The Iowa Court of Appeals has reversed the conviction of a woman from Cedar Rapids, who allegedly helped her boyfriend, Anthony McNeese, to avoid paying $41k in unpaid fines and $1,300 in child support obligations after winning a $4k slot machine jackpot in Waterloo in 2020. During a 2022 trial, a Black Hawk County jury convicted Sydney Leiann Slaughter, 35, of pretending to have won the slot jackpot.

Slaughter and her boyfriend, Anthony McNeese, visited the Isle Casino Hotel in Waterloo in November 2020. According to prosecutors, McNeese won a $4,000 slot machine jackpot. However, he owed the state $41k in fines. Besides, he had $1,300 in unpaid child support obligations. Court records stipulate that the man’s winnings would go to repay part of the amount he owes. To save her boyfriend the disappointment of bidding farewell to the money, Slaughter decided to tell the casino staff, who came to verify the jackpot, that she wanted 95% of the winnings to be applied to her federal income tax.

Casino employees decided to check the surveillance camera footage. Court records claim that Slaughter allegedly admitted that it was McNeese who had been playing. Thus, McNeese claimed the jackpot and applied 95% of it to his federal income tax.

Why Slaughter Had Her Criminal Conviction Off?

Slaughter, on the other hand, was convicted of a false claim of winning in 2022. Slaughter’s attorney, however, argued that the state prohibited the practice of sharing and passing off a winning to avoid paying offsets in 2022, or two years after the incident. The defense stated that the law applied to attempts to claim a win to deceive the casino or the actual winner.

The court rejected the defense’s argument but found that the state could not prove that Slaughter did not make the wager thanks to which her boyfriend won the jackpot. According to Judge Mary Tabor, Slaughter might have not pushed the button but might have funded the wager that led to the jackpot. Therefore, the court did not exclude the option that Slaughter might have been the one who made the wager. Surveillance video footage proved that Slaughter and McNeese were a gambling team.

According to the Court of Appeals, the trial court made a mistake by allowing an agent for the Detective Chief Inspector to testify that making a wager comes down to pressing the button on the slot machine. As a result, the case was sent back to the district court to vindicate Slaughter. Appeals Court Judge Sharon Soorholtz Greer, however, disagreed with the ruling and wrote a dissenting opinion, stating that the evidence was enough to incriminate the woman.

This May, Brazilian sport was rocked by a huge match-fixing scandal. As a result, 16 soccer players, including seven professional footballers, have been accused of accepting large sums to commit fouls and manipulate the outcomes of several games. Two months later, Brazil officially regulated sports betting, passing Provisional Measure 1182. The new decree imposes an 18% tax on operators’ revenue. It also provides for the establishment of a new gambling regulator, which will also include salaried federal police officers and financial investigators.

After implementing the provisional decree authorizing online and retail sports betting, Brazil is now moving forward with the creation of a new gambling regulator called the National Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SNPA). The gambling watchdog will have several responsibilities, including ensuring that operators comply with the established sports betting and gambling standards. Besides, the SNPA must develop a strategy to combat illegal gambling. The gambling regulator must report directly to the Ministry of Finance, currently headed by the primary author of the provisional measure – Fernando Haddad.

The new gambling authority is expected to create new job opportunities as it will employ not only law enforcement personnel. The SNPA will include four separate departments – Accreditation, Supervision, Vigilance, and Sanctions. A statement released by the Ministry of Finance reveals that the regulator will have a total of 54 positions, of which 60% have already been defined. But some people within the Ministry back the idea of approving more positions.

The gambling authority will start operating with a modest budget of BRL4 million ($815k), which will be enough to pay for the equipment it needs and its employees. Police officers, who are currently part of the Federal Police and members of the Council for the Control of Financial Activities (COAF), will also work for the SNPA. The Ministry is yet to determine whether the salaries of the law enforcement agents will come from the SNPA’s budget or be covered by the respective department.

