Conferences in Europe
Exclusive interview with Alex Henderson(Head of AML at The Ritz Hotel Casino), speaker at Prague Gaming Summit
Dear readers and subscribers,
Thank you for following my interview series and for sharing these information with your colleagues and partners. If you would like to be featured in an upcoming interview, please send me an e-mail to [email protected] and I will happily get back to you!
Moving forward, I would like to introduce my latest interviewee, Alex Henderson, who is the current Head of AML at The Ritz Hotel Casino and also a speaker at our upcoming live event/conference in Prague.
Thank you for your time and I hope you will gain vital information needed for your business in regards to AML and AMLD 4.
I would like to thank you for spending time to answer our questions. First I would kindly ask you to shortly introduce yourself.
Alex: I am the current head of AML at one of the UK’s top Mayfair casinos as well as a trainer for the global leader in AML/social responsibility training for gambling operators (AML Gaming Solutions). I have worked for the past 7 years for the National Crime Agency as a financial investigator and within the AML expert witness team as well as within covert operations where I portrayed many roles within counter terrorism, drugs. The most relevant to my current career is that I portrayed the role of an international money launderer.
Would you please speak about the effects of AMLD 4 on the gambling industry in geneneral and in the UK in particular?
Alex: My opinion is that in general the 4th MLD has had little impact for some operators but major impact for many others (if they have made the appropriate changes). The main impact came from the requirement to “know your customers” better which for many land based operators it is not a huge change, as many of them already go a long way to know about their clientele. For many online operators this was a tough change as my opinion is that many operators do the bare minimum when it comes to due diligence. Overall, I think that many operators do not even have measures in place to comply with law from 2002 (proceeds of crime act 2002), so I would not expect those operators to be doing anything to comply with law that has been in place less than 10 months. The reason I say this is because many of the MLRO’s (money laundering reporting officer) or AML managers I speak with know very little about money laundering/financial crime or their roles and responsibilities and the relevant laws and regulations.
You advise large number of organisations with regards to their AML compliance programmes. According to your experience what are the most frequent problems, issues regarding this topic?
Alex: Lack of knowledge is number 1. I am not just referring to the lower level employees but with MLRO’s and AML managers, the level of knowledge sometimes scares me. I have met with MLRO’s who did not know how to input a SAR (Suspicious activity report), some did not know basic money laundering techniques and how to identify them… then these MLRO’s are entrusted to protect the business and oversee staff training, so it is effectively the blind leading the blind. I speak with some businesses who tell me that they are low risk for money laundering or that criminals do not use their business…. When I tell them that I myself have actually laundered money through their business or have spent criminal proceeds through their business they have a sudden change in attitude, which for me is a good thing. Many gambling employees have not been given the basic knowledge for preventing financial crime which is the fault of the operator. I enjoy giving staff this knowledge and empowering them to detect criminality and prevent those criminals using their businesses.
What social responsibilities does preventing money laundering include?
Alex: In many cases, social responsibility and AML go hand in hand. If an operator has good AML processes in place they will often detect problem gambling concerns and vice versa. We have seen in the recent enforcement action that when an operator is punished for their lapses in social responsibility they are also punished for their lapses in AML, this is because operators generally do not do enough to protect their customers. If an operator has done enough to determine a customer’s Source of Wealth (SOW) they should know when that customer is spending more than they can afford. Therefore if that customer is spending outside of their known income, an operator should be doing extra checks to determine if the customer is spending more, because they either have a gambling problem or they are spending more because they also have some illegitimate funds that have not previously been uncovered.
There are new regulations in this domain. Will you please speak about these and their effects?
