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Comparing US Gambling Regulations with Other English Speaking Markets

Published

3 years ago

July 4, 2021

Comparing US Gambling Regulations with Other English Speaking Markets

The iGaming market in the US is poised for huge growth in the near to medium-term, with this projected to grow from $74.17 billion in 2021 to a whopping $158.20 billion by the end of 2028.

This represents a CAGR of 11.4% during the forecast period, while the expected GGY for online gambling stateside is likely to double over the course of the reporting period.

This is despite a relatively complex set of regulatory stipulations in the US, as America’s laws are different in each state. But how exactly do the regulations stateside compare with other English speaking markets in the world? Let’s find out!

The Lack of a Central Point of Control

If we look at prominent English-speaking markets such as the UK, Australia and New Zealand, we see that each one is governed by an omni-potent and central point of control.

More specifically, the UK Gambling Commission, the Australian Communications and Media Authority and the New Zealand Gambling Commission comprehensively regulate iGaming in their relevant jurisdictions, while single bodies of legislation also exist to help license and oversee operators.

Conversely, iGaming laws pertaining to online casino gameplay and sports betting are determined at state level in North America, meaning that local authorities have the autonomy to legalise and regulate specific verticals while monetising them for tax purposes.

Interestingly, the last main federal law pertaining to gambling in the US (namely the PAPSA legislation of 1992) was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2018. This had previously prohibited sports betting at a national level, and more than 20 US states have since legalised this practice fully.

The Prominence of Gambling Affiliates

Given that most US states have only moved to legalise sports betting since the decision to reverse the PAPSA legislation a little over three years ago, this burgeoning market is still in its infancy stateside.

This also means that the market for iGaming affiliates remains relatively underdeveloped for now, especially when you consider the size of the North American market and the fact that the average punter loses just under $400 per annum through wagering.

Gambling affiliates operate by promoting selected gambling services and platforms, earning a fixed rate of commission when their customers click on a relevant link and open an account.

The market for gambling affiliates remains huge in countries such as the UK and New Zealand, from large-scale programs that apply huge commissions to independent entities such as Online Casino New Zealand (which also works as a reliable comparison site and serves as an affiliate for some of the leading online casinos in New Zealand).

However, operators in the US may be about to begin closing this gap, especially as brands continue to engage in high-profile mergers and acquisitions with UK firms.

Caesars Entertainment, Inc. recently acquired the iconic William Hill PLC brand for approximately $4 billion, for example, offering them access to the UK firm’s proprietary technology, intellectual property and cutting-edge affiliate strategies.

The Approach to Responsible Gambling

When the UK Gambling Commission announced its core strategic objectives through 2021, at the heart of this was its commitment to safeguarding vulnerable players on these shores.

Make no mistake; responsible gambling remains a huge priority for mature markets such as the UK and Australia, whereas it’s a concept that’s still in its infancy on the other side of the Atlantic.

Once again, this is a key reason why US brands are looking to strategically partner with UK operators, with the latter having invested huge amounts of cash in developing cutting-edge responsible gambling technology.

This includes William Hill, who previously procured the independent Mr. Green brand that had developed its own proprietary responsible gambling tool. This enabled players to monitor their activity in detail and measure this against insights from the operator, in addition to affording them direct controls over deposit limits and the time spent wagering online.

We definitely expect the US to make further strides in this respect in the years ahead, particularly as the not-for-profit Entain Foundation recently launched its new responsible gambling app called “Gamble Responsibly America”.

This app is the first of its kind in the US, and may well emerge as a trail-blazer for similar entities to follow!

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IGSA Welcomes Sharp Vision as Silver Member

Published

17 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Niji Narayan

The International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) has welcomed Sharp Vision as a new Silver member. Sharp Vision is a leading provider of regulatory turnkey solutions for gaming authorities.

“We are delighted to be a part of IGSA and we look forward to contributing to the advancement of best practices among regulators in the fast-growing gaming industry,” Damien Raymond, COO of Sharp Vision, said.

