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 Gamblin g 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.

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Excellent slot choices on the South African online casinos list include Hell’s Kitchen, Jumanji, Jack Hammer, JokerPro, Halloween Jack, and Mighty Medusa. BetGames includes Dice Duel, Andar Bahar, Lucky 6, Bet on Poker, and Wheel of Fortune with new draws taking place every minute. Sports betting includes horse racing, soccer, golf, rugby, basketball, football, boxing, darts, boxing, and snooker.

Betway Welcome Bonus

South Africans registering a Betway account and depositing for the first time can claim either the sports or casino 100% deposit match welcome bonus to enjoy a great start.

Sports Welcome Offer – Enjoy a free bet worth up to R1,000 activated by first deposit.
Casino Games Welcome Offer – Get up to R2,000 as a bonus with your first deposit.

Welcome Bonus

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To claim either the casino games or sports welcome bonus, players need to be 18 years of age or older and complete the registration process. The terms and conditions section offers all information regarding the requirements including wagering on both options, game contributions, and bonus validity periods.

G Bets casino and sportsbook is a winner

G Bets is a must when it comes to finding one of the best online casinos South Africa to match or better the bonus offered at Hollywood Bets. Combining sports and casino entertainment, G Bets is one of the hotspots for South Africans who enjoy an array of weekly draws, endless bonus opportunities, incredible promotions, and non-stop sports boosting options.

Focused on presenting players with fun and incredibly convenient entertainment on desktop and mobile devices, banking methods include South African banks such as Absa, Nedbank, Standard Bank, and FNB. Quick and easy deposit options ensure fast access to the best games by Red Tiger and NetEnt, with slots including Twin Spin, Blood Suckers, Jack and the Beanstalk and Finn and the Swirly Spin.

Sports enthusiasts have an absolute blast with instant access to place their bets on tennis, cricket, golf, volleyball, ice hockey and more. While this also includes wagering on Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Go, while having access to statistics and results.

G Bet Sign Up and Welcome Bonus

R25 Free bet sign up bonus with G Bet – valid for 48 hours and the free bet can be placed on live or pre-match with minimum odds of 1.50. No deposit required.
100% first deposit match bonus worth up to R1,000 with maximum winnings capped at R10,000.

Welcome Bonus

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Both the no-deposit free sign-up bonus and the 100% first deposit match bonus are subject to wagering and other bonus requirements. Reading the terms and conditions are vital to maximizing the amount South Africans can withdraw from the bonuses in real money.

Find more ZA casino reviews right here

Online casinos for South African players offer a great variety of attractive offers, which at most casino sites include a free bonus on registration no deposit option, or high-percentage match bonuses activated by the first deposit. Online casino and sportsbook bonuses grant free play to players and present the perfect opportunity to enjoy real money withdraws.

Maximising the opportunity to claim the highest amount in rands start by identifying the best online casino for the unique requirements of South African players. Minimum Deposit Casinos review all regulated and licensed casinos in South Africa and only promotes online sites meeting our strict criteria. We focus on game variety, betting odds, payment options, fast withdrawals, and rank casinos according to customer support, bonus requirements, and the layout of the site.

In identifying the best online casinos for South African players, compare all the casino sites to consider both similarities and dissimilarities highlighted by our South African casino reviews and only promote the best sites. Read our highly detailed South African casino reviews based on real facts to discover the best bonuses rated on value, to enjoy a long and enjoyable stay at one of the top sites.

Taking a look at Playabets and why you should give them a try

When you think of an ideal betting operator, what comes to mind? Bonus and promotions? Safe and secure banking platform? Casino games and sports betting? Long-standing history in the industry? Licensing? We have found the ideal betting operator with all these benefits, so get ready to start your betting journey at one of the top-rated South African online casinos and sportsbooks, Playabets.

