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Compliance Updates

Gaming Americas Q1 2024 Meetup: Balancing Slot Mechanics and the US Legislation Roundup

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Gaming Americas Q1 2024 Meetup: Balancing Slot Mechanics and the US Legislation Roundup

 

HIPTHER’s Virtual Quarterly Meetups for the Gaming industry have officially returned for 2024! The Gaming Americas Q1 Virtual Meetup took place on February 28, featuring an informative panel on Innovating Slot Mechanics, and our staple US Legislation Round-up.

HIPTHER’s Co-Founder, Zoltan Tuendik, hosted the first session about Slot Mechanics, featuring Connor Blinman, Head of Games at Gaming Corps, and Raph Di Guisto, Founder at Silverback Gaming. For the Q1 US Legislation Roundup, the “usual suspects” Martin Lycka, SVP for American Regulatory Affairs & Responsible Gambling at Entain, Bill J. Pascrell III, Esq, Partner at Princeton Public Affairs Group Inc, and Jeremy Kleiman, Gaming Attorney and Member at Saiber LLC, reunited for a session that offered ample insight into the latest regulatory updates in the United States.

The first part of the Meetup primarily focused on the future direction of the gaming industry, including emerging trends in slots and game mechanics, the potential of virtual reality and multiplayer technology in the casino industry, and the game development process. The US Legislation Roundup walked us through the challenges faced by the online gambling industry due to the popularity of unregulated offshore sites, the sports betting industry, the legalization of iGaming in various states, the regulation of online gambling and sports betting, and the future of online sports betting and iGaming services.

 

Innovating Slot Mechanics: Balancing Novelty with User Experience

Connor and Raph discussed the game development process, highlighting the importance of understanding the target audience, conducting market research, and introducing innovative mechanics. They anticipate a trend towards medium volatility games with increased player engagement. They also discussed the potential of skill-based and personalized gaming experiences, as well as integrating multiplayer technology. The conversation underscored the complexities of the market and the need for continuous innovation. They discussed the challenges of introducing a new feature in the competitive slots game market and the importance of adapting and innovating. They also focused on reducing player fatigue and burnout and adapting to evolving market needs. The discussion ended with a focus on measuring the success of new game mechanics after their release using player feedback and data analysis.

 

Q1 US Legislation Roundup: Online Gambling Challenges, New Markets,Taxation, and Sports Betting Industry

Jeremy discussed the difficulties faced by the online gambling industry due to the popularity of unregulated offshore sites among players in regulated markets. He questioned the incentives for players to switch to regulated sites and acknowledged this as a challenge for both the industry and regulators.The conversation between Jeremy, Bill, and Martin revolved around sports betting, particularly in New York and North Carolina, with a focus on tax rates and policy. The need for investing in consumer protection, innovation, and improved customer experience was emphasized.

Bill Pascrell discussed the challenges and progress of online gaming in various states, including the potential tax increase proposed in New Jersey and the readiness of other states to legalize iGaming. The conversation primarily focused on the introduction of sports betting legislation in various states and its potential impact. The panelists also briefly touched on the possibility of regulating online casino and poker games in Maryland. The conversation emphasized the importance of bringing in interested operators, incentivizing them with bonuses, deductions, and reasonable tax rates.

Bill, Martin and Jeremy had a wide-ranging discussion about the sports betting industry. They highlighted the role of Senator Hoskins and his support for the industry. They also touched upon the public perception of the industry and the need for responsible gambling. The conversation explored the challenges of regulating the Black Market and the potential for increased tax revenue. The group also acknowledged the need for the industry to proactively educate the public about its benefits. Towards the end, they discussed the difficulty of creating a positive narrative around the industry.

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Bill, Jeremy, and Martin discussed the regulation of online gambling and sports betting, emphasizing the need for a balance between industry growth and job creation, and addressing concerns about dysfunction and stakeholder engagement. They also touched on the potential of technological innovation and the risk of entrenched market shares. The conversation concluded with a reminder about the importance of integrity, compliance, legality, and responsible gaming in the industry. The trio discussed the need to respect tribes and engage with them in negotiations. The issue of betting on college sports was raised, highlighting potential risks for players and the need for regulation. The discussion ended with a brief mention of the NCAA tournament and the importance of commercial operators’ support for legislation.

The panel concluded with thoughts on the future of online sports betting and iGaming services. The speakers emphasized the importance of agreements with individual states and the federal government to offer these services. The role of human interaction in understanding stakeholders’ interests and pain points was highlighted, and the potential for legalizing sports betting in California and other states was discussed, while acknowledging the problems with the black market. The need for a more efficient way to engage with tribes and the necessity of regulation were stressed as next steps to drive out the black market.

 

Coming up Next:

Watch the recording of the Gaming Americas Q1 Meetup on HIPTHER TV, and keep an eye out for our next Gaming Americas Quarterly Meetups for 2024!

 

Compliance Updates

Flutter Response to Illinois Transaction Fee

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,Flutter Response to Illinois Transaction Fee

 

Flutter Entertainment notes the recent decision by the Illinois State legislature to introduce a betting transaction fee for licensed operators on all sports wagers placed within the state from July 1, 2025 (Illinois Transaction Fee).

In response, from September 1, 2025, FanDuel, Flutter’s US market-leading brand, announces that it will introduce a new $0.50 transaction fee on each bet placed on its platform in Illinois. This decision reflects the significant increase in the cost of operating in Illinois driven by the new Illinois Transaction Fee. The introduction of this fee by the state follows a substantial increase in the betting tax rate in Illinois in 2024. Following the 2024 increase, extensive efforts were made by FanDuel to absorb the cost fully without impacting customers.

