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Tag: problem gambling

  • UK Considers Ban on Unlicensed Gambling Sponsorships in Sports

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    The British government has unveiled proposals to consult on a possible ban on sports sponsorships by unlicensed gambling operators, as part of a broader crackdown on the black market.

    Under the proposed measures, unlicensed operators could be prohibited from sponsoring UK sports teams, including Premier League clubs. Ministers are reportedly “deeply concerned” about the risks posed by the unlicensed gambling market, according to a press release issued on February 23 by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). The government said that unlicensed operators fail to comply with regulations intended to safeguard consumers, such as compulsory financial vulnerability checks, responsible advertising standards, and others.

    Several football clubs currently maintain partnerships and advertising deals with unlicensed operators, a situation that the DCMS has confirmed is not illegal. However, the government noted that because UK consumers could be exposed to these risky sites, there is a compelling argument for prohibiting this type of advertising altogether. 

    It could be argued that the most recent considerations are part of a broader push from UK authorities to curb black market gambling. Recently, for example, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) scrutinized Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, for allegedly not stopping illegal gambling ads.

    However, despite the UKGC’s efforts, this still may not be enough to have a significant impact on the black market, which had reportedly pocketed over GBP 100 million just on 2025’s Boxing Day alone.

    Officials Support the Decision

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is one of the supporters of this new proposal. According to her, fans should have confidence that the platforms they use are properly regulated and provide appropriate protections when placing a bet. She added that it was wrong for unlicensed gambling operators to sponsor some of the country’s largest football clubs, arguing that such partnerships increase the operators’ visibility and could steer supporters toward sites that fail to meet regulatory standards.

    Fiona Palmer, chief executive of GamStop Group, which helps individuals struggling with online gambling, said that any effort to stop unlicensed operators from gaining exposure through Premier League sponsorships would be a positive measure for consumer protection.

    Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross has also been a supporter of a stronger reaction to illegal gambling. She explained that the government is well aware of the real harm unregulated gambling can inflict by exploiting vulnerable individuals and leaving consumers without the protections they are entitled to. 

    Scrutiny of the gambling industry in the UK has also had an impact on legal offshore companies as well. Earlier this month, several large offshore gambling sites frequently used by UK players shifted their operations to a new licensing framework under Curaçao jurisdiction, a move that comes as campaigners, journalists, and regulators pay more attention to these sites.

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    Stefan Velikov

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  • Macau Problem Gambling Surges After Casinos Pivot to Public

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    Posted on: January 22, 2026, 12:44h. 

    Last updated on: January 21, 2026, 03:11h.

    • Macau is seeing more people than ever seeking help for their gambling disorders
    • A record number of people self-excluded from casinos in 2025

    Macau is experiencing a rise in problem gambling. The increase in the number of people seeking help for their gambling comes after the enclave’s casinos pivoted from the VIP and high roller to the premium mass and general public player.

    Macau casinos problem gambling China
    People wait on a bus that’s enroute to Wynn Macau. Macau’s focus on the mass and general public is leading to higher rates of problem gambling in the Chinese region. (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

    Macau is the world’s richest casino market, with the six gaming operators combining to win $30.9 billion from their table games and slot machines in 2025. The $30.9 billion was the highest annual gross gaming revenue (GGR) mark since 2019.

    How Macau’s casinos generate GGR, however, has changed drastically since the COVID-19 pandemic. Once a gambling hub largely reserved for Mainland China’s wealthiest elite, Beijing used the global health crisis to alter how Macau ticks.

    The People’s Republic and President Xi Jinping shuttered the VIP junket model. The businesses were accused of facilitating the transfer of money from the communist regime to Macau, a Special Administration Region under Chinese control that’s considered a tax haven.

    Junkets and Macau’s casinos colluded to bring mainland high rollers to the city. Customers were typically afforded a line of casino credit close to the amount of money they paid the junket for their lavish trip and accommodations. Such high rollers gambled in private rooms on high-stakes games of baccarat, with per-bet hands often upwards of $10,000.

    Macau Problem Gambling 

    In exchange for 10-year casino license extensions, Beijing and Macau forced Sands, Wynn, MGM, Galaxy, Melco, and SJM to invest $16 billion in non-gaming projects. The agreement was designed to alter Macau from a high-stakes gambling paradise to a destination for leisure travel, family-friendly vacations, and business.

    The VIP gambling rooms are largely no more. Macau casinos have instead widened their marketing focus, and, so far, their multibillion-dollar bets on non-gaming are helping drive gaming, too. But Macau government officials say it’s also driving gambling problems.

    Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau reports that 828 people removed their access to casinos in 2025. In 2024, only 475 individuals requested self-exclusion.

    During the seven years from 2013 through 2019, Macau’s self-exclusion program averaged 341 new enrollees each year. There were 254 self-exclusions in 2020, 359 in 2021, 292 in 2022, and 418 in 2023.

    There were another 124 people who were excluded last year through third-party-initiated requests, typically a family member or close friend. The individual must agree to be excluded before a third-party application is executed.

    The total number of exclusions includes exclusions requested by casinos. Excluded people are banned from entering casinos in Macau for a term of two years. 

    Macau Market Maturation

    Following the overhaul of the Macau gaming industry, analysts at S&P are predicting a stabilization of gaming revenues after three years of growth.

    Macau’s gaming boom is fading. The sector will be moving from a post-pandemic rebound to a more maturity-driven phase, as capacity limits and potentially softer mass demand temper growth,” the S&P note read.

    “We think 2026 revenue growth will slow, but steady operations, selective share gains, and deleveraging still support modest upside,” the brokerage predicted.

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    Devin O’Connor

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  • UK Gambling Black Market Pocketed GBP 100M In Bets on Boxing Day, Says BGC

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    According to a warning from the UK’s Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the country’s gambling black market is expected to have taken advantage of Boxing Day betting activity, with up to GBP 100 million (about $135 million) potentially staked outside the regulated sector.

    BGC Estimates Over GBP 100 Million Spent in Illegal Bets on Boxing Day

    Industry analysis drawing on data from H2 Gambling Capital indicates that the black market already handles billions of pounds in illegal gambling stakes each year. The BGC calculated the expected GBP 100 million in spending by taking into account that Boxing Day represents about 1% of total annual betting activity.

