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NCPG Applauds Blumenthal and Salinas for Introducing Groundbreaking GRIT Act to Address Gambling Addiction

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A significant milestone in the fight against gambling addiction, as U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas of Oregon introduced the Gambling addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment (GRIT) Act. This groundbreaking legislation addresses a critical gap in our nation’s approach to addiction by establishing the first-ever federal funding stream dedicated to preventing, treating, and researching gambling addiction in the US.

Gambling addiction is a significant public health concern, affecting approximately 7 million American adults, and resulting in severe social and economic consequences. The annual social cost of problem gambling is estimated at $7 billion, reflecting gambling-related criminal justice and healthcare spending as well as job loss and bankruptcy. NCPG research indicates that the risk for gambling addiction rose by 30 percent between 2018 and 2021 alone, yet there are currently no federal funds dedicated to gambling addiction treatment or research. This gap underscores the pressing need for comprehensive measures to address and mitigate the impact of gambling addiction.

Susan Sheridan Tucker, President of the NCPG Board of Directors, said: “The GRIT Act reflects a pivotal step towards long-overdue support for those grappling with gambling addiction. We commend Senator Blumenthal and Representative Salinas for their dedication to addressing the burgeoning public health crisis of gambling addiction. The National Council on Problem Gambling stands in full support of this legislation, recognizing its potential to make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and families across the nation.”

Key provisions of the GRIT Act include:

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• Allocating 50% of the current federal sports excise tax revenue for gambling addiction treatment and research administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• Health and Human Services distribution of 75% to states for prevention and treatment through the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program and direct the remaining 25% to the National Institute of Drug Abuse for research grants into gambling addiction.
• Authorizing spending for 10 years and mandating a report to Congress on the program’s effectiveness within three years of passage.

The impact of the GRIT Act provides direct and vital support to state health agencies and nonprofits addressing gambling problems. It also creates investment in best practices and comprehensive research at the national level.

Importantly, the GRIT Act does not raise taxes or create additional bureaucracy. It leverages existing federal excise tax revenue and operates within the existing Health and Human Services framework.

Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the NCPG, said: “The introduction of the GRIT Act is a testament to our shared commitment to mitigating gambling-related harm and addressing the challenges of gambling addiction. This landmark legislation sets the stage to significantly bolster gambling addiction prevention, research, and treatment resources and make a positive lasting impact on individuals and communities nationwide.”

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Compliance Updates

KSA: Fine of €734,000 Imposed for Breach of Duty of Care

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The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has for the first time imposed a fine of €734,000 on one of its licensees because the company failed to adequately protect young adults against excessive gambling and gambling addiction.

Gambling companies have a duty of care and must protect players as much as possible against excessive gambling and gambling addiction. According to the KSA, the provider in question has not sufficiently complied with this duty of care and will be fined for this.

The KSA started an investigation after signals about large losses suffered by young adults. In this investigation, a selection of 10 of the player files with the largest losses were examined at the provider, whereby violations were found in all files. These were young adult players (18 to 23 years old) who gambled away tens of thousands of euros in often a relatively short period of time.

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Michel Groothuizen, chairman of the board of the KSA, said: “We have a licensed gambling market based on the idea that anyone who wants to gamble can do so safely. That is why providers have a duty of care towards their players and must respond adequately to excessive gaming. Major losses are an important signal of that. We have intensified our supervision of the online duty of care and we take tough action against violations such as those we find here, because we really do not want to see providers continue to fail in their duty of care, especially for vulnerable young players.”

The post KSA: Fine of €734,000 Imposed for Breach of Duty of Care appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Aviatrix granted certification in Estonia

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Aviatrix has received certification to offer its award-winning crash game to operators in Estonia.

It marks the latest regulated market that Aviatrix has entered into, with the game already live in the country with leading brand FenixBet.

Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “Securing certification in Estonia is another exciting step forward for Aviatrix as we continue to expand into regulated markets. We’re thrilled to already be live with FenixBet and look forward to delivering our innovative crash game experience to even more players in the country.”

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Aviatrix has added a host of regulated markets over recent months, including Spain, Colombia, Brazil and Peru.

It underlines the team’s commitment to bringing the game to players around the world.

Aviatrix is a constantly evolving game, with regular feature updates for partners, including the recent launch of free bets, now available through in-game promo codes.

The post Aviatrix granted certification in Estonia appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Compliance Updates

Playbook Fusion secures UK Gambling Commission licence

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Playbook Fusion has been awarded a supplier licence from the UK Gambling Commission, granting it access to one of the most significant online betting markets in the world.

The approval means Playbook Fusion can offer its flagship Playbook Football™ title to UK-licensed operators for the first time, building yet more momentum behind the rising star studio.

Playbook Fusion made its debut in June 2024 with a mission to bring never-seen-before sports gaming content to the market.

This is done by enabling the worlds of sports betting and mobile/video gaming to collide in an entirely new genre of immersive sports-themed games.

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Playbook Fusion’s unique wagering experience is showcased through Playbook Football™, a football strategy betting game where players build their own teams, compete in matches, earn rewards and climb divisions while placing bets.

UK operators who have an RGS integration with Games Global will be able to get first access to Playbook Football™.

Steve RogersFounder and CEO of Playbook Fusion, said: “Securing our licence from the UK Gambling Commission is a key moment for Playbook Fusion, granting us access to one of the most established online gambling markets in the world. 

“Being able to satisfy the stringent criteria set out by the UKGC is a testament to the strength of the team which we have built at Playbook Fusion and, to achieve this milestone within such a short time period, is an accomplishment that we’re incredibly proud of. “

The post Playbook Fusion secures UK Gambling Commission licence appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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