Alex: Operators are expected to do more, and rightly so. The expectation from the regulator is that both remote and non-remote operators need to step up and start protecting customers. But this is difficult and causes a huge conflict of interest amongst operators; on one hand they are trying to run a profitable business, keep customers gambling and spending money, on the other hand they are expected to stop customer if they gamble too long or spend too much money. The punishment for not protecting customers is too soft in my opinion. The gambling commission should be taking licences and giving hefty fines, at the moment operators get away with doing very little to protect customers. Operators would do a lot more if they genuinely felt their licence was on the line or that they would be fined excessively. If we take the banking industry as an example, it took HSBC getting fined £250m for all the banks to start carrying out adequate AML due diligence, before the HSB fine banks always done the minimum because they knew any fine they received would be worth paying. I think the gambling commission is definitely moving in the right direction but they need to send out a clear message, the way to do that is to start making examples of operators.
What about the UK? Where is it heading with the new regulations?
Alex: I think the gambling commission is going to get tougher and tougher on operators until the operators eventually start looking after their customers. UK operators need to do more, especially online. There is a poor knowledge of AML and even worse knowledge on problem gambling when it comes to online operators. Staff needs to be given proper training so they can protect the businesses and their legitimate customers. I think more regulation will keep coming and will keep getting harder until operators take it upon themselves to start protecting customers.
What do you think what is gaming considered by the people of the UK today; are they satisfied with the new changes?
Alex: Public trust in gambling has drastically decreased; this is because of all the negative media on problem gambling and money laundering. I think the public are happy that the industry is under such scrutiny because financial crime and problem gambling effects so many people. Operators have the power to regain trust from the public and I do think all the changes the commission and the government are trying to make will help to regain public trust once again.
What would you change in the present state of the British gambling market?
Alex: I would make it a requirement for operators and all staff to undertake adequate and relevant training on both AML and problem gambling. Many operators put staff through poor internal courses or e-learning programs which is not good enough. AML Gaming Solutions (AMLGS) are made up of AML experts who have worked for law enforcement, government and regulators. They deliver face to face training to all staff from the ground all the way up to the CEO which is highly important. Every operator should be undertaking training from experts such as AMLGS. It is vital for staff to hear from professionals and to understand what a vital role their play in preventing financial crime and protecting customers
What is your personal opinion about gambling industry in general in Europe?
Alex: I think that the industry is moving in the right direction, the constant updates in law and regulation are a good thing and operators need to embrace the changes. I do believe that from compliance perspective more needs to be done by operators, but we are getting there slowly. The industry is going to continue to grow; it is this growth that has brought the attention of various governments and law enforcements. Five years ago the industry was not on anyone’s radar but now every government in the world has taken an interest. This scrutiny has brought a well-deserved pressure to operators who have for many years failed to prevent financial crime; I think the message is clear: step up and do more or be on the receiving end of some very harsh penalties.
To hear more about the subject and meet Alex in person, make sure you register and attend Prague Gaming Summit 2018, held on the 29th of March at Andel’s by Vienna House Prague.
Interviewee profile:
Alex specialises in preventing money laundering in its varying forms and has a very unique insight that is hard to find.
Alex Henderson is the current Head of AML at The Ritz Hotel Casino, one of the worlds most prestigious casinos. Alex has worked for the National Crime Agency (NCA) as part of the AML expert witness team and has been involved in multiple high end money laundering investigations. As well as having worked for several years as part of the NCA’s AML expert witness team, Alex spent much of his NCA career working as part of the covert operations unit (Undercover operations) portraying many different roles, including the role of a high end money launderer. This unique insight into the mind of a criminal allows financial institutions to see the vulnerabilities and risks from a new angle. Alex advises a large number of organisations with regards to their AML compliance programmes and has lectured extensively in the UK and across Europe.
EXPERIENCE
• Successfully delivered AML training workshops to a large banking group with over 4000 employees
• Advises money service bureaus, banks and regulated businesses on their AML risks
• Operated in a covert capacity in various operations across the UK, portraying the role of a money launderer amongst many others
• Involved in many high profile investigations involving trade based money laundering and sector focused laundering
• Advised leading organisations on the financial crime risks and vulnerabilities impacting their business
• Delivered training to multiple financial institutions and developed staff knowledge of AML across over 100 organisations to date
• Leading the AML team at one of London’s top casinos, handling high risk members and overseeing the due diligence of the business customer database
• Advised a major bank in regards to their AML fine and enforcement action on best practice moving forward
• Involved in various counter terrorism and AML Law Enforcement operations across the UK
Conferences in Europe
CasinoBeats Summit 2024: Providing the Tools to Balance Innovation and Regulation in the Digital Age
As the industry seeks optimal methods to responsibly integrate innovative technology, the upcoming CasinoBeats Summit will provide delegates with an exploration of the latest emerging technologies, regulatory frameworks and future trends to ensure a safe yet immersive gaming experience for players.