    The BGC’s warning underscores growing concern that the UK’s recent Budget could further accelerate the expansion of the harmful illegal black market. Earlier this month, the BGC criticized the autumn budget, saying that the proposed tax increases on gambling could lead to industry-wide job cuts and also push bettors further into the black market.

    The Government’s own forecaster, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), has acknowledged that the tax changes are expected to cut projected revenues by around one third by 2029–30, as consumers shift their behaviour away from regulated betting and towards illegal operators, leading to an estimated GBP 500 million (approximately $677 million) shortfall in tax receipts next year.

    Industry Experts Warn About the Issues

    BGC chief executive Grainne Hurst said that Boxing Day is one of the busiest days of the year for sport and betting, and warned that the illegal gambling black market is preparing to profit significantly. She added that this money flows directly to criminal operators who provide no consumer protections and contribute nothing in taxes. 

    Hurst also warned that if higher taxes make regulated betting less appealing, the illegal black market will be the primary beneficiary, with negative consequences for consumers, employment, and public finances.

    Licensed operators must comply with stringent requirements on player protection, affordability checks, and anti-money laundering, while also contributing billions of pounds to the UK economy and providing vital support to British sport and racing. In contrast, the harmful illegal black market operates beyond the reach of the law, targeting UK consumers without regulation, accountability, or tax payments.

    The BGC has called on policymakers to work closely with the licensed sector to ensure that consumer protection measures, including those currently being introduced, do not unintentionally push customers towards unregulated and unlawful markets.

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    Stefan Velikov

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  • Attitudes Toward Gambling in Ohio Shift as Harms Become Harder to Ignore

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    Ohio’s sentiment toward online sports betting has shifted significantly since the state legalized the practice two years ago. Sports wagering arrived in 2023 with confetti, celebrity ads, and promises of new tax revenue. However, it now faces rising scrutiny by public health experts, lawmakers, and even the governor who signed the legislation, as the social cost of widespread betting settles in.

    Kelley Breidigan, an assistant clinical professor at Ohio State’s College of Social Work, discussed the situation for the Ohio Capital Journal. She noted that the spread of online wagering has increased demand for treatment. Studies by UCLA confirm these observations, finding that the ease of online betting is harming consumer financial health.

    Researchers found that legalized and regulated sports betting correlates with a fall in average credit scores and rising financial stress indicators across the entire population, not just among bettors. These trends become more pronounced with the introduction of online wagering. Bankruptcy filings, debt sent to collections, and auto loan delinquencies all increased in states that launched mobile wagering.

    These results indicate that the ease of access to sports gambling is harming consumer financial health by increasing their level of debt.

    UCLA report

    Ohio’s own early statistics reinforce these findings. During the first month of legalized betting, the United Way of Greater Cleveland noted that gambling-related calls to its helpline increased by 277% compared to the previous year. According to state authorities, 255,000 Ohio residents currently meet the criteria for problem gamblers.

    Recent Scandals Added Fuel to the Fire

    Recent sports scandals further turned the public opinion against gambling. When two Cleveland Guardians pitchers were swept into a high-profile Major League Baseball case last month, Governor Mike DeWine publicly expressed regret for approving sports betting at all. Such match-fixing allegations have led the MLB to ban micro and prop bets, which have proven especially problematic.

    Breidigan argues that the industry’s aggressive advertising has helped normalize gambling. A barrage of celebrity-driven campaigns portrays betting as a natural part of being a fan. She notes that this carefully curated image masks the risks long enough for many people to find themselves in trouble before they recognize the signs.

    It is so easy for people to just pick up their phone and make a bet. That has had a severe impact on individuals and families.

    Kelley Breidigan, Ohio State’s College of Social Work assistant clinical professor

    Fortunately for anti-wagering advocates, online gaming in Ohio is unlikely to materialize, as recent bills to bring iGaming to the state collapsed under heavy resistance from health and religious groups. However, one thing is becoming clear: the hype surrounding online sports wagering is cooling as the social implications become increasingly harder to ignore.

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    Deyan Dimitrov

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  • New UK Study Warns That Gambling Harm May Be More Widespread than Expected

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    New ScienceDirect research is raising uncomfortable questions about the scale of gambling-related risk in the UK. The data offers a detailed look into how many people will fall under the government’s upcoming financial risk checks. The study is based on a large amount of open banking data and comes just months before the checks become mandatory for all operators in February 2025.

    Young Males Were More Likely to Take Risks

    Last year, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)’s white paper laid the groundwork for enhanced harm prevention measures. The plan requires betting firms to perform  “light-touch” checks on players who lose GBP 150 ($ 201) or more within a rolling 30-day period. The process should be seamless, leveraging indicators such as bankruptcy filings or outstanding debts rather than full affordability assessments.

    Our dataset helps establish a pre-policy baseline and characterizes the population whose gambling patterns would have originally triggered these checks.

    ScienceDirect research

    Despite the UKGC’s ambitions, the number of gamblers who actually cross this threshold, or what distinguishes them from the wider population, remained unknown. Researchers thus analyzed bank transactions of more than 243,000 gamblers spanning over a year. Their findings paint a troubling picture, as nearly 25% of the gambling population would have activated the new checks.

    This group, labelled Exceeding Threshold Gamblers, accounted for roughly 92% of all cash spent on gambling. The study characterizes these individuals as predominantly young males with spending patterns that were significantly more intense than those of their peers. The study’s authors note that the data suggest potential vulnerabilities that warrant closer oversight.

    Researchers used cluster analysis to divide the high-spending group into three subtypes. Approximately 50% of the high-spending group were categorized as diversified spenders whose gambling expenses appeared proportional to their income. The remaining groups revealed concerning findings. They revealed players whose play appeared less controlled, more volatile, or more tightly linked to periods of financial strain.

    Beyond assisting with the implementation of such checks, such data can also be useful for research investigating this policy and the population it might impact.

    ScienceDirect research

    These findings align with other studies that indicate growing pressure in the UK gambling market. In November, an AskGamblers report revealed that nearly 50% of UK gamblers are hiding or downplaying their betting. A third admitted they would rather lose their money rather than ask for help, while a quarter said they would wait until losing GBP 100 ($134) in a single week before seeing a therapist.

    Leading charity Gamble Aware also highlighted the weight of gambling stigma and rising problem gambling rates. The charity also pointed to the prevalence of advertising, with 62% of respondents saying gambling promotions felt unavoidable. Taken together, the data suggest a tougher environment than regulators or operators may have anticipated, hinting that the line between casual play and dangerous behavior may be blurrier than expected.

