Compliance Updates
Cedar Crossing to Raise Bar for Entertainment in Iowa
Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E), a national gaming operator and developer, and the Linn County Gaming Association (LCGA), a local nonprofit association, announced their intent to jointly apply for a gaming license with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) after the state moratorium on new licenses expires on June 30, 2024.
“The time is now for Cedar Crossing. Linn County residents have overwhelmingly passed two gaming referendums and they have been patient. With the moratorium expiring soon, we look forward to bringing an unprecedented casino gaming and entertainment destination to Cedar Rapids,” said P2E Board Member Jonathan Swain.
If granted a license, Cedar Crossing plans to support local nonprofits with contributions of 8% of its annual gaming revenue – the highest in the state. While Iowa mandates that licensed casinos donate at least 3% to nonprofit organizations, Cedar Crossing aims to significantly exceed this requirement to make a meaningful impact in the community.
“People like to count us out, though we are part of a resilient community. Linn County has come back stronger than before – and we’re going to do it again with Cedar Crossing. A local casino will help our communities be even more vibrant: We estimate that Cedar Crossing will be able to commit $5 million to $7 million to nonprofits annually. This will be a major boost to local organizations, and just one of the many ways this project will make Linn County an even better place to live, work and visit,” said LCGA President Anne Parmley.
In 2013 and 2021, Linn County residents passed public referendums authorizing gaming in the county. The 2021 vote, Public Measure G, permanently authorizes gaming in the county, enabling P2E to develop plans to bring an entertainment and gaming facility to the county. Residents will not have to vote for a third measure.
Cedar Crossing is proposed to be located along the west side of the Cedar River between Kingston Village and Time Check Park. The structure will provide important flood protection infrastructure along the west side of the river, helping to further revitalize the area.
“Our commitment to building a world-class destination has never wavered. We are in the final stages of finalizing our vision for Cedar Crossing and look forward to setting a new standard for gaming and entertainment in Iowa,” said Swain.
In addition to county residents, the project has long been supported by several local government officials and trade unions.
“From the resounding support of Linn County voters to recent legislative developments and today’s announcement, our commitment to the Linn County Gaming Association has remained steadfast. The development team continues to demonstrate their dedication to Cedar Rapids with a vision for a casino that highlights our community’s potential as a modern entertainment and gaming destination. I am confident their next proposal will bring significant benefits to Cedar Rapids and Linn County as a whole, offering unmatched opportunities for our residents and visitors while providing vital support for community organizations to advance and thrive,” said Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell.
In addition to Mayor O’Donnell, Linn County Board of Supervisors Chair Kirsten Running-Marquardt supports Cedar Crossing.
“Linn County residents support casino gambling in Linn County. This investment in our community would increase opportunity for our local economy in several ways, including job creation, tourism and providing unmatched entertainment options. Like other Iowa counties, we are looking for a fair chance for the people of Linn County to receive these benefits for our community,” Running-Marquardt said.
Compliance Updates
AGA, ECA and BGC Sign MOU
The American Gaming Association (AGA), European Casino Association (ECA), and the Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that marks the beginning of a collaboration grounded in shared industry values and priorities. The MOU formalizes a commitment among the three associations to address key issues facing the global gaming industry including illegal gambling, responsible gaming, innovation, and security.
“This new partnership is a significant step forward in our collective efforts to advance the legal gaming industry and protect consumers around the globe. By sharing our unique resources, we will expand our fight against illegal gambling to new fronts, work together to strengthen responsible gaming, and innovate around business best practices,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller.
“By fostering dialogue and cooperation across borders, the AGA, ECA, and BGC are taking a proactive approach to safeguarding the integrity of the legal gaming industry and ensuring its continued growth and success,” Miller added.
The MOU will create a platform for undertaking joint research projects and bringing each organization’s staff and members together to share expertise.
“The European Casino Association stands united with the AGA and BGC in its commitment to addressing the key issues facing all gaming industry stakeholders. The ECA fully backs this initiative and supports the ongoing efforts to rigorously combat illegality within our industry, continuously strengthen player protections and security, and ensure the creation of an environment that fosters innovation and growth within the gaming community. On behalf of the ECA, I look forward to participating in the forthcoming law enforcement roundtable and to sharing the benefits of these learnings with our members,” said Erwin van Lambaart, Chairman of the European Casino Association.
Betting and Gaming Council CEO Grainne Hurst said: “This partnership marks a new chapter in our shared vision to build a world-class, trusted and sustainable betting and gaming industry. BGC members are rightly proud of their reputation as global leaders, and they know the power of collaboration. Working together with the AGA and ECA, I am confident our shared knowledge and expertise will be vital to bolstering safer gambling standards while tackling the threat of the growing and unsafe unregulated gambling black market in the UK.”
The first initiative under this MOU will be a law enforcement roundtable focused on combating illegal gambling. Scheduled for January 2025, this roundtable will bring together industry leaders, law enforcement officials, and regulators to discuss the impact of illegal gambling on legal operators, consumer safety, and the global financial system. The session will also explore strategies for enhancing cross-jurisdictional communication and developing actionable solutions to address these challenges.
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
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