Having been around for decades, Playabets initially opened as a sports betting shop in 1990, and to this day, there are still many of their shops spread across Mzansi. In 2014, Playabets made the smart decision to venture into the online betting world and it’s been nothing but uphill from there. Today, Playabets is renowned as one of the best online casinos for South African players, with an excellent sportsbook. It is a proudly South African operator, licensed and regulated by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator. All players are familiar with this operator, as their iconic green and black lion head logo makes easy for players to recognize.

Powered by BetTech software, their website is easy to use and navigate. Players can access Playabets through PC, laptop or mobile. It is also available on all devices including IOS and Android. Additionally, Playabets have its own free mobile betting app that can be downloaded directly from its website.

Now that we have provided a background of Playabets, let’s get down to the fun and exciting part, the casino games and sportsbook benefits.

The versatile games in store for players

Our South African online casino list has many worthy contenders, but high up on the list is Playabets. So, let’s begin with the star of the show – the casino games. These are called Vegas Games, and players can click the banner to access the product. Casino games have been categorized, making it easier for users to find their all-time favourite games. There is also a search tool which can be used to locate games faster. There are 600+ adventurous games, ranging from slots to tables and live casino. The gaming library uses leading software developers, and players will find anything they want here, from Evolution Gaming to Pragmatic Play and even Aardvark.

The slot product is the main contributor to the gaming library, and there are more than 400 titles for players. The games include megaways, bonus buys, and instant and mobile-friendly games. Popular slot titles include Gates of Olympus, Sweet Bonanza, Diamond Blitz, Great Rhino, Wolf Gold and the Amazing Money Machine.

If table and card games are your thing, Playabets has you covered with various Blackjack, Poker and Roulette variants. Whether it’s low buy games or high-stakes games, all table games at the casino provide hours of entertainment. Popular table and card games include VIP Blackjack, Texas Hold’Em, Side Bet City and Speed Roulette.

A live casino is the closest a player can get to a traditional casino experience, and Playabets has one of the best live casino products. The live casino includes first-person games, live dealer events, as well as game shows with presenters. First-person games are fantastic and ensure a faster game experience without the inconvenience of waiting for other players to place their bets. The best live dealer games include Dragon Tiger, Super Sic Bo, Fan Tan and Baccarat Squeeze. The game shows allow players to interact with presenters and witness the spectacle of the various eye-catching game show digital sets and animations. Popular live game shows cover Mega Ball, Crazy Time, Deal or No Deal, Dream Catcher and Football Studio.

How does playing casino games and placing sports bets with one account sound to you? Amazing right? Well, you guessed it, at Playabets, there is a sportsbook with thousands of competitive sports betting markets on many sporting leagues. Players can bet on their lucky teams and players, as well as some of the top sports including Soccer, Rugby, Cricket, Tennis, Golf and Horse Racing. Sportsbook features include live betting, bet boosts, book my bet and checking a betting shop bet slip.

Diversity is the name of the game here and besides the main online casino and sportsbook, players are also treated to other niche betting opportunities. Players can play scratch cards, place bets on virtual sports and even try their luck with various lucky number lotteries.

Get the 100% Match Bonus from Playabets Casino

Playabets has an exciting R10 casino deposit bonus for all new players, and with a minimum deposit of R10, players can claim a 100% first deposit match bonus of up to R2000. The match bonus offer is one of South Africa’s best, and standard terms are attached.

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New players can deposit from R10 to R2000, and once their deposit and bonus is in their account, they must roll over it 3x at minimum odds of 2.0 (1/1) on pre-match and in-running sport markets. Players have 90 days to meet all wagering requirements. As you can see by the low wagering requirements, the long timeframe to use the bonus and the high bonus funds, Playabets welcome bonus represents value for money.

Besides the 100% match bonus, new players are further spoilt at the casino and sportsbook with a no-deposit registration bonus. Just for registering at Playabets, new players can claim an R50 signup bonus + 50 free spins. The R50 bonus is a sports-free bet and must be used at minimum odds of 4.0 (3/1). Players can get their casino fix with the 50 free spins, which must be used on Pragmatic Play games. The bonus free bet offer is valid for seven days, while free spins expire after 48 hours. There are 4x wagering requirements on the no-deposit bonus offer.