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    Deyan Dimitrov

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  • Winning ticket for $980 million jackpot sold in Georgia, Mega Millions says

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    A Mega Millions player in Georgia won the $980 million jackpot on Friday, overcoming abysmal odds to win the huge prize.The single winning ticket was purchased at a Publix supermarket in Newnan, which is roughly 40 miles from Atlanta, a news release from the lottery says. “We are thrilled to congratulate the largest winner in our state’s history,” Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin said in the news release.Georgia state law allows lottery winners to remain anonymous if they win a prize of $250,000 or more and provides a written statement asking for confidentiality. The win also earned the store a $50,000 retailer bonus from the Georgia Lottery. The numbers selected were 1, 8, 11, 12 and 57 with the gold Mega Ball 7.The winner overcame Mega Millions’ astronomical odds of 1 in 290.5 million by matching all six numbers. The next drawing will be on Tuesday.A winner can choose an annuity or the cash option — a one-time, lump-sum payment of $452.2 million before taxes. If there are multiple jackpot winners, the prize is shared. There were four Mega Millions jackpot wins earlier this year, but Friday’s drawing was the 40th since the last win on June 27, a game record, officials said.In September, two Powerball players in Missouri and Texas won a nearly $1.8 billion jackpot, one of the largest in the U.S. The current Mega Millions jackpot isn’t among the top 10 U.S. lottery jackpots but would be the eighth-largest for Mega Millions since the game began in 2002. Mega Millions offers lesser prizes in addition to the jackpot. The odds of winning any of these is 1 in 23. There were more than 800,000 winners of non-jackpot prizes from the Nov. 11 drawing. Tickets are $5 each and are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Half the proceeds from each Mega Millions ticket remains in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Local lottery agencies run the game in each jurisdiction and how profits are spent is dictated by law. Sometimes gambling can become addictive. The National Council on Problem Gambling defines problem gambling as “gambling behavior that is damaging to a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and career.” It is sometimes called gambling addiction or gambling disorder, a recognized mental health diagnosis. The group says anyone who gambles can be at risk. Its National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-522-4700, connects anyone seeking assistance with a gambling problem to local resources.

    A Mega Millions player in Georgia won the $980 million jackpot on Friday, overcoming abysmal odds to win the huge prize.

    The single winning ticket was purchased at a Publix supermarket in Newnan, which is roughly 40 miles from Atlanta, a news release from the lottery says.

    “We are thrilled to congratulate the largest winner in our state’s history,” Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin said in the news release.

    Georgia state law allows lottery winners to remain anonymous if they win a prize of $250,000 or more and provides a written statement asking for confidentiality.

    The win also earned the store a $50,000 retailer bonus from the Georgia Lottery.

    The numbers selected were 1, 8, 11, 12 and 57 with the gold Mega Ball 7.

    The winner overcame Mega Millions’ astronomical odds of 1 in 290.5 million by matching all six numbers. The next drawing will be on Tuesday.

    A winner can choose an annuity or the cash option — a one-time, lump-sum payment of $452.2 million before taxes. If there are multiple jackpot winners, the prize is shared.

    There were four Mega Millions jackpot wins earlier this year, but Friday’s drawing was the 40th since the last win on June 27, a game record, officials said.

    In September, two Powerball players in Missouri and Texas won a nearly $1.8 billion jackpot, one of the largest in the U.S. The current Mega Millions jackpot isn’t among the top 10 U.S. lottery jackpots but would be the eighth-largest for Mega Millions since the game began in 2002.

    Mega Millions offers lesser prizes in addition to the jackpot. The odds of winning any of these is 1 in 23.

    There were more than 800,000 winners of non-jackpot prizes from the Nov. 11 drawing.

    Tickets are $5 each and are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Half the proceeds from each Mega Millions ticket remains in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Local lottery agencies run the game in each jurisdiction and how profits are spent is dictated by law.

    Sometimes gambling can become addictive.

    The National Council on Problem Gambling defines problem gambling as “gambling behavior that is damaging to a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and career.”

    It is sometimes called gambling addiction or gambling disorder, a recognized mental health diagnosis. The group says anyone who gambles can be at risk.

    Its National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-522-4700, connects anyone seeking assistance with a gambling problem to local resources.

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  • GF of NHL Player Exposes His Alleged Theft of Thousands From Her

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    Former New York Rangers player Arthur Kaliyev has been accused of using the money of his ex-girlfriend, Lauren Mochen, to gamble, The New York Post has reported.

    He had also supposedly tricked her into cashing in fake checks, allegedly to pay her back $400, which he had borrowed from her PayPal account.

    Kaliyev had used the pretense of his accounts being frozen to obtain access to Mochen’s account.

    The situation, in her words, went on for some time as he continued having her cash in checks, which he had claimed were from his parents’ company.

    Afterwards, he would have her send him money digitally.

    While on the way to a vacation, Mochen had been notified by her bank that the checks had been fake, and she discovered that her balance was in the red.

    Like Family

    Mochen stated helping her boyfriend during the 2023/24 NHL season – she had been the one paying for everything.

    Kaliyev had supposedly told her that his parents had been taking his money; however, she stated he had recently at the time acquired a new pair of Gucci shoes.

    Yet, Kaliyev had been able to become close to Mochen’s family, which compounded the issue.

    The hockey player had bonded with her stepfather over golf and had even gotten close enough to her mother to confide in her.

    However, Mochen has gone on to describe how, over time, he became more focused on sports and would spend time watching only that, which she attributes to possible bets on the games.

    Getting Her Money Back

    Mochen has stated she plans to press charges following a multipart TikTok series where she explained that Kaliyev had opened a secret joint PayPal account, which she claims he used to take over $14,000 from her.

    Right after the pair broke up, Machen filed an incident report.

    As of today, Kaliyev has yet to be charged with anything, and the report has yet to be verified.

    Debts Unpaid

    Mochen isn’t the only person from whom Kaliyev has been supposedly borrowing money for gambling.

    The player has reportedly racked up quite the debt with multiple Kings players, whom he has yet to pay.

    His gambling addiction, as well as the large sums of money he owes, have also seen him restricted from team practice at one point.

    However, the Rangers also refused to trade him or let him go until the debts were clear.

