Insights Archive

September 3, 2021

Gambling Companies Buoyant On US, Depressed Over Germany

Germany and the US have been top of mind for publicly traded gambling companies this earnings season, for opposite reasons: one expanding, the other contracting.

September 3, 2021

Gambling Problems More Prevalent In Esports Bettors, Says Study

Esports bettors experience higher levels of gambling problems and harm than traditional sports bettors, according to a new research article.

September 3, 2021

News In Brief: August 30-September 3, 2021

The UK Gambling Commission appoints its new chair, IGT wins European legal case, Bet MGM secures Puerto Rico partnership and India's Dream11 seeks another major funding round.

September 2, 2021

EU Proposals to Strengthen the AML Framework and Potential Impact on Financial Market

In July 2021, the European Commission presented a package consisting of four legislative proposals to strengthen the EU anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) framework.

September 2, 2021

Full Steam Ahead To More Regulation, Says New Zealand Report

Financial services and payments regulation is expanding and its proponents are aiming to produce more inclusive and resilient systems, according to a report by Payments NZ, a quasi-official body whose stated mission is "making sure payments are simple and secure for Kiwis."

September 2, 2021

No Need To Fear Subpoenas, Conference Hears

No-one likes to receive subpoenas from enforcement authorities, but communication with the agencies is key during these interactions, while a robust internal procedure for tracking agency requests can also help to detect trends and adjust compliance procedures, panelists at the Money Transmitter Regulators Association (MTRA) Annual Conference said.

September 2, 2021

News In Brief - September 2, 2021

The Central Bank of Nigeria has announced that it is partnering with the fintech company Bitt to trial its central bank digital currency (CBDC).

September 2, 2021

Enhance, Simplify, Align Is The Motto Of Australia’s Payments Report

Australia’s payments system has three strategic areas for improvement, according to a landmark review commissioned by the country’s government.

September 2, 2021

U.S. Unveils Uniform Law To Standardize State Money Transmission Rules

A U.S. organization of state bank supervisors has finalized a uniform law to help states modernize and align their differing money transmission laws.

September 2, 2021

California Tribes Politely Wary Of Online Operator-Backed Sports Betting Initiative

California gaming tribes are greeting a new ballot initiative by a coalition of commercial sports betting operators with quiet dubiousness.

September 2, 2021

Facebook Enters The Fantasy Games Market

Facebook is expanding its offerings to include free predictor fantasy sports and other types of fantasy games, a move that troubles problem gambling advocates who see such games acting as a primer to sports betting.

September 2, 2021

Stake Limits Hold Back Booming Greek Online Market

The newly licensed Greek online gambling market has seen its revenues curtailed, as a €2 casino stake limit bites and player taxes weigh on sports bets, but a strong football-fueled summer has seen the overall market continue its inexorable climb.

September 2, 2021

Boycott Cripples Myanmar Lottery As Dissident Alternative Emerges

The national lottery in junta-controlled Myanmar has suffered a general boycott and has been upstaged by a dissident lottery organised by ousted democratic forces, which sold out on its first day.

September 2, 2021

Personnel Moves - August 2021

A major staff shakeup is taking place at GambleAware, Massachusetts has appointed a new regulator and Crown Resorts continues to shed staff amid ongoing controversy.

September 1, 2021

News In Brief - September 1, 2021

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has revealed the identities of 15 finalists for its global central bank digital currency (CBDC) competition — including HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank and Citibank. Meanwhile, AUSTRAC is changing its systems and wants comment from regulated firms.

September 1, 2021

Lessons To Be Learnt From Malta’s €5m Pilatus Bank Fine

The Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) of Malta has fined Pilatus Bank a record €4,975,500 for "systemic failures in the implementation of AML/CFT controls."

September 1, 2021

Swift Action And Preparation Are Keys To Catching Crypto Hackers

Crypto hackers can move digital assets quickly and anonymously, but a recent Bitcoin hack shows how a U.S. crypto exchange can smooth the way towards better enforcement.

September 1, 2021

Government to Gut UK GDPR?

Oliver Dowden, the UK's Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, has proclaimed that the government is interested in a root-and-branch reform of the provisions of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation that it "onshored" as part of Brexit.

September 1, 2021

U.S. Online Giants Seek Tribal Backing For California Ballot Initiative

Several of the largest U.S. sports betting companies announced their support Tuesday for the latest ballot initiative to legalize online sports betting in California through a constitutional amendment that would limit licenses to established operators partnering with Indian tribes and require a $100m upfront fee.

September 1, 2021

Daub Alderney Fined Again For AML Failings

Daub Alderney, the former Stride Gaming, has been fined £5.85m by the UK Gambling Commission for anti-money laundering and social responsibility failures, in its second such penalty in less than three years.

September 1, 2021

Austrian Supreme Court Orders Refunds For Online Casino Losses

An Austrian Supreme Court ruling has held that foreign online casino operators are illegal, their contracts with players are invalid and gambling losses should be refunded.