Earlier this month, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) suspended the licenses of Green Feather and SFJL Gambling and canceled EGMIT Elite’s license. Yesterday, The Shift reported that the gambling regulator decided to repeal its decision to suspend Green Feather’s license due to the operator’s prompt action and cooperation. This comes soon after the European Commission began asking questions about the recently-revised Gaming Act.

By suspending Green Feather’s license, the gambling watchdog demonstrated its regulatory authority and commitment to ensuring a safe gambling industry. The MGA, however, has lifted the suspension of the license held by Green Feather – the operator behind popular platforms like bcasino.com, bcasino.in, boocasino.com, boocasino.com, galacticwins.com, and mrfortune.com. This means that the operator can now carry out gaming operations without problems.

MGA Has Taken Its Regulatory Responsibilities Very Seriously

Two weeks ago, the Maltese gambling watchdog issued a suspension notification, listing minor violations related to the late submission of financial information. The MGA wrote that Green Feather failed to submit management accounts and financial statements within the designated timeframe, which led to the regulator’s actions.

Data shows that the regulator took similar moves against six other companies in the initial seven months of the year, while in August alone, the gambling watchdog took three regulatory actions. In February, the MGA canceled one license only. April saw two license cancellations followed by one in May, one in June, and another one in July. Industry experts claim that the flurry of recent regulatory actions could be an attempt by the MGA to enhance credibility in light of the new legislation.

On August 7, the MGA suspended SFJL Holding Limited’s license because the operator violated gambling regulations. The gambling authority explained that the company had failed to report internal changes as required by law. Five days earlier, the regulator canceled EGMIT Elite Limited’s gaming license, stating that the company failed to submit financial information on time, pay due taxes and fees, and meet commitments to players. The MGA also filed a police report and initiated liquidation proceedings as part of the action taken against the company.

The European Commission is to Determine Whether the Maltese Gambling Legislation is Compatible with EU Laws

Before the parliamentary summer recess, Maltese lawmakers passed controversial legislation, which has raised concerns about its compatibility with EU laws. The legislation at issue has garnered attention from the European Union and European Commission, which are now asking the Maltese government to provide more information on the new law.

The new reforms introduced to the Maltese Gaming Act seek to protect MGA licensees from foreign prosecution. Bill No. 55, known as The Gaming Act amendment, also stipulates that Maltese courts should reject recognition or enforcement of any foreign judgments brought against Malta-licensed gambling companies.

The Commission said it was aware of Malta’s draft bill and that further information on the future of the legislation would be available after assessing its compatibility. German Member of the European Parliament Markus Buchheit noted that Malta, which has always been the center of online gambling, recently enacted legislation to prevent residents of other EU states from taking legal action against Malta-based gambling companies illegally operating in their countries. He asked commissioners what steps they intend to take to clamp down on illegal gambling and safeguard players.

Lotus365, a Curacao-licensed gambling site, has made the headlines after it became clear that it uses misleading ads to lure in newcomers. The gambling site has reportedly come up with a new promotional offer advertised by celebrities, who can easily influence people. Although Lotus365 is licensed in Curacao, this license is not recognized by the Indian government, meaning the betting site operates illegally in India. But this does not stop the offshore betting platform from using surrogate advertising to promote its services.

What is even more shocking is that Indian celebrities like Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Urvashi Rautela, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Suniel Shetty endorse the betting platform despite warnings issued by the government that they may face hefty fines. Recently, Lotus365 was advertised by actresses Shiny Dosho and Simran Kaur, who have over 3.5 million followers combined. But this is not the first time the two actresses have partnered with Lotus365.

The two actresses have been heavily criticized by some of their fans who believe that their participation in Lotus365’s gambling ads could convince many of their followers to gamble. Simran Kaur’s post on her Instagram page did not mention anything about a promotional collaboration, which must include a disclaimer. Besides, Kaur turned off comments in order to avoid criticism for advertising an illegal betting platform.

All celebrities who have advertised Lotus365 present the betting platform as legal even though it is not. What is even more disturbing is that the government has not taken any action to sanction the company, which has been using aggressive marketing to promote its gambling services on the Indian market.

