Compliance Updates
Office of Lottery and Gaming Approves FanDuel as Sports Wagering Operator for District of Columbia
The Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) announced that FanDuel is the new sports wagering subcontractor for Intralot Inc., OLG’s lottery and sports wagering system vendor. Under this agreement, residents of Washington, D.C. will gain access to FanDuel’s sports wagering app, which is the market leader nationally, as well as its website and retail platforms.
“FanDuel’s industry-leading offering will ensure that the District maximizes tax revenue under its existing contracts this year while delivering a best-in-class experience for 18+ residents,” Frank Suarez, Executive Director of OLG, said.
FanDuel’s mobile sports wagering platform will be available to both residents and visitors inside the geographic boundaries of the District of Columbia starting this spring. The new partnership will bring immediate financial benefit to the District, including an initial $5M fee payable by Intralot within the current fiscal year. The initial fee alone guarantees a significant revenue increase from sports wagering for the District in 2024.
Other benefits of the agreement include:
- Intralot will assume OLG’s current operating costs associated with sports wagering, providing additional savings to help increase the revenue from sports wagering that will go to the District’s general fund, allowing the District to fund critical programs.
- Washington, D.C.’s Certified Business Enterprises (CBE), local, often minority-owned businesses will continue to gain revenue from sports wagering. Under this new partnership, the CBEs who are part of the existing sports wagering component of the contract are expected to see 1.5 to 2 times greater gaming revenue than they currently do.
- FanDuel’s strong national presence and 50% market share in neighboring states will allow Washington, D.C.’s 20 million annual visitors to engage in legalized sports wagering and will also regain the participation of residents who currently engage in sports betting in neighboring states.
- Additionally, GambetDC’s existing in-store gaming kiosks will be replaced by FanDuel’s on a phased basis.
OLG will maintain its strong commitment to responsible gaming oversight. All users will now have access to FanDuel’s industry-leading problem gambling prevention, education, and advocacy resources. The FanDuel platform offers built-in app safeguards, allowing customers to set deposits, wagers, and time limits for their play.
Canada
Aviatrix enters North America for first time with Ontario launch
Award-winning crash game Aviatrix is now live in North America for the very first time, after securing a licence and certification in the Canadian province of Ontario.
Aviatrix has been granted a Gaming-Related Supplier (B2B) Licence by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), meaning Ontario-licensed operators can now offer the game.
It’s the first time players in North America will be able to enjoy Aviatrix, marking another major milestone in the remarkable two-year journey of the game.
Aviatrix was helped through the AGCO licensing and certification process by BetComply.
Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “We committed to expanding Aviatrix’s regulated footprint, and this is another huge step. We’re already present in many markets across Europe, so it is fantastic to add a province in Canada to the list. We are sure that players in Ontario are going to find Aviatrix every bit as enjoyable as their counterparts elsewhere.”
Aviatrix has added multiple new regulated markets over the past few weeks, including Italy, Sweden and the Netherlands.
It was also recently named ‘Game of the Year’ at the EGR Operator Awards 2024.
Arizona
Arizona Department of Gaming Cease-and-Desist: Bovada Online Gambling
The Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”) has taken action against an overseas gaming company in Curaçao that is allegedly operating illegal online gaming sites, Bovada.com and Bovada.lv (Bovada), accessible to Arizona residents. Following an investigation into the matter, the ADG sent a cease-and-desist letter to Harp Media B.V., which operates Bovada, on November 8, 2024.
The operation of Bovada in Arizona is alleged to be a felony criminal enterprise and Bovada has been directed to desist from any future illegal gambling operations or activities of any type in Arizona. Due to the unregulated and illegal online gaming offerings on Bovada, Harp Media B.V. is claimed to be in violation of Arizona gaming laws, including:
- Promotion of Gambling (Felony) — Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-3303.
- Illegal Control of an Enterprise (Felony) — Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-2312.
- Money Laundering (Felony) — Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-2317.
Harp Media B.V. has been directed to immediately cease all online (or other) gambling operations and activities in Arizona, and take the necessary steps to immediately prevent and exclude Arizona residents from gambling on their websites.
“We are actively monitoring the evolving landscape of online gaming and taking proactive steps like this helps us protect Arizona’s communities and economy from illegal activities,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the ADG. “Our enforcement team is committed to preventing unauthorized operations from establishing a foothold here. Arizona will not be a safe haven for unlicensed or unlawful gaming, nor will we allow unlawful entities to compromise the integrity of gaming within our state.”
In light of these developments, the Arizona Department of Gaming urges residents to exercise caution with online gaming activities. Only legal, regulated operations provide important consumer protections not found in the illegal market, helping ensure a safer experience for participants. Certain online event wagering is legal in Arizona. A list of all licensed and regulated event wagering operators legally taking bets in Arizona can be found on the Department’s website at gaming.az.gov.
Compliance Updates
Golden Matrix Group Subsidiary Meridianbet Enters Final Phase of Brazil Licensing
Golden Matrix Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: GMGI) is pleased to announce that its subsidiary Meridianbet has received formal notice from Brazil’s Ministry of Finance, through its Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) division, that it may proceed with the licensing process to operate in the country. This critical milestone affirms Meridianbet’s compliance with Brazil’s regulatory requirements and marks a significant step toward entering one of the world’s most promising gaming markets.
The notice enables the company to move forward with paying the licensing fee and submitting additional documentation, including proof of certification.
Meridianbet has already allocated the necessary funds to finalize the licensing payment and will now move forward with fulfilling all conditions to ensure its place on the list of licensed operators authorized to serve Brazilian customers beginning January 1, 2025.
“We are thrilled to be moving forward with an operating license in Brazil and are committed to swiftly meeting the final requirements set forth by the government,” said Brian Goodman, CEO of Golden Matrix Group. “The Brazilian market represents an extraordinary growth opportunity and a key milestone in our global expansion strategy. We are confident that entering the Brazilian market will lead to2025 being a transformational year for the company as we establish a strong presence in one of three most dynamic global growth markets. This milestone reinforces our strategy of entering regions with high growth potential while continuing to deliver gaming experiences that set new quality standards for the industry.”
Golden Matrix is committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance and innovation, and intends to strengthen its presence in Brazil over the near and long term while continuing to deliver value to its stakeholders.
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