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Exclusive interview with Alex Henderson(Head of AML at The Ritz Hotel Casino), speaker at Prague Gaming Summit

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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

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Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024

Affiliate Industry

Slotsjudge Awarded Best Affiliate in CEE at Prague Gaming & Tech Summit 2024

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Slotsjudge Awarded Best Affiliate in CEE at Prague Gaming & Tech Summit 2024
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It has been announced that iGaming entertainment and comparison site Slotsjudge has been awarded Best Affiliate in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) at the Prague Gaming & Tech Summit. This prestigious accolade marks a significant milestone in the Slotsjudge roadmap and is a recognition of the company’s services to the iGaming industry.

The Prague Gaming & Tech Summit brings together organisations and projects from a multitude of sectors including iGaming, eSports, Blockchain, AI, Fintech and VR. It is a highly regarded event that recognises and celebrates the works that make up and shape, the future of gaming and technology.

The Achievement and Its Significance

Winning the award for Best Affiliate in CEE is a huge achievement for Slotsjudge as it recognises the services and experiences created by the company within the iGaming industry. It is a reflection of the growth of the brand, innovation, relationships and adaptation in the wider market.

By winning the category for Best Affiliate in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), Slotsjudge had to rise above some tough competition. The highly competitive shortlist featured big players in the industry, including AskGamblers, Casino Guru, and Gamblers Connect among others.

Slotsjudge is a project that stands out from others on the market due to its player-centric ethos, trustworthy guidance and unique, community-led SJ Shop. It is a specialist adviser and comparison guide in the region that aims to connect experts with operators and consumers in the industry.

Importance of the Award

The award for Best Affiliate is a testament to Slotsjudge excellence and credibility in the industry. It elevates their status and positions them as a leading player in Central and Eastern Europe and beyond.

The GamingTECH Awards is a remarkable celebration that honours industry excellence, embracing the latest advancements and trends. Not only do they recognise outstanding accomplishments in the CEE region, but also celebrate exceptional achievements across a wide range of sectors, showcasing the diverse talent and innovation within the industry.

Future Outlook

The award demonstrates Slotsjudge’s exceptional framework for performance and credibility to continue on its path to success, centred around core pillars, including gamification, community engagement and consumer personalisation. It holds immense significance as it not only boosts confidence but also opens doors for further future growth. As well as providing increased opportunities and industry-wide recognition within the iGaming affiliate market.

Editor in Chief of Slotsjudge and Product Owner of parent company SEOBROTHERS Aleksandra Andrishaka commented on the award: “I am incredibly grateful to accept the award for Best Affiliate in CEE at the Prague Gaming & Tech Summit. It is a true honour and a validation of our hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence in this competitive market. Thank you to everyone who voted for us, and thank you to our wonderful Slotsjudge team.”

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Conferences in Europe

2024 Gaming in Spain Conference

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The 2024 Gaming in Spain Conference, which is set to take place May 6, 2024, in Madrid, is rapidly approaching.

The 2024 edition of our annual conference is conveniently scheduled one day prior to FIJMA24, Spain’s leading land-based gambling event. Combine two events with one visit!

If you are interested in the latest developments in Spain’s iGaming market, please also consider attending our FREE webinar “Regulatory & market update” on Wednesday, April 3 at 15:00 CET.

For more information on this webinar, please look below.

Gaming in Spain Conference agenda overview

The 2024 Gaming in Spain Conference will feature the following topics & speakers:

  • Regulatory update
    Santiago Asensi, Managing Partner, Asensi Abogados
  • IMGL Masterclass on regulation and compliance
    Santiago Asensi, Managing Partner, Asensi Abogados; Jochen Biewer, Managing Partner, Chevron Group; other speakers TBA
  • Cross-operator deposit limits and other pressing industry issues
    Jorge Hinojosa, DG, Jdigital; other speakers TBA
  • The Spanish iGaming market in numbers
    David Henwood, Director, H2 Gambling Capital
  • Responsible gaming & player protection
    Annika Lindberg, psychologist, academic researcher & author of “The Gambling Addiction Recovery Journal: The Ultimate No Nonsense Guide to Getting off the Ground in Your Recovery;” other speakers TBA.
  • Program intermission: Applying neuroscientific insights to self-improvement for C-level executives
    Kim Mouridsen, Professor, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University

Breakout sessions for Spanish-licensed operators

The 2024 Gaming in Spain Conference will also feature several in-depth technical sessions specifically aimed at Spanish-licensed operators:

  • E-Money for on- and offline gambling
  • Smart training solutions
  • Compliance training
  • Effective compliance management
  • KYC best practices

These sessions are free to attend for all registered conference visitors.