Brazil Implements Strict Regulation Following a Huge Match-Fixing Scandal

If the SNPA reveals an illegal betting operation, it will be able to act immediately because it will have the support of law enforcement. Furthermore, COAF agents will have access to financial data, which will help them to prevent money laundering. The gambling watchdog will work with the Brazilian government to eradicate criminal activity within the sports betting market.

The stricter regulations come amid a match-fixing scandal, which reached out to FIFA’s officials. This May, Brazil Justice Minister Flavio Dino ordered the federal police to launch a probe into the scheme. State prosecutors charged 16 soccer players, who have been banned and suspended.

According to experts, Brazil will become an appealing market despite the high tax rates and licensing fees. The government expects to receive BRL2 billion ($407 million) in tax revenues from sports betting in 2024. Brazilian bettors will pay taxes if their profits exceed $445 on each bet.

Banteay Meanchey province’s Governor Oum Reatrey ordered local authorities to remove billboards advertising online gambling in front of the Poipet Customs and Excise Office. The move came soon after residents expressed their concerns regarding the billboards, encouraging locals to engage in online gambling, which is illegal for Cambodian residents. Although the governor and town administration acted promptly to the public outcry, people wonder who allowed these online gambling billboards to be installed at all.

On August 13, Banteay Meanchey province’s administration removed controversial billboards promoting online gambling. The online gambling billboards unleashed a storm of criticism as they used inappropriate images and text, advertising activities that are illegal for Cambodians. The province’s administration issued a statement, acknowledging the public’s reaction and explaining that the billboards were illegally installed.

On its official Facebook page, the city administration stated that the governor already ordered the billboards to be removed. Deputy Governor of Banteay Meanchey Ly Sovannarith confirmed that the online gambling billboards displayed inappropriate images and text. In a radio interview, Mr. Hul said that those who installed the billboards were not outsiders and that proper legal actions must be taken against the offenders. He also noted that the provincial authorities are responsible for approving and supervising the advertising sector.

Cambodia Struggles to Clean Up Its Image, Fighting against Human Trafficking and Illegal Gambling

The billboards promoted the services of two sports betting companies and featured a man holding a ball. The advertisement had a text in Khmer, inviting Thai people to gamble. Mr. Hul said that after seeing the billboard, he informed the provincial government, who contacted the relevant ministries.

Heng Kimhong, Head of research and advocacy at the Cambodia Youth Network, explained that commercials advertising online gambling are illegal in Cambodia. Mr. Kimhong also asked authorities to carefully check whether or not an advertisement is appropriate before approving it. He noted that commercials that damage national honor must not be displayed because the nation’s dignity is worth more than any monetary gain. Kimhong also noted that such incidents could damage the country’s reputation and reveal its weaknesses.

However, Poipet is a boomtown on the Cambodian-Thai border. And since gambling is illegal in Thailand, Poipet attracts a lot of Thai gamblers who are allowed to indulge in their favorite gambling activities there because gambling in Cambodia is illegal only for Cambodian residents and not for foreigners. However, the country has been trying to clean up its image for quite some time. For that purpose, it launched a massive crackdown on human trafficking and illegal gambling. Media agency Khmer Times reported that the number of human trafficking cases significantly declined, which is not surprising considering the reduction in illegal gambling in the country.

Richmond Lodge No. 1 of the Good Lions, Inc., a nonprofit organization that runs charitable gaming events twice a week at a Richmond bingo hall, is trying to block a second casino referendum in Richmond. On August 11, the nonprofit filed motions, asking the judge to reverse the court’s decision, which allows the city’s top election administrator to put a second casino vote on the November ballot. Good Lions argues that the city violated the Virginia Constitution by allowing an out-of-state developer to build a casino resort without a competitive bidding process. This Tuesday, a hearing on the motion is expected to take place.

In July, a Richmond Circuit Court judge signed a court order for a second casino referendum after the city council voted in favor of allowing Richmond residents to express their opinions on the matter. In November 2021, Richmond residents voted 51-49% against the construction of a casino in Richmond’s South Side.

