NBA calls for stronger gambling regulatory system in US after Porter banning

By Shadrack Kairu

The scandal surrounding former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter’s lifetime ban from the NBA for gambling violations has brought to light the pressing need for a stronger federal regulatory framework governing sports betting, not only in the United States online casinos and Canada but also Globally. This was a responsible gambling approach. 

In the aftermath of this explosive saga that rocked the league, the NBA’s top leadership is advocating forcefully for an overarching national approach to police the rapidly expanding legal sports gambling at minimum bet sportsbooks and other sports operators. 

During a recent news conference, NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum made the league’s stance crystal clear – they desperately want the federal government to take the reins and implement sturdy regulations for legalized sports betting from coast to coast. This comes just a few weeks after charges were filed against a New York man involved in the betting scandal that led to Porter’s downfall. 

“We’ve always been, again, an advocate for a federal regulatory framework here,” Tatum stated emphatically. “I think it creates transparency that we didn’t have previously, which allows us to maintain the integrity of the sport, which is essential to all sports leagues.” 

Preserving the integrity and fairness of NBA competition is paramount for the league. The ability to swiftly identify suspicious betting patterns, potential wrongdoing or match-fixing is crucial in this new landscape where legal sports wagering is proliferating rapidly nationwide. 

Tatum pointed out that the league was only made aware of the irregularities surrounding Porter’s actions thanks to the data and cooperation from their partners in the legalized sports betting industry. Had it not been for those monitoring resources, Porter’s gambling violations may have flown under the radar. 

“When the Supreme Court overturned PASPA in the U.S., that really left sort of two options: continue the illegal sports betting or it was to embrace a legalized sports betting system so that, quite frankly, we could identify the sort of behaviour that this uncovered,” Tatum explained, referring to the 2018 ruling that paved the way for states to legalize sports gambling. 

Why is a regulatory gambling framework important in the US?

The pressing need for a unified federal regulatory framework to govern sports betting in the United States cannot be overstated. While sports wagering is now permitted in some form across 37 states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, the current situation is a tangled patchwork of differing rules and oversight bodies in each jurisdiction. 

This lack of a cohesive national approach creates significant challenges for leagues like the NBA in effectively safeguarding the integrity of their games and promptly detecting potential corruption or gambling-related improprieties by players, coaches, or others involved. Having disparate state-by-state systems makes it exponentially more difficult to monitor for sketchy activity that could unduly influence outcomes. 

A robust federal regulatory system would streamline efforts by establishing uniform standards, protocols, and enforcement mechanisms that all sportsbooks, data providers, and other stakeholders must follow from Oregon to Florida. This could include guidelines on the types of bets permitted, data sharing requirements, responsible gambling measures, age verification rules, and more. 

Essentially, it would create a level playing field with complete transparency – something the NBA believes is sorely lacking today. The varying state laws make it easier for bad actors to potentially exploit loopholes or jurisdictional gaps to fly under the radar while engaging in nefarious gambling activities that threaten game integrity. 

A federal system would also likely have more resources and investigative muscle to promptly identify irregularities, red flags, or patterns of suspicious betting activity especially at minimum-bet sportsbooks and low-deposit casinos. This could help nip potential scandals in the bud before they can unfold and fester like the porter situation. 

Sports gambling regulation in the U.S. has been a state-by-state endeavour dating back decades to when it was first legalized in Nevada. But the modern realities of today’s nationwide sports betting landscape, aided by mobile apps and offshore books, illustrate why a unified federal framework is so critically important from the NBA’s perspective. 

The Background Story of Jontay Porter

The NBA’s forceful advocacy for federal sports betting regulations was propelled by the jaw-dropping scandal involving former player Jontay Porter. In April this year, the league handed down a shocking lifetime ban to the former Raptors role player after an investigation found he had egregiously violated the rules by: 

• Disclosing confidential information about his health status to gambling ringleaders who then deployed that inside intel to gain a betting edge
• Intentionally limiting his playing time and underperforming in games to directly influence the outcomes of certain prop bets
• Personally placing multiple bets on NBA games himself using an associate’s online betting account, including wagering against the Raptors

The specifics of Porter’s case read like a screenplay. In one instance detailed in a federal complaint, Porter notified his gambling associates that he planned to exit a March 20th game early, claiming he felt ill. He ended up playing just 2 minutes and 43 seconds that night in a lopsided loss to Sacramento.  

Some of Porter’s gambling and sports betting partners are alleged to have profited over $1 million in ill-gotten winnings by knowing ahead of time that he would be essentially taking the night off, allowing them to hammer bets on Porter underperforming and the Raptors losing big.  

It was a brazen violation of rules that form the bedrock of fair play and integrity in the NBA. Players exiting games early or intentionally performing below expectations to manipulate betting markets cuts against everything the league stands for in terms of competition.  

“There is nothing more important than protecting the integrity of NBA competition for our fans, our teams and everyone associated with our sport, which is why Jontay Porter’s blatant violations are being met with the most severe punishment,” Commissioner Adam Silver stated firmly when issuing the lifetime ban. 

In the aftermath, federal charges were filed against Porter’s gambling associates as well as the disclosure that the NBA was continuing to share information and cooperate with prosecutors. While Porter himself has not been charged criminally, his lawyer acknowledged the 24-year-old was “in over his head” with a gambling addiction that spiralled out of control. 

The Porter debacle pulled back the curtain on the underbelly of sports gambling corruption that enabled one of the league’s own players to essentially shave points or points in exchange for payouts. It underscored why more stringent regulations and oversight are so vital for maintaining public faith in the legitimacy of NBA games going forward.  

Fans, teams, and everyone involved in the basketball ecosystem deserve to know that the highest standards of competition and integrity are being upheld at all times. No accumulation of gambling winnings for a player is worth sacrificing the reputation of the entire league.  

The NBA recognizes that times have changed and that legal sports betting is here to stay across the United States at minimum bet sportsbooks. Rather than stubbornly fighting the tide, they are embracing the new normal but desperately advocating for federal oversight and uniform rules to be implemented from above to ensure responsible gambling practices are observed.  

