Compliance Updates
VI Casino Control Commission, Department of Health Announce Joint Initiative on Problem Gambling
In an initiative aimed at promoting responsible gaming in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission (VICCC) and the Virgin Islands Department of Health (VIDOH) announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been executed to train and certify counselors in the districts of St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix to treat problem gambling disorders and addiction.
Under the terms of the MOU fully executed on October 24, 2024, the VICCC has provided the funds for six counselors, three in each island district, employed at the VIDOH’s Division of Behavioral Health to receive training through The Center for Addiction Studies and Research.
This training will include vital knowledge on etiological predictors and risk factors, implementing suicide prevention strategies, and employing effective treatment approaches for individuals affected by gambling addiction. Additionally, the VICCC will also provide the funds to ensure that the counselors receive supervision by a board-approved clinical consultant, leading to an international certification recognized by the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board.
Marvin L. Pickering, VICCC Chairman and CEO, said: “While our residents will continue to have access to 1-800-GAMBLER and other national resources, it has always been the position of the VICCC that, in fulfilling our legal mandate to provide programs to treat and prevent gambling addiction, we needed to ensure the availability of assistance locally, assistance that is confidential and free or low-cost and that can be easily accessed, seen and understood.”
“In all aspects, VIDOH was an excellent choice for the VICCC,” Pickering added.
VIDOH Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said: “We want to ensure that we strengthen resources and services for those facing challenges with gambling and that we equip the community with information to make informed decisions about gaming, whether it is bingo, lottery, VLTs, or slot machines. Overall, our goal is to encourage a culture of responsibility within the Virgin Islands gaming community.”
Chairman Pickering and Commissioner Encarnacion expressed appreciation to the teams at VICCC and VIDOH who effectively collaborated in bringing the MOU to fruition.
Chairman Pickering particularly applauded the unwavering efforts of Commissioner Carolyn P. Hermon-Percell, the Vice-Chair of VICCC for her leadership in bringing this first major step to fruition. Both look forward to this important measure that is expected to improve health and wellness and reduce the personal, social, and economic costs of problem gambling in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
EGT Digital is proud to announce that it has obtained a licence that allows it to provide its software products in Brazil. The Bulgarian provider was certified by the regulator Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) and can now offer local operators its rich portfolio of gaming solutions, containing over 120 in-house developed casino titles and the 4 top-performing jackpots Bell Link, High Cash, Clover Chance, and Single Progressive Jackpot.
Tsvetomira Drumeva, Head of Sales at EGT Digital, shared her excitement regarding the authorization: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to present our gaming content to the Brazilian market. Our slots are available to domestic players, ready to captivate them with their numerous fascinating features and provide an unforgettable experience, fully tailored to their tastes and preferences.”
Bettors in Arizona wagered approximately $791 million on sports in October of 2024, according to a new report by the Arizona Department of Gaming. This represents an approximate 22% increase when compared to October of 2023.
The state collected approximately $2.35 million in privilege fees in the month.
Compliance Updates
PlayUZU.bet.br and BacanaPlay.bet.br and to make a splash in the brand new regulated Brazilian market
Global gaming powerhouse SkillOnNet is among the first companies to receive provisional authorisation to operate in Brazil. The first SkillOnNet localised brands to launch in the newly regulated market are PlayUZU.bet.br and BacanaPlay.bet.br, two already successful European and Latam casinos but with very different features and USPs providing a wider choice to casino players in Brazil.
The licence represents a new milestone in the Latam market for the Malta-based gaming and entertainment giant. In recent years, SkillOnNet, through its awards winning PlayUZU brand, has made inroads into the regulated markets of Mexico, Peru, and Buenos Airies City in Argentina.
The new licensing regime came into force on January 1, 2025 after Brazil’s president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a bill into law to regulate and tax online gaming in December 2023. Regulatory intelligence analyst Vixio predicts Brazil’s online gaming and betting will exceed $2.9bn in annual gross revenue in 2025, rising to almost $6.3bn in 2028.
Since its launch in Portugal in 2020, BacanaPlay has become a household brand name. In Portuguese, the world “bacana” means “cool,” which encapsulates the fun, friendly vibe of the brand.
PlayUZU.bet.br is the Portuguese language version of SkillOnNet’s flagship Spanish brand, which has already proved hugely popular in Latin America. PlayUZU is marketed as a “fair” online casino that offers players a unique package of benefits including no wagering requirements and money back on every bet, win or lose.
SkillOnNet operates more than 40 brands in multiple regulated markets, globally. It also boasts one of the richest and most diverse gaming platforms in the world, with premium casino content from top software providers and a host of exclusive slots and dedicated Live casino tables.
Pedro Garcia Country Manager for Brazil at SkillOnNet said: “We believe Brazil will quickly become one of the biggest online gaming markets in the world. Our goal is to be a tier-one casino operator in this hugely significant new market by investing aggressively in marketing and brand development and establishing a strong local team. Our licensing in Brazil is a reflection of our commitment to regulatory compliance and to fair and responsible gaming, and we’re excited to showcase our specially localized high-quality content to a massive new audience.”
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