Compliance Updates
NCPG Applauds Blumenthal and Salinas for Introducing Groundbreaking GRIT Act to Address Gambling Addiction
A significant milestone in the fight against gambling addiction, as U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas of Oregon introduced the Gambling addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment (GRIT) Act. This groundbreaking legislation addresses a critical gap in our nation’s approach to addiction by establishing the first-ever federal funding stream dedicated to preventing, treating, and researching gambling addiction in the US.
Gambling addiction is a significant public health concern, affecting approximately 7 million American adults, and resulting in severe social and economic consequences. The annual social cost of problem gambling is estimated at $7 billion, reflecting gambling-related criminal justice and healthcare spending as well as job loss and bankruptcy. NCPG research indicates that the risk for gambling addiction rose by 30 percent between 2018 and 2021 alone, yet there are currently no federal funds dedicated to gambling addiction treatment or research. This gap underscores the pressing need for comprehensive measures to address and mitigate the impact of gambling addiction.
Susan Sheridan Tucker, President of the NCPG Board of Directors, said: “The GRIT Act reflects a pivotal step towards long-overdue support for those grappling with gambling addiction. We commend Senator Blumenthal and Representative Salinas for their dedication to addressing the burgeoning public health crisis of gambling addiction. The National Council on Problem Gambling stands in full support of this legislation, recognizing its potential to make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and families across the nation.”
Key provisions of the GRIT Act include:
• Allocating 50% of the current federal sports excise tax revenue for gambling addiction treatment and research administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• Health and Human Services distribution of 75% to states for prevention and treatment through the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program and direct the remaining 25% to the National Institute of Drug Abuse for research grants into gambling addiction.
• Authorizing spending for 10 years and mandating a report to Congress on the program’s effectiveness within three years of passage.
The impact of the GRIT Act provides direct and vital support to state health agencies and nonprofits addressing gambling problems. It also creates investment in best practices and comprehensive research at the national level.
Importantly, the GRIT Act does not raise taxes or create additional bureaucracy. It leverages existing federal excise tax revenue and operates within the existing Health and Human Services framework.
Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the NCPG, said: “The introduction of the GRIT Act is a testament to our shared commitment to mitigating gambling-related harm and addressing the challenges of gambling addiction. This landmark legislation sets the stage to significantly bolster gambling addiction prevention, research, and treatment resources and make a positive lasting impact on individuals and communities nationwide.”
Compliance Updates
Stake approved by Brazil’s Ministry of Finance, included in list of authorised operators
Stake is thrilled to announce that Brazil’s Ministry of Finance has officially included Stake Brazil Ltda. in the country’s list of authorised betting operators.
The decision was made following a thorough review of Stake’s application and supporting documents and will allow the brand to operate in Brazil’s booming iGaming market.
While the Ministry of Finance is in the process of evaluating a full licence application, Stake’s inclusion on the authorised operator list will allow Stake Brazil to continue offering the best-in-class gaming and betting experience that local consumers have come to expect.
Stake’s commitment to Brazil will soon be further enhanced, with plans to open an office in São Paulo. The operator will also hire a dedicated country manager, just as it has in other key Latam territories, to bolster operations and hire additional team members. This is in order to grow the local footprint in the region, while complementing Stake’s global operations.
From a partnerships point of view in Brazil, Stake has already enjoyed a fantastic relationship with Série A side Juventude during its first season with the club, which culminated in a journey to the Campeonato Gaucho Final & Copa do Brazil Quarter Final.
Stake’s partnership with UFC in Brazil has also gone from strength to strength over the years while working with athletes like Alex Pereira and Alexandre Pantoja as they aim to cement their champion status.
Stake would like to extend its gratitude to customers, partners, and the Brazilian regulatory authorities for their support and cooperation during this process.
Canada
BetConstruct to Help Partners Acquire Tobique Gaming Licence
Online gaming industry veterans BetConstruct announce that they are now able to assist partners in acquiring the prestigious Tobique Gaming Licence.
Issued by the Tobique First Nation of New Brunswick, Canada, the Tobique Gaming Licence provides a gateway in the form of vigorous regulatory framework and responsible gaming practices. The licence is overseen by the Tobique Gaming Commission. Operators holding the Tobique Gaming Licence are required to be in full compliance with local regulations, amounting to increased trust between markets and operators.
Here’s Why Operators Need the Tobique Licence:
- Entry to new and emerging markets: Operators holding the licence will be able to expand their reach into diverse local markets, all while remaining compliant with regulations. This will allow them to acquire a wider customer base.
- Upholding responsible gaming: With responsible gaming being of high importance in the industry, the Tobique licence helps operators foster a secure gaming environment, highlight the significance of responsible practices, and enhance customer trust.
- Favourable tax policy: Operators holding a Tobique licence benefit from exemptions on various taxes and levies related to gaming activities, allowing for substantial profit growth while in full compliance with relevant regulations.
- Streamlined payment and supplier risk management: The licence ensures faster onboarding processes while maintaining confidence in the jurisdiction’s robust controls.