Learning from the Porter scandal was painful, but it served as a wake-up call about the dangers of a fractured state-by-state regulatory system. The NBA is making it clear – upholding integrity is the most important thing, and they need coordinated national help from the federal government to ensure no other gambling-related bombshells get dropped, even at the best online casinos.  

South African Casinos with Great Bonuses

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Bonus abuse and how payment and verification controls are not enough

By Ginevra Alessandrello

In the exciting and fast-paced realm of Top Online Casinos, fortunes can change with the roll of a dice. What is important to note is that not everyone plays within the same rules. Bonus abuse has been on the rise and this is where strict verification processes when signing up is important.

The gambling industry works long and hard to fortify itself against this type of abuse at the best Online Casinos and has adopted cutting-edge casino payment options and verification procedures to guard against fraud. However, this is not always enough, as some resourceful criminals can bypass even the most sophisticated security measures.

Fraud has become a real menace for the online casino industry, and so greater safeguards are needed. Every day, Best Online Casinos struggle with players who indulge in bonus and payment abuse, costing casino operators billions.

Fraudsters scale across multiple identities by using unique devices and IP addresses for each identity. Their crimes range from the creation of multiple accounts to abuse bonuses, affiliate fraud, and money laundering. When fraud analysts talk about gambling fraud, they refer to every unlawful scheme carried out by professional or amateur fraudsters to extract funds and bonuses from casinos. Online casinos are a soft target because of their easy accessibility.

Popular movies have glamourized gambling fraud

Famous Hollywood movies such as ‘Oceans Eleven’ and ‘3,000 Miles to Graceland’ have glamourized gambling crimes like casino heists and fraud involving internet hacking. These movies detail how criminals to go great lengths to exploit the gambling system and security vulnerabilities.

What’s even worse is that these hit movies are loved for the way these crimes are carried out. Criminal characters are adored and almost seen to be role models.

These movies showcase the allure of the gambling world and how some people exploit them. Both films reveal how players take risks and defy the odds to get away with as much casino money as possible.

Types of online gambling abuse in today’s digital world

In the real world, fraudsters are resourceful, and creative and employ many ways to exploit vulnerabilities at online casinos and sportsbooks to get an unfair advantage. They use multiple identities and unique devices to get what they want. They pretend to be regular players and pass numerous verification processes to get bonuses and promotions.

Fraudsters evade detection algorithms by constantly switching devices and IP addresses. This undermines the security measures in place designed to find and prevent fraudulent activities from taking place.

In addition to identity manipulation, fraudsters take advantage of digital wallets and virtual cards to deposit and withdraw. Digital wallets like PayPal and Skrill go above and beyond to ensure complete security when making online casino payments. Still, scammers exploit these platforms to launder money, bypass payment controls, and conceal their illicit activities.

Virtual cards linked to fake identities or stolen credit card information allow them to deposit at a casino and cash out their winnings without leaving even one trace of what they do. Fake documents to bypass verification checks and gain access to online casinos include fake IDs, utility bills, and bank statements. They create the illusion of legitimacy to deceive casinos.

Operators need to be better equipped to identify gambling fraud

Artificial intelligence (AI) has now been unveiled in the world, making detecting forgeries even more difficult, especially regarding online casino fraud. Scammers use AI-powered tools and algorithms so that they can deceive even the most discerning eyes. This includes falsified documents, counterfeit payments, and stolen identities to get unauthorized access to sensitive information.

AI mimics human behaviour and can create realistic replicas of legitimate documents and identities. Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast data to identify patterns and generate forgeries virtually indistinguishable from authentic counterparts.

Because of the many challenges, online casino operators must become more proactive and find better approaches to combat gambling fraud. Some strategies include implementing AI-based fraud detection systems and enhanced identity verification processes.

Online casinos can collaborate with partners, regulatory authorities, and law enforcement to share intelligence and combat online fraud. By using a holistic approach to fraud detection and prevention, online casino operators can leverage AI’s power to avoid fraud and bonus abuse.

By making security and fraud detection their priority and collaborating with other companies in the gambling industry, online casinos and sportsbooks can create a safer and more secure environment for their gambling clients.

Preventing bonus abuse at casinos

Casino bonuses are rewards that the best online casinos and sportsbooks use to attract new players to their casinos. Bonuses range from 100% deposit bonuses, no-deposit free spins, free money or even free credit to play on a casino’s website.

Casino bonuses offer a great way to take an online casino for a test drive with bonus cash and see if you like the casino games and the platform. If you end up walking away with a little bit of money, all the better.

There are many rules that go along with casino bonuses, and these were instituted to prevent players from abusing the system. One of these is wagering requirements, but there’s always a chance that someone will find a new loophole or slip through the cracks.

To prevent bonus abuse, players must meet wagering requirements and some other terms and conditions. Most players play by the rules, but fraudsters make it their mission to break the rules so as to steal money.

When registering at a new online casino, you must complete KYC (Know Your Customers) protocols, which are in place to prevent bonus abuse and money laundering.

But don’t worry about anything because if you conduct your business ethically, you won’t have to concern yourself about bonus abuse. To protect yourself online, only play at licensed casinos with all the required security features. Yes, online casinos might need a lot of documents from players when signing up but this is a good thing. The more stricter the verification process, the more safer it is for players.

Indonesian govt holds talks with Google to obliterate online gambling with AI

Indonesia is not giving up on its fight against gambling. It is so determined to rid the country of gambling that it has enlisted the help of Google to crack down on the best online casinos and minimum bet sportsbooks.  

This fresh approach follows the implementation of removing some 800,000 online gambling websites since 2023. But this was not enough, as offshore gambling sites continued to emerge and operate in Indonesia. 

So, the Communications Ministry took a different approach. Communications and Informatics Minister Budi Arie Setiadi held talks with Google to discuss the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) in eradicating online gambling, even going as far as labelling it a “scam”. 

So, when exactly will this be introduced?  For now, he says that the AI method is still in the testing stage.  

“As a form of Google’s participation in government programs, they will help us to eradicate online gambling with AI technology.”  