    Mochen has shared that Kaliyev had borrowed money from her to pay back trainers, which he never did.

    The Lie Unravels

    Mochen revealed that over time she had come to realize that Kaliyev had a betting problem.

    After being denied the opening of a joint account by Chase Bank, she began to grow suspicious.

    They did manage to open one through another bank, and by using the account, Mochen was able to uncover transactions with Crypto.com and FanDuel.

    After doing some searching, she was able to uncover a transaction connected to a betting site illegal in the United States, called Bovada, she alleges, as reported by the Post.

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    Tolga Ismetov

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  • New UK Report Underlines the Hidden Dangers of Skins Gambling

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    The UK could be gearing up to take a harsher stance on skin gambling, with research exposing the magnitude of the problem and its particular impact on younger players. The recently published comprehensive report from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has raised significant alarm, finding that a substantial number of underage players regularly engage in what is essentially full-fledged gambling.

    Skins Gambling Could Expose Underage Users to Harm

    The study’s authors hope its findings will motivate the UK government to bring the unregulated skin markets under formal regulation. According to the report, over 50 skin-gambling sites are currently accessible from the UK, attracting millions of visits every month. Traffic data and academic studies reveal that adolescent boys constitute the largest segment of participants, being about twice as likely as young adults to participate.

    The easy accessibility of these platforms is pivotal to their popularity. Many sites operate without age checks or consumer protection mechanisms, allowing minors to bet skins won or purchased in games such as Counter-Strike or Dota 2. Skins can be traded, sold, or converted into cash via secondary markets, blurring the line between play and profit.

    “There are clear similarities between skins gambling and traditional online gambling. Both involve risk, the possibility of financial loss, the use of websites to place bets, and the potential for addiction.“

    DCMS report

    Researchers warn that such a fusion of gaming and gambling mechanics risks exposing underage players to harmful habits. The UK Gambling Commission has announced its intentions to close regulatory loopholes. Skin gambling operators could soon face tightened licensing requirements, with mandatory age verification and fairness standards similar to those imposed on conventional betting firms.

    Comprehensive Reforms Are a Necessity

    UK regulators have also reached out to developers, urging them to take greater responsibility for how their in-game economies are used. Policy experts suggest that game publishers could also take a more proactive role, including shutting down unofficial APIs that enable wagering markets. Education and prevention campaigns could be another vital tool, helping schools and parents teach young people about the risks involved.

    However, industry stakeholders have cautioned against sweeping or overly restrictive regulations, warning that a harsh crackdown could hurt legitimate trading communities and stifle creativity in digital economies. Furthermore, any new legislation may face significant challenges, as it should be flexible enough to account for the rapidly shifting digital landscape.

    “By addressing these concerns through comprehensive legislative reform and coordinated preventive measures, society can protect young people from the harmful effects of gambling.”

    DCMS report

    According to the DCMS, gaming industry stakeholders must join forces to protect and support players, especially those under 18. Researchers urged the UK government and other international bodies to recognize skin gambling as a separate form of gambling and subject it to appropriate regulation. Such measures would not only enhance consumer protection but also hold operators accountable for protecting young and vulnerable players.

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    Deyan Dimitrov

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  • NFL Calls on Veterans to Help Educate Youngsters About Gambling Policies

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    The National Football League (NFL) believes in leading by example, with the organization now asking veterans to step in and help educate younger athletes on what the do’s and don’ts of gambling are.

    The NFL has one of the strictest gambling policies among the professional leagues, but the league also believes that raising awareness is the key to preventing players from falling into bad habits or making honest mistakes.

    NFL’s Old Timers Tell Youngsters How to Steer Clear of Harm

    Although the league has not had a major scandal such as the NBA in comparative terms, and the banning of Jontay Porter, the organization has had its fair share of such incidents, including 15 players who have been suspended since 1963, when the NFL began tracking such offenses.

     NFL VP Compliance Officer Sabrina Perel has hailed the success of the education initiative, arguing that it has seen an organizational interest in it. About 20 players are participating all the time, and there is no lack of volunteers, Perel said.  

    Many of the older players are actually experienced and understand gambling temptation, as they have been around longer than their younger counterparts.

    “I had terrific instances co-presenting with a legend, and, without calling out anyone in particular, what was consistent across each session was that it was palpable. It was really palpable in the room that it was a very serious topic, and that the players leaned in to hear the legends’ story and the message,” Perel explained.

    The NFL has secured the talents of Warrick Dunn, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Torry Holt, Chad Pennington, and Steven Jackson as those who have done the rounds, raising awareness among younger members of the league about gambling-related harm, match-fixing, and betting breaches.

    Liberal Gambling Rules, But Compliance Is Strict

    The NFL’s Gambling Rules state that no member associated with a team or the league may bet on NFL games, or bet at team or league facilities, share inside information, or engage in proxy betting, i.e., ask someone to gamble on their behalf.

    This restriction applies to seemingly innocuous verticals such as daily fantasy sports as well. However, not all gambling is, in fact, prohibited.

    Players are still allowed to bet on other sports that are not football, but they must comply with the league requirement to not engage in gambling on league or team facility grounds.

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    Jerome García

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  • Former Maryland PTA Pres Charged for Embezzling $1M and Gambling It Away

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    The US Attorney’s Office in Maryland has initiated criminal proceedings against the former president of the Maryland Parent Teacher Association (PTA), LaTonja Carrera, 51, accusing her of misusing almost $1 million in public funds on expenses such as voodoo sex spells, luxury vacations, and gambling.

    Former Maryland PTA Executive Under Suspicion of Using Embezzled Money for Gambling and Other Practices

    According to authorities, Carrera embezzled more than $900,000 from COVID-19 relief funds, private grants, and PTA membership dues. It’s said she used the money to bankroll a lavish lifestyle that included casino trips, spiritual services, and magic spells. 

    According to The Baltimore Sun, the investigation into Carrera was first revealed by attorney and former federal prosecutor Seth Waxman, who conducted a forensic audit of the financially troubled Maryland PTA in 2022. That audit uncovered a web of alleged financial misconduct, including what Waxman described as a “money laundering scheme” involving 11 separate bank accounts.

    Prosecutors say Carrera left behind a conspicuous trail of financial evidence. The audit documents reportedly show more than $50,000 in ATM withdrawals across 70 transactions at eight casinos. Locations included Maryland, Philadelphia, North Carolina, and Las Vegas. An additional $88,000 was withdrawn from non-casino ATMs.

