Norway and Finland Are Working to Institute Gambling License System

By Daniela Rose

Scandinavia has one of the world’s biggest online gambling markets. It draws players from countries like Sweden, Norway, and Finland, who regularly deposit money to play their favourite games. However, local regulations in Scandinavia impose strict limitations on domestic operators, prohibiting them from offering services to regional players. As a result, many international, top online casinos have adapted by providing their websites in Swedish, Norwegian, and Finnish languages and facilitating local currency deposits and withdrawals for Scandinavian players.

However, through the establishment of proper licensing systems, Norway and Finland are both adopting measures to promote gambling legislation that is both safer and more effective. When it comes to gambling activities, Norway is now operating under a monopoly system. Still, Finland is currently in the process of deconstructing its own monopoly system in favour of issuing licenses.

This development reflects a rising understanding within the gambling sector across Scandinavia and wider Europe of the need for increased control, player protection, and integrity of the best online casinos.

Finnish Authorities Want Greater Control of the Gambling Market

The government of Finland has taken a decision to open up the gambling industry to licensing after years of maintaining a rigid monopoly. It is anticipated that by the year 2026, it will have a fully operational licensing system that will encourage sizeable international online casino sites to operate in Finland. This will, in turn, contribute a significant amount of tax money to the budget, and it will also provide consumers with the luxury of choosing from a variety of operators.

Veikkaus, Finland’s Slot Machine Association, and Fintoto, three state-owned companies, were forced to merge in 2017, which resulted in establishing a strict monopoly on gambling in Finland. Users were left with no options to pick from, and there was no healthy competition that could have fostered the growth of the market because no other brands were permitted to operate in the country.

The government of Finland believed that by establishing a monopoly on gambling, it would be able to keep the money consumers spend on wagers within the country while offering easy access to gambling institutions, allowing for easier oversight.

Finland’s choice to transition away from its long-standing gaming monopoly system and towards a licensing model highlights the need for increased management and control. Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), emphasized the significance of this move by saying, “This is a welcome step towards meaningful and overdue gambling reform in Finland.”

Haijer noted the possible benefits, including giving consumers a wider variety of options and safeguards, promoting equal competition among operators, and allowing Finnish authorities to exercise more comprehensive regulatory capabilities.

Implementing a licensing system that permits firms to buy their way into a particular market has proven to be a successful model in a number of different countries. When there are standards that official companies are required to follow to remain in the market, the regulation process becomes more manageable. This contrasts the situation in which authorities chase online casinos and bookmakers and attempt to limit access to pages that keep appearing.

Norway Signs Agreement to Promote Safer Gambling

The Norwegian Industry Association for Online Gaming (NBO) and the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) have formed a strategic partnership with the primary goal of developing safer gambling practices in Norway. This partnership was formed in response to Finland’s progressive mindset on the issue.

Both organizations have reached an agreement to lobby for the implementation of a licensing system in order to enhance the protection of consumers and the integrity of the industry. This agreement was reached through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

As reported by the Gambling Insider, the General Secretary of the Norwegian Gaming Organisation, Carl Frederik Stenstrom, emphasized the significance of this collaboration by noting, “Increasingly strong signals indicate that the Norwegian monopoly is not the most effective solution for consumer protection or industry integrity.” Stenstrom emphasized the importance of taking a holistic approach to the gambling product and regulating it according to that perspective to develop the most effective framework possible.

IBIA CEO Khalid Ali recently issued a statement in which he restated the organization’s position and expressed satisfaction with the Memorandum of Understanding that was recently created with the NBO. Ali emphasized the significance of obtaining licenses for responsible and regulated betting operators in Norway. He pointed out that the absence of such permits makes it more challenging to monitor the market, safeguard consumers, and implement stringent integrity measures for online casinos and sports betting.

From Monopoly to Licensing

Several criticisms and challenges have been levelled against Finland’s monopoly on gambling in recent years. Switching from Veikkaus Oy’s monopoly structure to a licensing system is one of the potential solutions presented. Among the countries known globally as standard role models in the gambling industry, Norway has not adopted a licensing model. Yet, it has been able to build its own monopolistic system successfully.

Since 2019, the number of gambling problems in Norway has decreased by 50%, and the number of people in Norway who indulge in gambling games that are not part of the monopoly system has been reduced. A decrease has also been seen in high-risk gambling. This information is uncovered by a recent study of the Norwegian population that the University of Bergen carried out.

Norway has, among other things, implemented additional mechanisms to prevent financial transactions to prohibit gambling outside of the monopoly system. The country has outlawed the marketing of gambling games by both the monopoly operator Norsk Tipping and unlawful operators. As a consequence of these restrictions, there is a visible reduction in the amount of advertising for gambling across all channels.