Minister Setiadi

He said the use of AI would be in line with Google’s focus, which, in the last year, developed many innovations in its services based on AI. Therefore, believes that similar steps can be implemented by Google in Indonesia, which is currently fighting online casinos. 

According to Indonesian law, gambling is a criminal offence. It is illegal for locals and foreigners, punishable by a fine of up to 1 billion rupiah, or 6 years jail time.  There are also no proper casinos in the country. Indonesia follows Sharia Law, which means any form of gambling is considered a sin.  

What was discussed at the meeting with Google

The two parties discussed reporting, and how to speed up processing of reports on online gambling content. With the help of AI, the process of identifying and handling online gambling content would be carried out faster and more accurately, compared to the human method.  

The minister asked Google to immediately apply AI technology, and such an implementation would also take into account aspects of good governance and cybersecurity.  

Background of the online gambling crackdown in Indonesia

Since 2023, the Indonesian government has been trying to rid the country of gambling websites. So far, it has taken down over 800,000 online casino sites, including sportsbooks and online casinos. 

At the end of May 2024, the president reassigned the national task force with the mandate to dismantle the online gambling ecosystem in Indonesia. It ordered banks to block over 4,000 bank accounts implicated in online gambling and embarked on tracing gambling money. 

Recent government data suggests that the 2023 “fund circulation” in the country stood at around 327 trillion rupiah, which is roughly $27.5 billion. Fund circulation refers to the amount of money people won, spent, and lost through gambling. The Government has also taken note that there was a high number of bank loans taken out, and it strongly believes gambling debt is the reason for it.   

The government’s stance is aimed at curbing the high number of loans being taken out by gamblers, who are in severe debt. But whether the debts are actually linked to gambling cannot be verified or confirmed.  

However, what we do know is that even private banks have been approached by the government to assist in this fight against top online casinos.  

The issue of gambling in Indonesia has been in the spotlight for decades. But despite efforts to get rid of it, more gambling sites have emerged online. The government continues to battle with blocking them. This is because many of these online casinos are located offshore, operating from regions like Cambodia and the Philippines.  

In a text message, Minister Setiadi told The Strait Times that they were working towards creating public campaigns to convey their message to gamblers.  

“Nobody could win by betting their money against a machine that is designed to always be in profit,”     

Minister Setiadi

The government is so determined to win this war that it has even gone to the extent of pleading for help from Interpol, especially since many of these best online casinos are in different regions, where the Indonesian government has no jurisdiction.  

It asked Interpol to help them shut down these gambling sites.  

Indonesia is a country is made up of an 87% Muslim population, and it follows strict Sharia laws.  To give some context about how strict they are, we decided to look at other activities considered taboo in Indonesia.  

Smoking, for instance, is prohibited in public spaces and public transport, and other vicinities. Foreign travellers to the country are restricted with the number of cigarettes they can bring along. According to their law, travellers can bring a maximum of 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars- that’s it. Nothing more is allowed.  

The government is so strict that it has even outlawed drinking in most public spaces. Penalties for breaking the law is extremely harsh. Travellers who overstay their welcome face penalties such as blacklisting and deportation.  

So, given all of this, it’s not hard to see why the country is so adamant about gambling. It does not care if an online casino is regulated or not. It just will not allow it. It just wants to rid the nation of gambling in its entirety once and for all. And this is why, it has prioritized its war against gambling operators. 

Crash Game tournaments coming to a Softswiss partnered casino soon!

Softswiss is set to shake up the world of online casinos as it introduces crash game tournaments to its Game Aggregator platform. This will undoubtedly lead to new levels of excitement and engagement for those who play casino games, and it will also offer a boost to operators by driving revenue and increasing retention rates. 

With the integration of crash games into its tournament tool, Softswiss is showing how savvy it really is by taking advantage of the rapid growth in this exciting format. It’s clear that crash casino games have already captured the attention of players around the world, thanks to the simple, yet thrilling gameplay. Other attractions of these games are the chance for social interaction and, of course, significant wins. What the Softswiss move will lead to is all of these elements coming together and then being taken to the next level. It’s practically a guarantee that players will be engaged and keep coming back for more.  

For operators that choose to tap into the Softswiss Game Aggregator, they will have access to an outstanding tool that will allow them to create tournament experiences that are both exciting and customized. This customization is thanks to the fact that crash games can be combined with other popular types of games. This allows operators to provide an outstanding experience and cater for a diverse range of players. This will ultimately lead to online casinos with the highest satisfaction levels ever seen. 

After reaching this far, it becomes clear that crash game tournaments will present operators with a unique opportunity to boost both revenue and customer numbers. With tournaments being competitive by nature, players will be incentivized to come back as they try to climb the leaderboards. Operators will be able to generate more of a buzz at their online casinos by offering the likes of prize pools too.  

Why Crash Games, in particular, are being added

Crash casino games have exploded in popularity. This is down to the fact that they offer a unique blend of simplicity and excitement. Players place their bets and then they simply watch an increasing multiplier until the inevitable crash comes. To win, players need to cash out before the crash. To maximize their winnings, they need to do so as close to the time of the crash as possible. This format is incredibly simple but that doesn’t stop players coming back for more. There’s a major sense of satisfaction as you cash out and watch those around you lose. 

With the gameplay being so simple, you may wonder quite what it is that appeals so much and why crash games are so popular at online casinos. Firstly, it’s all about the pace of the game. This is exceptionally fast and this appeals to a younger, more tech-savvy audience. The game seems to fulfil their need for instant gratification. Then there’s the element of skill that comes in as players try to perfectly time their cash out. Of course, this is more to do with luck, but players enjoy a sense of control over the outcome. Lastly, there’s the social aspect to these games. Yes, there’s a sense of competition, but there’s camaraderie too. 

The decision by Softswiss to incorporate crash games into its tournament tool is all about amplifying these qualities. It is seeking to create a playing environment that’s dynamic and competitive. The chance to compete for major prizes is a real plus point and it is this that will ensure that players keep returning. 

