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Gaming Americas Q3 Meetup: Gaming Insights with Segev LLP
![Gaming Americas Q3 Meetup: Gaming Insights with Segev LLP](https://gamingamericas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GAQ-Panel.jpg)
The Gaming Americas Quarterly Meetups by Hipther Agency are designed to keep you up-to-date with what is fresh in the North American and Latin American gambling industry.
The meetups feature several panel discussions per region and topics that are joined by key industry experts, CEOs, C-Level Executives, Business Development Managers, and sometimes government officials/regulators.
The Gaming Americas Q3 Virtual Meetup that took place on September 13 presented an in-depth exploration of US gambling legislation, featuring the latest edition of the ‘Gaming Insights with Segev LLPâ and the âUS Legislation Round-upâ, while the last session delved into the world of AI and the challenges it poses in the iGaming sector.
Session 1: ‘Gaming Insights with Segev LLPâ
Speaker: Negin Alavi, lawyer at Segev LLPÂ
Watch the Session on YouTube and HiptherTV!
Negin Alavi, a distinguished lawyer at Segev LLP, took the virtual stage during the ‘Gaming Insights with Segev LLP’ session, setting the tone for a captivating discussion on the evolving legal landscape of gaming and betting.
Kicking things off, Negin provided a brief overview of Segev LLP and its international operations spanning Canada, the United States, and China. This global presence underscores the firm’s commitment to addressing legal challenges and opportunities across borders. With this foundation in place, Negin delved into the heart of the matter: a comprehensive review of the current gaming and betting laws that shape the industry.
Intriguingly, Negin also explored the potential transformative effects of the proposed alterations outlined in Canadian Bill S-268. This bill, titled “An Act to Amend the Criminal Code and the Indian Act,” carries the promise of redefining the Canadian gaming and betting legal landscape.
Before delving into the legal intricacies, Negin took a moment to acknowledge the significance of her location. She presented her insights from Vancouver, situated on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territory of the Musqueam Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations. This acknowledgment was twofold: a mark of respect for the indigenous peoples who steward these lands and a recognition that discussions about Canadian law, particularly those concerning indigenous peoples, are imbued with profound implications.
The current legal landscape in Canada revolves around the Criminal Code, the primary piece of legislation governing gaming and betting. Under this federal legislation, gaming and betting are generally illegal, with certain exceptions, notably lotteries. Negin emphasized that gaming, as defined by the Gambling Law, comprises three fundamental elements: consideration (the bet or wager of money), chance, and a prize. Even when games blend skill and chance, they are still categorized as games of chance in Canada.
Provinces possess the authority to enact gaming legislation within their borders, and even operate in partnership with offshore gaming operators, as seen in Ontario’s new iGaming regime. However, altering the Criminal Code, a federal statute, is beyond their unilateral reach. Despite this federal oversight, recent legal reforms have significantly shaped Canadian iGaming. Single-event sports betting became legal in August 2021, and Ontario launched its established iGaming Regime in April 2022.
Before these changes, Provinces were constrained to offering parlay betting, leaving offshore operators to fill the void in single-event (and live) betting. Now, with the legalization of single-event betting, any Province can oversee it. Ontario, being well-positioned, promptly launched its iGaming regime, now in competition with unregulated offshore offerings. This shift has allowed legally registered iGaming operators to provide their catalog to Ontario consumers, who spend nearly a billion CAD on online gambling. It’s a move toward embracing private operators rather than battling against them.
However, it’s essential to recognize the context: many Canadian companies were pioneers in the early days of iGaming, but due to regulatory limitations, they relocated offshore. These legal reforms may signal a return to Canada’s true potential in the iGaming sector.
The implications extend beyond economics. The Ontario Government stands to gain substantial tax revenues, which were once lost to unregulated operators. With these reforms in place, the iGaming industry in Canada is poised for better regulation, emphasizing consumer protection, responsible gaming, and job creation.
Turning our attention to the future, Negin provided a compelling overview of the impending changes in Canada’s legal landscape. At the forefront stands Bill S-268, poised to terminate provincial governments’ monopoly on lotteries.
To facilitate the discussion, Negin illuminated the legal distinction between indigenous peoples and First Nations. While indigenous peoples encompass all of Canada’s original peoples and their descendants, a First Nation is an officially recognized group under the Canadian Federal Government’s administrative unit, governed by the Indian Act. Importantly, Bill S-268 proposes to amend this very act.
The Indian Act, originally enacted in 1876, has a complex history marked by efforts to assimilate indigenous peoples and numerous discriminatory provisions. While some of these provisions have been removed, the act still wields a substantial influence over indigenous peoples’ lives today.
The proposed changes in Bill S-268 are ambitious and far-reaching. Its preamble is particularly noteworthy, as it outlines the legal foundation for these changes. Negin read the preamble aloud, emphasizing the recognition of indigenous and treaty rights, including their rights to regulate activities like gaming, betting, and lotteries on their lands.
This nuanced phrasing suggests that lawmakers are granting new rights to indigenous peoples while acknowledging that they already possess inherent treaty rights to oversee gaming, betting, and lotteries on their lands. The potential impact of this specific wording on Canada’s legal framework remains to be seen should Bill S-268 become law.
Moving on, Negin detailed the enforceable part of the bill, containing amendments that provide considerable flexibility to First Nations in managing lotteries. These amendments span charitable gaming licensing, fairs and exhibition gaming, amusement park lotteries, and the Terms & Conditions of licenses. In effect, these changes substantially narrow the scope of the current criminal code exceptions, representing a significant shift in Canada’s gaming laws. Importantly, it would mark the first time in Canadian gaming law that provincial governments would not need to be directly involved in for-profit gaming operations.