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Deposit Safely at Playabets

Making deposits at Playabets is safe and secure, as the banking platform is encrypted, so players should have no concerns about sharing their banking information. Playabets is an R10 minimum deposit casino, and players have access to all leading payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, Instant EFTs like Zapper, Ozow and SnapScan, and Prepaid Vouchers like 1Voucher, Blu Voucher and OTT Voucher. Players are not charged to deposit, and all deposits should reflect instantly in players’ accounts.

Now that you know all about Playabets

We have explored this operator and have touched on many features, but if you want a detailed review, you can access our Playabets Casino Review. This is one of the top-rated online casinos South Africa has to offer, and players are well looked after. With hundreds of casino games, thousands of sports betting markets, and plenty of bonuses and promotions, what more can you ask for? We encourage readers to head to Playabets, create an account, and experience a fantastic online betting journey.

If you want to find information and news on online casinos in South Africa, or you want to find detailed South African casino reviews, you can visit our online casinos ZA page.

Brazil’s Latest Tax Change On Players’ Winnings And What You Need To Know

Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service has introduced new guidelines for taxing net prizes from fixed-odds lottery bets, imposing a Personal Income Tax (IRPF) rate. This development advances the country’s efforts to finalise its updated gambling legislation, creating a safe and sustainable market benefiting all stakeholders.

This regulation, part of the preparations for the launch of Brazil’s regulated gambling market, defines net prizes as the difference between the amount won and the amount bet, calculated for each bet or session, and subjects them to a 15% levy.

The tax will apply only to winnings of more than $/€500, and online casinos will be responsible for calculating and collecting it. Recent regulatory updates also address technological requirements for operators to ensure the safety of customer data.

As the specifics of the legislation become clear, parties are working to figure out its full scope and effects. What we do know is that this move will significantly impact players’ bankrolls and Brazil’s top online casinos.

Breaking Down The New Tax Law

The most recent regulatory update aims to ensure transparency and efficiency in applying tax legislation. It states that net prizes from fixed-odds lottery bets will be subject to a levy. Net prizes are defined as the difference between the prize value and the amount wagered, calculated for each bet or session.

Low-deposit casinos will calculate and collect the new tax, reducing the regulatory burden on state institutions. This method fits with the goal of the Brazilian government to make the industry as a whole more open and accountable.

This legislation aims to increase government revenue and ensure that a fair share of winnings contributes to public finances. It is part of a broader effort to regulate the gambling industry more stringently and align it with other sectors where winnings are taxed.

Brazil’s Law No. 14,790 introduces legally permissible gambling and betting activities guidelines. This clarity is crucial for top-rated online casinos to align their offerings with legal standards and for bettors to understand their legal options. This includes:

Online Gambling: The law specifies that casinos with a minimum deposit must only be offered online, reflecting a cautious approach by Brazilian lawmakers to limit the potential social harms associated with more addictive forms of gambling.
Fantasy Sports: The law also includes fantasy sports betting, which has gained global popularity at minimum bet sportsbooks. Players create virtual teams based on real footballers and score points based on these players’ actual performance. This type of betting combines skill and knowledge, offering an alternative to traditional sports betting.
Fixed-Odds Betting: The law legalises fixed-odds sports betting, where odds are agreed upon at the time of the wager and do not change. This form of betting is now formally recognised and regulated, allowing bettors to place bets on the outcomes of various sporting events with predetermined odds.

These updates are part of Brazil’s ongoing efforts to finalise its gambling legislation and officially launch its new gaming market. Recent updates clarified several vital technology and security requirements, ensuring the protection of customer data and preventing operators from evading inspections. The government plans to roll out additional updates targeting other emerging concerns.

The legislation now targets bets on sporting events. The market is still in its early stages, but there is room for growth in the future. To maintain consistency with Brazil’s dedication to responsible gambling and consumer protection, any such developments would have to undergo extra legislative processes and regulatory scrutiny.