Softswiss hasn’t focused on crash casino games by chance. Rather, this is about following broader trends in the industry. There’s the growing popularity of esports to consider and this has highlighted the appeal of a social, yet competitive, edge to online gaming. Softswiss is simply tapping into these trends and offering players a new way to explore their favourite games. 

Softswiss’ Game Aggregator

The Softswiss Game Aggregator is a popular platform that provides operators access to a vast library of casino games. It has garnered a reputation for being both innovative and user-friendly, making it indispensable for any operator that wants to increase its offerings and give the very best player experience. 

Now that crash games are being added, we will see the capabilities of the Aggregator expand even further. It will allow operators to create tournament experiences that are both diverse and engaging. It is the combination of crash games with other popular titles that will allow operators to reach an audience that is as wide as possible and to create a whole new playing environment. 

It’s clear that crash tournaments stand to benefit both online casinos and players. As far as casinos are concerned, they can expect increased player engagement, a boost to revenue, and a growing number of customers. From the side of the players, there’s social engagement, competition, and the chance to win big prizes. This truly is a win-win. 

The move by Softswiss to integrate crash games with its Aggregator platform is a significant development in the world of casinos. The combination of fast-paced thrills and competitive tournaments allows for an experience that is unique and can drive the industry forward. 

While what’s offered here is already attractive, there are options available to develop this even further. By integrating social media and streaming platforms, there’s the chance to allow players to connect on a whole new level and share in the gameplay. It’s also worth considering the advancements being made with virtual and augmented reality. These could allow for a fully immersive experience that takes crash tournaments to a new level.  

It’s worth noting that the integration of crash casino games with the Softswiss Game Aggregator doesn’t guarantee success. There is still work to be done by operators of online casinos to ensure that they create a playing environment that’s attractive and compelling. There needs to be a focus on the player experience, with transparency around rules and regulations. This will allow for tournaments that are seen as fair and lead to a great influx of competitors. This presents a real opportunity for the online casino industry and one that it needs to capitalize on. 

How Baytree Interactive make responsible gambling safer?

By Raymond Lewarne

Baytree Interactive is revolutionizing the best online casinos with a steadfast commitment to player safety and responsible gambling.

As a pioneer in developing state-of-the-art solutions, Baytree’s portfolio of trusted low-deposit casinos stands apart from many others because it offers innovative tools like self-exclusion options, real-time monitoring, and personalized spending limits.

Backed by a Guernsey registration, Kahnawake Gaming Commission licensing, and eCogra certification, Baytree Interactive isn’t just adapting to industry standards – they’re setting them. Their mission? To ensure a secure, enjoyable gaming environment while upholding the highest standards of integrity and responsibility.

Who is Baytree Interactive?

This company is a frontrunner in the gambling industry, renowned for crafting cutting-edge solutions that enhance the safety and responsibility of gambling activities.

They lead the charge in developing innovative tools like self-exclusion options, real-time monitoring, and personalized spending limits – all designed to protect players and promote responsible gaming.

Baytree manages a top-tier portfolio of top online casinos like Ruby Fortune, JackpotCity and Lucky Nugget. These casinos with a minimum deposit deliver immersive gaming experiences while championing transparency, regulation, and player protection.

Some of the trusted casinos under the Baytree Banner

Under this established banner, you’ll find some of the most trusted names in the online casino world. They include the likes of:

• Jackpot City – stands tall with its superb lineup of over 1,200 slot games and an incredible live dealer experience, making it a go-to destination for many players globally.
• Ruby Fortune – which offers a sleek, user-friendly platform that caters to both seasoned players and newcomers. Their leading loyalty program is one to definitely boast about (but not right now), along with their rich array of payment options to ensure seamless transactions.
• Lucky Nugget – which combines a nostalgic casino vibe with premier technology, offering an engaging and elevated gaming experience that keeps players coming back for more.

Baytree’s commitment to safety and responsible gambling is evident across all these platforms, ensuring that players enjoy not just thrilling games but also peace of mind.

Innovative Tools for Safer Gambling

With a strong focus on taking player safety to the next level, here is the suite of innovative tools available at Baytree-linked low-deposit casinos.

• Self-exclusion: This lets players hit the pause button for at least six months, ensuring they can step away when they need a break.
• Deposit limits: Empowers players to stay within their means, with customizable options available through their account or with a quick call to Customer Service. Players also have the option of adjusting their maximum deposit limits at any time.
• Take a break: These options range from 24 hours to six weeks, giving players flexibility to recharge and return refreshed.
• Account closure: For those ready to step away completely, account closure is just a click away.
• Self-assessment: There is a simple and straightforward 10-question self-assessment test that helps players gauge their gambling behaviour. This ensures players can easily identify any potential issues before they escalate.
• Problem Gambling support details: Additionally, there are direct links and contact details for a wealth of additional support resources for problem gamblers. These include Gambling Therapy at www.gamblingtherapy.org, the Responsible Gambling Council at www.responsiblegambling.org, GamCare at www.gamcare.org.uk, and Gamblers Anonymous at www.gamblersanonymous.org.
• Underage gambling: Baytree-linked casino sites also offer rigorous age verification to keep minors out of the game. In addition, there are links and contact details for Net Nanny at www.netnanny.com – a leading parental control software and website blocker. It helps ensure your kids navigate the web securely and responsibly.

Baytree takes safety and security seriously

With top-rated online casinos under the Baytree umbrella, player safety and security aren’t just priorities – they are the foundational elements of its very existence. They are committed to delivering an adrenalin-packed gaming experience within a safe, secure, and fair environment. The following are measures put in place to ensure security is tight all around. They include:

• Privacy first: Your details are locked down tight, with zero tolerance for third-party sharing or selling. They go the extra mile to ensure your privacy is never compromised.
• Rock-solid banking: Every transaction is shielded by top-tier digital encryption, and recommended payment methods that are globally trusted.
• Fraud detection: Their dedicated fraud detection team keeps a vigilant eye on every transaction to ensure players’ peace of mind.
• 24/7 support: Got a question? They have you covered around the clock, with support available in your language of choice. Their team is always ready to provide swift, expert assistance whenever you need it.

