New Ohio Telehealth Program Offers Free Problem Gambling Counseling

The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) has launched the Ohio Gambling Treatment Network (OGTN), a telehealth system that provides free mental health support to Ohio residents dealing with problem gambling disorders or concerns.

Derek Longmeier, executive director of the PGNO, told PlayUSA the primary focus for the OGTN over the next year is to expand its network of mental health care providers.

“Our focus for OGTN is greater than the name implies. OGTN is designed as a safety net for individuals who live in communities without local access to a qualified gambling counselor. Our primary goal is to build the workforce of local providers qualified to provide gambling counseling.”

Key takeaways

  • The OGTN provides free mental health consultations for Ohio residents dealing with problem gambling issues.
  • The OGTN is funded by several state-level health and gambling departments.
  • Qualified problem gamblers were few and far between when sports betting launched in Ohio.

Ohio Gambling Treatment Network clinicians have significant experience

The OGTN started as an idea that the PGNO eventually submitted to state decision-makers as a proposal for combatting problem gambling in the Buckeye State. That proposal was submitted just before sports betting launched in Ohio in January 2023.

At the time, Longmeier said, only one-third of Ohio counties had mental health professionals who were qualified to counsel people about problem gambling. Over the past year and a half, the PGNO has increased that count to around half of the state’s counties.

But it’s not just a quantity issue, Longmeier said; the quality of the OGTN’s providers is formidable.

“OGTN clinicians must have obtained either the state gambling endorsement or be certified through the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board,” he said.

“Additionally they must have extensive experience providing gambling counseling to those with gambling disorder diagnosis.”

The PGNO talk with telehealth counselors in Ohio and other states to ensure the OGTN would meet the needs of Ohio’s problem gamblers. Good thing, too.

Longmeier said he’s not aware of other states that have a standalone telehealth problem gambling counseling network.

Problem gambling’s effects go beyond a bank account

While problem gambling may seem like an issue that affects bank accounts, it’s much more than that. Longmeier noted in a press release about the OGTN’s launch that gambling addicts are at risk for a variety of issues:

  • 80% suffer from depression or anxiety
  • 75% have problems with alcohol
  • 40% deal with drug issues
  • 40% have considered suicide

Additionally, Ohio is a hotbed for sports betting. The state is one of the few markets in the country to bring in more than $1 billion in bets in a single month, a feat it accomplished in its first month of sports wagering.

The PGNO estimates that 1.8 million Ohioans are at risk of problem gambling.

Ohio residents struggling with problem gambling or know someone who may need help can set up an appointment at Ohiogtn.org. Those who struggle with problem gambling and don’t live in Ohio can get help by calling the Problem Gambling National Hotline at 1-800-GAMBLER.

Just How Rare is a Solar Eclipse?—A Statistical Comparison for the Gambling Mind

Witnessing any eclipse is a rare treat, and total solar eclipses are the rarest of all. Just how rare? Well, you’re a little more likely to witness one at random than win the lottery, but the odds aren’t as different as you might expect.

For those fortunate enough to witness a planetary peep show, the experience often inspires awe and a sense of good fortune. So, it’s no surprise brick-and-mortar casinos located along the path of Monday’s total solar eclipse are hosting viewing parties—gamblers tend to court extra luck.

That said, you’d have to be extraordinarily lucky to catch a glimpse of one without planning and travel. Staying put and without the help of astronomical forecasting, many could spend entire lives watching the sky without ever seeing a total eclipse—or even its sibling, an annular eclipse.

How likely you are to see one in your lifetime depends on where you live. Some spots in the US are due for several in the coming decades. Others won’t see the Sun and Moon line up overhead for many centuries.

Celestial Alignment Rare but Predictable

Using NASA’s definition, an eclipse is an “alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other.”

A solar eclipse occurs when the new moon travels between the Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow back to Earth. From the ground, the moon seems to blot out the sun—a little or a lot—depending on the viewer’s location and the type of eclipse. If things align just right and the Moon is close enough to the Earth to obscure the Sun completely, that’s a total solar eclipse, the rarest kind.

An annual solar eclipse is similar, but with the Moon a little further away in its orbit. That means its apparent size isn’t enough to block out the Sun entirely. The result is a “ring of fire” around the moon as it passes.

