Compliance Updates
DraftKings Slated to Launch Online Sportsbook in Maryland on November 23

DraftKings Inc. announced that, following a mandatory early access test period from November 21-22, 2022, it expects to launch its online sportsbook in Maryland, pending receipt of regulatory approvals, on November 23, 2022. The top-rated DraftKings Sportsbook app is expected to be fully live for eligible customers ahead of the NFL action on Thanksgiving Day. DraftKings will offer customers in Maryland a best-in-class sports betting experience, including the opportunity to place a variety of bets, such as same-game parlays, player props, special odds boost selections, and more.
âWith an active sports season currently underway, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to launch our top-rated sportsbook app in Maryland,â said Matt Kalish, DraftKings Co-Founder and President, DraftKings North America. âOur product delivers fans an exciting sports betting experience, and we would like to thank the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission, Governor Hogan and the General Assembly for bringing online sports wagering to Maryland.â
DraftKings will, subject to receipt of regulatory approvals, offer eligible customers in Maryland the opportunity to place legal and regulated bets across collegiate sporting events and professional sports leagues, including the NFL, NHL, NBA, and more. Further establishing a presence in the state, last year, the Baltimore Ravens named DraftKings an Official Sports Betting Sponsor of the team, which allows DraftKings to reach Ravens fans in new ways by offering exciting exclusive game day experiences, autographed merchandise, and opportunities to participate in VIP-focused events during the NFL season.
âAs sports gaming continues to grow across the nation, it was important to me that if I entered this space I would partner with a company that placed an emphasis on responsible gaming. With that top of mind, I joined the team at DraftKings and I am thrilled that it will be leading the way here in Maryland,â said Cal Ripken, Jr., Special Advisor to the Board of Directors for DraftKings. âNow, sports fans in our state will have access to the DraftKings Sportsbook, a safe and regulated betting option and a respected corporate leader.â
Canada
AGCO Fines Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto $350,000 for Serious Regulatory Violations Linked to Impromptu After-Party on Gaming Floor

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued monetary penalties totaling $350,000 against Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto for multiple violations of provincial gaming standards. The penalties follow an impromptu after-party that was permitted to take place in the pre-dawn hours directly on the casinoâs gaming floor.
On September 27, 2024, an electronic dance music event attended by thousands of people was hosted in the theatre adjacent to the casino at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. The event was marked by widespread intoxication, disorderly behavior, and numerous criminal and medical incidents – both inside and outside the venue – including alleged assaults, drug overdoses, and acts of public indecency. Although paid duty officers were present, additional police and emergency services were required to manage the situation.
In the midst of this high-risk environment, casino management approved an unscheduled request by the performing artist to host an after-party on the active gaming floor. The artist and more than 400 guests were permitted onto the gaming floor where the artist was allowed to perform amidst operational table games and gaming machines – without any prior risk assessment or planning.
As a result, security personnel were unable to effectively control the casino floor, including witness reports that an attendee was seen climbing onto slot machines. Failure to maintain appropriate control compromises the security, safety, and integrity of the casino floor. Following the conclusion of the event, the operator failed to promptly report these incidents to the AGCO as required.
Based on the findings of its review, the AGCOâs Registrar has issued an Order of Monetary Penalty (OMP) totaling $350,000 against Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. These penalties address critical failures in their operations, incident reporting, employee training, and the management of disturbances.
A gaming operator served with an OMP has 15 days to appeal the Registrarâs decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an adjudicative tribunal that is part of Tribunals Ontario and independent of the AGCO.
âCasino operators have a fundamental duty to control their gaming environment. Great Canadian Casino Resort Torontoâs lapses in this incident compromised the safety of patrons and the security and integrity of the gaming floor,â Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of AGCO, said.
Compliance Updates
Esportes da Sorte holds forum on âIntegrity in Sportsâ with CearĂĄ and NĂĄutico