The Industry and Leadership track will take place across both core days of the CasinoBeats Summit, May 22 to 23 at the InterContinental Malta. Panel sessions will delve into key topics such as global gaming regulations, the evolving digital payment landscape and an in-depth exploration of the world of M&A.
The panel entitled Responsible Gambling in the Digital Age will delve into the latest responsible gambling initiatives influencing the digital landscape. Expert speakers Pedro Romero (RG Consultant and psychologist, University of Gibraltar), Matthew Curtis (Head of Responsible Gaming, L&L), Georgia Wise (Head of Responsible Gaming, PlayNorth), Eduards Jakubovs (Head of Responsible Gaming, Betsson) and panel moderator Maris Catania (Senior SG Consultant, SG: Certified) will analyse the impact of landmark regulatory guidelines such as the 3.4.3 regulation on remote customer interaction and the United Kingdom’s ‘white paper’ as well as discuss the latest distinctions between regulated, grey and black markets.
The Industry Trends and Future Predictions panel will look at the future of the casino sector, examining upcoming industry trends and their potential impact. Industry leaders Itai Zak (Executive Director, Digicode, and former/ex-Chief Executive Officer, SBTech), Matthew D’Emanuele (Chief Executive Officer, Yolo Entertainment), Alexander Martin (Chief Executive Officer, SKS365), Inesa Glazaite (Chief Commercial Officer, iGaming Platform), Dmitry Starostenkov (Chief Executive Officer, EvenBet) alongside panel moderator Martyn Elliott (Project Director, SBC Media) will offer insights into key emerging markets, innovative game formats and strategies to effectively cater to evolving player needs.
Commencing the second day is the panel entitled The Evolving Landscape of Gaming Sector Payments, which will explore the current state of the industry’s payment sector. Expert speakers Sean Spiteri (Head of Payment Solutions, PressEnter), Enrico Giancaterina (Managing Director, Funtech) and Ian Perrygrove (Chief Risk Officer, Kwiff) will discuss the current payment innovations driven by the casino sector, analyse the future of digital payment methods and the potential risks of such rapid innovations.
The Navigating the Future: Global Gaming Regulations panel will explore strategies to effectively address the challenges posed by current and future global regulations. Regulator representatives Aideen Shortt, (Advisor to the Minister, Curacao), Andrew Lyman (Gambling Commissioner and Executive Director, Gibraltar), Andrew Rhodes (Chief Executive, Gambling Commission) and Brandon Debattista (Deputy Chief Regulatory Officer, Malta Gaming Authority) will provide insights into their respective markets whilst assessing the possibility of a unified global regulatory standard and the importance of cross-market collaboration.
Additionally, track attendees will have the opportunity to garner insights into the world of acquisition and investment during an exclusive IMGL-led masterclass, Acquisition Strategy: Gearing up for Investment, which is set to take place on Thursday, May 23, the second core day of the event.
For groups of three or more, you can purchase the Group Pass Ticket and gain access to all three days of the CasinoBeats Summit for the discounted price of €400 per person (a saving of €200 per ticket). Additionally, operators and affiliates can apply for a free pass to the event.
You can keep up-to-date with the latest news, speakers and exhibitor additions and conference content by subscribing to the bi-weekly CasinoBeats Summit LinkedIn newsletter.
The two-day conference dedicated to the Italian gaming market registers over 1,200 participants and gathers international acclaim: new appointment in April of 2025
The first edition of the Italian Gaming Expo & Conference (IGE) in Rome entitled ‘The sustainable future of gaming’ dedicated to the Italian gaming market is delving into the reality of a sector whose importance is recognized internationally together with institutions, experts, academics, opinion leaders and influencers. With the participation of around 1,200 delegates from over twelve different countries and the presence of multiple political, institutional and media personalities.