Any kind of solar eclipse is harder to witness than a lunar eclipse—in which the Earth casts a shadow on the Moon. They occur with similar frequency, but every lunar eclipse can be seen from anywhere on Earth as long as the Moon is in the sky. To see a total or annular solar eclipse, you have to be right in the path of the shadow.

These days, we have the technology to predict each eclipse and where you need to be to see it. But, before modern technology, being in the right place at the right time was a matter of luck, and many people would go their whole lives without having it happen to them.

Seeing Random Solar Eclipse Almost Like Lotto Win

To get a handle on just how lucky you’d have to be to witness an eclipse at random, we looked at 4500 years worth of historical eclipses and future forecasts.

The question we asked is:

If you looked up at the sky at a random moment, at a random place in the US, what are the odds there’d be a total or annual solar eclipse happening?

The EclipseWise database covers eclipses from 1499 BC to 3000 AD. Those 4500 years equate to 2.4 billion minutes. For most places in the US, the number of minutes of total or annular eclipse over that period turns out to be around 120 to 130 minutes.

That means that, without the benefit of astronomical projections, if you just looked up at the sky at any random moment, your chances of seeing a total or annular eclipse would be slightly better than 1 in 20 million.

For comparison, the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292 million. 

So, if you bought 14 Powerball tickets, your odds of winning would be about the same as finding yourself in the path of an eclipse as you leave the store.

Here are some other comparisons:

  • Randomly witnessing an eclipse is less likely than getting dealt five blackjacks in a row but more likely than getting six.
  • Looking up to see an eclipse is about as likely as getting the same result on twenty-five consecutive coin flips.

A Once-in-Five-Lifetimes Opportunity

There are several solar eclipses most years—2.4 on average, with five being the maximum possible. But not all are total eclipses, and each is only visible across a narrow band of the Earth.

Total solar eclipses every 18 months on average. However, whether you get to see the show depends on your location and the path of totality—where the eclipse is 100% visible. Viewers inside the path get the whole show, while those outside only get a partial view or none at all.

Although there are some exceptions, from any one place, a total solar eclipse is only visible about once in 400 years. That makes it an event that occurs about once in five lifetimes, at current US life expectancy.

That’s if you stay put, of course. Most people will have a few opportunities to see one if they’re willing to travel a little. At the bottom of this article, you’ll find a table of upcoming eclipses for the 50 US state capitals, plus DC and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

As you’ll see, some will get snubbed, like Juneau, Phoenix, Honolulu, and Springfield, which won’t see a single total or annular eclipse in the next century. Others will have multiple opportunities. Topping the list is Salt Lake City, Utah. With three eclipses totaling 1105 seconds of total or annular obfuscation, residents are over six times as likely as the average American to encounter one randomly in the coming century.

Solar Eclipses Throughout US History

Prior to the upcoming celestial show, the last time a total solar eclipse blessed the Lower 48 was in 2017. Before that, it was 1979. And it will be 2045 before another total solar eclipse traverses the US from coast to coast.

Although the orbits of the Earth and Moon are predictable, they don’t line up according to a regular pattern. Some places will see clusters of total eclipses during one century, then go several without another. For instance, one section of the southern US that got a show in 2017 will again be in the path of totality for Monday’s eclipse.

By contrast, the last time New Yorkers saw a total solar eclipse in 1925, construction on the Empire State Building had yet to break ground. Additionally, according to the Washington Post, San Diego last experienced a total eclipse of the sun in 1923, while Chicago‘s been dry since 1806. But when it comes to lacking eclipse experiences, folks living near Tuscon, AZ, are America’s unluckiest. The last time a total solar eclipse graced the area was in the year 797.

Despite having an average of about seven total solar eclipses each century, some areas of the US mainland have witnessed as many more. For folks in the Midwest, total solar eclipses are more common. Conversely, the region west of Minneapolis had only four in the last four millennia.

From Bad Omens to Eclipse Viewing Parties

At the very least, each contiguous state and parts of Alaska and Hawaii will experience a partial event during Monday’s approaching solar spectacle. However, destinations along the path of totality between Mexico and Newfoundland will get the VIP show.

According to NASA, the US path starts in Texas and continues through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine follow. Additionally, tiny parts of Tennessee and Michigan will experience the total eclipse on its way to Eastern Canada and the Atlantic Ocean.

As noted above, several casinos are hosting eclipse viewing parties to celebrate the auspicious celestial event, including the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino.