“IGSA is very excited to welcome Sharp Vision to our membership. We believe that IGSA Standards can enhance Sharp Vision’s products supporting regulatory authority oversight. We look forward to their participation in IGSA committees,” Mark Pace, President of IGSA, said.

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BigCash Goes Global with Launch in Brazil

Published

17 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Niji Narayan

BigCash, India’s leading online skill-based real money gaming company, has set its sights on global expansion and aims to offer an unparalleled gaming experience to users worldwide. The global skill-based gaming market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of 13.50% and will be valued at USD 106.78 billion, by 2032. Building on its success in India, BigCash is poised to introduce its entertaining games to global audiences, uniquely blending local flavors with its hallmark innovative gameplay.

BigCash started its journey in 2017 and has quickly become players’ preferred choice, by strategically focusing on launching new games and features regularly and due to its superfast and user-friendly interface. Being a multi-gaming app, it offers a wide range of games tailored for all age groups. With popular Indian card games, like poker, rummy, and call break with regional variations; casual games like ludo, ice blaster, fruit chop, along with fantasy cricket, the platform resonates deeply with the players of Bharat.

Continuing on the mission to take Indian technology global and to reach a wider global gaming audience, BigCash, after months of an in-depth market study, had set its views on expanding its global presence with in-house developed and tailored gaming technology and experience. BigCash presently operates in Brazil, besides India.

One of the key reasons behind BigCash’s entry into the Latin American market is the region’s immense potential for growth in the gaming sector. Brazil, in particular, has emerged as a hotspot for gaming companies due to its large population, favorable demographics, and a growing middle class with disposable income.

BigCash’s global expansion plans include multiple launches in Latin America, Asia, and Africa over the next 12 months. BigCash plans to offer local and international flavors, customized specifically for each country, with a focus on Responsible Gaming and other trust measures, to ensure a deeper bonding with the players.

Ankur Singh, CEO of BigCash, said: “Going global has been part of our strategic planning always; with our launch in Brazil, we have just taken the first step. We are aspiring to be present in 8 countries in the next 12 months. The competitive landscape in Latin America’s gaming industry presents both opportunities and challenges. BigCash is a perfect fit for the Latin American gaming landscape due to our stronghold on tech, which allows product customizations, easy-to-play online games, a supersafe and fast experience; we are already gaining a lot of organic traction.”

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Michigan Lottery Transitions to 1-800-GAMBLER for Responsible Gaming Support

Published

17 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Niji Narayan

The Michigan Lottery announced that it will transition to the National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER for responsible gaming support. This aligns the agency with the Michigan Gaming Control Board and other online gaming platforms operating in Michigan in promoting 1-800-GAMBLER. The 1-800-GAMBLER helpline will replace the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline currently in circulation (1-800-270-7117), although the previous number will remain in operation.

“The Lottery is committed to providing Michiganders with easy access to resources that support responsible gaming. By transitioning to 1-800-GAMBLER, we are able to ensure that Michigan residents can reach specially trained staff who can provide confidential professional support, local referrals, and resources to those who may have a gambling problem,” said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli.

Operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), 1-800-GAMBLER is the world’s largest problem gambling helpline network by call volume, population served, and geographic area covered. The helpline connects people and families impacted by problem gambling with professional support, local referrals, and resources.

Calls made to 1-800-GAMBLER from Michigan will be routed to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The helpline can also be reached by texting 800GAM or chatting online at 1800gamblerchat.org. Trained contact center staff are available 24/7, 365 days a year to provide support, guidance, and relevant information to anyone seeking help related to problem gambling. Additionally, players or their family members may connect to support resources such as live chat, text, and the helpline number by selecting the links in the footer of the Lottery’s website.

The Michigan Lottery was the first lottery in the US to achieve the Internet Responsible Gambling Compliance Assessment Program certification through NCPG in October 2015. The NCPG evaluated the Lottery’s compliance with Internet Responsible Gaming (IRG) standards developed based on best practices from jurisdictions around the world. IRG standards are the highest standards for online responsible gaming in the nation.