Celebrities Continue Advertising Illegal Gambling Sites Despite Possibility of Being Fined

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has handed out notices to Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Urvashi Rautela, and a few others, asking them to explain why they promote the illegal gambling platform. However, the Indian government has not taken further action against the wrongdoers, with some of them still actively promoting Lotus365.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has already released multiple warnings against the promotion of illegal betting platforms but to no avail. Although celebrities have been asked to stop endorsing such websites and their surrogate brands, new commercials emerge every two days.

Under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), people advertising illegal betting platforms may be fined up to Rs 50 lakh (approximately US$68k) for participating in misleading commercials. They may also be banned from appearing in a commercial for a year. However, nobody has been penalized for promoting illegal betting platforms so far.

Earlier this year, there were rumors that the Indian government intends to implement a new regulatory framework to address the issues. However, no new legislation has been introduced so far. Meanwhile, people are advised to be vigilant for misleading gambling ads and avoid gambling through illegal betting platforms like Lotus365.

The Swedish National Audit Office has announced that it plans to review the gambling regulator’s work, actions, strategies, and effectiveness in establishing a safe and responsible gambling market. The move follows the introduction of new gambling regulations and policies in the Nordic country. By reviewing Spelinspektionen’s work, the audit office aims to determine whether the regulator’s actions are efficient enough and if there is room for improvement.

The audit office explained that the Swedish gambling policy aims to create a safe gambling market that generates funds for good causes. Combating criminal activity within the industry and preventing potential consumer harm are also among the priorities of the Swedish gambling policy. The review will look into the achieved results from the regulator’s actions. The office said it would reveal more information about the audit and the timing of its report soon.

To adequately evaluate the regulator’s actions and their efficiency, the audit office will rely on tried-and-true methods, such as interviews and data analysis. The audit office will also examine the regulator’s performance in fighting illegal gambling.

The low channelization rates are among the office’s primary concerns. According to the results of a recent study involving 9,850 Swedes, 30% admitted to engaging in online gambling at least once every three months. Of those who reported gambling online, 77% gambled through Swedish-licensed sites, which is below Sweden’s official channelization goal set at 90%. The figures indicate that many gamblers are still at risk of gambling through illegal platforms.

Sweden Introduces Reforms Strengthening Gambling Regulation

The Nordic country has recently introduced gambling regulatory reforms, establishing supplier licenses and giving the gambling regulator more enforcement powers. This March, the regulator issued its first three gaming supplier licenses. Under the new regulations, licensed operators must assist the police in combating gambling-related crimes. Spelinspektionen licensees are required to disclose player information to the police during investigations.

Moreover, payment providers must report any transactions made by Swedes to unlicensed gambling platforms. The reforms introduced to the Gambling Act from 2018 aim to fight against illegal gambling sites that only deprive the government of income and divert players away from licensed gambling platforms.

But the evolving landscape of the Swedish gambling industry underscores the need for a comprehensive examination of its oversight mechanisms. According to industry insiders, regular audits are crucial for assessing the regulator’s performance. Besides, such inspections shed light on the efficacy of the implemented reforms, uncovering potential gaps, and addressing issues.

The ongoing audit of the gambling regulator’s activities will provide insights, which will be useful for industry stakeholders, lawmakers, and the wider public. The transparency of the ongoing audit will bolster public trust and help the industry maintain the integrity of the gambling market and protect players’ best interests.

Jeju Island, a well-known South Korean gaming hub, has abandoned its plans to introduce “proxy betting” within its foreigner-only casinos due to a lack of interest on behalf of the industry. The island’s government stated that the idea failed to garner interest from the local casino operators and could potentially lead to diplomatic and technical complications.

After the appointment of a new governor, Oh Young-hun, on July 1, the idea of potentially issuing more land-based licenses on Jeju Island has re-emerged as a matter of public discussion. While the previous governor opposed issuing new licenses, Governor Oh has not disclosed his stance on the matter yet.

Why the Jeju Government Scraps Plans to Adopt Proxy Betting?

Last July, Son Minho, assistant director of the Jeju government’s Tourism Industry Division, informed media agency GGRAsia that the local government was still examining the idea of introducing remote betting. But according to more recent information provided by the Jeju official, the country’s island is unlikely to introduce proxy betting because Jeju’s casinos showed no interest in the proposal anymore. He also noted that if adopted, proxy betting could cause “diplomatic and technical troubles”.

