Category Archives: Online Casino

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

| Updated: Friday, August 13, 2021, 15:13 [IST]

India is one of the countries that have been hit the hardest by the global COVID-19 pandemic. This is a pandemic that saw the struggle and even downfall of many industries, particularly those that rely on physical location interactions. However, one such industry that managed to thrive during the pandemic is the gambling market. In particular, the online gambling industry has found much success as of late. It seems that it even managed to gain a more formidable footing over the course of the pandemic. In this article, we will go over just how the online casino industry managed to grow substantially over the past years and how it has stayed afloat in India despite the country's strict gambling laws.

As of the moment, the India IT Act is the only piece of legislation that regulates any kind of cyber operation in the country, including online gambling. However, there aren't any specific mentions or provisions that pertain to online gambling within the document itself. Right now, only the states of Sikkim, Diu, Goa, and Daman are allowed to establish legal land-based gambling operations. However, even within those mentioned states, the laws can differ from one another. While it seems that India's legislative process on regulating online gambling seems to be lagging behind, there are still a number of different factors that contribute to the rise of the industry in the country.

The first factor that needs to be taken into consideration is the advancement of mobile technology. More than most other countries in the world, India is known to be one of the most literate and capable when it comes to technology. This has led to many members of the Indian masses to gain access to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. These are devices that are incredibly powerful and are becoming more accessible even to lower wage earners. As phones continue to get stronger and cheaper at the same time, more people will have access to devices that will allow them to participate in online gambling.

Again, as was previously mentioned, many industries suffered catastrophic losses over the course of the pandemic as people were forced to stay indoors and lock themselves down in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus. However, this also opened a window of opportunity for other industries to thrive. More specifically, online gaming became such a huge hit for people who were practically left with more time on their hands while staying cooped up at home.

In the age of digital information, the access to high-speed internet is becoming increasingly rampant. This, of course, has many implications in a variety of different industries, but it dramatically impacts the mobile gaming market especially. High-speed internet makes it a lot easier and more convenient for people to have access to high-quality gameplay wherever they are and at whatever time of day.

More than just the increased demand for online gaming, casino operators and game developers are doing their part in trying to outdo one another for market dominance. This has led to an increase in the quality of gameplay and user experience for many different gaming platforms on the internet. These casino operators are making it easier for potential gamblers to find them online. More importantly, they're making it more difficult for users to breakaway from their platforms due to the quality of the gameplay.

Lastly, India just happens to have one of the most vibrant markets when it comes to gambling. This further incentivizes investors and operators to make their services available to the Indian public. This is a nation with such a healthy relationship with gambling as a pastime. Aside from that, this is a market that has largely welcomed the integration of technology into their daily lives. It seemed like such a natural fit for the two institutions of tech and gambling to merge to create platforms that will ultimately benefit the gambling fans of India.

Moving forward, it doesn't look like the online gambling industry is going to slow down. This is going to place further pressure on the Indian government to come up with more modern and relevant legislation that will allow for operations of gambling institutions in India. There are far too many incentives to ignore when it comes to the potential tax revenues of such a thriving market.

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The Future of Online Gambling in India - Oneindia

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iGaming aggregator and software provider Slotegrator has announced its participation in the Ukrainian Gaming Week, which will be held in Kyiv on September 14-15, after several reschedulings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Slotegrator will be represented by the sales team managers at booth B7 on both days of the events, where it will showcase new solutions and products designed for boosting gambling platforms.

Participants of the UGK may also book a meeting with the companys managers to get insights into the Ukrainian market and learn more about new products and services available for online casino business.

UGW is entirely dedicated to issues related to the countrys entering into the gambling market. Participants and partners will attend the conference and introduce their latest findings within the industry, while providing expert opinion on the viability and sustainability of the Ukrainian market, its risks and strategies.

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Slotegrator to exhibit new solutions and products at the Ukrainian Gaming Week - Yogonet International

SYDNEY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Have you played the best online pokies of 2021? The team behind PlayCroco, Australias best online casino, have listed the four most fun and thrilling pokies to have launched so far this year and you must try them all.

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If you dont believe us when we say that PlayCroco offers the best online casino experience in Australia, then make sure to check out some of the reviews left by thousands of happy snappy players.

Bruce Fern, Casino Manager at PlayCroco, said: If you love pokies then you must try these titles they really are the best pokies of 2021. While each is different, they all offer a highly entertaining player experience with the chance to win big with every spin.

So what are you waiting for? Head to PlayCroco and start spinning the reels on the best pokies of the year.