    What Did Carrera Spent Money On?

    Court documents suggest Carrera spent over $13,000 on what was described as a “romantic” trip to Las Vegas. Her spending also allegedly extended into the spiritual realm, with $27,000 directed toward psychic readings, spiritual services, and magical rituals, including a “Bring Me Money Spell” and a “Slot Machine Gambling Spell.”

    One particularly unusual claim, reported by FOX Baltimore, alleges Carrera purchased a spell intended to break up the marriage of Quincy Gant, who later became her romantic partner.

    In a further financial twist, records show Carrera filed for bankruptcy in 2016 and currently owes over $3 million to more than 70 creditors.

    Waxman, who turned over his audit findings to the US Attorney’s Office in Maryland and the FBI, said the Maryland PTA is unlikely to recover the stolen funds through civil means. He expressed hope that “financial recovery could be achieved through a criminal action.” The case is now in the hands of federal prosecutors.

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    Stefan Velikov

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  • Integrity Compliance 360 Taps Former NJDGE Director as Special Advisor

    Integrity Compliance 360 Taps Former NJDGE Director as Special Advisor

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    David L. Rebuck, a gambling industry veteran who served as director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), has now joined consultancy Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360) as a special advisor.

    IC360 Taps into Regulatory Talent to Bolster Private Offer

    In his role, Rebuck will prove invaluable in helping spearhead the company’s efforts to help clients navigate challenging regulatory waters, and also ensure that their offers meet the stringent responsible gambling criteria set out by regulatory frameworks, with a particularly strong focus on educating audiences about responsible play and the pitfalls associated with problem gambling.

    Commenting on Rebuck’s appointment as special advisor, IC360 president Eric Frank had this to add:

    The director’s efforts in transforming New Jersey’s gaming industry, especially in internet gaming and sports wagering, makes him an invaluable resource for the company and our clients.

    Eric Frank, president, IC360

    “His deep regulatory expertise and forward-thinking approach will help IC360 continue to navigate the evolving landscape of gaming compliance,” Frank added.

    IC3650 has been working on bolstering its own image as a company that seeks to help raise awareness for responsible gambling across both the sports betting and gaming industries and has already embarked on a number of prominent partnerships in the sector.

    The company teamed up with the University of Kansas’ DeShawn Hanika to help educate young people about gambling-related problems, and IC3650 similarly launched its Gambling Awareness and Sports Integrity Program that is looking to help safeguard college-level and professional sports from manipulations, which are usually perpetrated through the targeting of vulnerable athletes who might be susceptible to colluding with bad actors.

    A Man Who Understands the Complexities and Challenges

    For his part, Rebuck said that he was excited to be joining IC360. He cited his experience with regulation and said that he understood the challenges and complexities that the industry presently faces.

    “IC360’s mission to ensure compliance while supporting innovation is crucial for the industry’s continued growth, and I look forward to contributing my knowledge and experience to help navigate this complex landscape,” the appointee added.

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    Fiona Simmons

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  • NSW Government Commits Additional AU$10M to Minimize Gambling Harm

    NSW Government Commits Additional AU$10M to Minimize Gambling Harm

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    Although it is identified as a public health issue, gambling is widely spread across Australia. Seeing this problem on a local and national level, lawmakers in the country engaged in an overhaul of the market. Efforts from state to state differ but their primary objective is unified, namely, reducing gambling harm and problem gambling.

    On Tuesday, the New South Wales (NSW) government announced that the state’s Responsible Gambling Fund will benefit from additional funding. An extra AU$10 million ($6.6 million) will boost the Fund in a move that reaffirms NSW’s efforts toward combatting gambling harm and reducing problem gambling.

    Thanks to the 2024-25 NSW Budget investment, people affected by gambling harm across the state will benefit from receiving information, support and treatment services. Per the NSW government’s announcement, the aforementioned services will be available regardless if the people affected by gambling harm reside in NSW or not.

    Per the initiative, the Fund will collaborate with GambleAware providers in nearly a dozen different regions across the state. The latest effort will help support GambleAware’s Gambling Help Online and Helpline. The two resources played a key role in helping more than 25,000 people between 2022 and 2023.

    “The 2024-25 Budget continues the drive to reduce gambling harm and to encourage people to seek support when they need it,“

    reads a statement released by the NSW government

    The latest announcement comes at a time when the NSW government reportedly exploring the option for a betting tax increase. Per media reports, the lawmakers in the state anticipate increasing the tax rate by 5% from 15% to 20%.

    The Overhaul of NSW’s Gambling Sector Seeks to Reduce Gambling Harm

    The additional AU$10 million ($6.6 million) in funding complements the ongoing efforts of the local government in reducing gambling harm. It is a part of the broader efforts against the issue which include the ban of political donations by pubs and clubs that offer gambling, as well as the prohibition of advertising via external signs.

    Further efforts against gambling harm require venues that offer more than 20 gambling devices to have dedicated Responsible Gambling Officers. The aforementioned change is mandatory starting from July 1.

    Part of the government’s changes to the sector in an effort to reduce gambling harm include limits to the cash input applicable for all new gambling devices. While previously, the limit was AU$5,000 ($3,300), it was decreased to AU$500 ($330).

    The local government’s efforts include a comprehensive trial on cashless gambling across the state. Based on the results of the trial which will be overseen by an Independent Panel on Gaming Reform, a plan needs to be created that will propose additional changes to the gambling sector.

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    Velimir Velichkov

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  • Gambler Who Started Playing at Age 8 Wants Stricter Ad Rules

    Gambler Who Started Playing at Age 8 Wants Stricter Ad Rules

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    A 33 man from Rotherham who was first introduced to gambling when he was eight years old during a family holiday, has asked for stricter regulations concerning gambling advertisements.

    As presented by the BBC, the man, who reportedly had his first encounter with fruit machines and penny slots at a seaside amusement arcade when he was a child, also issued warnings on the potential cost of living crisis that could trigger widespread issues for players at the start of the year. 

    Harmless Fun Turned Into Serious Addiction 

    Over the course of the next two decades, what started as a seemingly innocent harness fun time at the arcades became a serious problem for the former player. 

    As he got older, he began asking his family members to place bets for him before he could personally visit fixed-odds betting terminals when he turned 18.

