Compliance Updates
MGCB: Administrative Rules for Fantasy Contests Take Effect in Michigan
The Michigan Gaming Control Board’s proposed Administrative Rules for fantasy contests — which are required under the Fantasy Contests Consumer Protection Act and were submitted to the Michigan Legislature’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules — took effect last week after they were filed with the Office of the Great Seal, part of the Bureau of Elections in the Michigan Department of State.
The Rules provide the regulatory framework for the licensing and operation of fantasy sports contests in the state, and ensure a secure, responsible, fair, and legal system of fantasy contest offerings.
“Fantasy contests, like any other form of competitive gaming, thrive on rules and regulations. The Administrative Rules, which were reviewed by the Michigan Legislature, provide a level playing field for all fantasy contest operators and participants, and will help ensure that fairness, transparency, and integrity are upheld,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said.
The Fantasy Contests Consumer Protection Act, MCL 432.501 to 432.516 — which authorizes the operation, conduct, and offering of fantasy contests — was passed by the legislature on Dec. 20, 2019. The MGCB issues two types of fantasy contest licenses: An operator license is needed to conduct or offer fantasy contests for play, and a management company licensee handles the day-to-day fantasy contest operations for an operator.
Under the Fantasy Contests Consumer Protection Rules, a fantasy contest operator or licensed management company may only offer or conduct a fantasy contest that is based on an athletic event — defined under MCL 432.502(a) as a real-world professional, collegiate, or nationally recognized sports game, contest, or competition involving skills of the participating individual athletes and upon which the outcome of the game is directly dependent on the athletes’ performances. However, fantasy contest operators or licensed management companies may not offer any contests that have the effect of mimicking betting on sports, or that involve “prop bets” or the effect of mimicking proposition selection.
The MGCB will conduct a review of the offerings of all current fantasy contest operator applicants to ensure they comply with the Fantasy Contests Consumer Protection Act and Rule requirements. The commercial casinos and the federally recognized tribes operating Class III casinos do not require a license to conduct fantasy contests, but they must meet all other requirements of the Fantasy Contests Consumer Protection Act and associated Rules.
Compliance Updates
Play’n GO announces Delaware license award
Legendary studio’s games now live with Rush Street Interactive brand BetRivers in US state
Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced the receipt of a sixth US state license, this time in the state of Delaware.
Having entered the US market in 2022, Play’n GO has gone live in West Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Connecticut, and now Delaware, where some classic Play’n GO titles, such as Piggy Blitz will now be available to BetRivers players in the state affectionately known as the First State.
Play’n GO added Pennsylvania and Connecticut to its list of regulated markets in 2024, and have a publicly stated goal of being active in every regulated market in the world, a goal that has seen the Swedish gaming giant release a portfolio of over 350 premium games in over 35 regulated markets to date.
Anna Mackney, US Head of Region at Play’n GO added “It’s fantastic to begin the year by adding yet another new regulated market in the US, this time in the shape of Delaware. Our expansion into the state marks yet another significant step in our US growth strategy. Play’n GO continues to lead the charge in regulated markets, and we are committed to delivering our premium content to players across the country.
“We’ve already established an excellent relationship with BetRivers across the United States and we are confident that our partnership will continue to be mutually beneficial to both businesses as we enter yet another new market together. US players have clearly demonstrated their demand for our games, and we will continue to deliver.”
Compliance Updates
Florida Gaming Control Commission Demands Overseas Bookmakers and Casinos Cease Their Illegal Online Gambling Operations in Florida
The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) demanded that three overseas bookmakers and casinos halt their illegal online gambling operations in Florida. These overseas bookmakers and casinos host online gambling websites accessible to Florida residents and visitors. FGCC sent cease-and-desist letters to Milvus Ltc, d/b/a BetUS.com.pa, Harp Media B.V. d/b/a Bovada.lv, and Gaming Services Provider, N.V. d/b/a MyBookie.ag.