ENDS

Editors notes:

About PlayCroco:

PlayCroco is an online casino for Australian pokie lovers. With hundreds of pokies, generous offers and promos and a wide range of payment methods, PlayCroco is all about having fun and winning big. A level-up loyalty schemes also see players unlock incredible perks with each level they clear.

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PlayCroco Online Casino Names This Year's Best Online Pokies - Business Wire

Technological advancements have changed several industries over the last two decades, including the union casino industry. Thanks to the digital presence, casino games are now more accessible than ever before and are accessible to a wider range of gamers worldwide. Online casino gaming has also paved the way to a smoother and more comfortable gaming experience while making gambling a multi-billion dollar industry.

Lets look at all the technologies that have had a significant impact on the future of the online gambling industry.

When mobile phones were first invented, nobody imagined they could do more than simply communicate. Today, we use these handy devices to do everything including sending messages, playingcasino online, and ordering food. Most people in this generation cant also imagine a life without their smartphones, which means mobile gambling will keep growing in the future.

Mobile casino gaming has grown in popularity not only among the new generation but also classic brick-and-mortar gamblers. Thats because the mobile gambling market has also had significant benefits to traditional sports betting fans and casino gamers, especially after the lockdown isolated everyone last year.

Augmented and virtual reality have found their way into the online casino business, promising an immersive gaming experience to the players. These technological innovations have proven to be significant to the market, besides revolutionizing several other industries.

With AR and VR, gamblers can simulate games like poker, Blackjack, craps, and slots using a VR headset to get an experience that closely mimics a real-world casino experience. That has allowed the online casino industry to adapt to more interesting gaming formats that are attractive to beginners and the new generation in the entertainment industry.

Hacking and data leaks have proven to be a challenge that requires to be addressed through technological advancements. Thats because trusted websites used by casino players handle a significant amount of information, which their users willingly provide to be able to play online games. As such, online casinos need secure data protocols that only technology can offer. Fortunately, advanced data security tech is ensuring casinos stay safe from cyber-attacks and other vulnerabilities.

Technological innovations have enabled online casinos to offer their players a wide range of payment alternatives and different financial transactions. Today, cashless transactions like credit cards have become a thing, with third-party sites growing by the day.

Online casinos are also starting to embrace blockchain technology for their financial transactions, giving players a variety of payment methods while frequently rewarding them with incentives and cash-backs. That encourages the players to embrace these tech advances when enjoying their favorite games.

Although smartwatches are generally new in the online casino industry, experts reckon they will be the next major thing for betting while on the go. For now, these handy devices are proving useful in providing a player with notifications about their casino accounts, but you can expect future casinos to aim for something better. That will make online casino games accessible to a wider general audience soon.

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Technologies In The Online Casino Industry - Scoop Byte

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volution released Wednesday its Interim Report for January-June 2021. Revenues in the second quarter increased by 100% compared to the second quarter of 2020 to EUR 256.7 million. Over the first half of 2021, operating revenues increased by 102%.

EBITDA grew 115% to EUR 174.7 million, corresponding to a margin of 68 percent.

"We are in the middle of reshaping our RNG road map and revenues in the RNG business increased slightly from the first quarter this year but declined by 2 percent compared to Q220. I expect the year-on-year RNG-growth to improve in the coming quarters this year," CEO Martin Carlesundcommented. He said "strong demand" contributed to the earnings margin development in the second quarter.

"In the quarter we have for example made a revolutionizing new version of our Baccarat game which we hope will be the new way of playing Baccarat all over the world. Also the Game Show category will see new titles during the second half of this year. We are developing the category with games that engage the players with more entertainment and more control for the player. We believe this is a way to broaden the category even further to yet new types of players," the CEO stated.

"We continue to see increased demand for online casino globally. Our products are global, and our long-term ambition is to be the global market leader. We want to re-shape the Online Casino market in the world. It is that simple. The expansion potential lies in both existing geographies and in new markets. This quarter we have expanded in the UK through an agreement with the gaming operator Entain for online games on the Ladbrokes, Coral and Gala platforms. In the US new markets open up state by state. Our Michigan studio is approved and ready for launch, it will be the 3rd studio we operate in the US," Carlesund said.

He noted the company has high demand on expansion and that it will continue to invest both in existing studios as well as new studios both in North America as well as in Europe. During 2021, it will add two new delivery hubs in Europe. "Coming into 2022 we see expansion and investment in studios continuing in current locations but also in new markets like Latin America," he added.

