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Expert On Tackling Gambling Harms in Society
Recent research from Swansea University highlights a significant link between strategic forms of gambling and harmful gambling behaviours, particularly among individuals with a history of mental health issues, such as PTSD.
The study marks the first identification of a direct relationship between game type and gambling risk in this demographic. Findings indicate that while participants showed a preference for both strategic games—like poker—and non-strategic games, those inclined towards strategic gambling faced a higher risk of experiencing gambling-related harm.
In a broader context, the gambling industry is grappling with increasing regulatory pressures aimed at enhancing player protection. This development has led to a shift from mere acknowledgment of the need for responsible gambling practices to active implementation of measures, including the use of AI for monitoring and supporting safer gambling behaviours.
Casinos. com spoke with Dr. Jamie Torrance, a lecturer and researcher in psychology at Swansea University, who currently focused on understanding the harms associated with online sports betting alongside the development of an educational brief intervention aimed at increasing scepticism towards gambling advertising.
“An example of where this works well can be seen with state-owned operators in Nordic countries,” said Dr. Torrance on whether the goal of more regulation is for a safter gambling ecosystem. “They maintain strict regulations yet do not have a huge concern about the black market. Instead of pushing customers away, proper regulation should ideally attract them back to legal platforms.”
“Increased regulatory oversight should lead to healthier gambling practices. It’s important to engage with cybersecurity measures to block illegal operators, whether they use VPNs or target specific regions. The challenge is having the right people in place, both in terms of technical skills and policymaking.”
It’s often said tighter regulations will drive customers to the black market, a point which Dr. Torrance contests.
“Based on my research and consultations with various stakeholders, it’s clear that the black market is perceived as a significant threat to the legitimate gambling industry. However, I believe it’s somewhat overemphasized,” explained Dr. Torrance.
“Many in the gambling sector often claim that the black market poses a monumental risk, yet from my discussions, I don’t think it’s as dire as they suggest.”
“The gambling industry warns that stringent regulations drive customers toward the black market. In theory, tighter regulations should actually help retain customers by ensuring a safer gambling environment. It’s not uncommon for regulators to think that increased oversight will prevent customers from turning to illegal options.”
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Q3 2024 Milestone: Bingo Paradise Achieves Best-Ever Quarterly Performance
Bingo Paradise has set a new benchmark for success, achieving its best quarterly performance ever in Q3 2024. This milestone was driven by a remarkable increase in first-time depositors (FTDs), underscoring the platform’s ability to deliver outstanding results in the UK iGaming market. The growth reflects the affiliate’s dedication to transparency, compliance, and creating value for players and operators alike.
“Q3 2024 has been a standout quarter for Bingo Paradise,” said Tom Waite, Manager of Bingo Paradise. “Our success is thanks to the hard work of our small team of talented writers and the oversight of our dedicated compliance manager. Together, they ensure that we provide honest, transparent reviews and operate within the highest industry standards. This, combined with our marketing efforts, including SEO and negotiating exciting player offers with operators, has been key to sending substantially more FTD’s to the operators.”
The 65.24% year-on-year growth in FTDs compared to Q3 2023 is a clear testament to the affiliate’s ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the market. Bingo Paradise’s honest, detailed reviews have played a crucial role in this success, helping players make informed choices while ensuring that all content meets the stringent requirements set by the CAP Code. Its compliance manager works diligently to ensure the platform operates at the highest standards.
Exclusive and personalised offers have also been pivotal to the platform’s appeal. By partnering with UKGC-licensed operators, Bingo Paradise is able to promote deals that provide genuine value to players. These partnerships reinforce the platform’s reputation as a trusted resource for players and a dependable affiliate partner for operators.
This record-breaking quarter highlights Bingo Paradise’s capacity for innovation and growth. The company’s success lies in its ability to balance player needs with operator expectations, delivering results that benefit all stakeholders. As the iGaming market continues to evolve, Bingo Paradise is well-positioned to maintain its leadership and build on its impressive Q3 performance.
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RocketPlay launches Sports Advent Calendar for December: daily surprises await
The holiday season is here, and RocketPlay is bringing an extra dose of excitement to players with its exclusive Sports Advent Calendar. From December 3 to December 25, each day will unveil a new challenge and reward, turning every moment into a festive thrill for betting enthusiasts.
Advent calendars are a beloved holiday tradition, offering surprises behind every door. RocketPlay has reimagined this concept into an action-packed betting adventure, where each “door” reveals a unique opportunity to win. From Freebets to combo boosters, no-deposit bonuses, and beyond, players can enjoy daily gifts designed to make their December unforgettable.
