Compliance Updates
$4.3 Billion Wagered Illegally During March Madness, Fueled by Social Media Influence
Latest analysis by online marketplace intelligence specialists, YieldSec, commissioned by the Campaign for Fairer Gambling (CFG), has revealed a stark contrast between legal and illegal online gambling activities during the 2024 NCAA Men’s & Women’s March Madness Basketball Tournaments in the US. YieldSec’s monitoring unveiled an overwhelming majority of betting-related social media posts and video content, reaching up to 73% and 78% respectively, directing audiences toward illegal betting and gambling operators.
YieldSec’s findings shed light on the strength of the illegal gambling grip on the American marketplace, with 378 illegal sports betting operators and 651 illicit affiliates aggressively targeting US March Madness audiences and claiming 64% of the total market share, generating $4.3 billion in illegal and untaxed wagering. The remaining $2.4 billion wagered legally amounts to just 36% of the total market share.
These statistics underscore the challenges in controlling the proliferation of unlicensed gambling operators that have historically capitalized on the fragmented legal landscape of online betting in the US.
Key findings for March Madness 2024:
- Illegal gambling on March Madness comprised 64% of US online marketplace wagering ($4.3 billion Handle).
- Total value of March Madness betting (legal and illegal) amounts to a handle of $6.7bn.
- 378 illegal sports betting operators actively targeted the US.
- 651 affiliates promoted illegal sports betting operators that actively targeted the US.
- Illegals dominated social media content with up to 73% of all social posts in favor of illegal operators.
- 78% of all video content that linked to March Madness betting was linked to illegal operators.
Derek Webb, Founder of CFG, said: “This Yield Sec special report illustrates the dire need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle illegal gambling in the US. The lack of a united government approach and lax oversight by states have only compounded the problem, enabling entities with dubious backgrounds to operate freely. It’s high time for U.S. leadership to spearhead a unified solution to this pervasive issue.”
Ismail Vali, Founder and CEO of YieldSec, said: “The overwhelming presence of illegal gambling during one of the biggest sports betting events of the year is a clear signal that enforcement and monitoring need to be prioritized. Our findings are a call to action for stakeholders across the board to intensify efforts in combating the spread of unlicensed gambling operations that exploit the online marketplace. With the dominance of illegals across our social media channels, it’s clear that the threats to American commerce, community and consumers are a lot closer to home than ever imagined.”
The Campaign for Fairer Gambling is now advocating for a cohesive governmental response to illegal gambling, urging the Department of Justice, Treasury, Federal Trade Commission, and the Trade Representative’s Office to consider the findings of the YieldSec report as a basis for developing effective countermeasures.
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.”
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