Jeju Island has held certain regulatory powers over its casinos since 2009 and currently hosts eight licensed land-based casinos. Son Miho’s concerns arise from the fact that the various overseas governments have differing perspectives on online gambling, which could lead to diplomatic issues. Many foreign governments do not allow their citizens to engage in online gambling activities. Of all 17 land-based casinos in South Korea, only Kangwon Land can cater to South Korean gamblers.

In a bid to help the industry recover from the losses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, a South Korean lawmaker suggested introducing proxy betting for foreign customers in the autumn of 2021. Proxy betting is a specific form of gambling, allowing a person physically present in a land-based casino to make bets on behalf of customers who are not on-site.

Osaka’s Integrated Resort Unlikely to Hurt Jeju’s Gambling Industry, According to a Government Official

Mr. Son said that the Tourism Industry Division, responsible for overseeing gambling activities, has conducted over 1,100 inspections of casino video games and slots since 2021 to ensure compliance with local regulations. The official explained that the scrutiny had saved the island KRW56 million from hiring external consultants, and raised KRW133 million. The division has also carried out anti-money laundering checks and monitored the introduction of new table games to the local market, including the niu niu card game, which is already available at the casino of the Jeju Shinhwa World resort.

Mr. Son told GGRAsia that the former Yalanwan Casino, which has relocated from the Jeju Shilla Hotel to Lotte Hotel Jaju, has changed its name to “Seven Star Casino”. He added that this month, division officials and local tourism firms were scheduled to visit Osaka, Japan, to promote the Jeju casino market.

Osaka is to host a US$100-billion integrated resort (IR) with a casino, but the property is unlikely to open until 2030 at the earliest. Despite the widespread notion that the IR in Osaka could negatively impact South Korea’s casino industry, Mr. Son expressed optimism that the resort could instead expand the East Asian casino market. He revealed that Jeju’s Tourism Industry Division intends to conduct promotional tours to Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand to boost tourism.

On Friday, the Nebraska Gaming Commission held a meeting, during which it allowed the Grand Island Casino Resort to offer table games. Commissioners also approved a market study to examine the possible impact of opening a new racetrack in western Nebraska. This is the first official step that the gambling regulator takes on Hastings Exposition & Racing Inc.’s request to have its racing license moved from Hastings to Ogallala as of 2024. The study will cost $48k and will be executed with the help of the Innovation Group company for a period of 12 weeks.

This June, Hastings Expositions and Racing submitted their 2024 license application to the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission, revealing plans to move their license from Adams County to Keith County. Under Nebraska’s law, Hastings can ask the regulator to move its license only once to a county with no racetrack.

Brian Jorde, a representative for the Hastings company, explained that a comprehensive study would be needed to determine if there will be any negative consequences of the move, such as concentrated or increased competition. Jorde said that the transfer of Hastings’ racing license is unlikely to have a negative impact on the industry because the company wants to move into a brand-new market, which is nearly 200 miles away from the market in which it currently operates.

Previously, the company invested a lot of money and effort into its racino project in Hastings, located 17 to 20 miles away from the Grand Island racino. The planned new racetrack in Ogallala would be located near Lake McConaughy, close to the neighboring states of Colorado and Wyoming.

Grand Island Casino Become the First Gambling Venue Allowed to Offer Table Games in the State

Elite Casino Resorts, the company that owns the Grand Island Casino, revealed its plans to collaborate with the Hastings for the new racino. Jorde explained that such a partnership would be mutually beneficial. The decision to relocate to Ogallala is also prompted by other communities’ willingness to host racinos, including Kimball, Gering, North Platte, Norfolk, and Bellevue. State Senator Mike Jacobson of North Platte told commissioners that his community still intends to apply to host a racino after examining the potential socio-economic impacts of having such a facility in the region.

At its Friday meeting, the Nebraska gambling regulator also allowed the Grand Island Casino Resort to offer table games. This is the first time Nebraska’s gambling watchdog has approved table games. Sharon Haselhoff, the regional vice president for Elite Casino Resorts, revealed that eight gaming tables were already ready to launch, only pending final commission approval.

