Light & Wonder, a leading provider of gambling products and services, has announced a new distribution agreement with ReelPlay, a producer of digital gaming content. As per the arrangement, the latter company will, for the first time, supply the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) with games.

Light & Wonder revealed that ReelPlay’s international hit Hypernova Megaways will be the first game to make it into the Lottery Corporation’s content portfolio. Under the terms of the agreement, more games will be added in the future.

HYPERNOVA MEGAWAYS continues to engage iGaming enthusiasts, years after its release. The title was debuted in 2018 and followed by other famous games such as Big Buck Bandit Megaways and Atlantis Megaways.

In addition, ReelPlay’s Infinity Reels series is now available with multiple operators around the world. Some of the company’s latest releases include Festival 10K WAYS and Big Bucks Buffalo GigaBlox.

The integration of ReelPlay’s titles into the BCLC shows Light & Wonder’s commitment to supporting independent studios.

Light & Wonder Trusts ReelPlay and Its Games

Representatives from the two companies commented on the newly-minted agreement. ReelPlay’s chief executive officer, David Johnson, noted that Hypernova Megaways is one of his company’s best slots and a top performer in North America. Johnson said that he is happy to expand his company’s reach and provide its games to yet another partner.

Proudly first to market with innovative and inspirational concepts, ReelPlay is very excited to see the game arrive in another regulated market via our partners at Light & Wonder and expect the tri-party relationship to really flourish after this debut release.

David Johnson, CEO, ReelPlay

Meanwhile, Steve Mayes, Light & Wonder’s digital partnerships director, noted that his team has been working with ReelPlay for many years. As a result, Light & Wonder trusts in the quality of the studio’s titles and “fully expects” the extended distribution into the BCLC to be a success for all parties.

Light & Wonder’s OpenGaming platform currently delivers more than 3,500 games from a global network of proprietary and partnering studios. The solution offers easy and seamless integrations that are reliable and efficient. Furthermore, all games available through OpenGaming are armed with an extensive range of safer gambling tools.

In other news, a few weeks ago, Light & Wonder teased the possibility of following up on its NASDAQ listing with a secondary listing in Australia.

Many people believe in succeeding with the help of good luck. Some engage in good luck rituals, others make a wish when a clock shows the same number three or four times. But then there are some that believe that good luck can be lost and they need to hold on to it.

This is precisely the case of a young woman that was recently recorded playing a slot machine and refusing to leave even for a bathroom break. Yes, that’s right, a woman actually refused to leave her seat at a slot machine to even go to the bathroom. And she peed on the floor of the casino instead.

The new viral video shows a young woman playing a slot machine and peeing in her seat. There’s a puddle on the floor and sadly, she doesn’t mind and continues to gamble as if nothing happened. But why would anyone do this someone might wonder? Well, there’s a myth surrounding slots and particularly winning streaks and luck.

Many gamblers believe that once they start playing a slot, they must continue until they win. Although that sounds like at-risk gambling or even gambling addiction, apparently such activity isn’t anything new. Gamblers would sit and play slots sometimes for hours and not even go on a bathroom break. It’s no surprise that this would continue until the person has no money left, or, in some cases wins.

If anyone leaves their slot machine, then another person would swoop in and hit the big win, dedicated gamblers say. This is a prime reason why people would spend hours and refuse to leave their slot machines even for a bathroom or a snack break.

Slots Veterans Would Rather Use Diapers

The video that hit Instagram last week doesn’t confirm the name of the venue or the identity of the player. However, that apparently isn’t important, as peeing on the casino floor isn’t that uncommon. Seasoned gamblers come prepared for such situations by using diapers.

Comments on social media under the newly released video confirm that using diapers to keep your spot on a slot machine is a thing. What’s more worrying, some online users explained that many people would even die on the casino floor and not leave the slot machine they are sitting at. One online user noted that people fail to take their medication or do not engage in other medical treatments to keep their slot. “They find people dead at slot machines all the time,” wrote that online user.

