Gambling Regulatory Deadlines to Watch in May

Each month, we leverage data from our gambling regulatory updates to bring you a glimpse of the key response deadlines and legislation effective dates coming up, so you can plan and take action around some of the most important regulatory developments unfolding right now.

In May, there are 5 regulatory deadlines on the horizon - with all 5 regulatory deadlines requiring a response this month.

What are the regulatory deadlines to watch in May?

Ontario

On March 28, iGaming Ontario extended its request for proposals for Ontario’s centralized self-exclusion system until May 8, 2024. 

iGaming Ontario is seeking a proponent to design, implement and provide ongoing services to a province-wide centralized self-exclusion system for regulated iGaming. A successful bidder will be expected to integrate with all Ontario iGaming operators’ systems, provide patrons who are 19 years or older with easy access to create and manage their self-exclusion profile, and implement know-your-customer (KYC) identity verification, registration, renewal and reinstatement processes. Interested bidders can use iGaming Ontario’s dedicated procurement page.

Maine

A notice of rulemaking published on April 9 by the Maine Gambling Control Unit includes proposed changes for casino gaming such as changes to the minimum internal control standards, slot machine maintenance and slot machine testing and certification. 

The changes include detailed facility-based monitoring system and a slot accounting system requirements. The deadline to submit written public comments on the proposed text is May 10, 2024. 

Connecticut

The Connecticut Lottery announced on April 5 it was seeking a collaborative partner to develop and implement efficient and reliable delivery and tracking of instant ticket and lottery material packages to and from the lottery’s retailers.

According to the request for proposal (RFP), a contract award is contingent upon the successful proposer satisfying all requirements identified in the RFP, including any licensing obligations set forth by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. If the successful proposer engages subcontractors, then its subcontractors must also be licensed by the Department of Consumer Protection.

To participate in the RFP, proposers must, at the time of submission, have at least three years of continuous experience in business-to-business package delivery and tracking similar in size and scope to the requirements in the RFP, preferably in Connecticut. Proposals are due on May 16, 2024.

South Africa

On April 17, 2024, South Africa's Parliament introduced the Democratic Alliance's (DA) Remote Gambling Bill, which seeks to comprehensively regulate South Africa's online gambling industry, as well as provide oversight and adequate protection to patrons. The main objectives of the bill are:

• To regulate the issuance of licences to be controlled by the provincial licensing authorities (PLAs).
• To provide for procedures relating to objections from issuing of licences.
• To regulate advertising of interactive/online gambling entities.
• To provide for the protection of minors and vulnerable persons.
• To ensure compliance with the Financial Intelligence Centre Act.
  

Under the Remote Gambling Bill, regulatory authority to accept, review, approve applications and issue licences will rest with the PLAs, as will enforcement and integrity monitoring. The federal National Gambling Board will be responsible for evaluating the performance of the PLAs, assisting with enforcement efforts, developing national norms and standards for online gambling, and be principally responsible for responsible gambling initiatives

The bill is expected to be debated and voted following the May 29, 2024, South Africa elections.

Virginia

On April 8, the Virginia Lottery announced that it will begin accepting applications for sports-betting permits. Applicants will need to designate an individual that will be responsible for uploading all of the required documentation into the online licensing system and all required fees are due at the time the application is submitted. Information on application fees can be found here.

The VA Lottery is permitted to award up to 12 sports-betting permits; however, as confirmed by Vixio, there could be up to three permits available for award. The application window opens on May 15, 2024, and closes on May 31, 2024.

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