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Evolution CEO: 'We want to re-shape the online casino market in the world' - Yogonet International

Are you a fan of online video slots and online social gambling? If yes, then GamblersArea is the best option available in the iGaming industry.

One of the fastest-growing industries in the world, online gambling provides players with a vast and ever-expanding selection of premium games to play for fun or to bet on with real money. When it comes to social casinos such as GamblersArea, gamers can have entertaining gambling sessions while placing bets using coins gifted to them by the website itself.

GamblersArea is the latest platform in the iGaming industry for special content streaming and online social gambling. It provides the ultimate playing experience for all those players who want to play the hottest slots on the market but not spend real money. Aside from being the best platform for online social gambling, it also allows players to interact with each other and follow the streams of popular casino streamers on Twitch such as Roshtein.

Players who become GamblersArea members get access to exclusive casino offers, a generous batch of coins to start their social casino experience, and live support thats there to help them with any problem they might have while spinning reels or claiming bonuses. At the moment, the GamblersArea platform is featuring games of well-known iGaming providers BGaming, GameArt, and TrueLabs. Their releases are famous for catchy visual and sound effects, user-friendly interface, and engaging and highly entertaining gameplay.

The members of GamblersArea are going to have their accounts replenished with coins every day. The most valuable currency on the website is Diamond but it can be used to enter giveaways, buy things in the sites shop or you can swap it for a fresh batch of coins. The most frequent players are given exciting offers & rewards and get a mention on the leaderboard.

Casino streaming is one of the most popular categories of a Twitch platform. The GamblersArea has taken the whole thing a step further by allowing its members to follow their favorite streamers Roshtein, DeuceAce, VonDice, and PressPlayTTV all at the same time on a single screen. They can enjoy fun and exciting casino streams, chat with streamers and other followers and get information on the latest and hottest casino bonus offers.

Simply put, GamblersArea as a platform is bringing together social gambling and casino streaming and spicing the whole experience with generous bonuses and hefty giveaways. Its the ultimate online gambling experience for all players who want to spin the reels but not spend any of their hard-earned cash.

GamblersArea also has a large casino affiliate network! Players who join the platform have access to the best online casinos on the market and very generous offers. With dozens and dozens of casinos, any type of player is able to find something that fits their gaming preferences. From special deposit bonuses to free spins on some of the most popular video slots, GamblersArea has everything modern casino players look for!

For each casino listed on the GamblersArea website the members have all the most important information and details supported devices, languages, featured game providers, etc. This is an extremely important segment for those who are craving some real-money action and who want to try their luck on video slots, table, or live games in an online casino.

The information about different casino bonuses can be found on the Offers page of the website. Given the fact that the list of available offers is extra long (and its constantly expanding), members have access to filters that help them narrow their search for the best casino bonus offer. They can filter this list based on the country, bonus type, wagering required, etc.

Aside from the chat, members also can communicate via the Forum page. There they can introduce themselves to the GamblersArea community, share news, discuss important industry events, get informed about giveaways and special casino promotions, and much more.

To keep members in the loop about everything industry-related, GamblersArea regularly posts news and featured articles in the ReelNews section of the website. Everything is covered, from basic casino terms newbies will appreciate to the innovative strides on the crypto gambling scene. Players can also dive deeper into the world of casino streaming, live casino gaming, and sports betting. They will never miss the hot new slot landing on the market or any change concerning betting regulations.

As the freshest online social gambling hub, GamblersArea is a perfect place for all the modern casino players. They can try out the top video slots, claim hefty bonus offers, earn coins and diamonds to enter giveaways, and get informed about all the latest industry trends. As said by the chief operating officer of GamblersArea:

Our vision is to create an innovative social casino platform for the live streaming community and players.

And thats exactly what creating an account on gambleresarea.com brings the ultimate social gambling experience that anyone could wish for!

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GamblersArea - The Best Social Casino on the iGaming Scene - ChicagoNow

PointsBet has gone live in New Jersey with its online casino, making it the companys second state, after Michigan, in which it has its iGaming product up and running. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

PointsBet has launched its first online casino in the New Jersey market. The Australian-based operator announced on Friday that PointsBet New Jersey LLC had gotten the green light to go live from the New Jersey Department of Gaming Enforcement.

currently has iGaming market access in Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey

PointsBet currently has iGaming market access in Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, but has not revealed any timelines for potential launches in Pennsylvania or West Virginia. In the most recent quarter, iGaming revenues totaled almost $900m for these states, extrapolating to an annual figure of more than $3.5bn.

