged by the progress in local regulation as well as by the proactive efforts of local authorities to refine and enhance the existing legal framework. The stringent requirements for gambling software emphasise responsible gambling and public protection, which regulators aim to balance effectively with business interests. It’s clear that the Brazilian Government is working diligently to maintain the appeal of white labelling within this market, ensuring a healthy environment for both operators and players.”
Enhanced Registration Processes
One of the standout features of Brazil’s regulatory approach is its emphasis on a robust registration process designed to mitigate potential risks for both players and operators. Notably, the regulation requires new players to provide a CPF number (Brazilian Individual Taxpayer Registry Number) during registration. The system verifies the number to prevent users from creating multiple accounts as well as guarantees that registrations are made with accurate personal details, reducing fraud risks.
This measure will be crucial in preventing underage gambling, protecting self-excluded individuals, shielding operators from bonus abuse through account multiplicity, and enabling the government to monitor tax compliance on winnings.
Stringent KYC Protocols
Brazil’s regulatory framework is also expected to introduce enhanced KYC procedures. Specific user actions, such as password resets or profile updates, may require additional verification steps. A possible implementation is a liveness check, necessitating technical upgrades to most existing platforms. This approach ensures higher security and compliance, safeguarding both operators and end-users.
Commitment to Responsible Gambling
Responsible gambling is a top priority for the Brazilian regulator. Currently, the regulator is formulating a comprehensive set of requirements that will empower players to control their gaming activities. These features must be seamlessly integrated into gaming platforms, reflecting the government’s commitment to protecting players and promoting a safe gambling environment.
Given its extensive expertise in this area, SOFTSWISS is well-positioned to meet these requirements. With a strong track record in maintaining high security standards, the company has demonstrated its capability by helping operators secure around 6 million euro through its Anti-Fraud team in H1 2024. These efforts have not gone unnoticed; SOFTSWISS has been recognised with multiple industry accolades, such as SiGMA Africa Awards, for its commitment to responsible gambling, solidifying its reputation as a leader in this field.
Earlier this year, as part of its strategic expansion in Brazil, SOFTSWISS appointed legendary F1 driver Rubens Barrichello as its Non-Executive Director in Latin America. Barrichello, renowned for his success in the highly competitive world of motorsport, brings invaluable expertise in navigating cutting-edge technology and innovation. His involvement also ensures that SOFTSWISS benefits from his deep understanding of the Brazilian market and integrates a local perspective into its product development.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international tech company supplying software solutions for managing iGaming projects. The expert team, which counts over 2,000 employees, is based in Malta, Poland and Georgia. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides one-stop-shop iGaming software solutions. The company has a vast product portfolio, including the Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with thousands of casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook Platform, and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS was the first in the world to introduce a Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution.
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