Professional eSports player Joel Holmlund, also known as “joel,” faces suspension on grounds of placing bets on matches his former Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) team, GODSENT, played in.

The main allegations against joel concern bets that were placed from March 27 through May 1, during the BetBoom Playlist Urbanistic event. According to the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC), Holmlund placed bets on games of his then-team between March 27 and 28. In addition, he bet against his own team on March 31, when they lost to their opponents. The other breaches of the Anti-Corruption Code were allegedly committed in the period spanning March 29 and May 1, and they involve 17 bets tied to a number of CS:GO matches. The Commission also accused joel of violating ESIC rules during the IEM Dallas 2023 event.

ESIC’s investigation involved the analysis of bet records, betting account registrations and their linkage to social media profiles, digital footprints like “IP addresses, device IDs, and browser information,” and what ESIC referred to as “Patterns of betting behavior in relation to professional participation.”

The Swedish player was found to have committed multiple violations of the Commission’s Anti-Corruption Code, including match fixing under section 2.1.1., and the act of wagering on CS:GO games that involved other teams or the team of the player in question (section 2.2.1).

ESIC approached Holmlund on August 30, and he claimed that he had not committed the violations. The Commission would later proceed to suspend joel from participation in ESIC events via a Rejection Order Notice, citing the evidence gathered as it was considered “compelling.” Holmlund has been given the chance to present new evidence to the Commission, and can do so until October 6.

Holmlund and GODSENT Respond

In a statement on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, joel claimed to have contacted ESIC Commissioner Ian Smith following the serving of a Notice of Charge on August 30 and that he had been told that “no further actions would be taken” at that point in time. Holmlund went on to say that ESIC had felt “forced to act” due to public pressure and said that he had been served the same Notice of Charge on September 19. According to Holmlund, ESIC’s public statement was an act of injustice against him.

GODSENT also addressed the situation, claiming that information concerning joel’s alleged violations was the reason the organization terminated Holmlund’s contract prior to ESIC’s statement. GODSENT pointed to its cooperation with ESIC as its reasoning for not issuing an earlier statement, as neither party had been able to reveal information regarding the situation before they had gathered a sufficient amount of evidence against the Swedish player.

GODSENT claimed to feel saddened by the case, but the company also emphasized that the matter’s resolution would serve as a warning to the professional gaming scene. GODSENT also expressed gratitude to ESIC. The statement concluded with GODSENT’s condemnation of Holmlund’s alleged actions.

The online sports betting industry has seen a significant expansion over the last couple of years across the majority of US states, including Kentucky. In parallel with the growth of the regulated sector, the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling (KYCPG) puts great effort into ensuring sufficient resources are available to residents of the state.

Legal sports betting in land-based establishments across Kentucky commenced on September 7, whereas online betting providers will be able to launch their operations next Thursday, September 28.

Examining the impact of legalized sports wagering on bettors in Kentucky is a priority for the KYCPG. Dr. RonSonlynn Clark is the president of the non-profit organization, working within a diverse range of adult addictions including substance abuse and gambling addictions. She shared that the entity aims to prevent problem gambling and provide sufficient educational resources to local citizens. Furthermore, the organization’s goals include delivering treatment facilities and guiding the recovery period for compulsive gamblers.

The KYCPG appeals to sports bettors to enjoy the pastime in moderation, without crossing the limit of responsible gambling. Dr. Clark further commented that legalizing land-based and online sports betting within Kentucky would inevitably lead to a growing demand for more gambling therapists.

KYCPG’s president commented that at the time being, the number of gambling counselors in Kentucky amounts to just five professionals. That would be utterly inadequate, considering sports betting’s constantly rising popularity. On a global level, there are ten certified gambling trainers in the world. Dr. Clark is among them, yet the need to increase the number of certified professionals will increase very quickly.

The KYPG Says Responsible Gambling Limits Do Vary Among Bettors

Although the KYPG identifies as a gambling-neutral organization, it makes sure that vulnerable bettors should be aware they have a responsible gambling organization to turn to if such a need arises. Bringing awareness to the community of the available programs, counselors, and other facilities is of major importance.