The partnership between the National Board of Gambling and the International Business Institute (IBIA) represents a concentrated effort to address responsible behaviours and promote plans that attempt to minimize the impact of the harm caused by gambling.

Norway and Finland are making progress toward establishing gaming licensing systems; nonetheless, promoting safer gambling practices and the integrity of the sector continues to be of the utmost importance in these countries.

Joint Efforts Towards Responsible Gambling

Online casinos and sportsbooks that have been granted licenses are based on a foundation of safer gambling. Organizations that are concerned with the protection of customers and the implementation of responsible gambling practices are included in this foundation.

Gambling responsibly is essential in order to have a secure and fun experience when playing at an online casino. Players can explore the top-rated online casinos in a responsible manner if they establish limits for themselves, identify warning signs, and seek support when they feel they need it.

Being licensed by regulatory bodies that place a priority on responsible gambling practices is essential to ensuring that the excitement of gaming continues to be a positive and controlled pursuit. This is especially important in Norway and Finland, where the online casino industry continues to expand internationally.

England launches new gambling service to treat problem gambling

By Ginevra Alessandrello

A new service for gambling addiction has been established in South Cumbria, England, and satellite clinics will soon be available in Manchester, Preston, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, Blackpool, and Sheffield.

This new service – led by Dr Matt Gaskell of the North West Gambling Service (NWGS) – is set to address the consequences of gambling at UK online casinos. Gambling addiction is becoming a new public health crisis in the UK, with more gamblers suffering mental health problems.

Gambling addiction can cause the breakdown of relationships, severe debt, loss of employment, crime, and, tragically, sometimes, suicide, causing the NHS to be concerned. Figures also show that in England alone, there is an average of 496 gambling-related suicide cases every year.

Mr Gaskell’s profession is that of a psychologist. Recently, he was quoted as telling The Westmorland Gazette that gambling addiction did not discriminate. He said it was something that affected everyone from women who buy into the advertising campaigns for slots to football fans, which has contributed to the rising number of addiction cases.

This new Responsible Gambling service will include therapists, mental health nurses, psychologists and psychiatrists who are trained to treat gambling addiction. The great part about this service is that compulsive gamblers can attend group sessions in person, over the Internet, or on the telephone. Treatments offered include therapy sessions with a trained psychologist, addiction treatment programmes, and family therapy. Gambling addicts can bring their families and carers.

How can gambling addiction affect your life? It can cause a breakdown of relationships, severe debt, loss of employment, crime, and, tragically, sometimes even suicide. Research shows that in England alone, there is an average of 496 gambling-related suicide cases every year. This is why the NHS is concerned about it.

Which areas does the new gambling service cover

This service will cover various areas including Gateshead, North and South Tyneside, Sunderland, Newcastle and Northumberland. So, if you reside in any of these areas and need help, you can attend a session either by referring yourself directly or through a medical professional. You can visit Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust online to get more in-depth information.

What you need to know is that the NHS Northern Gambling Service works closely with local charities, substance misuse services, general practitioners, debt agencies, councils, homeless agencies, the criminal justice system and substance misuse services. Their core principle is: “Any door is the right door”. This essentially means that it doesn’t matter how you got there, as long as you do get there.

The NHS Northern Gambling Services can be reached at:

• Website – Find them online by searching NHS Northern Gambling Service
• Telephone – 0300 300 1490
• Email – [email protected]

Gambling research in the UK

It’s worrying that 15 million people gamble at land-based casinos and online in Great Britain, a fifth of the population, almost as many people that visited a museum or art gallery at least once last year.

Gambling is made up of gambling games at UK online casinos and sportsbooks and is an activity that encourages people to socialise online. Players log into a UK online casino and can start playing to win big.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions, there has been a surging number of players that have joined the best UK online casinos. This has in turn seen a spike in gambling addiction. The pandemic also caused another strange phenomenon, such as increased numbers of women gamblers who prefer lotteries, scratchcards, slot games in arcades, and buying National Lottery instant-win scratchcards. The UK has also had a rise in online poker and virtual sports betting. As many real-life sports events were cancelled, eSports became a favourite way to bet online. After COVID restrictions were lifted, figures for adults who gamble remain 28% lower than pre-COVID-19.

The future of safer gambling in the UK

With the rise of new online casino players and online sports punters, responsible gambling has become a pressing concern in the UK. Education programmes on how to prevent gambling addiction have now become critical for the future of safer gambling in the UK.

A paper published online in 2021 by the UK Gambling Commission found that whilst the pandemic spurred reflection on life and finances, most people haven’t changed their online gambling behaviours since then, and only a few decreased how much they gamble.

There has been a rise in overall spending, although this does not necessarily indicate that punters placed higher stakes. Many participants report feeling disappointed at their gambling habits since the pandemic, and research also showed that younger participants increased their overall time and money spent on gambling.