Should the state reverse its decision at any point in the future, FanDuel will immediately remove the $0.50 transaction fee.

Peter Jackson, Flutter CEO, commented: “It is important to recognize that there is an optimal level for gaming tax rates that enables operators to provide the best experience for customers, maximize market growth and maximize revenue for states over time. We are disappointed that the Illinois Transaction Fee will disproportionately impact lower wagering recreational customers while also punishing those operators who have invested the most to grow the online regulated market in the state. We also believe the introduction of the Illinois Transaction Fee will likely motivate some Illinois-based customers to bet with unregulated operators. These operators do not contribute tax revenue to the state, will not collect the newly announced transaction fee and do not offer the same levels of customer protection that regulated operators provide.”

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Compliance Updates

Esportes Gaming Brasil unveils Ana Carolina Luna Maçães as Compliance Manager to reinforce regulatory commitment

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Esportes Gaming Brasil, the owner of Onabet and Esportes da Sorte, has unveiled Ana Carolina Luna Maçães as its new Compliance Manager. The hire reinforces the company’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and good governance in Brazil’s evolving betting market.

Esportes Gaming Brasil’s new Head of Compliance, Ana Carolina Luna Maçães, commented: “Esportes Gaming Brasil has set a high standard in Brazil’s betting market with its total commitment to integrity, governance, and responsible gaming. It’s a privilege to join this exceptional team as Compliance Manager. My role is to reinforce our culture of compliance, navigating us through complex regulatory frameworks across multiple jurisdictions with as little friction as possible. Our mission is to deliver secure, transparent, and competitive services for our partners and clients.”  

A seasoned legal and compliance professional who has spent time at NSX Brasil, Maçães joins with expertise in financial crime prevention, responsible gambling, and corporate ethics. She has earned a CPC-A certification from LEC (Legal, Ethics & Compliance), and she significantly strengthens the group’s in-house compliance work.

Esportes Gaming Brasil CEO Darwin Filho, added: “It’s more than just complying with and supporting regulations. Esportes Gaming Brasil has been actively leading the process of maturing the betting sector in the country. Our commitment to governance has been an essential part of our business model since the beginning. The arrival of Ana Carolina represents a strategic reinforcement, further strengthening the culture of compliance that has always guided the company.”

Esportes Gaming Brasil is proud to be one of the Brazilian-licensed operators under the SPA/MF framework and is renowned for impactful responsible gambling measures, including self-exclusion tools, behaviour monitoring, and an addiction support network.

With deep relationships to national sport and culture through major football sponsorships and experiential collaborations, and a growing digital presence via Onabet, the group is committed to shaping a safe, sustainable, and responsible future for Brazil’s gaming sector.

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Compliance Updates

Zimpler Becomes Certified Payment Institution in Brazil, Strengthens Local Open Finance Ecosystem

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Zimpler Becomes Certified Payment Institution in Brazil, Strengthens Local Open Finance Ecosystem

 

Zimpler, a leading Swedish company in Pay-by-bank solutions, has become a certified Payment Institution (PI) in Brazil, authorized by the Central Bank. Now Zimpler is allowed to facilitate payments and other Open Finance ecosystem resources, streamlining the checkout process and reducing friction by allowing direct transactions without redirecting users to bank apps. This movement solidifies Zimpler’s plans and structure in Brazil.

“We are thrilled to receive this authorization from the Brazilian Central Bank. The recognition of Zimpler as a payment initiator reinforces our commitment to this local market, which offers a great opportunity for growth and value in a very dynamic and competitive environment,” said Johan Strand, CEO of Zimpler.

The authorization, which also allows Zimpler to act as an electronic money institution, strengthens the Open Finance ecosystem in Brazil, one of the most advanced in the world and which now welcomes the leading payments fintech from Sweden. Businesses looking to thrive in the country can now benefit from the Zimpler’s seamless payment experience, giving them a competitive edge in a dynamic and fast-moving market.

“This milestone showcases the strength of Swedish innovation and the mutual benefits that come from closer economic collaboration between Sweden and Brazil. Sweden has long been a leader in financial technology, and we are proud to see companies like Zimpler bring their experience and trusted solutions to contribute to Brazil’s dynamic digital economy,” said Andreas Rentner, Trade Commissioner and Country Manager of Business Sweden in Brazil.

“With our experience powering over 80% of Sweden’s population through Swish, we’re bringing the same proven technology and approach to Brazil through Pix, one of the most successful real-time payment systems in the world. We’re looking forward to helping businesses unlock the full potential of Open Finance in Brazil with seamless, secure payments that drive market growth,” Strand said.

The authorization by the Central Bank is another step in strengthening Zimpler’s foundation in Brazil, following the opening of its São Paulo office in 2022. The company remains focused on expanding its footprint and deepening its partnerships across key verticals such as iGaming, where it sees strong growth potential.

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GamingAmericas.com (part of HIPTHER) is your one-stop portal for the latest news, insights, and analyses in the gaming industry across the Americas. From legislative updates and market trends to interviews with industry leaders, we provide a comprehensive look at the dynamic landscape of both online and land-based gaming. Whether you're a stakeholder looking to stay ahead of the curve or a gaming enthusiast eager for reliable updates, GamingAmericas.com has got you covered. Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for real-time updates and exclusive content. Make informed decisions and stay ahead in the game with GamingAmericas.com.

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