Dr. Clark further commented that the limits of responsible gambling vary among bettors. That is to say, whatever your gambling budget is, it should not affect your livelihood. The funds kept for one’s rent, mortgage, food, and other essentials must never be compromised. Bettors’ gambling budget should be proportionate to their income and to what they can afford to spend on entertainment. Once that limit is crossed, many at-risk and problem gamblers share the pressing need to recognize the problem and then seek professional help.

As previously covered by BonusInsider, Kentucky’s budget for problem gambling in its first year of legalized sports betting is estimated at $575,000. The projected yearly revenue amounts to $23 million, and as per House Bill 551, 2.5% of it must be allocated to problem gambling initiatives and facilities.

This Tuesday, Sumsub, a global leader in user verification, anti-fraud, and AML compliance, revealed details regarding the launch of its newest automated responsible gambling tool. It would be beneficial for gambling operators who strive to cut the associated costs and simultaneously abide by the regulatory requirements of the industry.

Sumsub’s product release boasts perfect timing, considering the American Gaming Association (AGA) celebrates its 25th anniversary this September. The first month of fall has been labeled as Responsible Gaming Education Month by the organization.

In view of the fast-paced transformation of the gambling industry, technological advancements, constant regulatory changes, and rising awareness of responsible gambling practices, the AGA has designated a special theme for each week of September.

Starting with the ‘Empowering Customers to Play Responsibly’ Week, followed by ‘Legal, Regulated Gaming Protects Players’ Week and ‘Building a Responsible Gaming Culture Within’ Week, the month ends with ‘Advancing Responsible Gaming with Research’ Week.

In keeping with AGA’s initiative, Sumsub unveiled its product that would facilitate companies within the iGaming realm in resolving their compliance-related needs.

It is a highly-performing automated tool by a leading verification provider to premier on the iGaming scene. Sumsub’s product will allow casino and sports betting operators to provide a safe and transparent gambling environment to their customers.

The product features several key characteristics. It includes an adaptable know-your-customer (KYC) setup, as well as functionalities with a focus on reviewing betting patterns and monitoring players’ gambling habits. As far as the globally established responsible gambling practices are concerned, the tool prevents payment scams, identity thefts, and money laundering schemes.

Furthermore, the automated character of the tool would allow gambling operators to substantially reduce their responsible gambling expenditure and eliminate potential human errors.

Sumsub Signs Strategic Partnership with Online Gambling Operator 10bet

Sumsub signed a strategic partnership with online sports betting and games operator, 10bet, earlier this year in June. It enabled the gambling platform to streamline its identity verification procedures and onboarding processes. More specifically, 10bet enrolled in Sumsub’s 1click onboarding product for its Brazilian market.

The tool allowed the iGaming company to conduct instant verifications of its Brazil-based bettors without requiring any documents. These instant checks are possible thanks to Sumsub’s access to Brazil’s government databases, providing detailed information on citizens’ names, residential addresses, photos, and dates of birth.

As Nir Saadon, Chief Operations Officer at 10bet commented, the cooperation with Sumsub had instantly brought about increased user pass rates while reducing fraud risks to a minimum and promoting responsible gambling practices.

Andrew Server, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sumsub also shared his contentment with the new partnership. He confirmed that the Brazilian market was of major significance for the company and that it continually strived to keep up the high quality of its services.

North Carolina officials announced during a news conference on Tuesday that they have rejected a bill that would have expanded gambling in the territory of the state. An agreement has been reached to pass the state budget, which will also cover Medicaid. The state budget bill had been set to pass as of July 1, but it was subject to delays resulting from negotiations surrounding the gambling proposal.

Despite the push from multiple GOP lawmakers, including senate leader Phil Berger, to expand legal gambling and open non-tribal casinos that would add to the state’s selection of legal gambling venues, the vast majority of Republican and Democratic party members were against the proposal. Moreover, residents of the counties that were cited as possible locations for future casino establishments also opposed the gambling bill. There are currently no plans to advance the casino proposal, according to Berger, but he did add that the matter could potentially be addressed again in 2024.