The Gambling Commission’s findings could have severe consequences for the nation. Younger players are most at risk of spending time and money on gambling, and any gambling communication, such as England launching a new gambling service to treat problem gambling, will also target this group of casino players and punters with a compulsive gambling problem.

Compared to older people, younger players are generally less worried about gambling addiction. Research also shows that while the pandemic made people reflect on their finances, this did not cause a change in the behaviour of most gamblers. Instead, participants found it easy to justify more time and money spent gambling as there is nothing quite like it in terms of entertainment.

Great Britain has one of the most accessible online gambling markets in the world, and concerns regarding gambling-related harm have been increasing in the UK in recent years. Gambling is now seen as a public health issue, which is what has prompted this new initiative to inform the public about the many hidden dangers of gambling addiction.

Sweden will introduce stricter gambling measures in April 2024

By Shadrack Kairu

Stricter gambling regulations are coming to Sweden effective April 1, 2024, in a move that is seen as crucial to enhance consumer protections and fight gambling-related crime. The Swedish government (Regeringen) harmonized a series of gambling amendments into a single bill, which was later approved by the Riksdag, the country’s parliament.

Under the newly confirmed amendments, the government seeks to impose higher fees on gambling operators that violate the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AML). Additionally, it aims to provide legal online gambling companies with the right to access personal data relating to finance and health that players themselves have provided, with a view to combating gambling-related harm. The new regulatory framework means that tougher requirements are in the pipeline for online casinos regarding consumer protection and responsible gambling.

The Swedish Gambling Authority, Spelinspektionen, has welcomed these new government proposals saying it’s a step in the right direction.

Spelinspektionen Director General Camilla Rosenberg expressed satisfaction with the proposals, noting “We welcome the proposals in the referral that enable further measures to strengthen the regulation of the gaming market. “

“It is also gratifying that the government has now heeded the Gambling Authority’s proposal to raise the sanction ceiling for violations of the Money Laundering Act,” she added.

Consumer safety and new standards for Sweden’s gambling industry

A notable provision under the new revisions to the Swedish Gambling Act of 2018 includes the requirement for telemarketing sales of gambling services to be presented in writing to consumers. This means that gambling companies will now be required to obtain written approval from players before engaging in telephone sales of games. Any agreements not made in writing will be deemed invalid. The aim of this is to promote responsible gambling and ultimately protect consumers from excessive betting.

In addition, the proposed bill requires that providers of legal online casinos be granted the right to access personal financial and health data that the players themselves have provided. This will enable them to monitor and analyze players’ financial and health status in an effort to counteract excessive gambling. This is also intended to protect players from crimes associated with online gambling.

The new Swedish gambling law slated to take effect on 1 April 2024 also seeks to impose higher fines on gambling companies that breach the country’s Money Laundering Act. As it stands, the penalty fee for betting companies that contravene the Money Laundering Act is lower than for those that violate the Gambling Act.

Under the new law, the government plans to increase fines for AML violations to the same level as those for violating the Gambling Act. This, the government believes, is crucial for combating criminal activities that stem from gambling.

The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling, Branschföreningen för Onlinespel (BOS), welcomed the government proposals which would see higher penalties imposed on companies for money laundering violations. Responding to the proposal – which was first introduced by the Ministry of Finance, Finansdepartementet, in June – BOS said it approved the proposal because of the seriousness of the AML violation risk. The trade body, however, expressed its reservations about other proposals in the new law.

Increased tax on gambling winnings also on the cards

Meanwhile, Sweden’s parliament, the Riksdag, is in discussions about increasing the personal income tax on gambling winnings from 18% to 22%. If the parliament approves it, the amendments are poised to take effect starting July 1, 2024, and will see the government raise an additional SEK 540m (£39.4m) in gambling tax per year.

Sweden’s legal gambling landscape has evolved relatively steadily in the past few years. Unlike some jurisdictions that opt for swift and comprehensive reforms, potentially leading to increased illegal gambling activities, the Swedish government has embraced an evolutionary approach.

First, it established the Swedish Gambling Act on January 1, 2019, setting the rules of the game for gambling operators. Then in 2023, it implemented a raft of measures aimed at combating illegal operations, strengthening consumer protections, and improving customer care duties for online betting licensees.

More notably, on July 1, 2023, supplier licenses were enforced while new enforcement powers were handed to Spelinspektionen. And now, the government is eyeing increasing the gambling tax rate starting in July 2024.

But these amendments are coming at a time when the growth of Sweden’s regulated gambling market seems to have taken a slump, according to the latest financial report released by Spelinspektionen.

