Compliance Updates
Brazilian Ministry of Finance and IBIA sign sports betting integrity agreement
The Brazilian Ministry of Finance and the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) have signed a sports betting integrity cooperation agreement. It will allow both parties to share information concerning suspicious betting activity connected to Brazilian sport and collaborate on any investigations.
The agreement brings together the governmental body responsible for ensuring that the Brazilian market is legal, safe and reliable, and the largest international betting integrity monitor for private operators in the world. Leading industry data and intelligence company H2 Gambling Capital has forecast that IBIA will cover more than 70% of the Brazilian remote gambling market.
According to âThe Availability of Sports Betting Products: An Economic and Integrity Analysisâ study published earlier this year, the new sports betting regulatory regime in Brazil is projected to create $34bn in sports betting turnover by 2028. With this increased growth comes a greater responsibility to protect customers, sports and betting operators from match-fixing.
A key element of the new Brazilian regulatory framework is the requirement that operators seeking a licence must join an independent sports integrity monitoring body. This licensing requirement is helping to strengthen IBIAâs capacity to monitor, assess and protect betting transactions in Brazilâs regulated sports betting market and maintain the integrity of Brazilian sporting events.
Regis Dudena, Secretary of Betting and Prizes, said: âCooperation with IBIA will add to SPA’s work in combating the manipulation of sporting events. And together we will mitigate this problem on a global scale.â
Khalid Ali, IBIA CEO, said: âIBIA is delighted to have reached this agreement with the Brazilian Ministry of Finance and welcomes the governmentâs increased focus on creating a robust sports betting integrity ecosystem to tackle match-fixing. Collaboration and information sharing are key to the success of this ecosystem. Under this agreement IBIA will identify and report suspicious betting on Brazilian sporting events to the Ministry of Finance to support investigatory actions. That will include detailed customer account data that is only available to IBIA and its members.â
Frederico Alves Soares Justo, General Coordinator of Money Laundering at the Brazilian Ministry of Finance, said: âFor the Secretary of Prizes and Betting to sign this agreement with IBIA is the certainty that we are on the right path to curb the manipulation of results. We will make the most of the experience that IBIA has in monitoring the betting market to create mechanisms that curb this practice that undermines the credibility of sport and the betting market. Itâs a partnership in which everyone wins.â
IBIA is a globally recognised non-profit organization that seeks to safeguard the integrity of the sports and betting sectors by fighting betting related match-fixing and fraud. It provides a free integrity monitoring service to sports governing bodies, regulators and law enforcement agencies that, importantly, is also free from potential conflicts created by the provision of competing commercial services, enabling all parties to efficiently and effectively cooperate in investigating, prosecuting and deterring sports betting related match-fixing.
Compliance Updates
Michigan Gaming Control Board Orders MyBookie.ag to Cease Operations in the State
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a cease-and-desist letter to Duranbah Limited N.V., the operator of MyBookie.ag, based in Curaçao. The site offers a variety of casino-style games, such as slots, poker, and live-dealer games like blackjack, roulette, and craps. It also allows users to place bets on sporting events and horse races.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams stressed the agencyâs dedication to safeguarding consumers and ensuring compliance with Michiganâs gaming regulations.
âOur investigation into MyBookie.ag found that their operations were accessible to Michigan citizens, which violates state laws. We are taking strong action to uphold the principles of fair and legal gaming,â Williams said.
MyBookie.ag offers numerous payment methods for deposits and the funding of playersâ accounts, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, various cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and others), and MoneyGram. However, withdrawals can only be made via Bitcoin or bank wire transfer.
The MGCBâs investigation revealed that MyBookie.agâs operation of online casino-style games for paying customers, without a valid Michigan gambling license, breaches several state laws, including:
⢠Lawful Internet Gaming Act: Internet gaming is only permitted by licensed operators. Only casinos licensed under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act and federally authorized tribal casinos within Michigan may apply for such a license.
⢠Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act: Operating a gambling business without an MGCB-issued license is a felony, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
⢠Michigan Penal Code: Gambling, which involves consideration, prize, and chance, is broadly prohibited. Accepting money or anything of value with the understanding that it will be paid based on the outcome of an uncertain event is illegal.