Tim Moore, Speaker of the NC House of Representatives, noted that officials had ultimately decided that one issue should not lead to further delays of the budget.

What was seen as priority by Governor Roy Cooper and the Dems was Medicaid. According to officials of the Democratic Party, the push to tie gambling legislation to Medicaid infringed on the Medicaid bill signed by Cooper this spring.

Berger Was Strongly in Favor of Opening New Casinos in North Carolina

Senate leader Phil Berger was at the forefront of the advocacy for the proposed expansion of North Carolina gambling. Discussions regarding an expansion to the gaming laws in North Carolina began in June, with Berger pointing to a Caesars casino in the Virginia town of Danville, set to open in 2024, as one of the major reasons gambling expansion would benefit North Carolina. The casino’s location is near the border between the two states, which would lead to North Carolina-based gamblers crossing over to the neighboring state and result in losses of tax money.

Had the bill come to pass, four casinos could have opened in several locations across the North Carolina state. The proposed locations were Anson, Nash, and Rockingham. A casino that would have been operated by the Lumbee tribe had also been put into consideration.

On Tuesday, Berger said that the rejection of the gambling bill was not done with consideration for the benefits additional gambling establishments would have had for the rural counties deemed to be suitable locations for the expansion. According to Berger, it was emotions and not facts that permeated discussions surrounding the proposal. He also noted that the bill would have generated over 5,000 job positions in the state.

State officials of both chambers who were against the bill were pleased with the outcome, however. Wake County Democrat Jay Chaudhuri made a statement on a social media post where he said that House and Senate Dems were united on the matter regarding casinos and the expansion of Medicaid. He continued:

“Today, we showed the state why Dems still matter.”

John Rustin of the North Carolina Family Policy Council praised the legislators who “stood their ground” and protected North Carolina from the gambling industry and gambling addiction.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) will part with its function as an operator of casino businesses within the Philippines. As announced by Alejandro H. Tengco, Chairman of PAGCOR, the company will instead put its entire focus on its role as a regulatory body. The transition is said to be completed by the year 2025, and over 40 PAGCOR-run casinos will be privatized as a result.

According to Tengco, the main goal of these changes is to strengthen and improve the Philippines’ gambling industry and ensure that all licensed operators are on equal ground. He also went on to confirm that the company will update its corporate structure and business processes as a whole, with the goal of improving PAGCOR’s responsiveness and competitiveness as a regulatory entity. Tengco would later state that the company is confident in its aim of becoming “the gold standard” in Asia’s gambling industry.

Intentions to unite the company’s operations into a lone corporate office were noted as a push towards efficiency. The move is also expected to lead to improved coordination within the company.

PAGCOR will modernize casino venues prior to the privatization efforts with the aim of making them better suited to appeal to players and potential asset buyers alike. The company is also aiming to launch “Casino Filipino Online”, a dedicated iGaming brand that will cater to both Filipino gamblers and casino enthusiasts from the global gambling market.

PAGCOR Changes Will Not Affect Employees Negatively

PAGCOR’s entire roster of casinos encompasses 45 gambling venues and each of the said brick-and-mortar establishments will be privatized as a result of the company’s move to dedicate company efforts strictly to regulation. This move will impact employees, however.

Tengco did not fail to address concerns over the potential employment issues that could result from this development, namely surrounding individuals who work at the currently operating PAGCOR casinos. He assured that plans to implement measures that will mitigate or prevent displacement are underway. Emphasis was also placed on the fact that the company has been communicating with employees in town halls across the Philippines, in order to assure everyone that they will not face negative consequences as a result of the privatization.

PAGCOR was established in 1977, with its core values centering around the curbing of unlawful gambling within the Philippines, the licensing of casino operations, and the regulation of legitimate casino establishments. At the time of writing, the company also operates casinos within the territory of the Philippines.

Throughout the years, PAGCOR has gone through many changes. Measures to better address illegal operations and problem gambling have been implemented. Other changes have had to do with legislation amendments that allow for the licensing of local gambling websites. The announcement that the company will pivot exclusively to its role as a gambling watchdog marks another significant change in the organization’s structure.