In Q2 of 2023, for example, licensed gambling operators generated a gross gaming revenue (GGR) of SEK 6.7bn (€562.8 million). This GCR was down over 1% compared to the SEK 6.77bn (€568.7 million) reported in Q2 2022. Furthermore, in Q3 2023, GGR decreased 0.6% year-over-year and plateaued versus the third quarter of 2022.

The report further reveals that by the end of Q3 of 2023, roughly 99,000 people had registered for the voluntary self-exclusion scheme through Spelinspektionen’s self-exclusion program Spelpaus.se. This marks a 4% increase compared to the previous quarter of the year.

How Swedish gambling operators are preparing for these changes

The newly proposed gambling measures have however been met with some backlash from the Swedish gambling operators, with Sweden’s Branschföreningen för Onlinespel (BOS) labelling the tax changes a “Christmas Gift” for offshore online casinos.

BOS, a prominent critic of the government’s management of the gambling sector, expressed serious concerns over the government’s decision to raise gambling taxes, deeming its timing particularly hostile for the regulated market. The association argued that raising gambling taxes will only drive players to turn to illicit operators in the black market.

In a press release, Gustaf Hoffstedt, BOS Secretary General, emphasized the impact this could have on the country’s regulated gambling market, stressing its ill timing. Voicing BOS’s rejection of the proposal, Gustaf Hoffstedt said:

“The government can hardly time its proposal to raise the gambling tax to a worse time. We are in a situation where fewer and fewer players choose to play on the safe licensed market, and more and more on the unregulated, unlicensed gambling market”.

Hoffstedt also concluded his remarks by asserting that the government’s proposed tax hike on gambling was a “Christmas gift” for the unregulated, unlicensed gambling market:

“That the government proposes to raise the tax for licensed gambling is the best Christmas present you can think of – to the unregulated and unlicensed gambling market’, he concluded (SBC News).

Meanwhile, Spelinspektionen, the country’s gambling authority, has neither approved nor opposed the proposed tax rise, noting that it has “no substantive views” on the matter. However, the authority promised to “carefully follow developments” to see what “consequences the proposed tax hikes may actually have on the Swedish regulated gambling sector.”

The gambling market in Sweden has undergone significant changes during the five years since the Swedish Gambling Act came into force on January 1, 2019. This seems to continue in 2024, as the government looks to strengthen online gambling safety while also clamping down on illegal gambling in the country.

For now, this bill underscores consumer safety, introduces tougher fines for money laundering offences, and sets new standards for gambling-related telephone sales in the Swedish gambling industry.

Responsible Gaming at Low Stakes: A Guide to C$1 Deposit Casinos in Canada

The best responsible gambling platforms in Canada are C$1 Deposit Casinos. After registering, players can invest one dollar and enter some of Canada’s finest online casinos with a bonus. For Canucks that are interested in playing casino games risk-free, Minimum Deposit Casinos (MDC) has researched the best sites for you with the most competitive casino bonuses and the newest slots and casino games.

Play the best slots online or use strategy with table games and live games. You could also try your luck at winning a six or seven-figure payouts with progressive jackpots – it’s all at your fingertips. But before you grab a bonus and indulge, let’s talk a little about the importance of responsible gambling habits.

The main benefits of C$1 deposit casinos in Canada include risk-free gambling, however, as exciting as it is to play some of the best online slots in the industry for only C$1 at low-stakes online casinos, gambling responsibly has never been more important. Canucks are increasingly drawn to the convenience and affordability of C$1 casinos as they let players enjoy casino games with minimal financial commitment and are an attractive option for anyone wanting to test the waters risk-free.

In our easy-to-read Guide to C$1 Deposit Casinos in Canada, we will define what responsible gaming is, explain its importance in the context of online gambling, and discuss common risks and how to recognize signs of problem gambling. We guide you on how to set personal limits for time and money spent at online casinos. We highlight tools and features offered by C$1 deposit casinos to help you manage your gambling habits. For Canucks that need help, we’ll provide a list of Canadian support groups and more information on responsible gaming.

Understanding Responsible Gaming

Responsible Gaming is a set of practices and tools designed to ensure players enjoy online casinos and sportsbooks that are safe and regulated. Keeping tracks of your online gambling means that by using some responsible gambling tools, you will prevent compulsive gambling behaviours and minimize the potential adverse effects of gambling.

When one considers the risks of gambling, it becomes clear that every caution is necessary. Most Canucks can deposit at an online casino, play, and then cash out when they have had enough, but for other players, it’s not that easy. Players who are vulnerable to gambling addiction will find themselves chasing wins, borrowing or stealing money to gamble online secretly, and much like the thirst of an alcoholic, the gambling addict will have an unquenchable thirst for real money gambling games, and it doesn’t matter how much they have already lost.