IGE Figures:
Over 130 speakers coming from several countries in Europe and the world. More than 35 sessions of content. Over 50 companies involved including partners and exhibitors. Over 20 political representatives and more than ten institutions represented including Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (the Italian gaming regulator), CONI, AGCOM, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests (MASAF), the State Police, Italian finance police, Europol and Interpol as well as the Government and Parliament with a large presence of representatives from the Chamber and Senate. To which we must add foreign regulators such as the United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and various international entities such as EASG, G4, the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL), the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) and the United Lotteries for Integrity in Sports (ULIS). These are the numbers of the first edition of IGE. With a presence that reached 1,187 delegates in the two days of the event.
At the heart of the event, the main topics that will drive the world of legal gaming in the coming months and years and the definition of the approach guidelines for companies that want to look to the future to innovation to sustainability. The reform of public gaming, the sustainable future of gaming, the strength of promotions between reorganization and consumer protection and the Italian model as a reference to ensure the integrity of sport in addition to the reform of horse racing. These are some of the topics discussed during the first day.
One of the primary goals of IGE is to allow participants to meet and discuss with experts, opinion leaders, scholars and some of the best C-levels at national and international level to find new ideas and solutions for the growth and development of their business. And it can certainly be considered achieved, taking into account the broad consensus recorded by the event, which also recorded the presence of authoritative exponents of the world of information, from the television presenter and deputy director of Il Giornale, Nicola Porro, to the deputy director of the La7 news program and host, Andrea Pancani, to the Director of RaiNews24, Paolo Petrecca.
“The Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli, as a regulatory body for the public gaming sector, has always been at the forefront in the defence and promotion of the principles representing the cornerstones on which the gaming industry is based,” the Central Games Director for the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli, Mario Lollobrigida, said. “Those of legality, safety and protection of consumers and public order. For this reason, the agency welcomed this Italian gaming expo and conference event as it is exactly focused on these communication values. In particular, we appreciate the highly scientific profile of the event, thanks to the participation of famous personalities and leading universities such as those of the Luiss, Bocconi and Politecnico di Milano, who will participate in these two days of debate.”
As regards the pressing current issues that animated the IGE discussion, the reform of the sector just launched by the government was undoubtedly at the center. “The new law is a chance for the state to undoubtedly find some additional resources from the tax levy, resources that allow the administration to make its choices,” Marco Osnato, President of the Finance Commission, Chamber of Deputies, said. “With this decree we have managed to achieve a balance of interests that is healthy for everyone. We always start from the protection of the citizen, the use of effective, traceable and exact legal services also in compliance with legal systems that have become more limited with a view to protecting and professionalising companies. A more peaceful approach.”
According to Ettore Rosato, COPASIR Secretary, member of the Foreign Affairs Commission, Chamber of Deputies: “Gaming is a sector that I have been dealing with for a long time and I believe it is essential that politics recognize its value both in economic terms from tax revenue to the number of employees and companies on the market to the terms of legality and social impact. Public gaming is an obstruction to organized crime and is a controlled system, which also allows us to control the risks of gambling addiction that may arise.”
However, pay attention to all the topics of interest and current affairs that revolve around the sector, starting with the ban on advertising, which is still in force today. Laura Aria, AGCOM Commissioner, declared: “According to article 57 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the provision of gaming service cannot be completely banned. Moreover, managing highly addictive phenomena such as gambling addiction with a prohibitionist approach towards the medium, ie gambling, does not seem to be an effective solution. I believe that a better awareness campaign and inter-institutional cooperation is needed. Legislation and monitoring of gambling allow for better management of gambling addiction. Therefore, investing in prevention is the central point.”
