eCOGRA, the Internationally renowned Independent Testing Laboratory, has been officially authorized by the Secretaria De Prêmios e Apostas (SPA) to operate as a certifying entity for betting systems, live gaming studios, and online games in Brazil. This announcement marks a significant milestone as eCOGRA continues to extend its international offering of iGaming testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) services in regulated markets across the globe.

The announcement comes two months to the day after eCOGRA received approval to operate as a Certification Laboratory in Peru. The organization now operates in 39 online gambling jurisdictions, including Buenos Aires City and Province, Peru, Mendoza, Colombia, and Brazil in South America.

Since its establishment in 2003, eCOGRA has been at the forefront of online gambling certification, providing assurance on fairness and safety to players while offering the highest standards in TIC services to industry operators and software providers seeking to comply with regulatory requirements. The approval to operate in Brazil reflects both the trust eCOGRA has built in the international iGaming community and the quality of its certification services.

Bradley Khoury, Chief Technical Officer of eCOGRA, said: “We are thrilled to bring over two decades of expertise in online gambling certification to the vibrant market of Brazil. This approval from the Secretaria De Prêmios e Apostas (SPA) of the Brazilian Ministry of Finance is not only a testament to our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of competence and quality but also marks an exciting new chapter for eCOGRA. We look forward to working closely with Brazilian operators and interested parties to ensure a safe and fair gaming environment for all players.”

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The new Brazilian regulatory framework aims to effectively safeguard player interests and enhance the integrity of online gambling operations within the country.

“Brazil offers a dynamic and rapidly growing market, and we are excited to contribute to its development. Our goal is to ensure that Brazilian players have access to certified iGaming experiences, akin to what has successfully been implemented in other highly regulated jurisdictions,” Khoury added.

Operators and software developers offering in the federal Brazilian jurisdiction seeking to comply with the laws and regulations by undergoing testing, inspection, and certification can now turn to eCOGRA for their renowned services, assured of their commitment to quality, impartiality, and fairness.

Tipico Sportsbook, a leading sports betting operator, today announced that it has earned Internet Compliance Assessment Program (iCAP) accreditation in New Jersey and Ohio for best practices in customer protection. Tipico is the first sportsbook in the United States to pursue and achieve this accreditation.

Administered by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), iCAP accreditation is the highest standard for online gambling player protection in the U.S. The iCAP framework is based on the Internet Responsible Gambling Standards which guides operators to ensure that player protection remains at the forefront of operations.

In February 2024, Tipico launched the Fair Play Pledge, a first-of-its-kind, holistic long-term initiative that aligns closely with the standards set forth by iCAP. Notable feedback from the assessment highlighted several features embedded in the pillars of the Fair Play Pledge, including clear communication of odds and promotions, streamlined access to the Tipico Help Center, limits, and cool-off periods, and 24/7 human customer service. Tipico has also implemented a phase-based approach to recognize, help, and educate customers who have exceeded its “Responsible Gambling Automated Thresholds.”

“iCAP accreditation is a meaningful award for Tipico because it validates our approach to make fair play a companywide initiative that requires buy-in by our employees. I am incredibly proud of our team for rallying around our efforts to continuously improve safety and clarity,” said Bryan Schroeder, Senior Vice President – Compliance & Legal at Tipico. “Our primary goal is to ensure customers have the best possible experience when they place a bet because they trust us and our products.”

Achieving iCAP accreditation requires a thorough evaluation of company governance, customer support initiatives, employee training procedures, and efforts in research and education. The accreditation is valid through March 2026.

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As part of the accreditation, an audit of Tipico’s Responsible Gaming practices was conducted by Gambling Integrity, one of the industry’s leading consultancies. The audit praised the development of the Fair Play Pledge and its place in “keeping with the spirit of the iCAP.”

“Tipico Sportsbook’s iCAP accreditation is a testament to their dedication to player protection. Through this achievement, Tipico showcases exemplary leadership and a commitment to responsible gambling best practices,” added Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director. “We commend Tipico for the unwavering commitment to the safety of their users and for setting an exemplary standard for the industry.”