Nebraska’s gambling watchdog allowed the Grand Island Casino Resort to install five blackjack tables, one roulette, one Texas Hold’em, and one craps table. Commissioners also gave the Grand Island Casino Resort permission to add 46 more slot machines, bringing their total number to 337. Tom Sage, the commission’s executive director, stated that he would undertake one final walkthrough before the games went live. The commission’s chair, Dennis Lee, said that allowing the Grand Island to be the first gambling venue to offer table games was the most appropriate decision.

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is seeking legal guidance on the potential consequences of signing an agreement known as the Macolin Convention. The country had been refusing to ratify the said agreement since 2014, objecting to the definition of “illegal sports betting”. But it seems that the pressure imposed by the European Commission and Parliament on the Maltese regulator was enough to make it consider signing the Macolin Convention.

Assuming the Macolin Convention gets ratified, sports betting platforms that operate from Malta and cater to the needs of punters from jurisdictions where sports betting is prohibited would be deemed illegal. Currently, MGA-licensed sports betting sites are not required to prohibit users from jurisdictions where sports betting is illegal from using their services. Instead, it is the players’ responsibility to opt out.

A contract awarded by the Maltese gambling watchdog to the legal company Van Bael & Bellis, headquartered in Brussels and London, demonstrates the country’s change in stance. The contract, issued on March 5 this year, is valued at €22,750 and aims to secure legal expertise on the potential consequences for Malta’s gambling industry if it signs the Macolin Convention. The law firm boasts expertise in EU and national competition law, EU trade, customs, and regulatory law. It is known for its collaboration with various government entities and international trade associations.

The change in perspective coincides with the recent introduction of a gaming bill known as the Gaming Amendment Act. Enacted this June, the legislation includes several reforms to the previous Gaming Act. The new law aims to make prosecuting Maltese gaming companies from abroad almost impossible. The bill also states that if a foreign court issues a verdict against an MGA licensee, the Maltese court should dismiss it.

Malta Introduces New Gaming Legislation Which Stirs Up Controversy among EU Officials

The proposed legislation has attracted the attention of the European Union (EU). The European Parliament and the European Commission asked the Maltese government to provide further clarification on the legislation after concerns were raised that the new law could be deemed as anti-competitive.

In 2021, international advisors recommended Malta signing the Macolin Convention as a gesture of goodwill. At that time, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) was still wondering whether to put Malta on its grey list. On June 16, 2021, the country was greylisted. As a result, Malta’s reputation was significantly hit, and the number of new license gaming registrations dropped by 50%, as reported by The Shift.

The proposed gaming bill aims to help the country regain its strong position on the iGaming market and attract the attention of prospective registrants. Furthermore, the Malta Gaming Authority announced that it will soften its approach to misbehaving operators and suspend licenses only in a pinch.

But according to several German and Austrian lawyers, the Gaming Amendment Act violates the European Rule of Law by blocking EU residents’ fundamental rights. The lawyers represent individuals who sue MGA licensees for illegally offering gambling services in Germany and Austria. In response, the MGA said that German and Austrian law firms were advertising the option for players to sue Malta-based operators in an effort to claim back their losses.

Alejandro Tengco, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), announced that the regulator is to take 33 offshore gambling operators, also known as POGOs, to court for failing to pay fees amounting to P2.02 billion. Mr. Tengco explained that the offenders are operators who have obtained licenses during the previous administration. He added that the POGOs violated Section 4.C of the Offshore Gaming Regulatory Manual by not paying their fees for over a year now.

According to PAGCOR, the POGOs did not pay their fees despite appeals by the current administration. Mr. Tengco explained that the regulator is currently gathering evidence, and after that, it will take legal action against the offenders. PAGCOR’s Chairman also noted that of all 33 erring POGOs, two were billed this May, two others were endorsed to PAGCOR’s Legal Group since this February, and five others left the market. Tengco noted that PAGCOR will take legal action also against the POGOs that no longer operate in the Philippines.

Tengco said that the gambling watchdog is committed to ensuring that their licensees, including the offshore gaming operators and service providers, comply with the established regulatory policies, which include payment of fees and taxes. Earlier this week, PAGCOR’s chief noted that some POGOs licensed during the previous administration ceased their operations in the Philippines due to the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving behind a significant amount of unpaid fees totaling billions of pesos.