Summarizing, Negin pointed out the profound implications of this bill. If enacted, hundreds of First Nations could independently conduct and manage lotteries, each in accordance with their own laws. This change opens up a world of possibilities, not only in terms of revenue but also empowerment for indigenous peoples.
In conclusion, Bill S-268 stands as a transformative piece of legislation, promising to reshape the industry and empower indigenous communities. These discussions hold significance not just for the iGaming sector but for the broader Canadian legal landscape and its indigenous peoples.
As we eagerly await the unfolding of these legal developments, it’s clear that the gaming industry in North America is poised for significant changes, with potential benefits for all stakeholders.
Stay tuned for the next two insightful sessions of Gaming America Q3 Meetup, the US Legislation Round-up for Q3 and the hot AI issues in iGaming!
Watch the video of âGaming Insights with Segev LLPâ on YouTube & Hipther TV!
Compliance Updates
IGSA Welcomes Sharp Vision as Silver Member
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The International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) has welcomed Sharp Vision as a new Silver member. Sharp Vision is a leading provider of regulatory turnkey solutions for gaming authorities.
âWe are delighted to be a part of IGSA and we look forward to contributing to the advancement of best practices among regulators in the fast-growing gaming industry,â Damien Raymond, COO of Sharp Vision, said.
âIGSA is very excited to welcome Sharp Vision to our membership. We believe that IGSA Standards can enhance Sharp Visionâs products supporting regulatory authority oversight. We look forward to their participation in IGSA committees,â Mark Pace, President of IGSA, said.
Latest News
BigCash Goes Global with Launch in Brazil
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BigCash, Indiaâs leading online skill-based real money gaming company, has set its sights on global expansion and aims to offer an unparalleled gaming experience to users worldwide. The global skill-based gaming market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of 13.50% and will be valued at USD 106.78 billion, by 2032. Building on its success in India, BigCash is poised to introduce its entertaining games to global audiences, uniquely blending local flavors with its hallmark innovative gameplay.
BigCash started its journey in 2017 and has quickly become playersâ preferred choice, by strategically focusing on launching new games and features regularly and due to its superfast and user-friendly interface. Being a multi-gaming app, it offers a wide range of games tailored for all age groups. With popular Indian card games, like poker, rummy, and call break with regional variations; casual games like ludo, ice blaster, fruit chop, along with fantasy cricket, the platform resonates deeply with the players of Bharat.
Continuing on the mission to take Indian technology global and to reach a wider global gaming audience, BigCash, after months of an in-depth market study, had set its views on expanding its global presence with in-house developed and tailored gaming technology and experience. BigCash presently operates in Brazil, besides India.
One of the key reasons behind BigCashâs entry into the Latin American market is the regionâs immense potential for growth in the gaming sector. Brazil, in particular, has emerged as a hotspot for gaming companies due to its large population, favorable demographics, and a growing middle class with disposable income.
BigCashâs global expansion plans include multiple launches in Latin America, Asia, and Africa over the next 12 months. BigCash plans to offer local and international flavors, customized specifically for each country, with a focus on Responsible Gaming and other trust measures, to ensure a deeper bonding with the players.
Ankur Singh, CEO of BigCash, said: âGoing global has been part of our strategic planning always; with our launch in Brazil, we have just taken the first step. We are aspiring to be present in 8 countries in the next 12 months. The competitive landscape in Latin Americaâs gaming industry presents both opportunities and challenges. BigCash is a perfect fit for the Latin American gaming landscape due to our stronghold on tech, which allows product customizations, easy-to-play online games, a supersafe and fast experience; we are already gaining a lot of organic traction.â
Latest News
Michigan Lottery Transitions to 1-800-GAMBLER for Responsible Gaming Support
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The Michigan Lottery announced that it will transition to the National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER for responsible gaming support. This aligns the agency with the Michigan Gaming Control Board and other online gaming platforms operating in Michigan in promoting 1-800-GAMBLER. The 1-800-GAMBLER helpline will replace the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline currently in circulation (1-800-270-7117), although the previous number will remain in operation.
âThe Lottery is committed to providing Michiganders with easy access to resources that support responsible gaming. By transitioning to 1-800-GAMBLER, we are able to ensure that Michigan residents can reach specially trained staff who can provide confidential professional support, local referrals, and resources to those who may have a gambling problem,â said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli.
Operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), 1-800-GAMBLER is the worldâs largest problem gambling helpline network by call volume, population served, and geographic area covered. The helpline connects people and families impacted by problem gambling with professional support, local referrals, and resources.
Calls made to 1-800-GAMBLER from Michigan will be routed to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The helpline can also be reached by texting 800GAM or chatting online at 1800gamblerchat.org. Trained contact center staff are available 24/7, 365 days a year to provide support, guidance, and relevant information to anyone seeking help related to problem gambling. Additionally, players or their family members may connect to support resources such as live chat, text, and the helpline number by selecting the links in the footer of the Lotteryâs website.
The Michigan Lottery was the first lottery in the US to achieve the Internet Responsible Gambling Compliance Assessment Program certification through NCPG in October 2015. The NCPG evaluated the Lotteryâs compliance with Internet Responsible Gaming (IRG) standards developed based on best practices from jurisdictions around the world. IRG standards are the highest standards for online responsible gaming in the nation.
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