What The Implications Are Of This New 15% Tax

The imposition of taxes on player prizes has been a contentious issue leading up to the sports betting market launch. This legislation was introduced after President Lula da Silva’s backing of Bill No. 3,626/2023, which set the legislative framework for Brazil’s entry into federal sports betting and online gambling. As a federal law, the tax provisions required review by the Brazilian Federal Revenue (RFB) for integration into the broader tax regime.

The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) urged the government to reduce the ‘tax burden on players’ before launching Bets. ANJL called for congressional intervention, citing previous reductions in gambling tax rates for businesses from 18% to 12% as crucial for maintaining market competition and integrity among licensed operators.

On May 6, 2024, as part of the regulatory framework for betting, the RFB published Normative Instruction No. 2,191 to regulate the withholding of income tax on winnings from fixed-odds betting. The new regulations establish that:

Winnings up to $/€500 (the lowest range of the IRPF monthly incidence table) are exempt from IRPF.
Income tax on net prizes will be withheld at 15% when winnings are paid out or credited.
The betting operator is responsible for calculating and collecting the IRRF related to player transactions.
The net prize is the difference between the winnings and the player’s bet (calculated for each bet) after a real-world sporting event or virtual online gambling session.

Reimbursement for losses sustained in other bets or sessions to determine the net prize is not authorised. The government plans to launch the sports betting market with a 12% tax rate on gambling income and an approximately $/€5.5 million fee for federal licenses valid for five years.

The Secretariat of Betting and Prizes (SPA) finalises technical ordinances related to payments, IT security, crime prevention, and responsible gambling protocols. The SPA’s regulations include a ban on credit card payments and a requirement for Banco Central do Brazil (BACEN) authorisation for all customer deposits and withdrawals.

Individual operators will be responsible for calculating and collecting the tax, reducing the administrative burden on state institutions and streamlining the process. However, despite the government’s intentions, the 15% tax on player winnings has raised concerns within the industry about its potential impact on player participation and market growth.

The ANJL has voiced apprehensions about the tax burden on players, urging the government to consider alternative approaches that promote sustainability and foster public trust. ANJL’s primary concern is the potential for players to be taxed on net losses, which could deter participation in the formal gambling market and undermine the new regulations.

To address these concerns, ANJL has called for a thorough review of the tax framework and more excellent consultation with industry stakeholders to ensure a fair, transparent, and conducive tax regime for market growth.

Notably, the new regulations clarify that the prize will be determined per sporting event or gaming session, despite the betting industry’s request for annual calculations as stated in the original wording of Law No. 14,790/2023, which the Brazilian president vetoed.

As Brazil embarks on this new chapter in sports betting, the potential for growth and innovation is immense. However, success will depend on balancing economic opportunities with the need to protect consumers and uphold sports integrity.

Companies that would like to enter the Brazilian sports betting market have to deal with many different legal, financial, and practical rules. There are strict checks and balances along the way to authorization that ensure the industry’s integrity and sustainability. 

The journey ahead of the best online casinos will require collaboration, adaptability, and a commitment to responsible gambling principles. With strategic oversight and continuous regulatory refinement, Brazil’s sports betting industry can achieve a sustainable and prosperous future.

By Daniela Rose

Is Alberta the Next Ontario? How Alberta Online Casino Regulations Could Change Gambling in Canada

By Ijeoma Izuchukwu

Alberta is ready to set up its Ontario-themed iGaming sector that’ll accommodate Canadian online casinos and sports betting. With Bill 16 receiving the Royal Assent, Alberta residents who couldn’t access the top minimum bet sportsbooks in Canada might be able to do so if things go according to plan.

In Canada, the online gambling fever was relatively low. However, Ontario kick-started an iGaming revival after it launched its own legal online gambling market on the 4th of April 2022. As seen on an official iGaming Ontario report, a staggering $63 billion wagers were placed from the 1st of April 2023 to the 31st of March 2024. This timeline also witnessed a gaming revenue of $2.4 billion.

