Compliance Updates
Ontario Budget Includes iGaming Legislation
The Ontario Provincial Budget was released and specific to the gaming sector, Ontario announced the next steps in moving the regulatory model forward for iGaming.
Included in the budget package is legislation that will transfer Conduct & Manage Authority for iGaming from OLG to the AGCO. Below is the paragraph from the budget:
Establishing a Market for Internet Gaming (iGaming) in Ontario
In the 2019 Budget, the government stated its intention to establish an online market for internet gaming (iGaming) in Ontario that is both competitive and protects consumers. In continuing to work towards this goal, the Province is introducing legislation to give the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) authority to conduct and manage iGaming, in addition to having the role of the regulator.
If the proposed legislation is passed, a dedicated subsidiary under the AGCO would be established as the conduct and manage entity to manage the relationship between the government and private iGaming operators.
The Province and the AGCO intend to continue consulting with key stakeholders on the design of the iGaming market to reflect consumer preferences and foster an exciting gaming experience, while ensuring that appropriate responsible gaming protections are in place. These engagements will include a number of diverse topics, including approaches for revenue collection, data and gaming system requirements, the licensing and registration approach, product offerings and marketing considerations.
The Province will also continue to engage with the federal government to encourage the legalization of single-event sports wagering. Legal single-event sports wagering would help support the growth of a competitive online gambling market in the province and, as a popular form of wagering, would also benefit other parts of the gaming sector.
CGA News Release on iGaming
Today the CGA issued a news release to applaud the Government of Ontario’s decision to move forward with legislation to make internet gambling (iGaming) a reality in this province and to ensure that the people of Ontario have access to safe and legal gambling options online. You can read the full copy here.
Update on Bill C-218 the “Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Actâ€
On Tuesday November 4, 2020, Bill C-218, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, had its first opportunity to be debated in the House of Commons.
Having been first introduced in February 2020, the Bill had not been debated due to the suspension of regular House business during the pandemic, which was then followed by the prorogation of parliament in the late summer.
Bill C-218 was restored to its previous position on the House of Commons Order Paper once the House resumed regular business in October.
On Tuesday, five Members of Parliament (MP) spoke in favour of the Bill. The Bill enjoys wide support from MP’s of all parties: Conservative, Liberal, NDP and the Bloc Québecois.
Kevin Waugh, a Conservative MP from Saskatchewan and the sponsor of Bill C-218, led off the debate. He was followed by:
Brian Masse, an NDP MP from Windsor who sponsored previous Bills on single-event wagering.
Rhéal Fortin, a Bloc Québecois MP, led his party’s support for the Bill.
Bob Bratina, a Liberal MP from Hamilton, was the lone speaker from the government side.
Tony Baldinelli, a Conservative MP from Niagara Falls and Special Advisory to Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole for Tourism Recovery, rounded out the hour of debate by speaking to the need for the Bill to pass to assist the gaming and hospitality industries to recover from the impact of the pandemic.
Link to the speeches: https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/43-2/house/sitting-25/hansard
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist orders to 11 illegal online gambling operators found to be targeting Michigan residents without proper state authorization. These unlicensed casinos—some based offshore, others operating from undisclosed or domestic locations—pose serious risks to consumers by skirting Michigan’s regulated gaming laws.
The casinos named in the enforcement action include the following:
Club Player Casino
7 Bets Casino
NinBet Casino
Cherry Jackpot Casino
PitBet
SlotsNBets
Bookmaker.eu
Wild Vegas Casino
VIP Slots Casino
Prism Casino
ABC Islands Casino
“These sites are operating illegally and without proper oversight, putting Michigan players at risk. We’re committed to shutting down unlicensed gambling operations and protecting the public from deceptive practices, unfair play, and financial harm,†said Henry Williams, Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
The named operators have been found to accept wagers from Michigan residents via a range of payment methods—including credit cards, digital wallets, and cryptocurrencies. Players may be subjected to questionable practices, such as the withholding of winnings, unrealistic wagering requirements, and denial of withdrawals.
In addition to financial concerns, these illegal operators are not required to follow the same rigorous data protection standards that are mandated in Michigan’s regulated market. As a result, players’ personal and financial information may be highly vulnerable when shared with these unlicensed platforms, increasing the risk of data breaches, identity theft, and other cybercrimes.
The MGCB has formally notified all 11 operators to immediately stop offering gambling services to Michigan residents. They have been given 14 days to comply. Continued violations may result in further enforcement, including collaboration with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to pursue legal action.
“This should serve as a strong warning to illegal operators: Michigan does not tolerate unauthorized gambling activity. We will continue our relentless pursuit of actively identifying and disrupting these operations,†Williams said.
“We want every patron in Michigan to have access to a fair and secure gambling experience. By eliminating illegal operators, we’re helping ensure the public can enjoy gaming without fear of fraud or abuse,†Williams added.
The award-winning crash game Aviatrix has received certification for Brazil’s online gaming market, ensuring full compliance in the market.
Aviatrix has been granted full Federal Certification to offer its games via licensed operators in the country. Meanwhile, Aviatrix has also acquired a dedicated certification for the state of Paraná.
This means Brazilian players can now enjoy the most innovative crash game on the market –Â one that has already gained a loyal following across Latin America.
Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “This is a huge milestone for Aviatrix. Brazil is one of the most exciting, newly-regulated markets in the world. There is massive demand for high-quality content, and that’s why we know Aviatrix is going to thrive. We’re looking forward to bringing the game to the country via some world-class partners. Get ready for takeoff.â€
Aviatrix has been rapidly expanding in Latin America over recent months, including in Peru and Colombia.
The company was also named ‘Rising Star in Casino’ at last year’s SBC Awards Latinoamérica.
Leading sportsbook technology provider ready to deliver premium virtual sports offering to local operators
Altenar has achieved a significant milestone in its LatAm expansion by securing a new certification to offer sportsbook and RGS, including virtual sports in Brazil.
This development underscores Altenar’s commitment to providing cutting-edge and engaging sportsbook solutions in regulated markets, and follows a string of landmark deals with industry leaders, such as Inspired, Kiron, Leap and Sportradar.
To achieve the certification, Altenar underwent a thorough evaluation process, demonstrating the provider’s dedication to compliance and its ability to meet the stringent requirements of the Brazilian market.
The integration of virtual sports from renowned providers will further enhance Altenar’s comprehensive platform, offering a dynamic and exciting vertical for Brazilian players that can be enjoyed 24/7.
Dinos Doxiadis, Director of Product – Sportsbook and Data at Altenar, said: “We are thrilled to achieve certification for virtual sports in Brazil. This marks another significant step in our growth across Latin America and reinforces our commitment to the burgeoning region.
“By joining forces with some of the industry’s most renowned providers, we are confident in our ability to deliver an unparalleled virtual sports experience to operators and players in Brazil. This offering will complement our existing sportsbook solutions and provide further opportunities for engagement and growth in this key market.â€
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