    His new habit of repeatedly placing bets of hundreds of pounds eventually started leading to trouble, spiraling into overdose and homelessness issues.

    In 2018, the man, who is now a lorry driver, managed to give up his addictive gambling habit, expressing feelings of “content” following the state of “absolute chaos” that he was in. 

    “I Saw It As a Warm and Safe Environment”

    Speaking about the way his addiction started, the ex-player explained he was “immediately” lured in by the “bright lights of the arcades, the sounds of the machines and the coins dropping.” He added that he regarded the arcades as “a warm and safe environment.”

    Throughout his “gambling career,” he estimates that he lost over £100,000 ($124,600) and he continues to owe around £30,000 ($37,000).

    At the moment, he is incapable of getting a mortgage loan or a mobile phone contract. 

    While emphasizing the financial implications gambling can potentially trigger in the long run, the former addict also spoke about the time he lost “when he was not present.”

    The Turning Point 

    Six years ago, the man reached his turning point when he believed he had three critical choices left: go to prison, take his own life, or give up gambling.

    He explained he was “just so tired and fed up and knew deep down, it was time” to let go. 

    His wife was also affected by his addiction, suffering a mental breakdown because of his gambling, which he considered was one of his lowest points.

    He decided to ask for support from the National Gambling Helpline which he described as “lovely and non-judgemental.” While recovery happened gradually, sometimes occurring minutes at a time,“ at the moment, the former player says he is “in a good place.”

    The Need for Better Education for Parents 

    Gambling With Lives, a charity in the UK, speaks about approximately 500 suicides connected to gambling-related issues each year in England, as well as 80,000 children who are at risk, or already suffering from gambling addiction.

    The ex-gambler himself has a three-year-old daughter. While he does not blame his parents or the adults in his life for allowing him to gamble from a young age, he does acknowledge that gambling was “normalized” around him.

    For this reason, he is asking for better education for parents concerning the potential perils of gambling, along with stricter sets of rules regarding gambling advertising.

    The former player also hopes his life story will be used as a warning for the next generation regarding the potential harm of gambling, with hopes to one day make a documentary.

    Recently, a Bristol University on social media gambling advertisements has asked for a series of regulatory changes in the UK.

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    Melanie Porter

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  • GambleAware Highlights Support Network’s Efficiency in New Report

    GambleAware Highlights Support Network’s Efficiency in New Report

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    GambleAware announced that support for people experiencing problems with their gambling is faster than ever. According to the latest National Gambling Support Network figures, problem players were offered treatment sessions with a trained professional in three and a half days on average between October and December 2023.

    Additionally, organizations within the network that are highlighting free support ahead of the Grand National, provided support in just 1.3 days on average in the last three months of 2023.

    Data from the National Gambling Helpline, meanwhile, highlighted a record-breaking number of calls (4,815) in January 2024, marking the sixth time this record was broken since the beginning of 2023. The helpline added that it has provided support via brief interventions to more than 28,175 people since April 2023.

    GambleAware added that a recent YouGov survey of over 5,000 UK participants showed that people are most likely to choose weekly support sessions with trained professionals to reduce gambling harm.

    Former Addicts Highlight the Importance of Availability

    David Quinty, who previously received help from organizations within the National Gambling Support Network, praised the availability of support in the UK, saying that such organizations can really help people “rebuild their lives.”

    Talking to a professional each week about what I was experiencing was an enormous step to help understand my relationship with gambling and, ultimately, help me recover from it.

    David Quinty

    Quinty urged everyone who believes they might be experiencing problems with their gambling to contact a professional.

    Quinty’s words were echoed by Matt Burgiss – another former problem player. Having started gambling as a teen, he eventually became addicted and lost large amounts of money. Burgiss, who now helps others, said that the speed and availability of gambling support cannot be understated.  

    GambleAware Wants to Make a Positive Impact  

    GambleAware’s chief commissioning officer, Anna Hargrave, said that the National Gambling Support Network’s point is to prevent the escalation of gambling harms. The treatment and support it provides are available to everyone in the UK, allowing the network to make a positive impact on people across the country.

    These essential third sector providers play a vital role for people across the country, and we look forward to continuing to share this expertise and experience alongside the NHS under the new system once a levy is introduced.

    Anna Hargrave, chief commissioning officer, GambleAware

    Stuart Andrew, the UK’s gambling minister, praised the good work, saying that it is good for struggling players to know that there is someone whom they can call when things spiral out of control.

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    Angel Hristov

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  • Gambling Addiction Hotlines Witness Rise in Calls amid US Betting Surge

    Gambling Addiction Hotlines Witness Rise in Calls amid US Betting Surge

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    The expansion of sports betting has been ongoing for less than a decade and now more than half of the US states offer the popular activity. The statewide expansion of betting granted sports fans and bettors alike options for legal wagering on sports. This resulted in a decrease in the number of people who use the services of illegal, offshore operators while helping generate taxes in states where betting is legal.

    Besides taxes, the legal betting sector brought benefits for the consumers, as licensed operators adhere to established regulatory standards, including rules for player protection from excessive gambling. States where wagering on sports is legal also dedicate a portion of the tax revenue to treating and combating gambling harm and addiction.

    Yet, despite the good intentions of lawmakers across the country, the expansion of wagering likely was one of the major factors that contributed to an uptick in gambling addictions. Recently, local media reported that the number of problem gambling contacts in Florida skyrocketed. Data from the Council on Problem Gambling in Florida revealed that the number of calls, texts and emails skyrocketed since the launch of sports betting back in December.

    The Expansion of Betting Contributes to the Increase of Problem Gambling

    Besides Florida, a newly released report by NBC News suggests that an uptick in the number of problem gambling calls is observed in a number of states. To make matters worse, the expansion of betting helps attract a younger crowd, with more people in their 20s and 30s seeking treatment and support due to problem gambling.

    According to the new report, the calls to Ohio’s Problem Gambling Network soared by 55% in 2023. This happened after the first full year of legal betting action.

    Similarly, in Pennsylvania, the volume of problem gambling calls also increased exponentially. Between 2020 and 2023, the volume of calls with the state’s Council on Problem Gambling more than doubled.

    “We have every reason to believe the growth of online sports betting is a major contributing factor to the increase in gambling problems.“

    Keith Whyte, executive director of the NCPG

    Keith Whyte, the National Council on Problem Gambling’s (NCPG) executive director, revealed that since 2018, there has been a notable increase in the severity and rate of problem gambling across the country. This was the same year when the US Supreme Court struck down PASPA which paved the way for the expansion of betting across the US.