Baytree leading the way in Responsible Gambling Standards

Baytree Interactive stands out as a beacon of responsible gambling, equipping players with a comprehensive suite of tools to ensure a safe and hassle-free casino journey. With features like self-exclusion options, real-time monitoring, and personalized spending limits, the company provides the resources necessary for players to gamble responsibly and seek assistance when needed.

Their dedication to integrity and safety goes beyond industry norms, setting a new benchmark for secure gaming environments. By proactively addressing potential issues and ensuring transparency with players, Baytree demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes player well-being.

Their proactive stance ensures that their commitment to responsible gaming isn’t just about keeping pace with industry standards but about leading the way toward a safer gambling experience. Their efforts reflect a deep-rooted commitment to not only meeting but exceeding the expectations of modern gamers.

As Baytree Interactive continues to innovate and uphold high standards of integrity, players can trust that they are navigating an industry with player protection firmly standing as the number one priority.

Can You Get Arrested for Cheating at a Casino

By Ijeoma Izuchukwu 

Casinos are typically establishments for chanced-based, fair gaming. However, not everyone plays by the rules. Although many players usually don’t expect the guy at the table to play with an unfair advantage, the reality is people cheat at brick-and-mortar and Canadian online casinos.  

However, the trick with cheating is it only works if you don’t get caught. So, what happens when your unfair tactics are uncovered? Well, the punishment for cheating depends on the casino and the severity of the act.  

Read on as we uncover what could happen if you’re caught breaking the rules at a casino.  

Recent News Coming Out of Canada

In recent weeks, it has been alleged that a popular casino in Toronto was tangled up in a suspected cheating scheme. At least five people have been arrested by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP thus far. They face multiple counts of theft, fraud, and cheating at play. The case involved the Great Canadian Casino Resort, where one of the suspects was a card dealer. 

The police began investigating after receiving a tip-off, and all five suspects are due to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice soon. 

Responding to the events, the Great Grand Canadian Resort Toronto assured the public that it has put rigorous measures in place to prevent fraudulent activities within its casino halls.  

Interestingly, this scenario isn’t a first-time occurrence at the resort. In 2023, the OPP arrested five individuals (including an electronic craps dealer) at the establishment for similar charges of fraud, theft, and cheating at play.  

During this case, the casino was called Casino Woodbine. It reopened under a new name in June 2023.  

Charges Brought Against the Suspects

The five suspects face a total of 19 charges of fraud relating to $5000, theft involving under $5000, breach of trust, and cheating at play. The charges against the individual suspects include:  

• Anagha Varghese, 21: Three counts of criminal breach of trust, theft under $5000, fraud over $5000, and cheating at play
• Tajveer Kour, 21: Criminal breach of trust, cheating at play, fraud over $5000, and theft under $5000
• Yakshu Nehra, 23: Three counts of fraud over $5000, three counts of theft under $5000, and three counts of cheating at play
• Himanshu Tanwar, 25: Three counts of cheating at play, three counts of fraud over $5000, and  three counts of theft under $5000
• Parkh Raheja, 25: Two counts of theft under $5000, one count of theft over $5000, one count of fraud over $5000, two counts of fraud under $5000, and three counts of cheating at play

If found guilty, they face a lengthy sentence. A conviction for fraud alone can lead to prison time of up to 14 years, according to Canadian law. 

Who Brings the Charges Against You

Cheating is an act to gain an advantage by some kind of manipulative tactic. Depending on the crime, you could face charges of fraud, theft, or breach of trust.  

If as a player you are targeting a casino, it is then regarded as fraud against the casino. Charges can be brought by the casino against an individual.  

Types of Cheating at Casinos

Cheating can occur in multiple ways at a casino. In this section, we discuss some of the strategies fraudulent players utilize to bend the rules at gambling establishments worldwide:  

Colluding With the Dealer

This method is the most common way players manipulate outcomes at a casino. Working with the dealer often involves tactics like a false shuffle during card games.  

With false shuffles, dealers subtly leave some cards in place while shuffling. Players involved in the cheating scheme can then track the position of the unshuffled cards when they’re dealt with and use the information to gain an advantage during gameplay.  

Surveillance systems at Canadian brick-and-mortar casinos make it challenging to execute this cheating technique.  

Card Marking

Card marking involves imprinting cards with invisible ink, making it easier to identify them in a deck using infrared glasses. Dealers often use riffle tests to spot marked cards. Some croupiers also wear infrared glasses to find traces of invisible ink on a deck of cards.  

Past Posting

This cheating technique typically occurs during roulette, poker, or blackjack. It’s quite complex to pull off, and gamblers sometimes work in pairs to execute it successfully.  

Past posting involves replacing winning chips with more valuable ones using sleight-of-hand techniques. Surveillance systems and security personnel hinder players from getting away with this strategy.  

Dealers in Canada are also highly trained and can recognize when chips have been altered at a table.  

Card Switching

Card switching is an age-old cheating strategy that also requires expert sleight of hand movements, although some players now use holdout devices to execute it more efficiently.  

Using this technique, players swap the cards they’ve been dealt with hidden cards under their sleeves. Fortunately, most casino dealers are trained to recognize cards at the table, so this strategy usually has a low chance of success. Some Canadian casinos also brand their cards with unique codes to make them easily identifiable.  

Casinos Only Bring Charges as a Last Resort

While an arrest and a court persecution are possible for cheating at a casino in Canada, it’s often a last resort. Usually, land-based gambling outfits have other methods for punishing players who bend the rules to their advantage.  

The consequences applied to a case depend on the offence and the amount of money defrauded during gameplay. Here are some common ways Canadian casinos deal with cheaters:  

Forfeit Your Winnings

If you’re caught cheating and have defrauded the casino of a sizable sum, you’ll likely have your winnings seized. Interestingly, some casinos can even reclaim your winnings if they suspect you’re cheating, even without hardcore evidence.  