PAGCOR Introduces Tougher Rules for POGOs

POGOs have been subject to heated debates in the Philippines after news emerged on the surface that some offshore gambling operators have been linked to cases of human trafficking, money laundering, and other crimes. That urged the Philippine gambling regulator to implement stricter rules regarding the POGOs. This August, PAGCOR unveiled new regulations for licensed offshore gambling companies.

Jessa Fernandez, PAGCOR’s assistant vice president for offshore gaming licensing, announced that all POGOs are under probationary status, meaning that offshore gambling companies must reapply for license by September 17. This way, PAGCOR will be able to evaluate its offshore licensees and determine whether they have been involved in criminal activities. Under the new rules, violators will never obtain a license from PAGCOR. The gambling watchdog also introduced hefty sanctions for erring operators.

PAGCOR’s efforts to clamp down on illegal gambling elevate the quality of its gaming facilities, making them more attractive to potential buyers. Several days ago, the gambling watchdog confirmed its plans to privatize 45 of its casinos in the Philippines. PAGCOR hopes that the privatization process will be completed by the third quarter of 2025. Several years ago, PAGCOR announced its decision to sell its casinos in the country and focus on its responsibilities as a regulator. The regulator also believes that the privatization of the 45 casinos it operates could generate $1.47 billion in government revenue.

This Thursday, Kentucky’s Governor Andy Beshear shared the latest update and a timeline of key dates concerning the launch of sports betting in the state. Gov. Beshear announced that in-person sports gambling at licensed retail betting shops will officially start at 10 am EDT on September 7. Mobile sports betting is to launch on September 28.

Kentuckians can start registering accounts with approved mobile sports betting apps from August 28 at 6 am EDT and add funds to their pre-registered accounts from September 7 at 6 am EDT. By allowing pre-registration, strains on electronic systems, which can happen when many people try to register at the same time, will be avoided, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

Legal retail sports betting and mobile wagering will kick off on different days because the state opted for a “tiered implementation”. This way, the gambling regulator will be able to test its policies and procedures before the market’s full rollout. Many states that have already regulated sports betting used the tiered approach.

On August 22, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) is expected to meet in order to determine which retail sportsbooks and mobile apps are eligible for a license to operate in Kentucky. Following the meeting, a list of the approved operators will be released. Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Chairman Jonathan Rabinowitz expressed his excitement about the upcoming opening of the sports betting market and said that the commission was working tirelessly to meet the deadlines.

Kentucky Sports Betting Market: Expectations and Taxes

Earlier this month, the governor revealed the names of the mobile operators and racetracks that have submitted applications for a sports betting license. Among the mobile sports betting operators that have applied for a permit to accept wagers from Kentuckians include Bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Racetracks that receive a sports betting license will be allowed to open retail sports betting shops at their satellite locations. Churchill Downs, Turfway Park, and Oak Grove Gaming and Racing are among the racetracks seeking a sports betting license.

Sports betting is expected to generate $23 million in revenue annually once it is fully implemented. This revenue will go to the Kentucky permanent pension fund, with 2.5% being allocated to the problem gambling assistance account. The bill also provides for a new excise tax on sports wagering. Licensed betting shops will be subject to a 9.75% tax on adjusted gross revenues, while online and smartphone wagers will be taxed at 14.25%.

This July, state lawmakers and Gov. Beshear announced that Kentuckians would soon be able to wager on their favorite sports team. The news followed a KHRC meeting during which all members voted in favor of emergency administrative regulations to govern the sports betting market. The Bluegrass State has been trying to regulate sports betting for years. And on March 31 this year, it reached its goal after Gov. Bashear signed House Bill 551, legalizing sports wagering in the state.

Roblox, a well-known online gaming platform, has been accused of organizing an illicit gambling ring preying on minors, Bloomberg Law reported earlier today. Concerned parents, Rachel Colvin and Danielle Sass, have filed a class action lawsuit against Roblox Corp. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

The legal action was prompted by their children’s losses on third-party gambling sites, involving Roblox’s internal virtual currency. Colvin and Sass claim that the gaming platform, which features a 3D “metaverse”, has violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. The parents claim that the company has illegally profited from underage gambling activities.

According to the lawsuit, Roblox has a digital currency with a tangible monetary value. The currency is called “Robux”, and one Robux amounts to $0.0125. The plaintiffs claim that Roblox knowingly allows users under 18 to purchase Robux using their parents’ credit cards. Colvin and Sass said that children now have billions of Robux that could be used for gambling.