Sports betting and iGaming professionals should mark a must-attend upcoming event in their calendars, spanning from September 24 to 26, when the SBC Summit 2024 will take place. The much-anticipated conference will change its current location in Barcelona with a new one, in Lisbon. Furthermore, the name of the event will also alter from SBC Summit Barcelona to SBC Summit 2024 to better manifest its international character.

Known as one of the fastest-growing iGaming events, the SBC Summit enables global leading companies to assemble and share their vision of the industry’s future, collaborate, and expand their business interactions.

The move to a new site is propelled by the need to measure up to the proportions of one of the fastest-evolving events within the iGaming industry. Feira Internacional de Lisboa, an exhibition and congress center in Lisbon, will be the new host of the grand iGaming event. As Rasmus Sojmark, CEO of SBC commented, picking a new venue and city for next year’s edition of the exhibition was of utmost importance.

Everyone involved in the iGaming industry will be able to take advantage of the potential opportunities for business development and growth. This includes sports betting and casino operators, payment service providers, legal advisers, and affiliates, among others.

SBS Summit 2024 Enhanced Capacity to Welcome Over 25,000 Visitors

Sprawling across an excess of 100,000 square meters, the 2024 exhibition area will be more than twice larger than this year’s site’s dimension, which amounts to 38,000 square meters. The improved capacity will allow the organizers to extend their hospitality to more than 600 exhibitors and 25,000 attendees.

SBC Summit 2024 will welcome participants from all over the globe. As usual, the tradeshow zones will cover various industry sectors including sports betting, casino and iGaming, payments and compliance, and the latest technologies.

Thanks to the partnership with Feira Internacional de Lisboa, the 2024 SBC Summit’s facilities will live up to the highest standards to ensure a sensational experience and ultimate contentment. Participants will be able to expand their business relations through meetings at the venue’s diverse range of cafes, bars, restaurants, and other entertainment facilities. Furthermore, the proximity of the conference center to Humberto Delgado Airport is yet another factor contributing to the comfort of SBC Summit’s guests.

Portugal’s stunning capital city was not chosen by chance, either. With its most wonderful ensemble of unique history, breathtaking architecture, and fantastic cuisine, it will serve as the perfect site for a large-scale event such as SBC Summit 2024.

Both the conference center and the city provide exclusively favorable conditions for the growing demands of one of the fastest-evolving events within the iGaming industry.

This year’s edition, SBC Summit Barcelona 2023, takes place from September 19 to September 21 at Fira de Barcelona Montjuïc.

In an announcement made on Monday, the renowned provider of sports betting solutions OpenBet declared its partnership with Play7.Bet, which will allow OpenBet to make its debut in Brazil’s anticipated sports betting sector.

OpenBet has over 25 years of experience in the field, and its contribution to the world’s sports betting landscape is praised by many, including Play7Bet’s CEO Moises Deiab. In a statement commemorating the partnership, Deiab praised OpenBet for the fact that its services are renowned on a global scale, and he continued on to state that this deal is of “critical” value to the sportsbook.

By partnering with OpenBet, Play7.Bet will gain access to the developer’s wide variety of services. This includes the Betting Engine and Managed Trading Service capabilities offered by the platform.

Of particular importance is OpenBet’s Player Account Management (PAM) technology, which will provide Play7.Bet with top-of-the-line responsible gambling tools as well as technology that revolves around sportsbook promotions. Moreover, the anti-money-laundering (AML) capabilities of OpenBet are powered by innovative fraud detection technology that utilizes artificial intelligence thanks to the company’s recent acquisition of Neccton.

CEO of OpenBet Jordan Levin also expressed excitement over the deal and the developer’s opportunity to operate in Brazil with Play7.Bet, noting how partnering with local companies has proven to be “a strong foundation for success in new markets.”

Brazil On The Road To Fully Regulate Sports Betting After Lower Senate Passed New Gambling Bill Last Week

In 2018, Brazil passed a restrictive sports betting law that only permitted fixed-odds wagering on sports within the territory of the country. Prior to this, the practice of betting on sports events was prohibited, and the country had an all-in-all complicated relationship with gambling.