Interestingly, while many witnesses in the modern West report feeling awed, lucky, or blessed after experiencing an eclipse, many early people saw eclipses as bad omens. Others have considered an eclipse a symbol of a romantic connection or a lover quarreling. On the other hand, and more fitting for a casino connection, Bohemia’s minors believed an eclipse foretold fortune finding gold.

Despite the mixed mythology, most US online casinos have at least one online slot with “eclipse” in the name. That said, neither of the two we demoed—Lightning Eclipse nor Midnight Eclipse—had much to do with the phenomena beyond their titles.

Total & Annular Solar Eclipses for US State Capitals—Next 100 Years

State City Total/Annular Eclipses in Next 100 Years Total Duration (Seconds) Odds at Any Moment
Alabama Montgomery 2 706 1 in 4.5 million
Alaska Juneau 0 0 Nil
Arizona Phoenix 0 0 Nil
Arkansas Little Rock 2 634 1 in 5.0 million
California Sacramento 1 72 1 in 44 million
Colorado Denver 0 0 Nil
Connecticut Hartford 1 175 1 in 18 million
Delaware Dover 1 542 1 in 5.8 million
Florida Tallahassee 2 614 1 in 5.1 million
Georgia Atlanta 1 340 1 in 9.3 million
Hawaii Honolulu 0 0 Nil
Idaho Boise 2 714 1 in 4.4 million
Iowa Des Moines 1 298 1 in 11 million
Kansas Topeka 0 0 Nil
Kentucky Frankfort 1 152 1 in 21 million
Louisiana Baton Rouge 1 340 1 in 9.3 million
Maine Augusta 0 0 Nil
Maryland Annapolis 1 542 1 in 5.8 million
Massachusetts Boston 1 175 1 in 18 million
Michigan Lansing 2 660 1 in 4.8 million
Minnesota St. Paul 3 707 1 in 4.5 million
Mississippi Jackson 1 366 1 in 8.6 million
Missouri Jefferson City 1 152 1 in 21 million
Montana Helena 0 0 Nil
Nebraska Lincoln 1 298 1 in 11 million
Nevada Carson City 1 72 1 in 44 million
New Hampshire Concord 1 175 1 in 18 million
New Jersey Trenton 1 175 1 in 18 million
New Mexico Santa Fe 1 474 1 in 6.7 million
New York Albany 0 0 Nil
North Carolina Raleigh 1 340 1 in 9.3 million
North Dakota Bismarck 2 791 1 in 4.0 million
Ohio Columbus 2 629 1 in 5.0 million
Oklahoma Oklahoma City 1 366 1 in 8.6 million
Oregon Salem 2 739 1 in 4.3 million
Pennsylvania Harrisburg 0 0 Nil
Rhode Island Providence 1 175 1 in 18 million
South Carolina Columbia 1 340 1 in 9.3 million
South Dakota Pierre 1 227 1 in 14 million
Tennessee Nashville 0 0 Nil
Texas Austin 2 742 1 in 4.3 million
Utah Salt Lake City 3 1105 1 in 2.9 million
Vermont Montpelier 2 579 1 in 5.5 million
Washington Olympia 1 265 1 in 12 million
West Virginia Charlston 1 152 1 in 21 million
Wisconsin Madison 3 958 1 in 3.3 million
Wyoming Cheyenne 0 0 Nil
D.C. Washington 1 542 1 in 5.8 million
Puerto Rico San Juan 0 0 Nil

The post Just How Rare is a Solar Eclipse?—A Statistical Comparison for the Gambling Mind appeared first on Bonus.com.

Why Slovenia offers a Picture-Perfect Gambling Experience

Imagine sitting at a roulette table, the wheel spinning smoothly as you take in the stunning alpine backdrop through the window. This isn’t your usual casino scene; it’s what you get in Slovenia, a hidden gem in Europe where the charming atmosphere meets the thrill of chance.

Slovenian casinos offer a diverse gambling experience. For a comprehensive guide, check out Casinos Slovenija, and here you will discover the best spots to game in this scenic country. These establishments are wrapped in the country’s natural beauty and historic grandeur, providing an unparalleled experience that goes beyond the games themselves.