Security Staff May Detain and Question You

Security personnel can detain you in the backroom for some hours for questioning if you’re found bending the rules at a casino. You’ll likely face a separate punishment (such as forfeiting your winnings) if they determine you’re guilty.  

The Casino May Ban You

Some extreme cases of cheating result in a ban. This step usually precedes an arrest and court persecution. In many cases, the casino may prevent you from playing at any of its branches within the country.  

Other severe scenarios may result in the casino sending your details to the provincial authorities, and you could be banned from playing at all land-based casinos in your province.  

Can you get arrested at Casinos?

You could be arrested and face criminal charges for cheating at a Canadian casino. This scenario occurs when you’ve been involved in a fraudulent scheme worth thousands of Canadian dollars. A jail term is also a possibility in this case.  

To avoid an arrest and possible prison sentence, it’s best to play within the rules at a land-based casino. While casino games are based on luck, you can still significantly improve your chances of winning by refining your gaming strategy.  

Canadian Addiction Centre Calls on Government to Restrict Gambling Ads in Ontario

By Charlon Muscat 

Leading figures in Canada’s sporting community issued a call for tighter restrictions on gambling advertisements, a stance revealed in their latest framework document. 

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is asking Ontario’s policymakers to dial back on gambling ads as a means to mitigate gambling-related harm and protect public health. Their latest guidelines in the Gambling Policy Framework suggest restricting access to games of chance, introducing obligatory preventive responsible gambling measures, and strengthening education to shield the community from potential risks. 

As the hockey season reaches its peak, Canadians find themselves swamped with ads pushing online sports betting. Leading Canadian online casinos and minimum bet sportsbooks Canada craft their marketing strategies to highlight the excitement and potential rewards; this subconsciously opens the door for the youth and those with limited means to gamble, according to the CAMH. 

Hence, Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital is pressing for parallel strict measures akin to the tight restrictions on cigarette advertising, which have proven effective in reducing tobacco use. Their call is urgent: without significant intervention, the simple pull of a gamble could lead to a spike in addiction rates. 

An inquiry in Australia last year suggested a gradual removal of online gambling ads over three years. However, by November, the government decided against this, emphasizing the significant financial contributions these ads bring to various sports organizations and leagues. 

In contrast, countries like Britain are thinking about tightening advertising regulations further. Last year, The Guardian declared it would stop accepting gambling ads on its websites, aiming to combat the relentless targeting of digital ads that can lead some individuals into a harmful and addictive gambling loop. 

CAMH Says Non-Gamblers Should Not Be Encouraged to Play at Canadian Online Casinos

The recommendations issued by the CAMH to the Ontario government urge a reduction in the overall availability of gambling and the implementation of compulsory safety measures. Additionally, they advocate for better efforts in prevention and education and call for the creation of a comprehensive provincial gambling strategy. 

One key recommendation from the Centre is that gambling advertisements should not be shown in media or at events where it’s likely that minors (those under 18) make up more than a quarter of the audience. The Framework document also advises against gambling ads that target non-gamblers of any age or those that highlight the emotional or psychological effects of gambling. 

“If people really want this service of online gambling, it shouldn’t actually need to advertise very much anyway. If this is something people really want, they’ll find it,” said Dr Nigel Turner, an independent scientist at CAMH, in an interview.  

He went on to discuss the redistribution of responsibility in the realm of gambling regulation, emphasizing that online casinos in Canada should bear a part of the accountability. 

“A public-health approach puts at least some of the onus on the providers of the service.” As things stand in Ontario, the situation “puts the onus of behaving on the player and de-emphasizes the role the industry has,” Dr. Turner said. 

CAMH Calls Follow Recent Release of Ontario Gambling Statistics

Recent statistics revealed that there are over 19 million active gamblers in Canada. Online gambling has seen a dramatic increase, with the industry’s revenue expected to reach US$4.19 billion by 2024, more than doubling the figure from 2020. 

On the negative front, a concerning 73% of Canadians perceive an increase in gambling-related problems within their provinces, indicating a growing awareness of the issue’s severity. 

However, what primarily triggered calls for stricter regulation is the alarming trend among younger demographics. According to research by The Globe and Mail, one-third of Ontario’s high school students (32%) gambled at least once in the previous year. 

This startling statistic suggests a growing normalization of gambling among youth, posing significant risks for the development of unhealthy gambling habits early in life, with potential long-term implications for mental health and financial stability. 

Bruce Kidd, a distinguished professor emeritus specializing in sport and public policy at the University of Toronto and initiator of a movement to eliminate sports betting advertising across Canada, highlights the adverse effects of widespread sports gambling advertisements. “It makes it a normal, accepted, everyday part of sport. It legitimizes it,” he explains.  

Kidd argues that this trend not only normalizes gambling within sports but also alters the essence of sports in a manner that has globally been recognized as detrimental. “Once you’re promoting betting, you’re openly endorsing a whole change in the nature of sport in a way that worldwide has been shown to be harmful.” 

Amid growing concerns over the impact of sports betting on mental health, experts are sounding the alarm on the increasing number of minors facing gambling-related issues. Megha Vatsya, a therapist at CAMH’s problem gambling and technology use treatment service, reports a significant uptick in young individuals grappling with the consequences of sports betting.  

“We are seeing a lot of young folks, in their 20s and 30s in particular, who are engaging in sports betting. But we’re also seeing people seeking out support who are even younger than that, youth who are getting access despite it not being legal,” she highlighted, pointing to the urgent need for addressing underage gambling access and its implications. 

The Canadian Gaming Association Responds

In response, Paul Burns, the president and CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association, emphasized the industry’s commitment to safeguarding players.  

Highlighting the pursuit of the “most effective tools and solutions,” Burns stated, “As an industry, we work with government regulators and the research community because we believe and we understand the shared responsibility we have to protect players.”  

He pointed to recent policy changes, such as the prohibition of athletes and celebrities in gambling advertisements, as evidence of the industry’s efforts to mitigate risks for gamblers.  

“The AGCO has from the outset said, ‘We’ll look at our standards on a continual basis and based on evidence and research we will take action as we think we need to,’ and they did,” Burns added. 