In New Jersey, the compounding annual growth rate of iGaming revenues for the past two years was 62% and 101%, respectively. But while it is a significant market, there are also 33 competitors to PointsBet in the state. The operator initially revealed last summer its plans to expand into the Garden State.

Taking about this New Jersey launch, PointsBet Group CEO and managing director Sam Swanell said: We are thrilled to be able to expand our iGaming presence in the United States and bring our proprietary online casino product to the robust New Jersey market.

He went on to speak about the operators focus on expanding this side of its offering and its efforts to acquire and retain premium clients.

PointsBets first online casino in the US went live in Michigan in May. It has sportsbooks up and running in numerous states, including New Jersey, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Colorado. The operator has also secured sports betting market access in numerous other states, including in Arizona this week.

In addition to the announcement of the online casino launch in New Jersey, PointsBet also revealed a new high-profile appointment on Friday. As Canada prepares for fully legal single-event sports betting, PointsBet Canada has appointed Scott Vanderwel as its first CEO, beginning August 17, 2021.

A number of other prominent positions in PointsBet Canada have been filled recently as PointsBet looks to be an early mover in this new market. Talking about the plans to expand into Canada, Sam Swanell stressed PointsBets commitment to creating products that fit the consumers needs, satisfies the important and necessary requirements of regulators, and enables fans to engage with their favorite sports in new and exciting ways.

He is confident that the new CEO and his team will be able to achieve just that.

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PointsBet Has Launched Its Online Casino in New Jersey - VegasSlotsOnline

Online casino software provider and aggregator Slotegrator has secured its latest distribution agreement, as the group teams-up with the Evolution Groups NetEnt.

Under the terms of the collaboration, NetEnt will make its 200-strong portfolio of slots, casino and live dealer games available to the aggregators network of partners.

We are very glad that one of the top providers has appeared in our expanding list of partners, commented Ayvar Gabidullin, leading sales manager at Slotegrator.

Now our clients can get highly popular games through our single integration such as: Starburst, Gonzos quest, Dead or Alive and many more. NetEnt is a well-established, industry-leading game developer that we are proud to partner with.

Slotegrator will also benefit from NetEnts promotional tools. These include in-game features such as free spins and jackpots as well as tournaments and a bonus management program.

Operating in a number of regulated jurisdictions, the supplier holds licenses from the MGA and the UKGC in addition to Alderney, Gibraltar, Spain, Belgium, Romania, and the US states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Furthermore, the developer holds certificates from independent testing agencies eCOGRA, GLI, iTechLabs and the Technical Services Bureau.

The partnership follows Slotegrators recent expansion to the Brazilian market as it anticipates the markets re-regulation offering all of its services including game integration, sportsbook, payment systems and affiliate management, alongside marketing, licensing, web hosting and advisory services.

The entry into Brazil, Slotegrator says, came after President Jair Bolsonaro ratified a law that regulates a number of industries, including sports betting. As a result, the aggregator believes thatthe region will soon become a tantalising prospect for online casino and sportsbook operators.

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NetEnt adds content to the Slotegrator platform - Casino Beats

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ollowing Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont's signature of legislation that legalizes sports wagering and online gambling in the state back in May, Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE) launched Mohegan Digital earlier this month, the iGaming division of the brand that will be essential in the upcoming sports betting and igaming offering in Connecticut this fall, in partnership with FanDuel.

Yogonet spoke about these recent developments and future steps with Rich Roberts, President of Mohegan Digital.

Why have you chosen FanDuel as a partner to run sports betting and iGaming in Connecticut?

We are thrilled to add another world-class partner like FanDuel, one of the leading sports-tech entertainment companies in the world, to our roster. When choosing a partner, we aim to ensure that they align with the values of the Mohegan Tribe and will further enhance the consumer experience for our loyal network of guests and we are confident that FanDuel will do just that. We are excited to offer sports bettors and fans across the state of Connecticut access to FanDuels premium online and mobile betting experiences. We believe our innovative gaming offerings will provide a positive boost to economic activity and bolster the states tourism and entertainment industries for years to come.

What key contributions and added value will FanDuel bring to your business, and what innovations and distinctive features can we expect from this new iGaming, sports wagering experience in the state?