Additional Benefits of Holding the Tobique Licence:
- Easy application process through an online portal with fast processing times.
- A dedicated team of professionals readily available for timely assistance.
- Minimal application and maintenance fees (with no taxes).
- No requirements for local company presence, personnel, or infrastructure in the jurisdiction.
As a reputable company, BetConstruct remains committed to endorsing regulatory policies and championing responsible gaming. Through collaborating with the Tobique First Nation, the company is eager to aid partners in upholding regulatory compliance, particularly within the framework of entering new markets. This amounts to a safer industry for all involved
Compliance Updates
Player Elite Enters U.S. Market, Receives BMM Testlabs Approval
Player Elite (PE), Australia’s leading provider of loyalty technology solutions for the casino gaming market, announced that it has officially entered the U.S. casino market, and has received its first regulatory approval by BMM Testlabs.
Founded in 2015, Player Elite has transformed the loyalty market throughout Australia with its real time data driven, omni-channel solution. With the power of their automated solutions Player Elite’s Digital Loyalty Solution (DLS) identifies individual consumer insights and automates activations and communications that drive loyalty, connection and member visitation for its over 100 gaming partners clients in Australia. In 2024, Player Elite expanded its operations to offer its solution to casino properties in the US through an exclusive distributorship agreement with The Hale Network.
Player Elite’s DLS is a fully automated, real time marketing platform designed to identify, reward, and communicate at an individual level to drive loyalty and profit through one interface. PE has worked over the last 12 months and received approval from BMM Testlabs to integrate with the Aristocrat Oasis 360 casino management system through its nConnect Gateway promotional system. The complete DLS platform uses membership data to identify and create opportunities to connect with the member base through its proprietary engines:
Player Elite ORCA App – omni-channel member app designed to streamline onboarding, deliver targeted promotions and enable daily member engagement.
Promotional Engine – gamifies promotions and rewards members across multiple touchpoints.
Offer Engine – automates and simplifies rewards strategies with real-time offers based on key behaviors.
Dynamic Bonusing – real-time bonusing engine that delivers instant rewards through fully automated staff and member communications.
Play-A-Comm – delivers personalized communications with four to five times more speed by automating SMS, email, and push notifications.
HYDRA – speeds up member sign-ups by combining AI and KYC technology for secure, seamless registration via app, SMS, or in-venue with a simple scan of their ID and face
Member Management – simplifies member tier program management by delivering instant upgrades and automated rewards, and streamlining the management of bonus points, status points, and redemption infrastructure.
“This is such an exciting time for the Player Elite team. With over 60 years of combined experience, we couldn’t be more thrilled to finally land in the USA. When we started this business, our mission was to transform the loyalty market with top-tier technology. Expanding to the U.S. was always in the plan, but seeing it happen now is a dream come true. We’ve been fortunate to work with gaming operators of all sizes across Australia and the globe, and our solutions have consistently delivered profitable loyalty growth for our customers,” said Bryan Te Wani, co-founder and CEO of Player Elite.
“With the U.S. market placing greater focus on loyalty solutions, we believe our proprietary system is ready to make a significant impact. We’re excited to collaborate with The Hale Network to expand into this key market, where we see a strong fit for our offering.”
Dr. John C. Hale, founder and CEO of The Hale Network, said: “From my experience as a founder and a creator of a loyalty solution in the casino industry, I can confidently state that Player Elite’s DLS is in a class of its own. It’s not one or two modules, it is a digital loyalty system which encompasses many providers that are currently being used into one product. As the exclusive distributor, I’m excited to offer Player Elite’s Digital Loyalty System, which enhances player engagement and integrates advanced cybersecurity measures with a documented ROI. This partnership between Player Elite and The Hale Network is designed to meet the evolving needs of the gaming industry, ensuring casinos operate efficiently while providing a secure, streamlined loyalty experience for both operators and customers. The Player Elite DLS is truly groundbreaking! THN is excited about this partnership with Player Elite.”
-
Latest News6 days ago
Slotomania Extends Exclusive “Let’s Make a Deal” Partnership with an Opportunity for Fans to Win Big!
-
Latest News6 days ago
Amusnet Strengthens its LATAM Presence by Partnering with Rush Street Interactive’s RushBet Brand in Mexico
-
Conferences6 days ago
Yes, Chef! AGS is Cookin’ Up A Feast of Epic Proportions at G2E 2024
-
Latest News1 day ago
Movers and Shakers: Creating noise in the shark tank: what it takes to build a successful slot studio
-
Latest News5 days ago
Pavilion Payments Announces Strategic Partnership with betPARX
-
Latest News5 days ago
Play’n GO celebrates clean sweep five-state launch with DraftKings and Golden Nugget
-
Latest News13 hours ago
Optimove Launches OptiPromo: The First Solution for B2C Marketers to Deliver Dynamic, CRM-Powered Promotions and Rewards Tailored to Each Customer
-
Latest News5 days ago
PlayStar announces partnership with the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center