State Sen. Chap Petersen (D-Fairfax City), whose law firm is dealing with Good Lions’ case, told reporters from 8News that the judge has to decide whether the nonprofit has legal standing to join the petition before considering its filing. On August 14, Peterson wrote a letter to Richmond Judge William Marchant, explaining that Good Lions’ case does not affect the referendum’s timing because there is more than enough time before November.

Why the Nonprofit Oppose the Casino Resort Proposal?

Although many casino proponents believe that the proposed casino resort would boost the city’s economy and create more job opportunities, others strongly oppose the casino project, raising concerns about the harmful consequences of such a development. According to Good Lions, the casino resort would hurt charitable gaming and eat away at the organization’s profits. At the moment, charitable gaming is the only form of legal gambling in Richmond. The nonprofit organization claims that the charitable income benefits the community and could be seriously affected or even disappear if the casino referendum moves forward.

A week before the Richmond Circuit Court judge signed the court order, the Virginia Lottery approved a preliminary application from the City and RVA Entertainment Holdings, a joint venture of Urban One Inc. and Churchill Downs, for the establishment of a casino resort in South Richmond. The nonprofit organization claims that the city council violated state competitive bidding laws by approving the $562 million casino resort proposal even though the project underwent significant changes since 2021, when it was initially approved.

The court filing claims that the 2023 bid is different than the one from 2021, meaning it requires a new public bidding process. Good Lions also noted that the developer’s ownership structure has also significantly changed since 2021. In a brief phone call on Monday, Peterson told journalists from 8News that the city “recycled” the 2021 decision without taking into account the new ownership structure of the consortium selected to develop the casino resort and the project changes.

Last Tuesday, Billi Jo Woods, a man from Kentucky, filed a class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky against the operator of the offshore sports betting and gambling platform Bovada. Plaintiff Woods claims that Bovada violated state laws by operating in the United States without having proper licenses. The legal action targets Morris Mohawk Group, Alwynn Morris, Calvin Ayre, and Harp Media BV, whose sites offer sports betting and gambling services without being regulated by the state.

Woods, who admitted to gambling through the offshore site since this year, alleges that Bovada exploited the trust of tens of thousands of consumers. The lawsuit seeks to include everyone who gambled and lost at least $5 within 24 hours through the Bovada sites and recover financial damages of over $5 million.

Although industry insiders claim that no individual has managed to sue an offshore gambling site and receive compensation for their losses, Woods’s lawsuit is based on the Loss Recovery Act, under which individuals are allowed to recover losses incurred through gambling.

Woods’ Lawsuit is Very Similar to the One Filed against PokerStars Over a Decade Ago

In 2011, a similar lawsuit was filed by the Commonwealth’s Justice and Public Safety Cabinet against then-offshore site PokerStars under this statute. The lawsuit ended two years ago with a joint agreement, under which Flutter Entertainment, the parent company of PokerStars, had to pay the Commonwealth of Kentucky $300 million.

John Holden, an assistant professor at the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University, told reporters from Gaming Today that Flutter was possibly encouraged to settle, which is not the case with Bovada. Holden noted that Flutter is the parent company of the leading sports betting platform FanDuel, which has already applied for a license to operate in Kentucky.

In the current lawsuit against Bovada, Billi Jo Woods claims to have lost thousands of dollars while gambling on Bovada’s websites. According to the suit, Bovada violated Kentucky’s laws by targeting state residents without having an appropriate license. Woods seeks compensation for the money she lost and the legal fees associated with the case. If approved, the proposed class action would include any Kentucky resident who wagered and lost $5 or more on Bovada within 24 hours. Woods claims that tens of thousands of Kentuckians have been affected by Bovada’s illegal gambling operations.

According to Woods’ complaints, over 24 Congress members signed a formal letter to the U.S. Department of Justice in June last year, urging legislators to take action against illegal gambling operations. The letter claims that Bovada sportsbook searches account for half of all sportsbook queries on the Internet, which is quite concerning. The American Gaming Organization has already called for an investigation and indictment of the offshore sports betting and gambling platform Bovada.

The Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) finally approved Delta Corp Limited’s casino-integrated township project at Dhargalim, Pernem. The company will invest Rs 3,000 crore in its resort and casino township project, which will spread over 90 acres of land near Mopa airport.

Last October, the state government gave the nod to the company’s project, which is expected to improve the local economy and create more job opportunities. But it could not proceed without SEIAA’s approval, which is why the project was recommended for prior environmental approval by the Goa State Expert Appraisal Committee (Goa-SEAC) at its most recent meeting this June.

According to the media outlet The Times of India, the Goa SEIAA said that the authority granted environment clearance to the proposal after examining the documents submitted by the company and taking into account the recommendation by Goa’s State Expert Appraisal Committee. Delta Corp, however, must meet plenty of conditions as part of its corporate environmental responsibility (CER).

According to an office memorandum issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on May 1, 2018, infrastructure creation for drinking water supply, health, education, roads, and sanitation are some of the activities companies must carry out under CER. SEIAA also ordered Delta Corp to build a biogas plant and ensure it properly manages electronic waste. Besides, the company must use groundwater for drinking purposes only.

Delta Corp Wins Key Environmental Permit Despite Ongoing Controversy

Delta Corp’s casino-integrated township project, which includes three hotels, a cinema hall, a convention center, a shopping area, banquet facilities, a water park, and a kids’ play area, has been delayed multiple times over the past few years due to legal hurdles and objections from the locals.

This June, Bailancho Saad, a woman’s non-governmental organization, asked the government to stop Delta Corp’s casino-integrated township project, claiming that the company presented women as sexual figures in its casino advertisements in a bid to attract the attention of more gamblers. The NGO also noted that the existing casinos, particularly those operating on the Mandovi River, have a negative impact on the population.

The organization added that Delta Corp’s casino project would harm the environment and negatively affect young people. Sabina Martins, a representative from the organization, explained that the village may lose its identity due to the inflow of tourists. Ms. Martins also pointed out that casino naysayers had to use trolleys with gambling advertisements at the airport. The NGO even urged the government to ban gambling advertisements and impose fines on casinos under the Indecent Representation of Women Act.

With SEIAA’s recent approval, the company is now ready to implement the project. The resort-cum-casino project is expected to be completed by 2027.

This Thursday, one of the most long-awaited events within the racing vertical, the World Rally Championship (WRC), kicked off in Finland. Earlier this week, gambling operators were warned that the country’s National Police Board (NPB) would supervise gambling marketing during the event. According to the police, offshore gambling companies may try to take advantage of the high viewership of the event and advertise their services. Possible breaches of the company’s gambling advertising ban will result in hefty financial penalties for erring operators.

In Finland, the government-owned betting company Veikkaus Oy is the only agency authorized to run gambling activities in Finland. Veikkaus Oy’s monopoly extends to gambling advertising. In other words, offshore gambling operators are not allowed to advertise their services. Besides, gambling companies are even prohibited from displaying and promoting their logos. Finland established this monopolistic regime to prevent gambling disorders and combat money laundering and terror financing through the gambling industry.

Illegal marketing of gambling services has attracted the attention of the Finnish police after BML Group, owned by Betsson, was slapped with a hefty fine of $2.6 million for aggressively advertising its gambling products to Finnish customers for an extensive period. Betsson became the first operator licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority to be sanctioned by the Finnish police.

Financial Penalties Will Be Imposed on Gambling Businesses and Individuals Breaching the Country’s Gambling Marketing Regulations

Following the announcement that the NPB would monitor the gambling commercials aired during the racing event, the police contacted WRC’s organizers, requesting them to inform all participants in the event and side event organizers about the country’s gambling advertising rules. The police stated that gambling marketing materials found to breach the country’s regulations would be removed or hidden. Indirect advertising, such as sponsorship logos on shirts and stadium hoardings, is also prohibited.