Here are some of the tell-tale signs of gambling addiction:

• Consistently thinking about gambling and avoiding day-to-day responsibilities to gamble.
• Chasing wins and compulsively gambling can cause substantial financial losses.
• Anyone with a compulsive gambling problem will socially isolate and gamble secretly for hours.
• Increase your bets to recover previous losses and chase your wins.

If you find yourself thinking more about gambling than before or are spending money that wasn’t assigned for gambling, how about setting up some responsible gambling tools at your online casino and take back control? Set limits on how much you spend or how long you play, and access resources to enhance your awareness about the potential risks of gambling. Players can also self-exclude temporarily or permanently and can click on links for support networks and professional counselling services.

A handy feature of the Responsible Gambling section of any regulated casino is the Self Assessment Questionnaire, which you can take to evaluate your gambling habits. Answer yes and no to a set of gambling-related questions, and depending on your results, you can make necessary adjustments.

Setting Limits at C$1 Deposit Casinos

It’s true that C$1 deposit casinos offer an affordable way to play real-money online gambling games. Even so, it’s still crucial for players to establish personal limits based on the following:

• Time Management – Decide how long you want to play online, then set a reminder when it’s time to stop playing. It’s also helpful to take regular breaks and prevent mental tiredness.
• Set Financial Limits – Decide on your gambling budget daily, weekly, and monthly, and keep your online gambling funds separate from your other household expenses to prevent overspending.
• Responsible Gambling Tools – Licensed and regulated C$1 deposit casinos allow their users to set deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclusion, as well as access gambling addiction counsellors.
• Informational Materials – Every online casino provides a Responsible Gambling section, usually found at the bottom of the casino’s website. In this section, you can read about help and support services.

Maximizing Enjoyment with Minimal Risk

In this section, we present some strategies for enjoying casino games responsibly with low stakes, including choosing games with lower bets and taking advantage of bonuses wisely. There should always be a balance between playing games for fun versus the risks of gambling. Choose games with lower bets, such as penny slots, to maximize enjoyment with minimal risk. This is a great way to extend your gambling session without missing out on any action. Another tip is to try demo slots for free and learn the rules of the slot game and paytable before trying the game for real money.

There are always terms and conditions and wagering requirements associated with casino bonuses. The T&Cs explain how to convert your bonus to withdrawable real cash wins successfully. Online casino gaming should always be seen as fun entertainment rather than as a way to make extra cash.

Resources for Responsible Gaming in Canada

Gambling addiction can cause harm like depression, bankruptcy, family breakups, and even homelessness. These effects can be devastating, which is why the Canada Safety Council considers gambling addiction a community safety and crime prevention issue. Here are some resources available to Canadian players for support and information on responsible gambling.

• Gambling Therapy Canada – A free online service offering practical advice to gamblers struggling with problem gambling.
• GamTalk Canada – Players who want to share their experience with someone online can visit GamTalk to connect with people who have been through this before.
• RecoverMe App Canada – A mobile app that helps you manage a gambling problem by using cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness and support tools in helping to control urges and prevent lapses in your gambling.
• Responsible Gambling Council – Provides valuable information, self-assessment tools, and educational resources to promote responsible gambling behaviour.

Choosing the Right C$1 Deposit Casino

When choosing the right C$1 deposit casino, please pay special attention to their licensing information, and whether they offer 24/7 customer support and responsible gaming policies. Valid licenses are issued by legitimate regulators such as the Malta Gambling Authority, Kahnawake Gaming Commission, and the Curacao government.

You should be able to contact support via Live Chat and email, and many top-rated software developers must provide the slots and table games. To safeguard your hard-earned cash and mental health, only play at top-rated Canadian casinos that feature a solid, Responsible gambling section. Reputable C$1 deposit casinos must provide clear and helpful information on responsible gambling and allow Canucks to set deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclude.

Commemorating International Responsible Gambling Day on 17 February 2024

By Ginevra Alessandrello

Trusted and reputable top online casinos have consistently spread responsible gambling messages, but on 17 February 2024 in commemoration of International Responsible Gambling Day, this awareness will be enhanced ten-fold. Regulators, governments and the gambling industry are focusing on safer gambling habits to help vulnerable players.

Since online casinos opened in the early 1990s, gambling has been promoted as fun-filled entertainment. While most people can gamble within those parameters, there’s no fun in it for some. When a person starts playing compulsively, they struggle to log off. They will be obsessed about winning and will chase wins, hoping to get back what they’ve lost.

Since COVID-19, the world was forced to lock themselves indoors, with little to do. Many turned to online casinos as a pastime. With scores of new players registering daily, the best online casinos and regulatory authorities have joined hands to combat the rise of gambling addiction.