These exciting initiatives will further solidify Mohegan Suns position as the premier gaming and entertainment destination on the East Coast. We anticipate our sportsbook, which potentially will be the largest FanDuel Sportsbook in the country, will bring increased tourism to the state, and that includes from neighboring states, some of which do not yet have legalized sports betting. Specifically, were very pleased to offer an additional layer of the premier gaming experience to our reward program (known as Momentum) members, both present and future.

The opportunity with FanDuel will complement what Mohegan Sun has to offer from two brick-and-mortar casinos and extraordinary dining experiences to world-class entertainment. The digital experience from FanDuel will further position Mohegan Sun as not only a destination, but also a true gaming and entertainment experience. Not only will FanDuel offer a great selection of table games that they will bring to the app, but also deliver an incredible retail experience in-house, featuring a game-day atmosphere unlike any other with wagering options across various sporting events. We are confident the digital experience will match what we have in the casino.

Which kind of technologies will you work with and offer both in your retail and online segments (cashless, touchless, VR, etc.)?

Our team is constantly evaluating new technologies and looking at the best opportunities via a state-by-state model to ensure we are offering the best solutions for our consumers.

FanDuel said Mohegan Sun has the potential to host the largest FanDuel sportsbook in the United States. Could you elaborate on this projection? Which kind of partnerships and features will you be after in order to achieve this, and which specific audiences are you targeting?

Our partnership with FanDuel is a priority for Mohegan Digital, as we continue to grow and enhance the casino, sportsbook and online operations in Connecticut and beyond. Since 1996, MGE has developed properties that prioritize the overall consumer experience; and through our strategic partnership with FanDuel, we are looking to amplify the consumer experience at Mohegan Sun across all levels from the digital experience to retail and F&B, we want to engage our Mohegan guests beyond the casino.

CEO Ray Pineault said he hoped to launch sports betting in time for the upcoming NFL season, by the fall. Are you on track to meet that deadline? Which are the next steps?

The launch of sports betting and iGaming, both on-property and online, is contingent on the current regulatory procedures with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. There is a regulatory process for Connecticut that is being finalized as well, and that includes regulatory framework for online systems. Pending regulatory approval, we anticipate launching our sports betting operations by NFL kickoff. Were expected to open a temporary sportsbook location at Mohegan Sun by September; and following, our signature sportsbook located in the propertys Casino of the Earth is expected to be the largest FanDuel sportsbook in the country.

Could you share your own estimates for your online gaming and sports betting operations in the state? Which are your plans, goals and expectations in the short-mid term?

Our main priority is to extend the world-class Mohegan experience beyond the doors of our casino in Uncasville. It is our goal for Mohegan Digital to introduce online gamers to our brick-and-mortar property and provide our consumers with a full 365-degree retail and digital experience. With Mohegan Digital, we are bringing a great product to the marketplace that will match the existing excitement at our properties.

For the gamers who have not visited Mohegan Sun or any other of our properties before, we hope our partnership with FanDuel will expand our footprint and provide an opportunity for consumers to experience the world-class gaming and entertainment Mohegan is known for.

When announcing Mohegan Digital, Aviram Alroy said the new division has plans to launch not only in Connecticut, but also Washington, Pennsylvania, the province of Ontario, and more states in the future. Could you share further insights and outlooks for those markets? Are you already working to prepare your entry into one of them? What is your approach to them in terms of partnerships, business models, market share, etc?

One of our immediate focuses is expanding sports betting to our Ontario properties, and we are currently in the midst of that planning. Having two properties in Ontario gives us a unique opportunity to reach an international audience.

In Washington, we are also looking at our options and identifying our best strategy, pending legislative approval. As discussions move forward, we are interested in working with Washington State to bring Mohegan Digital to the Pacific Northwest.

Digital gaming is certainly expanding throughout the country and our hope is that Mohegan Digital will grow visitation to the brick-and-mortar casino in Connecticut, and our other markets.

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Mohegan: 'The digital experience will match what we have in the casino' - Yogonet International

SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is inviting the public to give feedback on proposed amendments to gambling laws that cover social gambling, online games and claw machines.

MHA is also proposing to raise penaltiesfor repeat offenders who facilitate or operate illegal gambling services, andamend the definition of gambling so that it can cover emerging products.

MHA said on Monday (Jul 12) that it will amendthelegislation later this year to ensure that Singapore's laws and regulations remain effective in the face of evolving gambling products and business models.

This comes after the ministry said in April last year that it will set up a new gambling regulator by 2021, as well as review and amend gambling legislation within the same period.

Gambling-related crimes remain low, MHA said, with the number of people arrested for illegal gambling activities remainingstable from 2011 to 2020.