In Nevada, a person caught urinating or defecating in public can be subject to a fine or prison. Such activities are typically labeled as a misdemeanor and can be subject to a fine of up to $2,000 or even imprisonment.

Daily Mail and Daily Express reported that the UK Government is planning to introduce a new levy on gambling companies to fund treatment programs for those addicted to gambling, with the proceeds being directed toward the National Health Service (NHS). 

Proposed New Levy to Prevent Firms from Exploiting Loopholes in Gambling Contributions

The proposed new levy is designed to create a standardized payment to prevent firms from exploiting loopholes to avoid making sufficient contributions. The Gambling Commission will be responsible for launching a consultation to decide how the levy should be tailored to different firms’ profits and revenues. This move comes following a record GBP19.2 million ($23.6 million) fine that was recently imposed on William Hill by the industry watchdog for failing to prevent customers from accruing unpayable debts. 

The NHS will not accept voluntary donations from gambling firms because it considers them a conflict of interest. The UK Government is expected to publish a gambling white paper soon, the most comprehensive review of betting laws in over 15 years, with the aim of ensuring that current regulations are fit for the digital age. 

The government wants to allow people the freedom to gamble responsibly while preventing harmful and addictive gambling, and it believes that a new levy will be a vital tool in achieving this aim. The levy will create long-term, reliable funding for treatment services, as many researchers do not accept voluntary funding from the gambling industry due to concerns over the independence of the research. 

Betting and Gaming Council Defends Gambling Industry Amidst Proposed Levy

The proposed levy could face opposition from some quarters, however. Reports suggest that Rishi Sunak, the current UK Prime Minister and former Chancellor, was previously against the idea of a levy. The suggestion is that he saw it as a new “nanny state” tax on business, and was concerned that it would harm the racing industry, given the existence of the Catterick racecourse in his constituency. There are also questions about whether the National Lottery will have to make similar contributions. 

The Betting and Gaming Council, which represents gambling firms, has said that the majority of people who gamble do so safely and responsibly and that the rate of problem gambling is very low, at just 0.2% of adults. The industry has committed to investing GBP100 million ($123 million) to tackle gambling-related harm, as well as making donations of GBP110 million ($135.4 million).

North Wales Live reported that after the medical tribunal panel concluded that Dr Aled Jones had gained adequate insight into his conviction, he was reinstated to the medical register following an 18-month suspension. 

The medical tribunal panel acknowledged that Dr Jones had received two job offers, and if he accepted either, he would work under supervision. They determined that Dr Jones had undergone extensive remediation, making it improbable that he would re-offend. Consequently, the panel lifted his suspension with immediate effect.

Dr Jones voluntarily worked on Covid wards during the pandemic and worked as a vaccinator in Cardiff with his salary paid into a joint account with his father. He also did more than 600 hours of voluntary shifts for renal transplants. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he drove an ambulance across the Ukrainian border to deliver medical aid. During his tribunal, Dr Jones said he hoped that his charitable work had paid his debt to society and the profession.

Former Doctor’s Addiction to In-Play Betting Causes Significant Losses and Professional Consequences

Dr. Jones had developed an addiction that had previously caused him to lose GBP800,000 ($982,716). He made his first bet at university when he gambled on a World Cup accumulator. He recalled a particularly dark moment when he gambled GBP10,000 ($12,284) on the US Open tennis final between Roger Federer and Juan Martin del Potro. His addiction later saw him betting on sports he did not enjoy watching, such as volleyball. He would bet in-play, which he described as a “real buzz”. He later sought counseling for his addiction and repaid the money he had stolen from the NHS.

During the hearing, Dr Jones expressed his conviction that he would not revert to his previous criminal behavior and assured the panel that he could not fathom becoming a dishonest individual again. Although he acknowledged that he could not undo the serious harm he had inflicted on the profession and the public’s trust, he made sincere efforts to atone and rehabilitate himself. However, the hospital where he previously worked, Cardiff and Vale University health board, refuted claims that they had offered him a job.

