The Responsible Online Gaming Association has been established
Seven of the largest US online sports betting and gaming companies have joined forces to launch the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA).
Dr. Shatley, a professional with over 25 years of experience in responsible gaming, has been appointed as the Executive Director of ROGA.
In her new role, Dr. Shatley will spearhead efforts to educate various stakeholders on responsible gaming practices.
Under her leadership, ROGA will undertake a range of initiatives, including research, educating consumers and industry professionals, promoting best practices, establishing an independent data clearinghouse, and implementing a rigorous certification program.
The founding members of ROGA, which represent more than 85% of the legalised online sports betting and iGaming industry, have collectively pledged over $20 million to support ROGA’s mission in its inaugural year.
These founding members include BetMGM, bet365, DraftKings, Fanatics Betting and Gaming, FanDuel, Hard Rock Digital, and Penn Entertainment.
Dr. Shatley expressed her enthusiasm for leading ROGA, emphasising the significance of responsible gaming education and awareness during this period of substantial growth in legalised mobile gaming in the United States.
By collaborating with a unified purpose, ROGA and its member companies aim to bolster consumer protections and facilitate easier access to responsible gaming resources, ensuring that individuals can enjoy online gaming entertainment responsibly.
A petition urging President Zelensky to impose restrictions on the operation of online casinos has garnered significant support
A petition calling for restrictions on the operation of online casinos in Ukraine, hosted on the website of the President’s Office, has garnered over 26,000 signatures, surpassing the required 25,000 for consideration. The President’s Office has confirmed this on their website.
The petitioner, Pavel Petrichenko, a soldier from the 59th brigade, highlights the significant harm that online gambling inflicts on Ukrainian society, particularly on military personnel.
“Being away from their families for extended periods, enduring stressful conditions without proper rest, our military personnel are particularly vulnerable psychologically. Many turn to gambling as a coping mechanism, leading to dopamine addiction and a weakening of self-control,” explains Petrichenko.
He further emphasises that it’s not uncommon for soldiers struggling with gambling addiction to exhaust their finances, resorting to micro-loans or even pawning valuable equipment like drones and thermal imagers, thereby not only harming themselves but also endangering their fellow soldiers.
Hacksaw Gaming makes its debut in Buenos Aires
Hacksaw Gaming has made a significant stride into a new market by extending its established partnership with Betsson Group, now reaching Buenos Aires in Argentina.
This collaboration marks another milestone in the longstanding relationship between the two companies, which have successfully ventured into numerous markets across Europe and Latin America. Remarkably, this expansion represents the third joint endeavour between Hacksaw and Betsson in just four months.
Kevin Saliba, the Commercial Director of Business Development at Betsson Group, stated: “We are thrilled to witness yet another significant moment in our partnership with Hacksaw Gaming. This latest venture not only strengthens our alliance but also promises an enhanced gaming experience for our players in Buenos Aires, courtesy of Hacksaw’s exceptional game portfolio.”
Marcus Cordes, CEO of Hacksaw Gaming, said: “Building upon Betsson’s sentiments, we are delighted to broaden our game offerings to reach even more players in another esteemed jurisdiction. As we embark on this journey, we are eager to continually elevate the gaming experience for players, enriching it with our innovative portfolio in the days to come.”
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has implemented a requirement for gambling companies to submit quarterly reports
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has mandated all holders of entertainment licences to submit regulatory reports on a quarterly basis, a shift from the previous requirement of annual documentation.
This adjustment is accompanied by corresponding amendments to the License Conditions & Codes of Practice (LCCP). The rationale behind this innovation is multifaceted: ensuring the relevance and timeliness of received data, enhancing player protection measures, and streamlining operations for companies holding multiple licences of various types. According to the UKGC announcement, all data submissions will be consolidated into a single reporting period, aiming to streamline the process for operators.
A survey conducted among gambling companies revealed that 49% of licensees either fully or partially endorse this decision. Respondents highlighted the potential benefits of quarterly reporting, such as gaining deeper insights into the regular shifts within the gambling industry and reducing response time in addressing unforeseen challenges.
Wazdan strengthens its footprint in Bosnia and Herzegovina through a partnership with AdmiralBet
Wazdan’s latest partnership aims to strengthen its presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, providing AdmiralBet players with an array of exciting gaming titles.
AdmiralBet’s customers can now delve into a diverse selection of Wazdan’s immersive slots, as the company continues its expansion into the European market.
This move follows a series of strategic collaborations in the first quarter of 2024.
Andrzej Hyla, Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan, emphasised the significance of partnering with major players like AdmiralBet in expanding their influence. He highlighted the confidence in their alliance with AdmiralBet and the opportunities it presents in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Nikola Zakic, Online Casino Manager at AdmiralBet, highlighted the company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of industry standards. Integrating Wazdan’s products aligns seamlessly with AdmiralBet’s strategy for continual enhancement, ensuring a diverse gaming experience for their players while solidifying their position as leaders in the Bosnian and Herzegovinian market.
Earlier, Wazdan also forged a partnership with The Phone Casino in the UK, showcasing its dedication to providing high-quality mobile gaming experiences to a wider audience.