The country is about to experience a revolution in the realm of sports betting, however. This is thanks to the fact that last week saw the Lower House signing a new sports betting bill. The proposed law seeks to make both sports betting and online gambling fully regulated in Brazil.

According to data from H2 Gambling Capital, an estimated $6.4 in gross gaming revenue (GGR) will be generated by the country’s gambling sector per year. Brazil, therefore, has the potential to turn into one of the global gambling landscape’s largest markets. What is more, the passing of the law will entail an 18% levy on the gross gaming revenue (GGR) of operators, and these funds will be distributed between the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Tourism, Social Security, sports organizations, and more.

Operators such as Play7.Bet will need to adhere to strict rules in order to operate legally in Brazil, i.e., obtain and retain a Brazilian license. The services of companies like OpenBet will play a crucial role in assisting operators when it comes to ensuring the safety of sports bettors.

The legendary Las Vegas Strip will see the much-awaited grand opening of Fontainebleau Las Vegas in December this year following regulatory approvals. The 737-foot-high, 67-story resort will be a valuable complement to Sin City’s skyline and the second-tallest building in Nevada after Strat Observation Tower.

The 25-acre site was the former location of the El Rancho Hotel and Casino and the Algiers Hotel. Set on the north end of the Las Vegas Strip, the property is in the vicinity of the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Las Vegas Global Business District.

While Fontainebleau Development has yet to confirm the official opening day, sources acquainted with the project have identified December 13, 2023, as the exact date when the grand resort will welcome its first customers.

Initially announced in May 2005, the project had to face a great deal of hurdles to reach the critical last phase that is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2023. According to plans, construction works had to commence by March 2006 and the resort had to launch operations by 2008. However, construction began in 2007 and was put on hold in 2009.

Over the years, the project changed several owners, with Fontainebleau Development and partner Koch Real Estate Investments taking possession of it in February 2021 and resuming construction in November 2021.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas Facilities and Projected Job Positions

Fontainebleau Las Vegas will feature more than 3,700 hotel rooms, each with a bespoke design to offer a world-class experience to its guests. Furthermore, the premium venue will offer more than 550,000 square feet of convention center. Its ensemble of facilities will be further complemented by an assortment of world-renowned brand stores (that is yet to become known) and an exquisite range of luxurious restaurants. Nightlife entertainment opportunities will be exuberant as well. Guests will be able to enjoy top-class spa, wellness, and rooftop pool offerings.

As far as the gambling facilities of the complex are concerned, customers will not remain disappointed either. The ground floor will house all types of casino and sports betting products. Gambling enthusiasts may revel in a one-of-a-kind Las Vegas experience, spanning more than 1,300 slot machines. The casino offering also includes various blackjack, keno, and video poker options, among others. Sports betting devotees will be also excellently catered for.

Fontainebleau’s long-awaited opening will be beneficial to the local job market, as resort officials confirmed that more than 6,500 employees would be hired. President Mark Tricano said that a job fair will take place between September 25 and September 30 at Vū Las Vegas’ production campus. The hiring event will begin by appointing more than 1,500 individuals for the resort’s food, bar, and nightlife facilities.

As Fontainebleau Development President Brett Mufson stated, the complex exemplifies “not only an investment in real estate but also an investment in the community”, keeping hopes high that it will positively impact Las Vegas “for generations to come”.

Albania’s Debuty Finance Minister Vasilika Vjero presented a remote gambling draft on September 14. According to Vjero, regulated sports betting would provide funding for the country’s sports sector. However, members of the Socialist Party and the opposition heavily criticized the proposed draft.

Member of Parliament Alban Xhelili, for example, expressed concerns over the accuracy of the revenue calculations outlined within the draft. He was also skeptical of whether gamblers in Albania would be willing to switch to regulated gambling operators, citing complications such as non-cash payments and personal identification as reasoning.

The draft’s failure to address individuals suffering from problem gambling was criticized by Erion Brace, the MP of Albania’s Socialist Party. Brace also pointed out that a list of currently operating retail casinos has not been compiled, and requested that such a list be provided for transparency.