Gambling in the Heart of Nature

Within Slovenia’s green landscapes, every casino visit, whether at a physical venue or online via the smartphone in the palm of your hand, becomes an adventure. The country’s scenic casino locations, nestled among lush hills, beside deep blue lakes and within view of snow-capped mountains, make placing bets feel like part of a fairytale. For those who fancy a game of blackjack or a spin of the roulette wheel, the setting cannot be more idyllic.

Casinos such as those found in the heart of the Julian Alps provide not just a game of chance but also a retreat into nature – with every hand dealt, you’re surrounded by the tranquility of the Slovenian countryside. It’s here, against the backdrop of pristine natural wonders, that the allure of casino games truly shines.

The Best of Both Worlds

The casinos in Slovenia are where historic charm meets the allure of the modern gaming experience. Visitors can find themselves walking through the doors of a grand, centuries-old building only to be greeted by the latest gaming technology and a vibrant crowd of enthusiasts.

From grand, palatial spaces that remind you of Europe’s rich gambling history to sleek, contemporary resorts designed for the modern player, Slovenia offers an impressive spectrum of gaming experiences. It’s a crossing of timelines where a traditional game of poker can be enjoyed in the same venue as an animated video slot adventure. A stroll through these historic gambling halls and state-of-the-art complexes is like flipping through the pages of a gambling enthusiast’s dream diary.

Discover Local Games and Global Favorites Online

Slovenia’s online gaming establishments are like a treasure trove of entertainment, hosting an array of games that cater to every taste. For instance, while ‘Casinos Slovenija’ brings together both Slovenian specialties and world-renowned games, roulette – one of the most popular games in the country – remains a staple on most casino platforms.

From novices to seasoned high-rollers, every visitor can find their game of choice, along with a community of players and professionals who make every online session memorable.

A Realm of Luxury awaits Beyond the Tables

It’s not all about pushing luck to its limits – Slovenian casinos offer much more and an enhanced gaming experience. Visitors can enjoy the full palette of five-star luxury: from spa retreats and gourmet restaurants to live music performances and opulent rooms. These venues understand that a truly memorable gambling getaway includes indulgent moments away from the gaming floors.

Whether it’s unwinding in a thermal pool after a lively round of roulette or treating yourself to a world-class meal, the extra touches are what complete the lavish Slovenian casino experience. The vibrant nightlife often extends beyond the gaming areas, with exclusive bars and clubs providing a perfect setting to celebrate victories or shrug off losses in style.

How exactly does online gambling work in Brazil?

The Brazilian gambling industry is about to become regulated. IDnow investigates how the grey market currently works, and some of the dangers of using unregulated gambling platforms.

Brazil effectively banned gambling in 1946; a more-or-less all-encompassing restriction that remained largely in place until 2018, when sports betting was legalized. However, as virtually no regulation was ever implemented, Brazilian players and international gambling platforms have been operating in a somewhat grey area ever since. This is all due to change once Brazilian online gambling regulation is formally approved in the coming weeks. 

The limbo appears to work, at least on the face of it. And at least for international operators. Surprisingly, despite the lack of clear regulation, Brazil still manages to generate over 20% of all global online gambling traffic. 

It is for this reason that the Brazilian authorities have introduced new regulations to help the Brazilian gambling market capture what is viewed as lost revenue (a projected $1.5 billion in 2023) and bring it back within the fold of the Brazilian economy. 

In fact, the projected numbers are likely to be even larger when regulation finally passes, as there are vast swathes of the Brazilian would-be gambling community that are not currently gambling, despite wanting to.

To gamble or not to gamble? That is the Brazilian question.

In 2021, a survey on Brazilian attitudes toward gambling discovered that 39% of Brazilian participants said they didn’t gamble because they felt uncertain of the safety. 

Just over half of all potential players said they would feel more confident playing online if they had more information about the companies. This is understandable as many gambling operators are not very clear about who their owners are, or even the location of their headquarters. 

In the same survey, 51% of participants said they would like to see more player protection mechanisms put in place. Read more opinions from the Brazilian betting community in our blog, ‘How does the Brazilian betting community really feel about upcoming regulations.’ 

Despite operating in the grey, international gambling operators have achieved considerable visibility through advertising on television and the internet, and through sponsorship of Brazilian football clubs. 

However, the wave of publicity and ensuing popularity has raised concerns about the impact of gambling addiction, the growth of scams, and the threat of money laundering.

Wait, so is online gambling legal or illegal in Brazil?