This has not changed, but the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) has been reportedly altered to allow players to invest in sportsbooks and cannabis production companies if they choose to.

NBA to Let Players Invest in Sportsbook and Cannabis Companies

This is a dramatic change from the previous CBA which explicitly prohibited athletes to take part in such organizations. The victory can be attributed to the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), a trade body that has been actively advocating for the interests of players.

The original reporting was done by The Athletic which says that no specific details are available immediately, as the agreement has not been finalized. Before a new CBA may enter into effect, it will similarly need to be ratified by both players and owners. However, the changes in how players may structure their investment portfolios do not mean that they can break the existing ethical guidelines of the NBA.

Players are still prohibited to use opioids and drugs, as they are prohibited from placing wagers on the outcomes of events. Some though fear that players may run into even more trouble with fans, as many are beginning to blame players for underperforming and “costing them money” on a wager.

But the new CBA probably reflects a growing momentum within the player base to have the freedom to invest in something that hits close to home – sports betting may be one of those. Even though players would not be able to bet themselves, they would still probably be allowed to promote the betting companies they invest in.

Players May Choose to Launch Sportsbook All on Their Own

This is not exactly surprising, as many sports personalities have already been promoting various sportsbooks actively. In the meantime, some NBA players could be preparing to go ahead and launch their own sports betting companies – this would not be too crazy as an idea.

Kevin Duran, Giannis Antetokounmpo and others have already patents of names that they may use to launch their sports betting operations. But launching a betting operation in a hurry does not always pay off. Even Maxim, a popular lifestyle brand, struggled to maintain operational momentum.

Betr, a company promoted by Jack Paul, is also not doing so hot, even though its CEO Joey Levy assures us otherwise.

March Madness results have been all over the place. The Westgate Las Vegas lost $200,000 on a 400-1 odds bet of $500 placed on Florida Atlantic to make the Final Four. The company paid up. Then, there was Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas which scooped up a good amount of revenue from the collegiate basketball tournament.

Westgate Caught Unprepared on 400-1 Odds Bet

There seems to have not been a clear trend, however. Red Rock race and sportsbook director Chuck Esposito told the Associated Press that he was upbeat about the event and the results therein. He commented on the Florida Atlantic outcome, which was a big upset for many sportsbooks.

Esposito simply stated that while some sportsbooks had absorbed losses on the underdogs making it through the entire event, Red Rock did well. He also argued that the UConn and Miami game in which the former beat their opponents in a 72-59 game was also a good one for Red Rock.

Westgate VP of race and sports operations Jay Kornegay told the publication that the final of a Final Four this year was more like an NIT final. But if anything, Westgate had taken the loss in stride, arguing that underdog bets will most likely have reduced odds in the future. The long shots will come with tighter odds, but it’s not all bad.

Westgate, for example, plans to increase the odds on favorites – which is precise what sports fans would appreciate. Kornegay, though, says that Westgate is going to keep composed. As he puts it, the company would not simply have a “knee-jerk” reaction no matter how much the loss smarts.

Rather, Westgate is going to plan meticulously what needs changing and how to proceed with this change. In the meantime, both companies have confirmed that the women’s NCAA Tournament and Final Four which got underway last week were doing very well across the board.

Interest in Women’s Events Betting Picks Up

Betting interest has been steadily inching upwards, to the dismay of the sportsbooks – although admittedly they had the prudency to price the events accurately and no big upsets came there. But an increase in women’s events – and specifically betting on the outcome of those would mean that sportsbooks need to future-proof their pricing models and make sure that they don’t allow another 400-1 odds debacle.

Global gambling giant BetMGM announced that it has been awarded one of the industry’s top accreditations from the Responsible Gambling Council. The council acknowledged the efficiency of BetMGM’s responsible gaming and player protection efforts in North America and provided the operator with the RG Check certification.