Responsible gambling events taking place globally

There are several events taking place globally during the month of February and March 2024 in commemoration of this international day. They include the following:

The Washington-based National Council on Problem Gambling will be hosting the Digital Symposium 2024 – which is one of the bigger initiatives – taking place on 15 February 2024. Three other follow-up events are scheduled to take place in May, September and November. On the agenda is the topic of the ripple effect of problem gambling on families, approaches to supporting loved ones, financial counselling, gambling treatment and recovery experiences.

Meanwhile, the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) in Canada will be hosting the Discovery 2024 conference from 25 to 27 March 2024 to drive change and deliver impact for responsible gambling. Attendees will be joining in person and online.

The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation, on the other hand, has uploaded a Self-Check Quiz on its Homepage in red. The quiz helps players determine if they have a gambling problem and provides support and resources on what they can do.

How Do Online Casinos Promote Responsible Gambling?

Reputable and licensed top online casinos provide responsible gambling tools on their sites for players to use. By activating the safety features, players can control how much they play and spend.

They can do this by self-excluding (temporarily or permanently), which can be set for 1 week, 1 month, or permanently. After requesting self-exclusion, the casino will block you instantly. If you have opted for temporary self-exclusion, it will take a few hours until the changes are made and your account is activated.

Players can also set deposit limits, initiate cooling off periods, and even activate loss limits. Many best online casinos also include a “Reality Check” tool that consistently reminds individuals of the duration they have been playing for, the amounts they have wagered, and calculating how much real money they have lost over a period of time.

People who feel they have a gambling issue can also attend therapy or get involved with support groups. There is no shame in seeking help, but for many of those afflicted, their addiction is a dirty little secret they don’t share with anyone.

People who feel they may have a problem with gambling are encouraged to make use of national helplines in their home countries, which are free of charge. These types of call centres are confidential and offer expert advice and support.

Unpacking Gambling Addiction

Gambling stimulates the brain’s reward system with a release of Dopamine, the happiness hormone. When dopamine levels drop, addicted players feel the need to chase wins to get back those good feelings.

Experts say that 70% of study participants with mood disorders use gambling as a coping strategy to escape their symptoms. Gambling addiction is when players become so consumed by thoughts of winning that they obsess and chase wins. Addicts often play with money they don’t have, spend their work time gambling, avoid socialising, and even disguise their gambling behaviour. Compulsive gambling is a mental disorder that offers no warning.

People can gamble for years and never develop a gambling addiction, while others play once and are addicted. Life-changing events like divorce or financial problems can be the catalyst for an addiction to develop. Real-money games like slots, poker, roulette, and blackjack are fun and should never be used for anything other than entertainment.

Gambling addiction only happens to 2-3% of the gambling population. Still, when we consider that there are a staggering 8 billion people in the world and that gambling is a $400 billion industry, it’s clear that most adults enjoy this pastime.

Since Covid-19, online casino games like slots, sports betting, and table games have become extremely popular. Most individuals are able to play within their budget, but others struggle with this. Problem gambling was only identified as an addiction in the late 1980s, before this, gambling was seen as entertainment. After intensive studies, compulsive gambling was eventually re-classified as an addiction.

The stigma around problem gambling

The stigma around gambling addiction has impacted the choices made by individuals around the world. It impacts prevention and treatment.

According to a scientific paper ‘Gambling Disorder and Stigma’ – published in 2022 by Leanne Quigley – gambling disorders are among the most stigmatized mental health problems. She states that such stigma leads to concealment, reduced treatment-seeking, and decreased self-esteem.

Stigma is the negative evaluations and attitudes about a condition, leading to discrimination of individuals. In her paper, Quigley says this then leads to self-stigma.

The stigma attached to gambling addiction is prevalent in all countries. If there is one thing you can do to help others, it would be to help raise awareness and speak out against the stigma. No one deserves to be shamed!

References

Quigley L. (2022). Gambling Disorder and Stigma: Opportunities for Treatment and Prevention. Current addiction reports, 9(4), 410–419. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-022-00437-4

Igaming identity theft gang uncovered in n Ontario

By Ramona Depares

Months of investigation by the Ontario police came to a dramatic end as two people from Toronto have been formally charged with fraudulent activities related to Canadian online casino sites. The inquiry, which was launched following a report of fraudulent activity on Ontario’s iGaming website, culminated in two people being charged with a total of 21 offences.

According to Canadian media outlet CityNewsEverywhere, it all started in July 2022, with allegations of identity theft being committed on the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) iGaming website. Both the provincial police and the enforcement arm of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) were immediately alerted.

More reports of fraudulent activity followed in August of the same year, this time on the OLG’s online sportsbook. Police had seized a number of electronic devices, fraudulent documents and instruments related to separate criminal offences from a residence in North York.