    Whyte added that the expansion of betting contributes to the ongoing increase in problem gambling. Considering the easy access to wagers, he said that that sports betting apps should offer even easier options for self-exclusion, time and spending limits as well as contact with the national helpline for problem gambling.

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    Jerome García

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  • Gambling with Lives Wants the UKGC to Stop Reckless Gambling Firms

    Gambling with Lives Wants the UKGC to Stop Reckless Gambling Firms

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    A month ago, Gamesys, a leading international online gaming operator, was fined in the United Kingdom over AML and social responsibility violations. Now, Gambling with Lives, a charity set up by families bereaved by gambling, seeks to convince the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) to revoke the licenses of companies that commit serious violations.

    Gambling with Lives launched a petition, asking the UKGC to be less benevolent to operators that violate its rules. Dubbed “Stop reckless gambling firms,” the petition urges stricter enforcement of the UK’s social responsibility rules since fines are easily paid by huge gambling companies.

    Gambling with Lives argues that unregulated gambling can sometimes lead to suicides. As a result, fines that multibillion companies can easily pay are not a proportional punishment, the organization said. Citing recent statistics, the charity pointed out that a whopping 496 people in Britain take their lives because of gambling addiction every year.

    Big Companies Will Never Change Unless Forced to

    According to Gambling with Lives, big gambling operators earn billions of pounds a year, meaning that even fines in the realm of millions are easily payable. The charity said that, for many of these companies, fines are nothing more than a cost of business.

    Because of this, multi-billion-pound gambling companies do not feel the need to change, the charity pointed out. Gambling with Lives cited Gamesys’ recent fine as an example, noting that the operator had promoted new games and promotions to a customer who had just lost £10,000.

    These violations earned Gamesys a £6 million fine. However, its parent company, Bally’s, earns almost £2 billion a year.

    Because of that, Gambling with Lives believes that operators should risk something more than a slap on the wrist.

    The big gambling firms will never change their ways unless forced to. If they knew they could be shut down, they would be forced to behave better.

    Gambling with Lives statement

    Now, Gambling with Lives is seeking public support as it hopes to convince the UKGC to revoke the licenses of serious violators and help prevent gambling-related deaths in Britain.

    The petition was launched yesterday and already has 1,117 of its target 2,000 signatures.

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    Angel Hristov

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  • Congressional Leaders Aim to Combat Gambling Addiction with GRIT Act

    Congressional Leaders Aim to Combat Gambling Addiction with GRIT Act

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    In a landmark move to address the growing concern of gambling addiction in the United States, Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Rep. Andrea Salinas of Oregon introduced the Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment (GRIT) Act on January 11. 

    Rising Gambling Addiction Rates Prompt NCPG Endorsement of GRIT Act

    With an estimated 7 million American adults grappling with gambling addiction, the social and economic repercussions are staggering, amounting to a yearly cost of $7 billion. This includes expenses related to criminal justice, healthcare, job losses, and bankruptcies. 

    Startlingly, research from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) indicates a 30% increase in the risk of gambling addiction between 2018 and 2021.

    Recognizing the urgent need for federal intervention, Susan Sheridan Tucker, President of the NCPG Board of Directors, applauded the introduction of the GRIT Act. 

    Tucker stated: “The GRIT Act reflects a pivotal step towards long-overdue support for those grappling with gambling addiction. The National Council on Problem Gambling stands in full support of this legislation, recognizing its potential to make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and families across the nation.”

    Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the NCPG, also conveyed appreciation for the leadership shown by Sen. Blumenthal and Rep. Salinas. He mentioned that the introduction of the GRIT Act serves as evidence of their shared commitment to reducing the harm associated with gambling and confronting the challenges posed by gambling addiction.

    The GRIT Act Utilizes Existing Revenue to Tackle Gambling Addiction

    The key provisions of the GRIT Act include the allocation of 50% of the current federal sports excise tax revenue to gambling addiction treatment and research administered by the US Department of Health and Human Services. 

    This revenue distribution involves directing 75% to states for prevention and treatment through the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program, while the remaining 25% goes to the National Institute of Drug Abuse for research grants into gambling addiction.

    The legislation authorizes spending for a decade, with a mandated report to Congress on the program’s effectiveness within three years of passage. 

    Remarkably, the GRIT Act is set to achieve its objectives without raising taxes or creating additional bureaucracy. Instead, it leverages existing federal excise tax revenue and operates within the established framework of the Health and Human Services.

    The GRIT Act is poised to provide crucial support to state health agencies and nonprofits tackling gambling problems while fostering best practices and comprehensive research at the national level. Despite the prevalence of gambling addiction in the US, no federal agency currently addresses it, and there are no designated federal funds for its treatment or research.

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    Silvia Pavlof

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  • Experts Are Concerned about America’s Rising Youth Problem Gambling Rates

    Experts Are Concerned about America’s Rising Youth Problem Gambling Rates

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    Gambling addiction in the United States is getting more and more serious as calls to get the situation under control grow louder. The Guardian spoke with experts who highlighted America’s concerns about the young people exposed to harm.

    Gambling organizations across the US have noticed a concerning number of teen and young adult patients seeking help.

    New Jersey, which has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to gambling, is currently dealing with an influx of harmed young patients. According to the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, the number of requests for support has more than doubled since 2018. This was also echoed by UCLA, which has been evaluating the trend.

    Many believe that the convenience mobile gambling provides has made it very appealing to young people Brad Ruderman, of the Beit T’Shuvah treatment center in Los Angeles noted that this would be the first generation to grow with mobile gambling.

    Keith Whyte, the National Council on Problem Gambling’s executive director, asked a room of 40 17-year-old boys in Virginia how many had sports betting apps on their phones. Thirty-six boys admitted to having one, further supporting T’Shuvah’s claim.

    Experts believe that young people, whose brains are still developing, might be much more susceptible to gambling’s tricks of attracting customers.

    Arnie Wexler, a counselor, fears that America might be “killing its youth.”

    The Situation Is Bad But Not Hopeless

    Rick Benson, the founder of the Algamus treatment facility in Goodyear, Arizona, believes that America might be headed into a “gambling addiction quagmire if not crisis.” He said that the nonstop betting opportunities provided by the local mobile operators are simply too convenient.