With these astronomical figures recorded in the Ontario online wagering market, it’s no surprise that Alberta wants to join the trend and make massive amounts in wagers and revenue. This motive has led to legislation confirming Alberta’s plans to have an iGaming service similar to Ontario’s. Here’s what the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally, had to say before the introduction and passing of the bill that sets the province on a path to creating its iGaming market:

“Alberta can be a leading hub for iGaming, with a strong emphasis on openness and a free market. We have low corporate taxes, streamlined regulations and high disposable incomes. These conditions will allow us to establish ourselves as a premier destination for the iGaming industry.”

Below, we’ll take a look at what Bill 16 entails and what the Alberta online casino and sports betting scene will look like once it’s set into motion. Stay tuned.

Alberta Passed New Bill Aimed at iGaming and Sports Betting

From the looks of things, there’s a legislative foundation that allows for some competition in the online casino and sports betting scene in the Western Canadian province of Alberta. It’s vital to note that before the introduction of Bill 16 (which we’ll be examining shortly) only the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission (AGLC) via its unique Play Alberta website was authorized to conduct iGaming activities.

In May, the Alberta legislature passed Bill 16, tagged the Red Tape Reduction Statuses Amendment Act. Since this legislature received the Royal Assent (the Sovereign’s approval of a bill adopted by the houses of Parliament) shortly after its passage, it has become law. Bill 16 is aimed at conducting and managing the affairs of Alberta iGaming platforms that will open their doors to players within the province.

This caveat essentially means that Alberta will allow third-party sites that have undergone several tests and are considered legitimate to offer gaming products and services within the Western Canadian province alongside the AGLC-owned PlayAlberta online casino and sportsbook, which the commission runs in place of the government.

The introduction of Bill 16 paves the way for Alberta to create a new online gambling route, an assignment that Premier Danielle Smith tasked Dale Nally (minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction) with last year. For context, the former called on the minister to make Alberta a hub for online gambling and sports betting. Premier Danielle had directed Nally to form partnerships with other significant stakeholders to create a strong online gaming strategy. The end goal would revolve around revenue generation and responsible betting. However, Nally asserted that while Alberta’s interest in becoming a leading iGaming hub was high, this vision would be backed by streamlined regulations and low corporate taxes.

In a press conference held on the 8th of April, 2024, Nally confirmed that Bill 16 would shed light on his ministry’s authority to enact policies associated with the alcohol and gaming markets when it directly impacted government revenues. He also added that the government alongside the AGLC will have the legal backing to direct all iGaming activities within Alberta.

While Bill 16 is now law, there are steps that still need to be taken. According to Nicky Gocuan, Dale Nally’s press secretary, the government will enter into a meeting with the province’s 47 First Nations, which includes the six that are casino operators to seek their insight on the iGaming project set to commence in Alberta. Here’s what he said:

“As part of our policy development process, and our move towards a more open regulated online gaming market, Alberta’s government will continue to examine best practices from other jurisdictions, including Ontario. As always, a key priority for the province is to ensure that any expanded iGaming model in Alberta prioritizes the best interests of all Albertans.”

From the Bill 16 framework, it’s clear that there’s a legislative desire to actualize Ontario’s iGaming market in Alberta. For context, Ontario opened its online gambling sector to third-party wagering operators in April 2022. This market is operated and managed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario (iGO). Additionally, there’s no limit to how many iGaming operators are permitted to compete within the province. As of Q1 2024, the official iGaming Ontario website stated that there were 49 operators and 72 gambling platforms available to residents within the province.

Revenue-wise, Ontario online gambling sites generated a huge sum of $2.4 billion in revenue besides the wagering total of $63 billion, from the 1st of April 2023 to the 31st of March 2024. These figures represent a year-on-year increase of 71.4% (revenue) and 78% (bets).

With the Ontario iGaming sector growth, it’s no surprise that Alberta wants to join the parade and enjoy similar dividends. Bill 16 comes after the province dedicated $1 million from its budget to review the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Act, alongside all related regulations. As such, there’s a chance that we’ll see a distinct agency (just like iGaming Ontario) oversee online gaming-related activities within Alberta that’ll work alongside the AGLC as early as 2025.