Duranbah Limited N.V. has 14 days from receipt of the letter to cease offering gambling services to Michigan residents, as required by the cease-and-desist letter. If the company fails to comply, the MGCB is prepared to collaborate with the Michigan Attorney Generalâs Office for further legal actions.
Compliance Updates
MGCB Executive Director Applauds Reappointment of Board Member Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds by Governor
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has announced the reappointment of Troy resident and Board member Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. This reappointment reaffirms the governorâs confidence in Lambert-Boundsâ dedication, integrity, and invaluable contribution to the agencyâs mission of ensuring a fair and transparent gaming environment.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams expressed deep appreciation for the governorâs decision, noting that Lambert-Boundsâ continued leadership will greatly benefit the agency.
âBoard member Lambert-Bounds has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment and insight in regulating Michiganâs gaming industry, and we are thrilled to have her continue as a vital part of our Board. This reappointment is a testament to her unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of integrity and fairness,â said Williams.
Reappointed for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2028, Lambert-Bounds is the president and co-owner of Ignite Social Media LLC, and the chief operating officer and co-owner of its sister company, Carusele Media. She also serves on the executive boards of the Sphinx Organization, International Womenâs Forum, and the Michigan Partnership for Equity and Opportunity.
The reappointment is Lambert-Boundsâ second four-year term of serving on the MGCB, representing Independents, for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2028. She previously served from July 22, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2024, and succeeded Barbara Smith, whose term expired Dec. 31, 2020.
The MGCB is responsible for implementing, administering, and enforcing the provisions of the law related to the licensure, regulation, and operations of the three authorized Detroit casinos â MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown. The agency also licenses and regulates fantasy contests, regulates pari-mutuel horse racing and casino-style charitable gaming (millionaire parties), and audits tribal gaming compact agreements for the stateâs 12 federally recognized tribes.
The Board comprises five Michigan residents appointed by the Governor, with one member designated by the Governor as the chairperson. Under the Michigan Gaming Control & Revenue Act, no more than three members may belong to the same political party.
Compliance Updates
BMM Testlabs Earns Accreditation in MaranhĂŁo, Brazil To Test Fixed Odds Betting Systems and Lottery Platforms
BMM Testlabs, the world’s original gaming test lab renowned for exceptional product compliance and testing services, today announced its official accreditation to test systems and games for the Brazilian state of MaranhĂŁo.
This new accreditation allows BMM Testlabs to test fixed-odds betting systems and lottery platforms for the MaranhĂŁo market. The Company is now authorized in every Brazilian jurisdiction that has regulated at state-level online fixed-odds betting.
The MaranhĂŁo accreditation, issued by MaranhĂŁo Parcerias SA (MAPA/LOTEMA), authorizes BMM Testlabs to work with lottery operators in the state to ensure compliance and quality standards for the gaming and lottery industry through end-to-end product compliance testing for MaranhĂŁoâs standards.
Additionally, Brazilâs Secretaria de PrĂŞmios e Apostas has federally authorized BMM Testlabs to test betting systems, live gaming studios, and online games used by fixed-odds betting operators.
BMM Testlabsâ Marzia Turrini, President of iGaming & Cybersecurity, said, âWe are excited and deeply honored that the State of MaranhĂŁoâs official lottery has entrusted BMM Testlabs with the responsibility of testing products for their new online fixed odds betting program, knowing that weâll do so with the highest levels of impartiality, technical expertise, transparency, efficiency, and, most of all, integrity.â
With the MaranhĂŁo accreditation, BMM Testlabs solidifies its position as the leading independent test lab in Brazil. BMM Testlabs is accredited in all jurisdictions that have authorized fixed-odds betting for online gaming and sports betting.
BMM Testlabs brings 44 years of global leadership in product compliance across regulated markets and is trusted by games, systems, and lottery manufacturers, suppliers, developers, and regulators worldwide.
In addition to product compliance testing, BMM Testlabs provides end-to-end cybersecurity protection solutions. Through its sister company, RG24seven Virtual Training, BMM also offers compliance-grade virtual training on responsible gaming, anti-money laundering, and other important topics â presented by industry experts and available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
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