Finally, December 2023 saw the arrest of Ernesto Rasing, a 38-year-old from Toronto, and of Elaiza Mae Paculanan, aged 20. BayToday reports that the duo are facing a total of 10 fraud-related charges including;

• The use of forged documents
• Possession of credit card
• The use of credit card data
• Possession of an identity document
• An instrument solely intended for copying credit cards
• Identity theft

Investigations are continuing in this case.

What is igaming identity theft?

Identity theft presents a very real risk for all online casinos in Canada. The official Canadian government website describes identity theft as “the unauthorized use of your information by third parties”, involving the collection and use of personal information such as your name, date of birth, address, social insurance number (SIN), as well as any other personal details for criminal purposes.

Within the iGaming landscape, this means that your data will be used at online casinos in Canada under false pretences, with the scope of facilitating winnings and cashouts. Seon Technologies, a company specialising in cyber security, explains that there are several types of gambling fraud, with the below being the most common:

• The creation of multiple accounts using fake credentials
• Bonus abuse, usually using fake accounts
• Tournament fixing, known as ‘gnoming’, is made possible when several accounts collude together to help one other account win
• Flooding a table with multiple fake accounts that will all be used to obtain favourable results for one specific player

The above criminal activity requires the use of fake accounts, which is why identity theft is such a big problem at some online casinos in Canada. And the issue is not limited to Canada, but worldwide.

And if you’re wondering whether such practices carry serious repercussions for operators and players, the answer is yes. Even the best online casinos in Canada can find themselves crippled if they end up targeted by such scammers. For starters, the site may end up falling foul of gambling regulations if it’s being unwittingly used for money laundering purposes.

Moreover, there is a hefty financial cost to consider, as those who indulge in identity theft usually do so to abuse the bonus system and to lock in unfair winnings. Finally, the practice can also end up damaging other players, as the end game sometimes includes accessing other players’ funds illegally.

This is why identity checks are important for online casinos

It is vital for any online casino in Canada to make sure that its identity verification and KYC processes are on point, not only to ensure compliance and avoid fines or even license suspension but also to protect players, safeguard the casino’s revenue and be able to continue operations without any legal hassles.

Luckily, the best online casinos in Canada make use of highly sophisticated software so as to minimize the chances of fraud. There are several ways an operator can protect itself from unscrupulous scammers, and many of these are actually a legal requirement laid down by the FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada) and AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario).

Gambling regulations lay down that online casinos in Canada must carry out thorough Know Your Customer (KYC) processes by using identity data or document verification when onboarding new players. According to Ontario-based GBGPLC, which supplies identity verification services, these regulations can be achieved in two different ways.

The first option is by means of a single match to a credit file held by a Canadian credit bureau. This is only FINTRAC compliant if it’s at least three years old, so players with relatively new credit history may find it difficult to have their identity verified. This usually happens in the case of players who are legally old enough to gamble, but are still young.

The second option is via two credit file matches, each of which must be at least six months old. Most sites favour this method, as it delivers very rapid onboarding decisions that are KYC-compliant without precluding players who may still be too young for a three-year-old match.

There are other measures that are taken by online casinos in Canada to minimize the risk of identity fraud as much as possible. These include a solid digital footprint analysis, whereby given email addresses and phone numbers are linked to social media accounts and other online platforms. Conducting an IP fraud score analysis is another effective method, as is password hash analysis. The latter is particularly foolproof as scammers with more than one fake account almost never bother to create unique passwords for each fraudulent account.

Having thorough identity verification and KYC processes in place is not only a must for any Canadian online casino to avoid fraudulent activity. It also ensures that the site takes its responsible gambling obligations seriously, as no player will be able to bypass an application for self-exclusion.

Victims of igaming identity theft in Ontario urged to report crimes

One of the most worrying aspects of all this is that your identity may be stolen without you even knowing about it. The Ontario consumer protection branch provides a list of signs to look out for. These include:

• Failing to receive expected bills and statements, as someone may have changed the mailing address for your accounts.
• Receiving calls from collection agencies or creditors for an account you don’t have.
• Receiving bank notifications about a new account in your name, or added charges.
• Your financial statements don’t match your actual financial activity.
• You receive calls from a credit agency to say you’ve been approved or denied credit that you haven’t applied for.

What should you do if you believe that you’ve been targeted by one of these criminals and that you’ve been the victim of iGaming identity theft? Ontario authorities advise you to report the matter without delay to all the relevant authorities. According to Canadian government services, you should immediately follow the steps below:

1. File a report with the local police.
2. Report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501)
3. File a report with your bank and credit card companies. Stop all existing cards and request new bank or credit cards with new numbers on them.

Identity theft is a very serious business at the end of the day, and you should never make the assumption that it will not happen to you. But by staying vigilant and exercising caution, you’ll be able to continue enjoying your time at the top Canadian online casinos without the fear of fraud.