The managing director of Rush Street Interactive, Bruce Caughill, confirmed that Alberta is utilizing Ontario’s iGaming template during the SBC Summit North American Conference that was held in New Jersey. Here’s what he said:

“There seems to be every indication that they’re simply going to white label the Ontario licensing regime. That’s sort of hope that you can transition right into the model if you’re already in Ontario.”

That said, the Canadian Gaming Association President, Paul Burns, said during the Summit that Alberta has a stake in the highest per-capita gambling expenditure in Canada for years. Thus, iGaming companies looking to operate within the province and compete with the AGLC’s online casino and sportsbook offering – PlayAlberta – would need to have comprehensive offerings. Only time will tell if this line of thought becomes reality.

What the Alberta Online Gambling Market Will Look Like

We aren’t fortune tellers to know how the online gambling market in Alberta will look like with the passing of Bill 16. As it stands, all we know is that rather than the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, & Cannabis Commission (AGLC) being the province’s sole iGaming operator via its PlayAlberta website, competition will be encouraged between the commission and other third-party platforms. Additionally, since $1 million was devoted to reviewing the AGLC Act and employing fitting strategies, there’s a chance that Alberta will have its distinct iGaming board like Ontario that’ll work alongside the AGLC itself.

Since Bill 16 was created using the Ontario iGaming market blueprint, it’s likely that Alberta’s online gambling principles will mirror that of Ontario. If so, only casino platforms regulated and licensed by the Alberta iGaming Authority will be allowed to carry out online wagering-related activities within the province. Furthermore, these sites will be available exclusively for players within the province’s borders.

Thus, we expect Alberta wagering destinations to ensure that players activate their GPS when signing up on their sites to prevent people outside the Western Canadian province from having illegitimate access to the platform. Online Casinos and sports betting sites that disobey this rule will face penalties, with the most severe being permanent license suspension.

With the latest iGaming legislation in Alberta, emphasis will most likely be placed on betting and casino applications. Like in Ontario, this application would be distinct and tailored to suit the needs of Alberta iGamers. We’ve seen this play out multiple times. Some iGaming operators offer generic iOS and Android apps for other jurisdictions but have unique dedicated applications for their Ontario players.

So, will Alberta become the second legal sports betting and casino market in Canada? Although there’s a Bill that has been passed, it’s more of a “wait and see” situation. However, if the iGaming legislation kicks off in this province, Alberta players will have a variety of third-party platforms to choose from besides PlayAlberta. Additionally, the province’s government will make huge revenues when multiple operators join its latest online gambling space.

What Is a White Label Casino

Imagine if you could skip all the hassles of setting up an online casino and obtaining the necessary licenses. Imagine starting your own casino business under your branding but with the help of experienced professionals supporting you every step of the way.

Well, you don’t actually have to imagine any of these things because they already exist and represent the concept of white label casino solution. In fact, many of the best online casinos have used this approach. That’s exactly what has enabled them to focus on players rather than on time-consuming administrative errands.

With interest in white label casino products increasing, our team has taken the time to create a full guide on the topic. Stay on this page to learn what white label solutions are and how they work. Of course, we’ll also reveal the secret of what makes them so attractive to operators.

The White Label Casino Concept

A white label casino solution represents a pre-build and ready-to-launch online casino platform. This product is always offered by a third-party company specializing in such solutions.

Those investing in such a platform get:

Fully functional platform and games;
Technical support by the third-party company;
White label licensing through the platform provider;
Financial infrastructure necessary for payment processing;
Website development and even hosting;
Customer support;
AML, KYC, risk and fraud management;
Real-time reporting and analytics;
Gamification and player engagement services.

As mentioned, the product is ready to go. The client (casino operator) just needs to provide any individual requirements as well as branding directions.