Another point of contention was money laundering, as highlighted by Democratic Party MP Jorida Tabaku. She said that online gambling could enable money laundering, as previous attempts to curb such illegal activities had been unsuccessful.

Details Concerning The Draft

If online gambling becomes legal in Albania, the licensing process sports betting and iGaming operators will need to go through will involve a L400 million (around €3.7 million) licensing fee. A license will be valid for 10 years.

Only joint-stock companies, specifically ones based in Albania, will be eligible for a license. They will also be required to register with Albania’s National Business Center. Player data will be retained and secured by operators for at least three years.

Any entity that has a permit to operate in Albania will be able to accept payments strictly via digital means, specifically through regulated financial agents. This includes second-level banks, financial institutions with a license issued by the Bank of Albania, and the Albanian Post. Cash payments will be prohibited.

Current Legal Landscape of the Albanian Gambling Sphere

Albanian residents do not have many available options in terms of gambling legally within the country at the time of writing. Casino gaming can only be done in land-based establishments located in 5-star hotels, and the only other permitted forms of gambling are bingo and the country’s national lottery.

Neither licensed nor unauthorized operators are permitted to launch advertisement campaigns related to gambling, at least when it comes to television and other mass media. The only promotions supported by current regulations are ones sent via newsletter or email.

Online gambling cannot be offered legally under current legislation. It has been forbidden since 2019, and this encompasses both casino gaming and sports betting. According to Albanian law, wagering on sports offline is also prohibited. As a result, some Albanian sports bettors have taken to placing bets on sporting events via illegal means.

If the online gambling draft is passed and legal remote gambling operations commence in Albania, the country’s residents will be able to wager on websites and applications run by Albania-licensed operators.

The number of iGaming businesses in the US under intense governmental scrutiny in terms of their legality is expanding at a rapid pace. Golden Hearts Games Inc., a games platform that supports charity, has recently come under the spotlight due to the legitimacy of its operations within the state of Michigan.

Earlier this week, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said the casino’s operations in the state had been discontinued. She assumed office in January 2019 and became the 54th Attorney General of Michigan.

Ever since Nessel has worked in close cooperation with the Michigan Gaming Control Board and launched investigations on the business activity of the company back in August 2021. In 2022, Golden Hearts Games received a cease and desist letter, which was reportedly disregarded. Despite the letter, the operator did not refrain from providing its line of products to Michigan players.

The business activity of the Massachusetts-based Golden Hearts Games Inc. revolves around providing various games including slots, live multi-player bingo, video poker, blackjack, and instant win scratch games, among others. Golden Hearts Games’ customers are supposed to support a charity organization of their choosing. Through their donation to a selected IRS-recognized charitable entity, they receive Sweeps Coins. The winnings are also in the form of redeemable Sweeps Coins, which may be converted into real cash prizes or digital gift cards.

As per information on the company website, its games are available only to US players. The minimum age requirements of the operator vary, depending on the state customers are based in.

The sweepstakes casino does not hold a valid license to offer gambling products to players based in the state of Michigan.

The Impact of Unlicensed Gaming on the State Budget and Consumers

As Nessel further commented, unlicensed gaming operators deprive the state budget of receiving resources that would be otherwise directed toward socially responsible causes related to childcare, schools, or underfunded pension funds, for example. Players may be deluded that companies such as Golden Hearts Games are legal and provide a transparent gaming environment. As a matter of fact, by not being able to present a valid license, they do not abide by the state’s gaming laws.

Furthermore, consumers remain unprotected whenever they create accounts with an unregulated and unlicensed gaming operator, with no organization that would properly safeguard their rights when needed.

Michigan is among the US states where casino gambling is legalized and operational and as such, does not allow the business activity of this company on its territory. Should Golden Hearts Games not discontinue its operation within the state, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel would take legal action, as per the Michigan Consumer Protection Act.

Consequently, the illegal operator agreed to terminate its activity and signed an Assurance of Discontinuance confirming it would no longer provide its gaming products to players based in Michigan.