Commemorating International Responsible Gambling Day

By Ginevra Alessandrello

Trusted and reputable top online casinos have consistently spread responsible gambling messages, but on 17 February 2024 in commemoration of International Responsible Gambling Day, this awareness will be enhanced ten-fold. Regulators, governments and the gambling industry are focusing on safer gambling habits to help vulnerable players.

Since online casinos opened in the early 1990s, gambling has been promoted as fun-filled entertainment. While most people can gamble within those parameters, there’s no fun in it for some. When a person starts playing compulsively, they struggle to log off. They will be obsessed about winning and will chase wins, hoping to get back what they’ve lost.

Since COVID-19, the world has been forced to lock itself indoors, with little to do. Many turned to online casinos as a pastime. With scores of new players registering daily, the best online casinos and regulatory authorities have joined hands to combat the rise of gambling addiction.

Responsible gambling events taking place globally

There are several events taking place globally during the month of February and March 2024 in commemoration of this international day. They include the following:

The Washington-based National Council on Problem Gambling will be hosting the Digital Symposium 2024 – which is one of the bigger initiatives – taking place on 15 February 2024. Three other follow-up events are scheduled to take place in May, September and November. On the agenda is the topic of the ripple effect of problem gambling on families, approaches to supporting loved ones, financial counselling, gambling treatment and recovery experiences.

Meanwhile, the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) in Canada will be hosting the Discovery 2024 conference from 25 to 27 March 2024 to drive change and deliver impact for responsible gambling. Attendees will be joining in person and online.

The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation, on the other hand, has uploaded a Self-Check Quiz on its Homepage in red. The quiz helps players determine if they have a gambling problem and provides support and resources on what they can do.

How Do Online Casinos Promote Responsible Gambling?

Reputable and licensed top online casinos provide responsible gambling tools on their sites for players to use. By activating the safety features, players can control how much they play and spend.

They can do this by self-excluding (temporarily or permanently), which can be set for 1 week, 1 month, or permanently. After requesting self-exclusion, the casino will block you instantly. If you have opted for temporary self-exclusion, it will take a few hours until the changes are made and your account is activated.

Players can also set deposit limits, initiate cooling-off periods, and even activate loss limits. Many best online casinos also include a “Reality Check” tool that consistently reminds individuals of the duration they have been playing for, the amounts they have wagered, and how much real money they have lost over a period of time.

People who feel they have a gambling issue can also attend therapy or get involved with support groups. There is no shame in seeking help, but for many of those afflicted, their addiction is a dirty little secret they don’t share with anyone.

People who feel they may have a problem with gambling are encouraged to make use of national helplines in their home countries, which are free of charge. These types of call centres are confidential and offer expert advice and support.

Unpacking Gambling Addiction

Gambling stimulates the brain’s reward system with a release of Dopamine, the happiness hormone. When dopamine levels drop, addicted players feel the need to chase wins to get back those good feelings. Experts say that 70% of study participants with mood disorders use gambling as a coping strategy to escape their symptoms.

Gambling addiction is when players become so consumed by thoughts of winning that they obsess and chase wins. Addicts often play with money they don’t have, spend their work time gambling, avoid socialising, and even disguise their gambling behaviour.

Compulsive gambling is a mental disorder that offers no warning. People can gamble for years and never develop a gambling addiction, while others play once and are addicted. Life-changing events like divorce or financial problems can be the catalyst for an addiction to develop.

Real-money games like slots, poker, roulette, and blackjack are fun and should never be used for anything other than entertainment.

Gambling addiction only happens to 2-3% of the gambling population. Still, when we consider that there are a staggering 8 billion people in the world and that gambling is a $400 billion industry, it’s clear that most adults enjoy this pastime. Since COVID-19, online casino games like slots, sports betting, table games have become extremely popular.

Most individuals are able to play within their budget, but others struggle with this. Problem gambling was only identified as an addiction in the late 1980s, before this, gambling was seen as entertainment.

After intensive studies, compulsive gambling was eventually re-classified as an addiction.

The stigma around problem gambling

The stigma around gambling addiction has impacted the choices made by individuals around the world. It impacts prevention and treatment.

According to a scientific paper ‘Gambling Disorder and Stigma’ – published in 2022 by Leanne Quigley – gambling disorders are among the most stigmatized mental health problems. She states that such stigma leads to concealment, reduced treatment-seeking, and decreased self-esteem.

Stigma is the negative evaluations and attitudes about a condition, leading to discrimination of individuals. In her paper, Quigley says this then leads to self-stigma.

The stigma attached to gambling addiction is prevalent in all countries. If there is one thing you can do to help others, it would be to help raise awareness and speak out against the stigma. No one deserves to be shamed!