The most obvious question that many have when they see adverts for online gambling platforms but find out online gambling is essentially illegal, is well, how does that work? The answer lies in Law 13.756, which allows operators to offer their services in Brazil if their headquarters are outside of Brazil and there are no physical points of sale. In practice, this law enables bookmakers to use websites, on the condition they are hosted internationally. 

As these websites operate according to the rules of the countries in which they are based, such as Curaçao, the UK or Malta, they are not required to obey Brazilian laws, such as the Consumer Defence Code. This is all set to change when Brazilian regulations are formally passed and implemented. 

This has meant that from 2018 until whenever the regulations finally come into force, international bookmakers have operated with a sort of impunity and without needing to implement fair gaming rules or player protection measures.

What do Brazilian players think about using unregulated gambling platforms?

The Brazilian gaming community is waking up to the realities of dealing with unregulated gambling operators. Common complaints made on social media and forums include users making deposits but being unable to withdraw them, and even stories of players who have had their accounts blocked following a good streak in sports betting or on online casinos. However, there is a growing awareness among the Brazilian betting community that these kinds of scams are not representative of the entire gambling industry, but rather just unreliable websites.  

An upside to the online proliferation of so many negative stories has led to increasing numbers of Brazilian gamblers actively seeking information about the risk of less reliable, unregulated online gambling sites.

Arguments for and against KYC processes in Brazil.

While the vast majority of the Brazilian betting community seem to accept the value of undergoing a KYC process, there are some who have expressed privacy concerns over some operators’ requirements for players to take and send photographs of themselves holding identity documents. Many also fear that when dealing with an international operator, if there was a problem associated with sending documents, for example a data breach, then they would not be able to rely on national legal protection measures. 
 
A common complaint among international gambling operators is on the difficulty of performing the Brazilian KYC process due to the wide variety and disparity of identity documents in Brazil. For example, each state in Brazil offers slightly different ID cards, which have dates and document numbers in different places, for example. Difficulties surrounding the KYC process has affected some players’ ability to transact and make withdrawals.  

This makes the integration with the Cadastro de Pessoas Fiscias (CPF), a tax number that every Brazilian is issued with, all the more important for identity verification and KYC. 

Brazilian industry insiders say that the implementation of KYC measures to obtain a licence (Read more about ‘Unpacking the complexities of the Brazilian gambling license structure’ here) means more than just following a legal requirement, it will also help operators prevent fraud.

Brazil is almost ready. Are you?

Are you ready to enter the new era of online gambling in Brazil? 

IDnow is unique in its ability to combine geo-specific capabilities like Brazil’s CPF integration, with AML compliant, multi-dimensional identity proofing and fraud prevention solutions – enabling trusted, seamless customer experiences anytime, anywhere. All from one platform, all in real time. 

Read more about our Brazil-ready identity verification services.

By

In the grey: So, how exactly does online gambling work in Brazil? 1

Jody Houton
Senior Content Manager at IDnow
Connect with Jody on LinkedIn

Facts, Odds & Responsible Gambling Tips

Facts, Odds & Responsible Gambling Tips
admin
Mon, 25/11/2019 – 14:14

  • Understanding Responsible Gambling

    Facts, Odds & Responsible Gambling Tips

Everything you need to know to get a UK gambling license.

Interested in entering one of the largest and most lucrative gambling markets in the world? You’ll first need a UK gambling license. Here’s everything you need to know about the application process, compliance requirements, UK gambling regulations, and much more.

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) operates as the UK’s gambling regulator, and is an independent regulatory body established under the UK Gambling Act of 2005. To operate legally in the UK, all gambling platforms are required to hold a license issued by the UKGC. 

The UKGC is also responsible for implementing changes to national gambling regulations, such as the recent proposals contained in the UK’s gambling white paper. Proposals target various aspects of the gambling industry, such as VIP customers, slot limits, and financial risk checks (formerly known as affordability checks).

Understanding UK gambling regulations.

The UKGC takes failure to comply with licensing requirements and social responsibility codes very seriously. Operators, therefore, must have robust systems and controls in place to prevent money laundering as well as a whole host of other nefarious crimes. They must also safeguard customers, take measures to prevent underage gambling, ensure fair play, and encourage responsible gambling to guarantee gambling compliance.