But there was also talk of match-fixing and the Italian intelligence network based on the betting sector that represents excellence on a global level. According to Ugo Taucer, Attorney General, CONI: “Even before the Macolin convention, there is an Italian tradition of discussion between police forces, institutional bodies responsible for games control, private operators, federations and sports through the Luiss office, which establishes institutional cooperation and an exchange of news. There is a wide scope for exchange and discussion, a strong correspondence between the various areas.”
There is a lot of content relating to responsible gaming with particular attention to the investigative works presented in preview by the FAIR Foundation, as its President, Matteo Caroli, explains: “In Italy, there are no independent foundations dedicated to responsible gaming. With the Fondazione FAIR, we want to promote a gaming culture that focuses on prevention as well as respect and people protection through the development of lines of scientific research, studies and research. We also aim to promote cooperation and study activities with qualified third parties, thus adopting a multidisciplinary approach open to discussion with everyone.”
According to Alessio Crisantemi, co-founder and Gn Media President, Organizer of IGE: “The gaming industry is a real source of talent and cradle of true excellence, especially in Italy. In this sense, we are proud of the success of this event, which offers a precious opportunity for discussion and training between stakeholders, institutions and operators on crucial issues for the future of the sector such as sustainability and innovation. But innovation is not for its own sake, neither only oriented to profitability or product appeal, but applied above all in the search for solutions and systems for consumer protection and safety. Therefore, these two days of meetings and discussions are even more important in order to give proper prominence to a sector that needs to be promoted and enhanced as it can substantially contribute to the growth of the country but in a sustainable way.”
The event, which aims to be an annual event for the industry, closed by announcing the next dates of April 9 to 10, 2025.
The debut of the Italian Gaming Awards:
The first edition of IGE was crowned by the gala evening of the Italian Gaming Awards hosted by the Director of RaiNews24, Paolo Petrecca, and the actress Giorgia Fiori, who celebrated the excellence of gaming in Italy awarding 19 prizes to operators, suppliers and other categories. The complete list of winners can be consulted at this address: https:/ /ItalianGamingAwards. com/IGA2024/it/page/iga-2024-winners.
Conferences in Europe
ITL Spain head to Madrid for the largest gaming exhibition in the Spanish calendar
Innovative Technology (ITL) have announced their participation at the largest global network of gaming professionals in Spain. From 7-9 May 2024, Madrid will become the centre of the Spanish gaming industry, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Feria Internacional del Juego (FIJMA).
FIJMA is the most important event in the leisure and gaming industry in Spain where the main companies, manufacturers and experts in the industry gather to learn about the latest slots and gaming equipment innovations. The Spanish team at ITL will be exhibiting their solutions on stand A49 and plan to have their latest note recyclers and coin handling products centre stage, as well as demonstrating how their biometrics solutions can be utilised to benefit the gaming industry to prevent underage gambling.
Jose Garcia Escudero, General Manager for ITL Spain said, “We are looking forward to showing how combining our compact note recycler (NV22 Spectral) and advanced coin recycler (SMART Coin System) gives the best fit for cash handling efficiency for gaming machines in Spain. These solutions now dominate the Spanish gaming market giving operators considerable float management savings, fewer refills, and a massive reduction in coin starvation for improved machine uptime. We’ll also show the new NV4000 mixed denomination note recycler to the Spanish gaming market for the first time, ideal for high volume applications like change and redemption terminals.”
ITL have a range of AI-powered biometric solutions which perform accurate age verification at gaming venue entrances or integrated in gaming machines.
Continuing Jose said, “We will also have our age check devices on the stand for visitors to demo which can help operators prevent someone potentially underage or even self-excluded trying to play a machine or access an age restricted area. ICU Lite can be fully integrated in a gaming machine or betting terminal to automatically estimate age to prevent minors from playing. MyCheckr can be utilised at 18+ entrances to prevent access. Both devices have a one-off cost with no subscriptions and no internet required. Our technology is affordable, available to all and trusted, with no biometric personal data stored.”
Concluding Jose said, “We have very strong relationships with the Spanish market and we’re proud to know that our products will be displayed on a number of stands from our long standing customers. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in person in Madrid and we welcome you all to stand A49.”
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