Esportes da Sorte hosted its Match-Fixing Prevention Forum last week at CearĂĄ and NĂĄutico as main sponsor of both clubs. Held in partnership with Sportradar, the initiative is part of a series of in-person workshops, with upcoming sessions planned for Corinthians and FerroviĂĄria.
The project aims to combat illegal practices and reinforce a strong commitment to integrity in sport. Activities were tailored for athletes and members of the technical staff from the men’s and womenâs professional teams, as well as the under-20 squads. During the sessions, topics such as the definition of match-fixing, types of fraud, fraudstersâ modus operandi, legal risks, and reputational impacts were covered. Participants were offered practical guidance on how to respond to suspicious approaches.
âThis training programme reinforces our commitment to sports integrity and responsible gaming, pillars that guide our actions. We believe education is the best form of prevention, and we want to stand alongside clubs in this joint effort for transparency and the protection of sport,â said Ana Carolina Luna Maçães, Compliance Manager at Esportes Gaming Brasil, the group behind the Esportes da Sorte brand.
âCearĂĄ takes this topic very seriously. The club is an important player in the fight against match-fixing. We act preventively with regular meetings and have a handbook that addresses the topic with our squad. It is our duty to provide these moments of learning for athletes and technical staff. We live in a time when the integrity of sport is being questioned. In this scenario, actions like this are extremely important,â commented Lucas Drubscky, Football Executive at CearĂĄ.
The sessions were led by Felippe Marchetti, Integrity Partnerships Manager at Sportradar, a global sports technology company and recognized authority in sports integrity. In Brazil, Sportradar partners with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and 17 state federations, monitoring more than 10,000 matches per season. The company recently signed a Technical Cooperation Agreement (TCA) with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Sports.
âRaising awareness among athletes and teams is one of the most effective ways to protect competitions from manipulation. These workshops are designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to recognize threats and act responsibly. We are proud to support initiatives like this that strengthen the integrity of Brazilian sports,â said Felippe Marchetti.
Compliance Updates
New Bill in California Could End Online Sweepstakes Gaming

California State Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) has introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 831 to protect Californians from unregulated online gambling by prohibiting online sweepstakes games that use a âdual currencyâ model to mimic casino-style wagering.
âSweepstakesâ platforms sell virtual coins that are used to play casino-style games and can be redeemed for cash or prizes, essentially operating as unlicensed gambling businesses. By exploiting âNo Purchase Necessaryâ disclaimers, they sidestep Californiaâs regulatory framework and evade the stateâs voter-approved proposition related to Tribal-State gaming. Many of these âsweepstakesâ operators are based offshore and function without proper oversight, avoiding requirements like consumer protections, responsible gaming safeguards, background checks, and tax compliance.
âWe cannot look the other way while these platforms exploit legal grey areas. These operations undermine the voter-approved framework that affirms Tribal governmentsâ sovereign right to conduct gaming in California. AB 831 strengthens that framework and ensures gaming in California remains fair and accountable,â said Assemblymember Avelino Valencia.
AB 831 fortifies existing sweepstakes laws and clarifies the illegality of internet-based sweepstakes that use the dual currency model. It reinforces the shared responsibility between the State, licensed operators, and Native Nations to keep gaming safe, transparent, and accountable. AB 831 is co-sponsored by the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), and the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN), reflecting strong support from across Indian Country.
âFor over 25 years, Tribal governments like Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, have upheld the will of California voters by operating gaming with integrity. That commitment has allowed us to reinvest in our communities, boost local economies, and support essential public services on reservations and in partnerships across the state. Illegal online gaming now threatens this foundationâcompromising voter-approved law and putting Californians at risk,â said Yuhaaviatam Tribal Council of San Manuel Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena.
âWe support this legislation that will close dangerous loopholes and strengthen the integrity of Californiaâs gaming system. We remain committed to defending a proven framework that protects the sovereignty of Tribal Nations and delivers real and lasting benefits to all Californians. Together, Tribal governments and the State of California will continue to address and take decisive action against illegal internet gaming in all its forms,â said Yuhaaviatam Tribal Council of San Manuel Vice Chairman Johnny Hernandez, Jr.
âTribal government gaming contributes nearly $25 billion to Californiaâs economy, sustains over 112,000 jobs, and funds critical community programs. Unregulated online sweepstakes threaten this voter-approved system by imitating casino gaming without oversight, accountability, or community investment. These illegal platforms erase the benefits of regulated gaming while exposing consumers to serious risks,â said CNIGA Chairman James Siva.
AB 831 is pending a hearing in the Senate.
-
Compliance Updates7 days ago
PHAI Files Lawsuit in Pennsylvania Over Caesarsâ Dangerous Online Casino Promotion and âPay Through Bonusesâ
-
Latest News7 days ago
TG Lab unveils new Brazil office to further cement position as marketâs most localised platform
-
partnerships6 days ago
International Gaming Standards Association Welcomes New Payments Committee Member: Sightline Payments
-
Compliance Updates6 days ago
Honolulu Mayor Signs New Laws Targeting Illegal Game Rooms
-
Latest News6 days ago
FBMÂŽ unveils golden treasures in Mexico with Crocâs Lock⢠bites
-
Latest News6 days ago
AGS Named One of U.S. News & World Reportâs 2025â2026 Best Companies to Work For
-
eSports5 days ago
BETBY EXPANDS LATAM FOOTPRINT WITH MOBADOO ESPORTS PARTNERSHIP
-
Latest News4 days ago
Optimove and EveryMatrix Launch Real-Time Integration to Power Smarter Marketing for iGaming Operators