To a first-time visitor, a white label casino looks like a new and unique product. This simple solution is especially popular among new online casinos that want to join the market quickly and without investing in big teams.

Please don’t confuse white label casinos with turnkey casino solutions. The latter is for operators who hold their own licenses but don’t want to develop a casino platform. By contrast, a white label casino product always includes platform, licensing, and payments.

How White Label Casinos Work

To establish an online casino business, you need to build the website, make agreements with game providers, and set up payment processing. You also need a proper license based on what market or markets you want to target.

Let’s not forget that you’ll also need a customer care team, affiliate managers, and, of course, an entire marketing team.

A while label casino product will remove many of these segments from your plate. Please note that platform providers don’t do this important work for an affordable price just because they’re nice. In many cases, they will also get a share of your profits. Yet, reports from top-rated online casinos using such solutions show the deal is more than lucrative.

To set up a white label casino, you need to follow these general steps:

First contact and consultation.
Discuss your target market and licensing.
Agree on all the segments handled by your team and those handled by the white label platform provider.
Provide all your requirements and customization requests.
Decide if you want additional services like a loyalty program, tournaments, jackpots, etc.
Give the platform provider the time necessary to set up everything.
Take the reign of your newly launched and fully operational online casino!

We already covered what the white label product supplier does. But what about you? As an operator of such a casino, you stay in charge of the following aspects:

Daily casino operations and management;
Marketing, brand building, player acquisition;
Customer support;
Player retention strategies.

Once again, it’s good to note that white label casino providers often have additional services that can cover some or all of these. However, it’s good to stay ahead of these vital aspects and build a strong relationship with your players without third parties in between.

The Benefits of White Label Casinos

By the number of operators using white label casino solutions, it’s easy to conclude that the investment is worth it. Let’s dive deeper into the benefits of this service and understand it better.

Faster time to market – Acquiring proper licensing often takes an entire year, and developing standalone casino software isn’t any quicker either. By contrast, the average launch time for a white label casino is only four weeks.
Lower initial investment – Developing a casino from scratch doesn’t only mean more money spent but also more time spent. You could redirect both toward player acquisition and retention instead!
Access to established gaming software and payment systems – White label software providers have agreements with multiple game suppliers, ensuring game lobbies with thousands of games. They also partner with payment systems, so you don’t have to. For example, one of the leading suppliers of white label casinos gets you launched with 7,500 casino games!
Ongoing technical support and updates from the provider – While your team works to attract and keep players happy, your white label casino partner bothers with the technical aspect of your operations. Not only will they provide ongoing tech support but also all necessary updates for your product.
No hassle compliance – Since the platform provider holds the license, it’s in their interest to ensure your operations are fully compliant. That means you get a product meeting all regulatory standards right from the start and without any hassles from your side.
Target one or more markets at once – Many white label casino providers hold multiple licenses, directly enabling you to target several markets at once. It’s your decision what country or countries you want to serve, and the company will help you do it. You can operate as an MGA and UKGC-approved brand without complex paperwork or long processing times.

When creating our best online casino reviews, we’ve noticed that many of those leading brands are white label casino solutions.

SOFTSWISS is perhaps the most popular company offering a ready-to-go casino platform. The brand has powered 800+ brands over the years, including Megaslot, King Billy, BitStarz, Playamo, and 7bit Casino.

Conclusion

Overall, we can conclude that taking the white label casino route is the simplest way of starting your own online casino business. Thanks to the deep support of casino platform providers, aspiring casino operators get everything they need without wasting time on research, paperwork, and negotiations.

iGaming is a complex industry with tons of regulations and preferences, both of which vary by market and audience. A small issue can grow into a costly problem if you fail to optimize even the smallest aspect of your service.

With a ready-to-launch white label casino adapted to your brand and needs, you skip directly to the finish line. Now, all the hassles are behind you. You can focus on building your business and communicating with the most important segment – your players!

Without white label casinos, the iGaming industry wouldn’t be what it is today, that’s for sure. So, if you have the investment and the brand idea, we invite you to consider this modern and elegant solution!