Children’s exposure to gambling ads has declined in the UK: Advertising Standards Report confirms

The top online casinos take extreme care not to target any children or minors in their advertising. This is usually considered a priority in terms of responsible gambling, however, it’s not to say that mistakes weren’t made in the past with advertising being inadvertently seen by children or teens. 

The UK Gambling Commission, which is the gambling regulator for online casinos operating in the UK, takes a particularly strict approach to this. In October 2022, a particularly controversial law was enacted in the UK, stating that gambling adverts “must not be of strong appeal to children or young persons”.  

The change was intended to safeguard children and young persons, but it created strong controversy for appearing to catch top sports personalities and other influencers with a strong under-18 following who had previously had no legal problems accepting advertising contracts with some of the top-rated online casinos and sportsbooks. 

The law also resulted in the removal of gambling advertising from many major UK sporting events, such as the Premier League, which also has a large following among children and teens. Now, this law appears to be bearing fruit despite the controversy, as a new report published by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) revealed information about children’s exposure to restricted TV advertising. 

Children’s exposure to gambling advertising on TV has decreased from an average of 3.0 adverts per week in 2010 to 1.8 adverts per week in 2023. Moreover, the exposure of under-16s to gambling ads decreased by two-fifths since 2010, rendering the world of online casinos generally safer. The report reveals that children’s exposure to gambling TV ads is on a definition “downward trend”.  

This reflects a wider trend where children are actually being exposed to less advertising on TV in general. In fact, children’s exposure to all forms of TV advertising decreased from an average of 226.7 adverts per week in 2010 to 58.2 adverts per week in 2023. Broken down further, this means that children saw around two adverts on TV on average, for every nine seen by adults in 2023. These included all gambling adverts related to land and online casinos. 

 Out of all four countries in the UK –  England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – the best performer in this regard was England, with children only being exposed to a total average of 56.6 adverts per week, including gambling-related ones. 

British media adamant that UK children are “bombarded’ by gambling ads

Still, not everyone views the situation from such rose-tinted spectacles. The majority of British media remains of the opinion that children across the UK are exposed to an excess of gambling adverts. A few weeks ago The Guardian ran an in-depth story about the issue, referring to a claim that was made by responsible gambling agency GambleAware that children are being “bombarded” with gambling ads. 

The Guardian reported that, despite legal restrictions on advertising campaigns targeting young people, the internet remains “saturated” with gambling content and promotions, with young people feeling their internet activity is “overwhelmed” by such content. 

“Research shows that gambling content is now part of many children’s lives. This is worrying, as early exposure to gambling can normalise gambling for children at a young age, and lead to problems. We need to see more restrictions put on gambling advertising and content to ensure it is not appearing in places where children can see it. Urgent action is needed to protect children.” 

GambleAware CEO Zoe Osmond

Osmond explained that the report was based on a number of interviews with children and young people aged between seven and 25 about the way gambling affected their lives. The report found that children had difficulties distinguishing between gambling products and gambling-like content, like mobile phone games played with in-app purchases. 

The interviews were carried out by Sherbert Research, with managing director Nicki Karet elaborating that there’s a “confusing” gray area between online gambling and gambling-like gaming. This was especially true for younger children. 

“This grey area is further confusing because gambling advertising, particularly online, often uses visuals and tonal expressions that can be seen to directly target children, such as cartoon graphics, bright colours and sounds,”

Karet told The Guardian. 

This is not the first time that GambleAware has highlighted the issue. An earlier study held in March 2020 had already established that exposure to gambling advertising, including on social media, can have an impact on the likelihood that a child or young person will gamble in the future.  

The study had revealed that almost all (96%) of the 11-24-year-old participants had been exposed to gambling marketing messages in the previous weeks. This was in part thanks to the rise of new forms of gambling marketing through social media, which increased the ways in which children and young people could engage with gambling brands and online casinos. 

The above situation has led to GambleAware calling for “fresh regulation to curb the amount of advertising seen by young people”, with the CEO stating that “a wider definition of gambling may be required to include excessive or compulsive engagement with online games that have elements of betting, such as loot boxes – which can be bought with virtual currencies or real money – and free fruit-machine slot games on Google Play and other platforms.” 

Enforcement of age verification on all gambling products

However, the Betting and Gaming Council in the UK insist that all its members actually do take a very strict approach to age verification on all their gambling products, with online casinos even going so far as to introduce new ‘age gating’ rules when it comes to advertising on social media platforms. 

The Council in fact released a press statement only a few days ago, stating that its members boast record compliance on age verification checks. This statement is backed by research recently concluded by Serve Legal, which is a leading provider of ID and compliance testing services in the UK & Ireland. The company provides extensive, independent audit services to gambling operators to help clients protect and improve operational and compliance standards. 

Its research into this specific topic yielded highly encouraging results: sportsbooks boast a 91.4% age verification pass rate, while land-based and online casinos have an almost perfect pass rate of 98%. 

The figures represent a whopping 30% increase since the last audit took place in 2009. The Council insists that all its members take a “zero tolerance approach” to gambling activities by children and young people, and have raised their standards to implement this approach.   

For instance, age gating is being employed to successfully stop children from encountering gambling-related advertising on social media, with UK online casinos targeting ads to those aged 25 and over unless a platform can verifiably prove that its age gating systems can prevent under 18s from accessing regulated betting and gaming advertising content. 

The study also revealed that remote gambling at online casinos and sportsbooks was not the main source of underage gambling. Rather, the most popular forms of betting by children turned out to be legal arcade games like penny pusher and claw grab machines, bets between friends or family, and playing cards for money. 

The Council has also petitioned the Government, requesting that social media companies be asked to cooperate more closely with the betting and gaming industry in limiting marketing seen by young people. 

Ultimately, this is an area where it’s always good to encourage improvement, and top online casinos are always willing to implement any reasonable measures to help improve the figures. And as the latest statistics show, the strategy appears to be working.