In its official announcement, BetMGM noted that the accreditation attests to its commitment to protecting its players from harm.

RG Check is considered to be among the most extensive and strict responsible gambling accreditation programs in the gambling industry. The program validates the organizations that are the most committed to providing their customers with sufficient safeguards to prevent addiction. It also evaluates companies’ procedures, policies, protocols and the problem gambling training of its employees.

BetMGM underwent a rigorous evaluation process before receiving the RG Check accreditation. This process included the review of its responsible gaming policies and procedures, staff training and player protection tools. An RGC team of experts carefully probed into BetMGM’s responsible gaming program and provided recommendations for improvement.

BetMGM said that its US, Ontario and Borgata online brands were subject to the accreditation.

CEO Greenblatt Is Proud of the Accreditation

RGC’s chief executive officer, Shelley White, congratulated BetMGM on achieving the RG Check accreditation for all of its platforms in North America. She emphasized that this demonstrates BetMGM’s commitment to protecting its players from harm.

We commend BetMGM for its dedication to promoting responsible gambling practices and its efforts to ensure the well-being of their players.

Shelley White, CEO, RGC

Meanwhile, the CEO of BetMGM, Adam Greenblatt, said that he is proud to see his company receive the prestigious accreditation. He said that this attests to his team’s ongoing efforts to promote responsibility.

This accreditation is a testament to our ongoing efforts to promote responsibility throughout our business and to ensure the well-being of our customers. We will continue to work closely with the RGC and other industry partners to promote a culture of safe and enjoyable gambling.

Adam Greenblatt, CEO, BetMGM

Despite steadily growing its business, BetMGM remains bullish on shielding its customers from the dangers of irresponsible gambling. The company is proud to leverage its proprietary GameSense program to help its customers play responsibly. The industry-leading program is developed and licensed to MGM Resorts by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation.

GameSense is integrated into BetMGM’s mobile and desktop platforms and allows customers to feel safe when playing with MGM Resorts. It complements the operators’ rich suite of safer gambling tools.

The state’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is the most recent agency to join the list of current agencies regulating gambling in the Old Dominion. 

By giving the green light to electronic bingo and Texas Hold’em games played for charity purposes, the department will oversee the exact percentage of the money played will reach charity organizations. 

Changes Are Finally Coming 

Provided the VDACS manages to enforce the rightful regulations, charities could end up receiving more generous funding as a result of this fresh development.

It all started four years ago when the Virginia Assembly officially enacted the sweeping gambling expansion legislation best known for making sports betting in Virginia legal while allowing local referendum regarding land casinos. 

The same legislation exempted charitable gaming under state oversight. Ever since, VDACS has been busy drafting fresh rules regarding charitable gaming organizations, with the procedure finally culminating with the decision to allow VDACS staff to start inspecting bingo halls, fraternal organizations, and other organizations that provide poker games for the benefit of charities. 

Some adjustments to the new regulations may be necessary, including how much of players’ money actually reaches the coffers of charities.

Virginia to Finally Impose a Minimum Hold for Charitable Games 

For the first time in Virginia’s history, a minimum hold will be imposed for charitable games. In other words, organizations that provide these games will need to transparently open their books and allow regulators to inspect them. 

Also, the same regulators will be responsible for monitoring the payouts and establishing whether the charities successfully meet the required minimum.

Regarding electronic bingo games or pull-tab games, the respective minimum amount would be capped at 20% of their adjusted revenue. The fresh regulations will also enable organizations to adjust the cuts taken by game providers since a very small number of these organizations own their own gaming devices and gear. 

Initially, VDACS asked for a 40% minimum on bingo games and pull-tab games. Nonetheless, the 1877-founded department that protects consumers, encourages environmental responsibility and promotes the state’s economic growth decided to cut the percentage in half. This was in response to the feedback received from the parties that had a say in the process.