Registration now open

Registration for the 2024 Gaming in Spain Conference is now open.

Don’t wait, register now!

Gaming in Spain Webinar | Regulatory & market update

Despite increasingly strict regulations to protect players – with cross-operator deposit limits now also looming over the market – Spanish-licensed operators have managed to maintain and even increase their overall profitability, figures recently released by the DGOJ show.

Ahead of the 2024 Gaming in Spain Conference, we are organizing a Gaming in Spain webinar to assess the state of the Spanish iGaming market and how to address its current and future challenges.

The Gaming in Spain webinar will take place Wednesday, April 3 at 15:00 CET.

This webinar will feature the following topics and speakers:

  • Regulatory update – Alla Serebrianskaia, Partner, Asensi Abogados
  • The industry’s perspective – Jorge Hinojosa, DG, Jdigital
  • Compliance challenges – Jochen Biewer, Managing Director, Chevron Group

Attending the webinar is free!

 

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Central Europe

HIPTHER’s Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024 Boasts All-star Sponsors and Record Registrations

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HIPTHER’s Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024 Boasts All-star Sponsors and Record Registrations
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HIPTHER, leading event organizers for the iGaming and Technology industries, are thrilled to announce that the 2024 edition of their Prague Gaming & TECH Summit has reached an all-time record of registrations and renowned Speakers participations, while being supported by a star-studded lineup of Sponsors from the sectors of iGaming, Compliance, and Web3.

Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024 will be the 8th edition of HIPTHER’s boutique conference that stands proudly in the heart of Europe as the pioneering event merging the future of iGaming and Technology. HIPTHER’s guiding principle for 2024,“Via Infinita” – the boundless journey of discovery – set the tone for the conference to reach new heights.

On March 25th, #hipthers will be welcoming more than 250 registered participants and over 90 speakers, sponsored by renowned companies from iGaming, compliance, and technology.

 

Sponsors Spotlight: The Companies Supporting Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024

HIPTHER is proud and humbled to have received increased Sponsorship interest by the gaming and technology ecosystems, gaining the support of innovative and successful companies. The #hipthers are thankful to these amazing sponsors for their invaluable contribution to the Premier iGaming & Tech Event in CEE, the Balkans, and D-A-CH regions:

GR8 Tech – Main Stage Sponsor

GR8 Tech is an International iGaming provider of high-performance Sportsbook and Casino platforms.

Atlas-IAC – Bracelet and Badge Sponsor

Atlas-IAC is a next-generation platform for iGaming operators, built by a team of industry professionals with key development offices in Europe.

SYNOT Games – Lanyards Sponsor

SYNOT Games is an innovative iGaming company crafting visually stunning and highly playable original slots, boasting 130+ titles in several jurisdictions.

NSoft – Pen and Paper Sponsor

NSoft is a B2B software development company specializing in custom software solutions for the iGaming industry.

Endorphina – Party Sponsor of the Endorphina Club 777 Networking Party

Endorphina is a top slot game provider for online casinos, captivating diverse markets by prioritizing player engagement.

Relax Gaming – Wellness & Relaxation Sponsor

Relax Gaming Group simplifies B2B content delivery for modern iGaming companies through a vast portfolio of 1000+ casino games.

Pixpel – Delegates Bag Sponsor

Pixpel.io is a multiplatform specialized to provide all-around services for the Web3 community.

Nordic Gambling – Scandinavian Legal Expertise Sponsor

Nordic Gambling is the only legal firm in the Nordic countries which specialises in gambling related law such as licensing, compliance advice and public affairs.

Gaming in Poland | RM Legal – CEE Legal Expertise Sponsor

Gaming in Poland is the only company in Poland offering multidisciplinary support for gambling industry entities operating in the Polish market.

Institute for Gambling Regulation (IFGR) Czech Republic – Strategic Partner

IFGR is the largest national professional association in the field of gambling, representing 95% of the legal gambling market in the Czech Republic.

Find out more information about the Sponsors at the official Prague Gaming & TECH Summit website

Zoltan Tuendik, Co-founder of organizing company HIPTHER, commented about the record-breaking numbers of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit for 2024:

“As we approach another edition, the Summit continues to embody our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and the exploration of future frontiers. It’s a testament to the power of community and the endless possibilities when we come together to shape the future”.

HIPTHER is looking forward to welcoming the distinguished 250+ participants of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, including top-tier executives, compliance experts, government officials, and thought leaders across iGaming, eSports, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, Virtual/Augmented/Mixed Reality, for an extraordinary experience of learning and networking!

There is a limited number of spaces still available – Register Now and Join us in Prague!

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