Media Adverts On Gambling Games Has Been Banned In Bulgaria

By Daniela Rose 

The Bulgarian parliament has enacted a ban on all advertisements related to gambling games throughout the different media systems – online, print and broadcast media. This ban also extends to the use of celebrities or personalities in such ads, in addition to sponsorship deals with sports athletes and superstars. 

The initiative, put forth by way of GERB (EPP) and DPS (Renew Europe), garnered an outstanding 198 votes in choose inside Bulgaria’s 240-seat parliament, without any opposition or abstentions. The ban restricts the promotion of gambling services on television, radio, print media, and the websites of online casinos and minimum bet sportsbooks. 

The new regulations also restrict gambling in select regions, most notably prohibiting the creation of casinos in municipalities with populations under 10,000. Besides, lawmakers have ordered that the Ministry of Health receives around 50% of the revenue generated by top-rated online casinos and low deposit casinos. Operators who plan to promote social responsibility programmes will have to cover costs for addiction treatment. 

According to the Bulgarian authorities, the prohibition is meant to reduce the country’s gambling dependency percentage, which has emerged as an increasing difficulty in latest years. Statistics display that the range of trouble gamblers is growing, and the authorities are targeted at confronting the difficulty.  

The restriction has elicited conflicting reactions from the gambling sector, such as new Top-Rated online casinos, as well as the general public. While some claim that it violates individual rights and hinders businesses’ capacity to advertise their services, others see it as an essential move to safeguard those most vulnerable from the negative impacts of gambling.   

What Types Of Advertising Is Banned And What Is Not

The new law marks the biggest change in Bulgaria’s gambling industry in almost ten years. In recent years, gambling companies have been able to advertise freely, even during primetime TV shows. With the new legislation now fully incorporated into Bulgaria’s legislative framework, the capacity to promote gambling offers will be substantially limited.  

The new regulations prohibit a wide range of advertising styles. This covers all promotional content on traditional media platforms such as radio and television and print and electronic publications. Gambling advertisements are also prohibited in public locations, including buildings. 

However, some types of advertising are still permitted under certain conditions. Billboards are authorised if located away from schools. Advertising is also allowed on sports equipment and in sports halls, stadiums, and swimming pools as long as it does not directly target vulnerable populations. 

Additionally, the legislation contains measures to prevent access to websites that facilitate illegal gambling and financial operations. This comprehensive approach intends to limit the reach and influence of gambling advertising, thereby lowering public exposure to gambling-related content, particularly among young people. 

The Council for Electronic Media, which monitors Bulgaria’s media, will ensure that this law is followed. If they find a violation, they will notify the National Revenue Agency (NRA) and issue suitable penalties. 

In response to the ban, certain best online casinos have expressed concern about its possible impact on their businesses. Many businesses rely significantly on advertising to attract consumers and create income, so the prohibition might greatly impact their bottom line.  

Others have praised the ban as a positive step towards promoting responsible gambling and protecting customers. They believe that the prohibition will contribute to a safer gambling environment in Bulgaria and reduce the harmful consequences of problem gambling.  

The prohibition on gambling advertising is just one of several measures the Bulgarian government has implemented to combat the country’s gambling problem. In recent years, the government has imposed more vital rules on online gambling, such as age verification and betting limitations. 

The Impact On Media Houses

The ban on gambling advertising is expected to impact Bulgarian media houses significantly. Official data from 2023 show that gambling businesses spent around €85 million on media advertising. This enormous money inflow has been a vital revenue source for many media companies, especially those focused on sports and entertainment.  

Media outlets have expressed concern about the ban’s financial implications. Stilyan Shishkov, the creator of Sportal.bg, Bulgaria’s most prominent sports news website and executive director of the Bulgarian Gambling Association, emphasised the gravity of the problem.  

Stilyan Shishkov believes that prohibiting gambling advertising will contribute to the rise of the grey sector. He suggests that if gambling advertising is prohibited, it could potentially fuel the growth of the unregulated sector.  

According to Shishkov “restricting advertising leads to an increase in the activity of unlicensed sites” explaining thereafter that this, in turn, hampers the government’s ability to generate revenue through from gambling activities “which reduces the state’s ability to collect taxes and fees” from gambling.  

The ban on gambling advertising is expected to compel media organisations to seek alternate revenue streams. This transition may raise competition for other forms of advertising, potentially raising prices for advertisers. Media companies may also need to investigate new revenue models or broaden their content offerings to attract new advertisers. 

In addition, the restriction can affect the partnerships formed in the sports industry. Gambling businesses commonly sponsor major sporting events and teams. As a result of the increased constraints, sporting organisations may have a more difficult time obtaining sponsorship arrangements, which will negatively impact their financial stability and the sports industry. 

Nonetheless, the Bulgarian government emphasises the importance of the ban for public health and safety. By limiting the exposure of gambling ads, particularly to young people and other vulnerable groups, the aim is to decrease the incidence of gambling addiction. 

With all this taken into account, the government’s allocated funds to the Ministry of Health to combat gambling addiction demonstrates its commitment to addressing the negative impacts of gambling. 

Strict Regulations in Bulgaria and Romania

When the regulation is finally implemented, casinos will be restricted from promoting their products and services on billboards located outside, at a distance of at least 300 metres from educational institutions, kindergartens, colleges and universities, gambling halls, and sports facilities.  

The only lottery that will be allowed to advertise gambling in the media is the state lottery known as the “Bulgarian Sports Totalisator,” and the money made from this lottery must be used to fund sports in Bulgaria.  

At the same time, similar hampers were imposed on the Romanian gambling industry, in which certain Bulgarian enterprises have expressed a strong interest. Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu informed companies that their licences would be revoked if they did not comply with a law outlawing slots in smaller towns in an effort to address the country’s developing gambling addiction. 

Bulgaria’s ban on gambling advertising marks an important shift in the legal framework. While the legislation poses obstacles for media companies and sports organisations, it is motivated by a public health goal aimed at reducing gambling addiction and its accompanying effects.  

As the media industry adjusts to this new reality, the ban’s long-term consequences for best online casinos and minimum bet sportsbooks will become apparent, influencing the future of advertising and media in Bulgaria. Only time will reveal the full implications of this contentious new law.