How does it work?
The RocketPlay Advent Calendar offers a straightforward approach: participants log in daily, check the calendar, complete the designated task, and receive a generous reward. Some examples of the challenges include:
- Placing three bets of 20 EUR or more on Hockey with odds from 1.60 to earn a 10 EUR Freebet.
- Making a combo bet with at least 3 NBA matches with odds from 1.70 for a 10% boost on the final odds.
- Creating combos with EPL matches at odds from 1.70 to unlock a 10% odds boost.
Each day introduces a new activity, providing fresh opportunities to participate and enjoy special rewards throughout the month.
Why RocketPlay?
RocketPlay isn’t just a betting platform. It’s a community of thrill-seekers and reward chasers. With a wide array of betting markets, generous promotions, and top-notch support, it is dedicated to making every player feel like a winner.
This December, RocketPlay is set to add a touch of excitement to the holiday season. Players can visit daily, unlock the Advent Calendar surprises, and turn this month into their most rewarding December yet.
Compliance Updates
Gaming Control Board (GCB) Statement on Allegations Regarding Curaçao’s Licensing Reforms
The Gaming Control Board (GCB) took notice of a recent complaint made regarding the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) reform process and the integrity of Curaçao’s licensing regime and wishes to state as follows.
Authority to issue licenses
In pursuance of the National Ordinance on Hazard Games (NOOGH), the Governor is authorized to grant licenses for operating hazard games on the international market via service line providers. This authority was mandated to the Minister of Finance in December 2019, who subsequently mandated this authority to the GCB in March 2020, followed by an amendment in November of 2023. Hence, the GCB has the authority to grant, amend, suspend temporarily, revoke, or deny licenses, as well as attach terms and conditions to licenses. The allegation that the GCB lacks the legal authority to grant license is therefore incorrect.
The licenses granted on the basis of the NOOGH are not provisional licenses. Any applicant whose application is approved will be issued a license.
When the new regulatory framework (LOK) is enacted and comes into force, NOOGH license holders will automatically be granted a provisional license based on the LOK. This allows them up to one year to comply fully with all LOK requirements as a transition period.
Comprehensive Licensing Process
Under the current regime, GCB has established a multi-phase license assessment process.
License applications undergo completeness checks for the required documents, due diligence on decision-makers including sanction screening, review of the business plan and initial evaluation of the websites.
At each stage, communication with the applicant is facilitated via the GCB online portal resulting in absolute transparency, and real-time checklists are available to every single applicant.
This assessment process concludes with a report, based upon which the GCB executive team decides whether to grant or deny a license. The applicant can follow this process through the portal. The application and monitoring processes are largely manual but are supported by technology. Currently, there is little to no use of AI by the GCB, although going forward it would be remiss not to incorporate emerging technologies where it adds value. This licensing process is managed by the GCB with the support of its team of advisors.
Fee Payment
Once licenses are approved, invoices are issued by the GCB and the operators pay their fees directly into an official government bank account and not via the online gaming portal. There is no scope for mismanagement. The assertion that funds may have been embezzled is therefore not correct. Once the payment has been received the license will be granted by the GCB.
Foreign Violations
Operators are responsible for ensuring compliance with the legal requirements of all jurisdictions in which they operate. Violations are addressed by competent foreign authorities. The GCB does not have the jurisdiction to oversee or intervene in alleged breaches of foreign regulations. In this context, the GCB relies on formal decisions issued by competent foreign authorities. Enforcement actions taken by the GCB depend on factors such as the severity of the violation.
Player Complaints
Player complaints handling is the responsibility of the online operators, based on their terms and conditions, which are reviewed by the GCB. Under the LOK, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) will be made mandatory to ensure more independent evaluations. Complaints received from players and future reports from ADR entities will be used as inputs in the GCB’s risk-based supervision process.
Experienced Team
In the interest of effectively implementing the new policy, the GCB collaborates with global experts, including reputable consultants with extensive experience in regulated gaming jurisdictions. All these engagements are in compliance with GCB’s internal policies.
Bankruptcy Declaration: BC.Game
Due to confidentiality obligations, the GCB will not comment on specific details of this case. The issue involves a dispute between the website (BC.Game) and certain players. Bankruptcy was declared because Small House/Blockdance failed to pay players due to the dispute, leading to the court’s declaration of bankruptcy. However, this bankruptcy is administrative (based on a civil law statute in Curacao) and is not due to insolvency. A trustee has been appointed to handle the estate and ensure payments to players. The GCB is consulting with the regulated entity involved to determine appropriate regulatory measures.
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