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Global Safe Gambling Update
By Shane Addinall Nov 22, 2020 IndustryGambling authorities and government officials around the world are working to create a safer gambling industry. This includes implementing age restrictions, new regulations and stricter regulatory control.The year 2020 might have plenty of negativity linked to it, but for the online casino industry, it has been a year of growth and prosperity.
There have been plenty of new developments within the iGaming industry, including a larger focus on safer gambling.
Regulators and operators across the globe are working hand in hand to get the industry in tip-top shape ensuring responsible and safe gambling practices are up to standard.
New Gambling Regulator for Curacao
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Curacao has entered a deal with the Netherlands to receive financial aid. The agreement will help Curacao weather the financial crisis caused by a lack of tourism during the pandemic.
The Dutch government stepped in agreeing to assist with a Landspakket pact, which is a three-payment financial rescue plan. The helping hand from the Dutch government has come with a few rules and regulations of its own.
Curacao will need to introduce a new gambling regulator that can apply stricter industry control over online casinos. The expectation is that Curacao will actualise its online gambling framework. The Curacao Gaming Board will be in control of regulating both land-based and online gambling in the region.
Furthermore, it is expected that the country’s entire regulatory framework should be overhauled and that tax revenue and licensing fees should be collected from gambling operators.
Another key point was that Curacao’s new regulator should pay closer attention to anti-money laundering procedures. And ensure measures are put in place to prevent any funding of terrorist organisations.
These changes are expected to come into full effect by September 2021 and all Curacao-licensed casinos will be expected to operate within legal jurisdictions only.
Underage Cash Fruit Slot Ban
The British Amusement Machine Association (BACTA) are planning on restricting all access to Category D cash fruit machines in seaside arcades and family entertainment centres to those under the age of 18.
The proposal for the age restriction was brought forward in a general meeting and approved by Bacta Division 1 members. The proposal is expected to gain full approval in the annual general meeting on the 26th of November 2020. The new age restriction will then be effective as of the 1st of March 2021.
According to James Miller, Bacta President, this age restriction will serve as a reminder that seaside amusement arcades are a safe space providing fun and entertainment for the entire family.
Miller also stated that while cash payout fruit machines operate at very low stakes and prize limits, they want to do their part in limiting any potential risk of gambling harm.
The Category D Fruit Machines have been a part of the entertainment offering at the seaside arcades and family entertainment centres for a very long time. For this very reason, regulators haven’t deemed it necessary to impose age restrictions.
However, perceptions change over time and according to Chief Executive of Bacta, John White, they want to do everything possible to ensure players are protected.
New Gambling Support Service in Scotland
The new Gambling Support Service is an initiative that will be launched by Citizens Advice Scotland in collaboration with GambleAware.
Four regional hubs will be established in Airdrie, Inverness, South West Aberdeenshire, and West Lothian. The new service is focused on training debt advisers and other frontline workers so they can understand, prevent and reduce gambling-related harm.
The four hubs will make it possible for staff in Scotland to deliver training to frontline workers from other professions who could come across those in danger or problem gambling. Training will be provided to frontline local authority staff, healthcare workers as well as youth practitioners.
The program is set to run from 2020 to 2022 alongside the Constitutionally Distinct program in Citizens Advice England and Wales. It is expected that these separate initiatives will work closely together supporting and building a safer space for all residents in the regions.
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