    Another aspect is peer and commercial pressure, Shekhar Saxena, ex-director at the WHO, believes. He pointed out that younger people easily influence one another, exacerbating the problem.

    For reference, in 2018 only 11.5% of the people who contacted New Jersey’s gambling support services admitted they were under 25. During the first 10 months of 2023, this number had increased to 19.6%.

    Luckily, the younger generation is more likely to seek help, according to UCLA’s co-director of the gambling studies program, Timothy Fong. The stigma among them is not so serious suggesting that there might be hope for solving the issue.

    The Guardian also spoke with Amanda Blackford, director of operations and problem gambling services at the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Commenting on the rising harm rates that followed the recent legalization of sports betting, Blackford said that problem gambling will always exist, so it is important to help as many people as possible.

    Many Believe Tougher Regulations Are Needed

    In the meantime, calls to better regulate the sports betting sector have increased. While many states now offer gambling, some believe that few of them are sufficiently engaged in the protection of customers.

    Felicia Grondin, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling, is one of the many supporters of restrictions on gambling ads. Ads are already talked about a lot in other modern markets as many believe that exposure leads to more harm.

    WHO’s Saxena, on the other hand, said that operators themselves should not exploit their consumers’ vulnerabilities. Saxena thinks that allowing the customers to choose how often and how much to wager is not enough.

    The industry, however, argues that an overwhelming majority of consumers wager safely. According to the American Gaming Association (AGA), legal operators offer a number of important safeguards to keep players safe.

    Overregulation, on the other hand, risks channeling people toward the black market, which offers few, if any, of these safety measures. The AGA urged for further research before proceeding with overregulation.

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    Fiona Simmons

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  • The BMJ Survey Implies Links Between Social Media Use and Youth Gambling

    The BMJ Survey Implies Links Between Social Media Use and Youth Gambling

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    A recent study by The British Medical Journal (BMJ) highlights the dangers social media presents to young people’s health. This, according to the experts, includes higher chances of participation in gambling and, by extension, higher risks of gambling harm.

    Dubbed Social media use and health risk behaviors in young people: systematic review and meta-analysis, the study evaluates potential links between the use of social media and addictive tendencies. Primarily focused on people from 10 to 19, the study sought to understand how social media affects young and vulnerable audiences.

    The BMJ linked the daily use of social media to the use of alcohol consumption, drug use, tobacco use, anti-social behavior, multiple risk behaviors and gambling. The study also found out that content showcasing health risk behaviors led to increased odds of use of electronic nicotine delivery systems, unhealthy dietary behaviors and alcohol consumption.

    According to The BMJ’s findings, the daily use of social media increased young people’s odds of gambling by a whopping 200% compared to those who use social media infrequently. While the overall youth gambling in the UK is declining, the findings are a step toward further understanding of how to prevent it.

    The BMJ experts concluded that the regular use of social media is associated with adverse health risk behaviors among young people. However, the study added that further research would be needed to better understand these links.

    For reference, the study saw The BMJ evaluate over 126 previous surveys conducted between 1997 and 2022, involving millions of adolescents.

    Another Survey Shows Youth Gambling Is on the Decline

    As mentioned, the UKGC recently conducted another, more gambling-oriented study on younger people. Titled Young People and Gambling Survey for 2023, it probed into audiences aged 11 to 17 and learned that youth gambling is actually on the decline.

    The study engaged 3,453 online participants across the United Kingdom and recorded a decrease of 5%. The encouraging results attested to the efficiency of the UKGC’s latest efforts to protect younger Brits.

    For reference, some of the commission’s recent initiatives led to a 10% decrease in exposure to gambling advertisements among 11-17-year-olds.

    The survey identified only 0.7% of young players as problem gamblers. It also identified 1.5% of respondents as at-risk players and 23% as non-problem gamblers. In the meantime, 74% of the young people had not taken part in gambling over the past year.

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    Angel Hristov

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  • Gambling Operators in Belgium Unite to Protect Consumers

    Gambling Operators in Belgium Unite to Protect Consumers

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    The easy access to gambling activities online continues to raise concerns about excessive gambling and gambling harm. This issue was addressed by all gambling operators members of the Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO), who signed a new Duty of Care Agreement earlier this week. Primarily, the new agreement seeks to prevent problem gambling and identify risky behavior quickly.

    The new Duty of Care Agreement was signed by all six BAGO members including Kindred, Napoleon, Ardent Group, Golden Palace, BetFirst, as well as Star Casino. The members joined forces to develop effective fact-based policies and collaborate with the government in Belgium.

    The announcement comes at a time when BAGO identified that approximately 70% of the gamblers in Belgium engage in online gambling activities. According to the Association, while a majority of those customers enjoy the activity responsibly, there are cases of excessive gambling and gambling harm.

    Ultimately, the Duty of Care Agreement revolves around four main pillars. All BAGO members agreed to develop effective policies that seek to provide the players with recommendations and information for the use of voluntary deposit limits, self-exclusion and other player protection measures.

    Additionally, the Agreement calls for the development of a robust detection system that leverages AI, scientific-based criteria and algorithms that help flag potential risky gambling behaviors. Such criteria can include the number and intensity of deposits, playing time and frequency, among other relevant benchmarks.

    BAGO members have also agreed to educate and provide special training for their employees to ensure they can effectively identify problem gambling and take relevant actions. Finally, the operators agreed to share details regarding the prevention policy with the country’s gambling regulator.

    Sustainable Industry Cannot Be Built on Addictions

    Tom De Clercq, BAGO’s chairman, revealed that an ongoing focus for the Association is to foster a gaming environment that enables the players to participate responsibly in such activities. “Such a duty of care is a useful addition to other existing protective measures, such as the EPIS check and the deposit limit with associated checks on default,” he added.

    “Our focus is on creating an environment in which players can participate in gambling in a responsible and safe manner.“

    Tom De Clercq, chairman of BAGO

    Damien Thiéry, BAGO’s secretary general, added that according to Sciensano data, some 0.9% of the population in Belgium is “susceptible to a gambling addiction.” He explained that besides addiction, such individuals can also suffer from personal, emotional or financial problems. Thiéry said that a sustainable economic activity cannot be built on addiction. Finally, he said that gambling operators in the country want to offer a safe form of entertainment for their players.

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    Velimir Velichkov

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