There are essentially three main types of operating licenses: 

  • Remote: This license allows licensees to provide casino games and gambling products to customers through an online site, TV, mobile phone, or any other type of online service.
  • Non-remote: A non-remote gambling license allows the licensee to facilitate betting activities at betting shops, tracks, and/or courses.
  • Ancillary: Ancillary licenses are for operators offering email and telephone betting. 

Operators may need one or a combination of these licenses.

Licensing is mandatory, even if an operator’s online gambling platform is located in another region of the world. Essentially, if the services are being offered in the UK, operators must hold a license. (If you are interested in learning about the need for an online gaming license in general, click on the underlined copy).

Eligibility criteria for a UK gambling license.

The Commission evaluates applicants based on the following criteria: 

  • The identity of the applicant and people associated with them. For example, if the applicant’s gambling platform is part of a bigger corporation, then the owner of that corporation also needs to be evaluated.
  • The applicant’s honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness
  • Financial statements that display the business is financially capable of operating successfully after obtaining a license
  • The applicant’s expertise, experience, qualifications, history, and those of the people relevant to the application
  • The applicant’s criminal record and those relevant to the application. 

The Commission also looks at the applicants’ policies to ensure that: 

  • They incorporate and understand the legislation
  • They follow the established licensing objectives
  • They hold evidence that their arrangements will adhere to social responsibility requirements

Application process for a UK gambling license.

Applicants apply for an operating license from the UKGC via the “Apply for an operating license” service. It takes around 16 weeks for the Commission to process a license application, considering all the required information is submitted at the point of application. Applying for a UKGC license costs £370, which must be paid via credit or debit card.  

Operators are required to provide an extensive array of documents, some of which depend on the type of business applying for the license. For instance, a sole trader may only be required to submit identity documents, whereas a limited company would be required to submit the following:

  • Ownership structure diagram
  • Articles of association
  • Management structures
  • Certificate of incorporation
  • Memorandum of association 

Overseas entities must submit a credit report and, if they have licenses elsewhere, copies of licenses issued by the other jurisdictions. 

For a remote licence, an operator must provide the following: 

  • Documents regarding remote policies and procedures
  • Operational model map
  • Gambling software supply method and details
  • System diagram displaying the end-to-end process 

Some requirements are considered core documentation and are mandatory in all cases. Such requirements include the following: 

  • General policies and procedures–these must adhere to the standards outlined in the LCCP (Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice)
  • Rules of play
  • Customer terms and conditions
  • Bank statements for the past six months for all accounts
  • Business plan
  • Proof of funding
  • Profit and loss projections for the next three years 

Those responsible for managing the business must also submit a PML (Personal Management Licence) or an Annex A personal declaration form based on the circumstances.

Key considerations for license applicants.

Those applying for a license from the UKGC must have a comprehensive business plan for their application to be approved. A sound business plan shows that the operator understands their objectives and the steps required to achieve them.  

Operators must also focus on responsible gambling and protection practices. This includes offering tools like deposit limits, self-exclusion, and helpful resources for customers who may struggle with or be on the verge of developing a gambling addiction. Moreover, the operator’s platform must also be secure, employing technologies such as SSL encryption to secure their customers’ personal and financial information. 

Implementing robust anti-money laundering and fraud protection strategies, such as KYC and AML solutions, is also essential. Operators can help identify and mitigate gambling fraud and crime by conducting due diligence and transaction monitoring. Keeping updated with industry regulations and best practices is also among the key considerations for license applicants.

Gambling regulations 101: EU and the UK.

Learn how gaming operators can keep pace with the ever-growing multi-jurisdictional landscape in Europe and beyond.

Get your free copy

Gambling regulations 101: Europe and the UK.

Compliance and reporting obligations.

All UKGC license holders must adhere to regulatory obligations that must be observed at all times. Such obligations include upholding integrity in all aspects of their operations, maintaining accurate records, reporting crucial information promptly, and ensuring they offer fair, safe, and transparent services to customers while taking active measures to prevent problem gambling.  

Failure to comply with such obligations can lead to dire consequences, including heavy fines, license revocation, and strict legal action.

Licensing fees and taxation.

For licensing purposes, operators are divided into a total of nine categories according to their GGY (Gross Gambling Yield). For example, a gambling operator with a GGY under £550k will be required to pay an application fee of £4,224 and an annual fee of £4,199. On the other hand, operators with a GGY worth £1 billion must pay an application fee of £91,686 and a yearly fee worth £793,729.  