The National Police Board announced that gambling companies that do not comply with Finland’s gambling marketing regulations would be slapped with fines of at least €10,000 to a maximum of €5 million. The sanctions for individuals who breach the country’s gambling advertising policies range from €500 to €40,000.

Johanna Syvatera, a senior adviser with the National Police Board in Finland, expressed hope that gambling businesses will not violate the law. However, the National Police Board is ready to take prompt action against individuals and companies breaching Finland’s marketing regulations. She also noted that the police would be vigilant for any marketing materials appearing on competitors’ clothes, fan merchandise, video screens, background screen for interviews, stickers, brochures, etc. Ms. Syvatera also said that the police will closely monitor gambling marketing during the three-day racing event and will not hesitate to penalize offenders.

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has suspended Egmit Elite’s gambling license following an investigation, which revealed that the company operating Elite24bet Casino breached the country’s gambling laws multiple times. According to a report released by the gambling watchdog, the company experienced substantial financial difficulties. As a result, it failed to process payouts to players and pay its financial obligations to the authority. The report also states that the company did not comply with an order issued by the MGA.

Following the license suspension, Egmit Elite is no longer allowed to offer its gambling services under the MGA license and feature references to the regulator. Under Article 43 of the Gaming Act, the company has the right to appeal the regulator’s decision. All players who have an account at Elite24bet Casino can contact the MGA for further information.

The MGA’s report states that the suspension of Egmit Elite’s license is the only appropriate measure the regulator could take after revealing it breached Regulation 9 (1) multiple times. The said law outlines the rules and standards MGA licensees must adhere to. MGA’s prompt actions demonstrate the regulator’s commitment to establishing a safe gambling environment and restoring its solid reputation.

Malta’s Gambling Authority Strives to Get Its Good Reputation Back

The regulator seeks to regain its strong position on the iGaming market after its reputation was significantly damaged in 2021 when the MGA was added to the Financial Action Task Force’s grey list. Even though it was taken off the greylist in 2022, the regulator experienced a sharp decline in the number of license applications. As BonusInsider reported this June, the MGA issued 75% fewer new gambling permits in 2022 when compared to 2018.

To attract operators’ attention, the regulator decided to adopt a more tolerant approach toward its licensees and introduced a significant amendment to Malta’s Gambling Act, which seek to provide legal protection to Malta-based company. If the new changes become effective, prosecuting MGA licensees from foreign countries would be almost impossible.

But the proposed amendment to the Act ruffled the feathers of European Commissioners, who believe that it violates EU regulations. That is why the European Commission (EC) asked Maltese lawmakers to provide more information regarding the gambling reforms they consider implementing. In the wake of the upcoming EC investigation into Malta’s controversial gambling reforms, the regulator uses every opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to upholding high industry standards.

To show itself in a good light, the Maltese gambling regulator has recently sanctioned several offending companies. In June, the country’s Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) imposed a fine of €236,789 on online gambling operator Glitnor Group for breaching anti-money laundering regulations. Shortly after that, the Maltese gambling regulator canceled Tipster Limited’s authorization to operate under the MGA license. It is yet to become clear whether the regulator’s actions will yield the desired result.

A resolution seeking to introduce some reforms to state fees, payments, and refunds in various sectors has been approved by the Lithuanian Ministry of Finance. The resolution mostly affects the gambling industry, significantly increasing licensing costs. Lawmakers introduced the recently approved resolution in a bid to create a balance between foreign and local gambling operators and ensure the integrity of the industry. The resolution affects not only licensing fees but also permit extension costs.

Under the resolution, which became effective on July 27 this year, operators will have to pay a permit fee of €1,504 in order to open a land-based casino, slot parlor, or bingo hall. Besides, they have to pay an additional €186 fee for permit extensions. The permit fee for opening a totalizator betting shop was increased to €717. Owners of totalizator betting shops also have to pay €186 if they want to extend their permit.

License fees for lotteries have seen a significant increase, rising from €1,395 to €1,620. According to industry insiders, the increased fees might negatively affect smaller businesses in the sector. Gambling companies interested in entering the Lithuanian iGaming market have to pay a license fee of €784, with an additional €369 for any permit amendments.