The websites operated by these overseas bookmakers and casinos only offer illegal wagers. As FGCC explained in its cease-and-desist letter:
[The gambling websites offered by your overseas bookmaking and casino operation] offers or accepts wagering on sports and horse races, including betting on point spreads, moneylines, and totals, as well as proposition bets and futures in the sportsbook and adding money to bet slips in the racebook. Under Florida law, this conduct is a felony offense. See § 849.14, Fla. Stat. Further, it is a felony offense to receive illegal wagers on the result of any trial or contest of skill, speed or power or endurance of human or beast, or to aid, assist, or abet such illegal wagering. Id.
“Gaming, both land-based and online, is strictly regulated in Florida. For example, when it comes to slot machine gaming, counting the eight legal, state-licensed slot machine businesses, and the six tribal gaming locations currently operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, there are only fourteen legal slot machine businesses in Florida. The only online sportsbook operating lawfully in Florida is the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Hard Rock Bet. Anyone in Florida betting on the Big Game needs to know this. Bettor beware,” explained Florida Gaming Control Commission Executive Director Ross Marshman.
These overseas bookmakers and casinos’ illegal conduct is not limited to sports betting and horse racing. As explained in the FGCC cease-and-desist letter:
[The gambling website offered by the overseas bookmaking and casino operation] offers or accepts wagers on casino-style games, including slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. It is a criminal offense to conduct unauthorized games of chance. §§ 849.08, .15, Fla. Stat. [Additionally,] you allow Florida residents to participate in illegal lotteries, such as deposit-matching promotions, giveaways of cash or prizes, and sign-up bonuses. The conduct, promotion, or advertisement of such an illegal lottery is strictly prohibited under Florida law and is a felony offense. See Art. X, § 7, Fla. Const; § 849.09, Fla. Stat.
Illegal gambling operations offer no benefits to Floridians. On the other hand, tax revenue from state-licensed slot machine businesses and revenue-sharing payments from the Seminole Tribe of Florida are used to fund valuable state programs. For example, in 2024, the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund of Florida received over $240 million in tax revenue from the eight state-licensed slot machine businesses. Florida will receive no less than $2.5 billion from the Seminole Tribe of Florida during the next five years, which is earmarked for water quality improvement, infrastructure, and management of Florida’s conservation lands.
The mission of the Florida Gaming Control Commission is to preserve and protect the integrity of gaming activities in Florida through fair regulation, licensing, effective criminal investigation, and enforcement.
Compliance Updates
SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator Certified in Brazil
SOFTSWISS, a leading iGaming software provider, announced that its Jackpot Aggregator, a comprehensive player engagement solution, has successfully obtained certification for the Brazilian market.
Following its flagship product, the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator, which was the first to be certified in Brazil, SOFTSWISS has now received approval for its engagement tool, the Jackpot Aggregator, meeting all technical and legal requirements set by Brazilian authorities. Both products – the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator and the SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator – can be used independently or together, significantly enhancing casino KPIs.
With iGaming regulations effective 1 January 2025, companies planning to operate in the country must obtain the certification. The regulation enforces responsible gambling standards, aligning with principles already adopted in many regulated markets.
For operators legally operating in the Brazilian market, the key priority is to engage with players responsibly while delivering a captivating gaming experience using approved, secure, and effective tools.
The SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator provides various flexible jackpot mechanics tailored to enhance user engagement across different player segments. Among its standout features are multi-level prizes, prize drops, branded jackpots, and others.
To maintain this high level of performance, SOFTSWISS strengthened its commitment to the Brazilian market by appointing Rubens Barrichello, the legendary Brazilian Formula 1 driver, as a Non-Executive Director. Additionally, to ensure seamless operations and swift response to ongoing needs, SOFTSWISS has established a dedicated team of local business development managers in Brazil.
Angelina Stasiuk, Head of Business Line at SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator, commented: “We are thrilled to bring the Jackpot Aggregator to the Brazilian market. Brazil is a massive and rapidly growing market, and we already have potential certified clients there who are actively seeking innovative engagement tools. The Jackpot Aggregator is the perfect solution to meet these demands, providing operators with powerful tools to enhance player retention and engagement.”
The Jackpot Aggregator can be seamlessly launched with the Game Aggregator. The SOFTSWISS team will be available to discuss partnerships in Brazil and other markets at the SBC Summit Rio on 25 to 27 February
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds several gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
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