Under Roblox’s terms of service, activities like simulated gambling are strictly prohibited. But the lawsuit argues that Roblox’s stance is deceptive because the platform allows third-party gambling websites to accept bets using Robux. The plaintiffs also state that these sites have no formal affiliation with Roblox.

Roblox Can Halt the Illegal Gambling Ring But Prefers Not To, Plaintiffs Claim

The company, on the other hand, claims that these sites are using its intellectual property and branding without authorization. Roblox Corp. asserts that it will continue fighting against any practices that violate its policies and stay true to its commitment to safeguarding the platform’s community. Additional defendants in the lawsuit include Satozuki Limited B.V., Studs Entertainment Ltd., and RBLXWild Entertainment LLC. The three companies are accused of promoting their third-party gambling sites for Roblox users, many of whom are minors.

The lawsuit provides details about how minors engage in gambling on the Roblox platform. After purchasing Robux, users can access external websites operated by the other defendants mentioned in the lawsuit and link their Robux wallets for gambling. Thus, any Roblox user could gamble, regardless of their age. The plaintiffs argue that Roblox could stop the illegal gambling ring that targets children, but it did not want to because it benefits substantially from this scheme.

According to Colvin and Sass, the company charges a 30% fee when converting Robux back into dollars, resulting in millions in annual revenue. They further allege that the gambling sites encourage minors to promote their illegal gambling platforms, elaborating that Bloxflip, operated by Studs, reportedly offered free Robux to users promoting the site on TikTok.

The plaintiffs claim that Roblox is aware of these websites due to concerns raised by numerous social media influencers affiliated with gambling sites. Colvin and Sass applied a screenshot of a post by a user known as “KreekCraft” on a social media site, discussing an illegal gambling site. Colvin and Sass asserted that they did not know their children used Robux to gamble and are seeking a trial by jury. The plaintiffs are represented by Weitz & Luxenberg, PC, and Johnson Firm in the proposed class action. Roblox has not commented on the issue yet.

West Virginia’s Problem Gambling Help Network is taking action to address the issue of youth gambling by allocating over $40k in grant funding to community organizations. The organizations will incorporate evidence-based curricula to inform young people about the risks associated with gambling, dispel common misconceptions, and educate them about the impact of gambling advertisements. Additionally, they will teach young people how to recognize the signs of gambling addiction.

According to experts, responsible gambling educational programs could be incorporated inside and outside school walls. Parents, teachers, and mentors should also be able to recognize signs indicating problem gambling behavior and intervene if needed.

The organizations that received grants include Boys and Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle, Reset, Inc., Pleasants County Committee on Family Issues, Community Connections, Family Resource Networks of Brooke and Hancock Counties, Clay County, Mason County, Taylor County, and Wetzel County. Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) groups in Putnam, Barbour, and Clay County were also awarded grants.

About 20% of Young People in West Virginia Report Having Gambled for Money, Survey Reveals

Although young people do not go to casinos, they often play the lottery, place wagers on personal challenges with friends, bet on sports, and gamble online. Moreover, many well-liked video games feature a gambling element. In West Virginia, individuals who want to wager on lottery games, bingo, or racing must be at least 18 years old. The minimum age at which West Virginians can play casino games or bet on sports is 21. But despite the age restrictions, adults often allow access to such pastimes.

A survey conducted by the National Council on Problem Gambling reveals that West Virginia is among the U.S. states with the highest rates of youth problem gambling. According to the study, at least one in every fifty West Virginians will experience gambling-related problems. Besides, young people are two to four times more susceptible to gambling problems than adults. To reduce these numbers, parents and teachers should educate youths before they become exposed to casinos and other forms of gambling activities.

According to a survey involving 600 teenagers, 85% admitted to participating in gambling activities. Of all inquired teenagers who had gambled, 20% said they participated in gambling activities to win money. That is quite disturbing considering that players must view gambling as a way of entertainment rather than a way to earn money. Of all respondents, 20% said they were worried about a friend or relative who spent a lot of time or money on gambling. Of all inquired teenagers, 4% stated that they dedicated too much time or money to gambling, while 10% said they wanted to quit gambling but did not know how to do so.