The Government Plans to Support Responsible Gambling Programs Using Money Generated from License Fees

With these changes, the Lithuanian government aims to foster competitiveness among operators. Last year, the country amended its laws regarding online gambling. Under the new rules, operators are no longer required to run land-based gambling venues to enter the Lithuanian online gambling market. However, gambling businesses must obtain remote gambling permits to legally provide their services to Lithuanians.

The Lithuanian government is also aware of the risks associated with gambling and acknowledges the importance of adopting adequate measures to prevent problem gambling. That is why the government plans to use some of the money generated from licensing fees to support programs for individuals struggling with gambling programs and initiatives that raise gambling addiction awareness among people.

With the new resolution now in effect, the government has pledged to closely monitor the impact of the increased licensing fees on gambling businesses and ensure their effectiveness in achieving the desired goal – a competitive, balanced, and responsible gambling market. Lithuania tries to create a well-regulated and transparent gambling market in order to provide its citizens with a secure and fun-filled gambling experience while upholding the industry’s integrity.

The Lithuanian gambling watchdog has been investing a lot of effort in ensuring its licensees abide by the law. Recently, it issued a warning to Betsafe for failing to follow anti-money laundering procedures. However, the regulator did not fine the operator because there were no aggravating circumstances. But in the previous month, the gambling regulator had slapped Top Sport with three fines in just one week for failing to follow the country’s gambling law.

Spain’s recent elections ended with no party gaining an overwhelming majority. Struggling to increase political support, two Spanish political parties, Popular Party (PP) and Vox (VOX), have joined forces to take over the reigning Spanish Socialist Worker’s Party (PSOE). The two parties’ strategy is to use sports betting to garner enough political support. The recently formed coalition has authorized 36 new sports betting shops in Salamanca and Valladolid, provinces of the autonomous community of Castilla y León.

The coalition’s decision contradicts the Spanish government and PSOE’s anti-gambling policies. The two parties’ recent actions have unleashed heated discussions regarding the unification of government and its actions aimed at minimizing problem gambling across the country. Although we cannot be sure whether the two parties have intentionally authorized the new betting shops in order to secure enough votes, they surely want to knock out the incumbent.

The Coalition’s Decision to Authorize New Betting Shops Contravenes Government’s Responsible Gambling Efforts

After the PP/VOX coalition approved the 36 new betting venues, the Castilla y León government, led by the PP’s Alfonso Fernández Mañueco and Vox’s Juan García Gallardo, authorized Sportium to operate the new sports betting outlets. The approval of the new sports betting venues comes at a time when problem gambling is a major concern in Spain. By approving the new sports betting shops, the political pair undermine the government’s responsible gambling efforts.

This March, Spain’s Council of Ministers introduced new gambling restrictions in a bid to prevent people from developing gambling problems. Besides, several Spanish regions have already introduced rules regarding the minimum distance allowed between gambling venues and schools, hospitals, and sports stadiums. Various reports claim that gambling problems mostly affect poor people and children. To prevent the spread of gambling disorders, the Spanish gambling watchdog has joined forces with the Ministry of Finance to toughen gambling regulations.

Spain is Rocked by Current Political Storm

The PP and Vox decided to collaborate after realizing they could not get enough votes on their own and take over the incumbent. This May, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called an early general election for July 23 after his Socialist party lost in local and regional elections. After all votes were counted, the PP/VOX coalition secured the most seats in the Parliament – 169. However, their combined seats were below the 176 required for an absolute majority. PSOE, on the other hand, secured 122 parliamentary seats.

Now, the two parties are once again trying to increase political support. Spain’s Parliament is likely to be dissolved, which will lead to new elections. But if the PP/VOX coalition wins the majority this time, some issues could arise because the political pairing seeks to amend the constitution and blocks autonomous communities’ secession talks. This would affect Catalonia’s efforts to declare independence from Spain.