Problem gambling also remains "under control", it said, pointing to surveys that show problem and pathological gambling rates have remained relatively stable, at around 1 per cent.

"To continue to enjoy these good outcomes, we need to make sure that our laws and regulations can address two trends in the gambling landscape," MHA said.

"First, advancements in technology. The Internet and mobile computing have made gambling products more accessible.

"Second, the boundaries between gambling and gaming have blurred. Business models have adapted to suit changing customer preferences by introducing gambling elements in products that are traditionally not perceived as gambling."

SOCIAL GAMBLING

MHA said it currently takes a practical approach towardsgambling and will only regulate or prohibit when there is a risk to law and order or potential to cause social harm.

Hence, the ministry intends to explicitly permit physical social gambling among family and friends as it poses "low" law and order concerns.

"We will take strong enforcement action against syndicates which exploit this exemption to conduct illegal gambling activities," it said.

Currently, the Common Gaming Houses Act does not define private gambling, although it prohibits gambling in a common gaming house, which includes any place kept or used for gaming, habitual gaming and public lottery.

"We recognise that gambling amongst family and friends in homes is socially acceptable amongst many Singaporeans," MHA added.

MHA also considered permittingonline social gambling among families and friends, includinggambling over the Internet,but will propose not to.

"Explicit exemption of online social gambling will pose enforcement difficulties, as it will be difficult to establish if individuals are sufficiently and meaningfully acquainted with each other in the online context to qualify as social gambling," MHA stated.

Currently, the Remote Gambling Act prohibits online social gambling.

ONLINE GAMES WITH VIRTUAL PRIZES

For online games, MHA is focusing on those that allow virtual items to be transferred out, and potentially be exchanged for money or moneys worth on a third-party hosted exchange.

MHA is proposingto introduce conditions to ensure that transferable virtual items are retained in the context of gameplay and entertainment, as intended by game developers.

"Online games of chance that allow players to use virtual items from other games as a form of stake on casino games or match outcomes, such as skin-betting sites, will not be allowed," it said.

MHA is also proposing to allow in-game monetisation facilities for free-to-play games, where players do not have to pay to play or receive virtual prizes, subject to conditions similar to those imposed on currently exempted business promotion lucky draws.

The proposed changescomeasit is increasingly common for online and video games to incorporate in-game micro-transactions like loot boxes that can resemble gambling, MHA said.

Currently, the law does not consider such games of chance with virtual prizes as gambling as long as there are no in-game monetisation facilities that allow players to exchange virtual prizes for real-world payouts.

MYSTERY BOXES, ARCADE GAMES AND CLAW MACHINES

MHA is proposingintroducinga S$100 cap on the value of prizes for mystery boxes, arcade games and claw machines.

"This cap will be sufficient to address the inducement effect of high-value prizes, without increasing the regulatory burden on operators," it said.

This comes as mystery boxes, arcade games and claw machines have started to offer high-value prizes that can be easily traded for cash, like smartphones and game consoles.

This has thepotential to induce gambling behaviour, especially as these machines could feature elements of chance, MHA said.

"We are careful not to over-regulate. We recognise that many Singaporeans consider mystery boxes, arcade games and claw machines as a form of entertainment," the ministry added.

"However, there remains a need for safeguards to ensure that these activities do not induce gambling behaviour and cause social problems."

GAMBLING PENALTIES

MHA isproposing to raise penalties for repeat offenders who facilitate or operate illegal gambling services to increase deterrence. The increased penalties will not apply topunters of illegal gambling services "for now", it said.

The Remote Gambling Act currently provides a three-tier penalty structure for illegal online gambling. The highest penalties are imposed on operators, as their culpability is greater than that of agents, followed by punters.

MHA is also proposingto apply this penalty structure across all forms of gambling activity, to ensure consistency between online and physical gambling activities.

DEFINITION OF GAMBLING

Finally, MHA is proposingto amend the definition of gambling to make it technology-neutral, so that it can cover existing and emerging gambling products.

Currently, the definition of gambling differs across different pieces of legislation, as these were enacted at different points of time and for different gambling products, MHA said.

"This broader definition of gambling may, however, cover products that MHA has no intention of treating as gambling products, for example, financial products already regulated by Monetary Authority of Singapore," it added.

"We will carve out these products from the definition of gambling."

The public can submit feedback by Aug 10 via email at MHA_Gambling_Feedback@mha.gov.sg.

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MHA proposing to amend gambling laws on social gambling, online games and claw machines - CNA