Welcome to the Weekend Report, where iGB looks at the news that you may have missed across the last few days. This week Dutch regulator KSA extends gambling addiction programme, BCLC appeals FINTRAC decision and Bet365 lands a Maryland licence.
Funding confirmed for Dutch gambling addiction programme
Dutch regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has confirmed the extension of a gambling harms, addiction and prevention programme in the country.
KSA will continue to work with healthcare research and healthcare innovation organisation ZonMw on the initiative.
The programme has also secured an additional €21 million ($25 million) in funding. This will be used to fund independent research to improve the prevention and treatment of gambling addiction.
“The protection of players is a key priority for the KSA,” Michel Groothuizen, KSA chair, said on 28 August. “By continuing this programme, we are joining forces to gather more necessary knowledge on this subject, so that we can prevent gambling harm as much as possible.”
Trio of appointments for Western Australia regulator
New appointments have been confirmed at the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC) of Western Australia (WA).
Former WA Police Assistant Commissioner Paul Steel, lawyer Melanie Cave and former minister Bill Johnston will all join the body. The trio of appointments was announced by the state’s government.
Steel became the first full-time member at the commission. He will continue to oversee casino activities to ensure operations are lawful and responsible
Cave brings experience in commercial and property law. In addition, Johnston joins the GWC after 17 years working as a minister and retiring from parliament prior to the March 2025 state election.
BCLC hits back at anti-money laundering ruling
Meanwhile in Canada, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) has appealed a ruling by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) over a notice of violation.
FINTRAC delivered findings of alleged administrative deficiencies on anti-money laundering legislation at the BCLC. The findings did not include allegations of any criminal offence.
The BCLC said it conducted a review of the findings, providing information to support its case against FINTRAC. However, FINTRAC elected to uphold the decision, with the BCLC seeking a repeal of this ruling.
“We take responsibilities under Canadian anti-money laundering legislation very seriously,” the BCLC said. “We are confident in its position we have fully complied with all legal and regulatory obligations.”
MGM to increase NFL responsible gambling messaging
Turning to the US, MGM Resorts International and BetMGM will increase responsible gambling messaging inside NFL stadiums for the upcoming season.
For the third consecutive year, GameSense messaging will appear on LED ribbons at selected stadia. Also new for the 2025 season, these messages will be featured prominently on stadium scoreboards during pre-game activities and also within gameday magazines.
GameSense is a responsible gaming programme first developed and licensed to MGM Resorts in 2017 by the BCLC. The programme focuses on engagements with guests and customers about how to gamble responsibly.
“Placing GameSense in league stadiums gives us direct access to millions of fans each week,” said Rhea Loney, chief compliance officer at BetMGM. “It’s a powerful platform to promote public awareness and amplify our commitment to provide a safe and informed gambling experience.”
Bet365 secures Maryland sports betting licence
Finally this week, Bet365, through its Hillside parent company, secured an online sports betting licence in Maryland.
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission signed off on the licence and Bet365 has since rolled out its online sports betting platform in the state.
With the addition of Bet365, there are now 12 mobile and online sportsbooks active in Maryland. This is in addition to 13 retail sportsbook locations and Riverboat on the Potomac, in partnership with Fanatics.
Bet365 is now active in 15 jurisdictions across the US.
Kansspelautoriteit, the BCLC and Bet365 all feature in the Weekend Report this week.