Compliance Updates
GAMING LAW & REGULATORY ATTORNEYS LAUNCH GAMING LAW PRACTICE
Susan Hensel, the former Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) Director of Licensing, and former PGCB attorney Joseph Grad, announced today the launch of Hensel Grad P.C., a boutique law firm focused on providing legal services to domestic and international clients in the gaming industry. At the PGCB, Hensel and Grad’s collaborative work played a key role in developing the licensing regulatory structure for Pennsylvania, which is today the 2nd largest commercial gaming market in the United States.
Hensel and Grad are reuniting through the founding of Hensel Grad P.C. to expand beyond Pennsylvania in serving clients interested in entering or thriving in the rapidly expanding U.S. gaming industry. “We believe the time is right for a law firm with a solid understanding of how U.S. gaming regulation is created, implemented and enforced,” said Hensel.
She added, “we have the knowledge, experience and relationships necessary to serve all of a client’s regulatory needs and believe a boutique law firm is the ideal platform from which to deliver the highest quality gaming law services to clients.”
“The firm’s focus will be on servicing new and recent entrants to the U.S. gaming market, whether they are foreign entities, early stage U.S. companies, or state agencies charged with overseeing the development of new gaming verticals,” said Grad. Grad noted, “from a client’s decision to enter a jurisdiction to post-licensing compliance and at all points in between, we will be their partner in navigating the U.S. gaming landscape.”
The firm will serve gaming operators, manufacturers, suppliers, affiliates, equity investors, start-ups, non-gaming vendors, entrepreneurs, inventors, lenders, and others seeking to participate in the U.S. gaming industry. In addition, Hensel Grad will serve as a consultant to jurisdictions in the U.S. and throughout the world that are embarking on legalizing one or more gaming verticals.
About Susan Hensel
Susan Hensel was the PGCB’s first employee and first Director of Licensing. She has overseen the licensing of more than 100,000 individuals and entities as Pennsylvania evolved from a slots only jurisdiction to one offering the full range of gaming verticals including integrated casino resorts, online gaming, sports wagering, fantasy sports, and video gaming terminals at truck stop establishments. She stepped down from the position in April.
In addition to her work in Pennsylvania, Hensel is among the best known and respected U.S. regulators on an international stage. In 2020, Hensel was named one of the Ten Most Influential Women in gaming by iGaming Business. She is Past President of the International Association of Gaming Regulators having served in that position for two terms. She is an original member of the Advisory Board of the All-In-Diversity Project, an industry-driven not-for-profit initiative to benchmark diversity, equality and inclusion in the global gaming industry and is a strong advocate for women in the gaming industry.
Hensel is a frequent speaker on gaming law and regulation and has spoken throughout the world. She has published articles on gaming regulation and has collaborated with gaming regulators around the globe. Hensel is an adjunct law professor teaching gaming law and regulation.
About Joseph Grad
Prior to co-founding Hensel Grad P.C., Joseph Grad was the founder and Principal of the Law Office of Joseph W. Grad, LLC which had a successful ten-year run providing services in the areas of gaming, corporate and healthcare law to clients of all shapes and sizes.
In his gaming practice, Grad represented individuals and entities in all aspects of gaming law across numerous U.S. jurisdictions, including matters relating to licensing such as multi-jurisdictional and contested licensing, regulatory compliance with state and federal laws, suitability investigations, approval of corporate transactions, appellate litigation and emerging gaming law issues. He has also been a frequent speaker and contributor to gaming conferences around the world and has served as an advisor to U.S. state gaming authorities, including a recent appointment to the Colorado Sports Betting Working Group.
Prior to starting his firm, Grad was one of the first attorneys hired by the PGCB and served in the positions of Assistant Chief Counsel and Special Counsel for Corporate Finance & Governance. During his tenure with the PGCB, he drafted, developed and shaped many of the PGCB’s regulations, policies and procedures, including the PGCB’s licensing regulations. In addition, he served as the PGCB’s legal advisor on matters involving corporate licensees, including all mergers and acquisitions within the PGCB’s jurisdiction.
More information about Hensel Grad P.C. can be found at HenselGrad.com.
Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360), the unequivocal global leader in delivering best-in-class integrity and compliance regulatory technology products and services for the sports betting and gaming sector, has announced a new partnership with the PGA of America.
Through this partnership, IC360 will provide the PGA of America with its state-of-the-art Integrity Monitoring technology, providing real-time alerts on global wagering activity. Additionally, the PGA of America will utilize ProhiBet, the one-of-a-kind prohibited bettor solution to prevent individuals from engaging in prohibited wagering activities.
“We are excited to partner with IC360, a leader in regulatory technology for sports betting and gaming. This collaboration underscores our commitment to maintaining the highest integrity standards within golf by integrating IC360’s cutting-edge Integrity Monitoring technology and the innovative ProhiBet solution. By leveraging IC360’s expert Advisory Team, we gain invaluable insights as we navigate the sports wagering landscape,” said Jeff Price, Chief Commercial and Philanthropy Officer for the PGA of America.
The PGA of America will also utilize IC360’s seasoned Advisory Team, who will provide consultative services to the organization as they navigate the nuances of the complex and evolving sports wagering regulatory environment. IC360’s team comprises former regulators and seasoned gaming industry professionals who ensure all regulatory compliance standards are hitting the highest standards.
“The PGA of America is a partner that shares the same vision of integrity and fairness in competition, which we promote and aim to protect. It is a privilege to provide this organization with our world-class technology and service, as they continue to showcase excellence in their commitment to integrity and their culture,” said Scott Sadin, Co-CEO of IC360, said.
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 – 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.”
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.
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