As per the Point of Consumption Tax (POCT) introduced in 2014, the Commission requires all licensees to adhere to tax requirements to operate legally. This includes taxes on all profits from gambling activities, regardless of where the operator is based, and abiding by regulations regarding the collection and reporting of taxes. The POCT has profoundly impacted the UK’s gambling industry, urging operators to adapt and comply with the evolving tax requirements to remain compliant.

License renewal and revocation.

The procedure for license renewal is like applying for an initial application. You need to submit a renewal application within six months before the license expires but no later than two months prior to its expiration. The Commission may refuse to renew a permit on the following grounds:

  • If the renewal is inconsistent with the licensing requirements. In this instance, the authority may consult the chief officer of the police. The authority will, therefore, be wary of any concerns regarding the use of the premises during the life of the license.
  • If an authorized local government officer has been denied access to the premises without a reasonable excuse. 

The Commission may also revoke a license holder’s permit under the following circumstances: 

  • The license holder is unable to carry out licensed activities consistent with the licensing requirements.
  • The Commission is dissatisfied with the licensee’s financial standing.
  • The Commission is dissatisfied with the licensee’s competence.
  • The Commission believes that one or more license terms have been breached 

The Commission usually informs the license holder if it reaches a decision about their permit. The licensee is allowed to appeal against a decision if: 

  • They receive a fine or warning.
  • Their license application has been turned down.
  • Their license has been revoked or suspended.
  • There are changes in their license terms

Marketing and advertising guidelines.

Licensed operators must be wary of the advertising standards and restrictions established by the Commission. Such standards exist to protect minors and the vulnerable from being unfairly targeted by gambling ads and ensure that all advertising is fair and transparent.  

Regarding responsible marketing practices, operators must be mindful of the guidelines and undertake advertising in a socially responsible manner, including the stipulations on the use of certain messaging and imagery. This is to say that all licensees’ marketing communications must not mislead customers. Operators must adhere to the UK Advertising codes published by CAP (the Committees of Advertising Practice) and governed by the ASA (Advertising Standards Authority). 

International expansion and cross-border licensing.

Many operators explore other markets to increase their customer base and diversify their revenue streams. However, various legal stipulations are linked with cross-border licensing, including ones based on licensing, taxation, and regulation.   

As previously noted, operators based abroad must provide a credit report. If they carry a license from other jurisdictions, they must provide a copy of the licenses issued by other jurisdictions.

UK gambling license FAQs.

What is a UK gambling license?

Operators must acquire a UK gambling license to provide gambling services in the UK. The license includes facilitating remote gambling, online or through different means, and advertising (responsible) gambling to UK-based consumers.  

Who needs a UK gambling license?

Operators looking to offer gambling services and advertise gambling to consumers in the UK are required to hold a UK gambling license. 

How long does it take to obtain a license?

It can take up to 16 weeks to obtain a UK gambling license. The timescale can depend on several factors, with the most important being the strength of the application.

What are the costs involved in obtaining a license?

The costs for obtaining a license depend on the operator’s GGY. For instance, an operator with a GGY below £550k must pay an application fee of £4,224. This increases significantly for the highest earners in the industry. 

How can I ensure compliance with UK gambling regulations? 

To ensure compliance with UK gambling regulations, the operator must ensure that their business is fully licensed by the UKGC. They must also have robust policies and procedures in place to address problem gambling and crime. It is also crucial to stay updated with any UK gambling laws and regulations changes. 

Can a license be transferred to another operator?

No, operating licenses are essentially non-transferable. Meaning that every gambling platform is required to go through the same process in the UK. 

Game on.

Like other industries, gambling has seen significant digital transformation in recent years. Adhering to recently updated and upcoming gambling laws and regulations is essential to launching a gambling platform in the UK.  

Effective procedures such as KYC and AML solutions can also help operators guarantee compliance with international regulatory requirements.  

Our highly configurable platform for identity proofing in the gaming market allows operators to keep abreast of constantly changing regulations, and new fraud schemes and scams, while ensuring a safe, secure and seamless gaming experience. With our latest round of platform enhancements, we now offer UK-specific data checks, and financial risk checks, which provide operators with insights into a player’s affordability indicators to comply with the latest updates to the UK Gambling Act.

By

blog footer sample with a photo of a man
Max Irwin, Sales Manager, Gambling at IDnow
Connect with Max on LinkedIn