By comparison, out of the $16.5 million played in charitable games in Virginia in 2020, less than 2% made it to the designated charity organizations. The rest was divided among the host organizations and the providers of the game equipment after all winnings were paid.

The rules for Texas Hold’em games are yet to come, with VDACS looking forward to seeing similar improvements for charities in that regard.

New licensure procedures and reviews of charitable gaming in the state will also be implemented in the near future. 

At the beginning of February, we spoke about Virginia lawmakers’ determination to ban skill game machines, even though their latest attempt to push through with such a bill failed to get a hearing. 

March Madness is one of the hottest events in professional sports. Needless to say, it attracts millions of bettors each year. While many enjoy wagering regardless of the outcome, others are so focused on winning that they end up abusing athletes on the web.

ESPN addressed this relevant issue, highlighting how online bullying can affect professional players. It noted that abusers would sometimes go as far as threatening the players’ well-being. An FBI agent spoke with ESPN on the matter, saying that this is an issue that seems to be growing proportionally to the expansion of sports betting in the United States.

Meanwhile, Epic Risk Management’s head of delivery, Mark Potter, told the news outlet that colleges are aware of the issue and are stressing over it.

According to ESPN, losses affect players. Damion Baugh, a Horned Frogs player, was one of the many college athletes bombarded with abusive messages from angry bettors.

Baugh’s team was recently losing to Gongaza by six points. However, Baugh was able to score three additional points for his team right before the end of the game. While the young player failed to change the fact that his team lost, he jeopardized certain bettors’ wagers, prompting an assault of abusive messages.

Baugh had not been abused on social media before. He was let down by the sports fans who only care about the bets.

Everybody playing sports growing up, we play until the whistle, play until the end of the game. People just forgot about that. Saying I shouldn’t have taken the shot is saying, ‘We don’t care about the game. We just wanted to win our money.

Damion Baugh, Horned Frogs player

Baugh slammed the people who think that abusing college athletes is okay.

Abusers Will Use Whatever They Can to Hurt the Players

ESPN attributed the issues to the rapid growth of sports betting in the US. Five years ago when the PAPSA was repealed, around 1% of players had access to legal betting. Now, this number has skyrocketed to 56%.

Right now, online abuse primarily affects male athletes but ESPN predicts that, in the future, it may become commonplace in women’s sports too.

Anthony Grant, Dayton men’s basketball coach, previously proposed introducing rules that prevent abuse in sports. He said that people who attack kids on social media sicken him.

Luckily, at least some of the people who send death threats on social media get punished for their misbehavior. In 2019, Benjamin Patz, a young bettor told a Pepperdine basketball player that his “throat will be severed open” and that his family “will be beheaded and burned alive.” Patz was eventually sentenced to 36 months of probation after pleading guilty to transmitting threats.

Patz is but one of many people who send similar threats to players. While some get used to it, others never do. Abusive messages oftentimes include racial slurs, death threats and angry remarks.

The Issue Unites Leagues, Operators and Regulators

On March 7, 125 collegiate sports officials, regulatory specialists and executives of gambling companies gathered to discuss harassment in professional sports. They determined that this is one of the issues that unite them all.

Not only does such abuse hurt the integrity of sports but it is oftentimes indicative of a gambling problem. This, on the other hand, may be related to substance abuse or mental health disorder, Keith Whyte, the executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, said.

Matt Schuler, the executive director of the Ohio Casino Commission, was angrier with the abusers and called them “lowlifes who are under the impression that athletes are there to make money for them.”

Such issues have forced the NCAA to try and stay away from the sports betting industry. Jim Brown, a former NCAA official noted that, curiously, the issue is much more prevalent in North America than in other markets where sports betting is legal.

Some analysts fear that the problem is only going to get worse.

The Coalition’s member lineup consisted of Bally’s, BetMGM, DraftKings, Entain, FanDuel, and MGM Resorts International, which are now joined by the latest trio as well. The organization came together in September 2022, introducing 12 responsible gaming principles, which members accept to follow.

3 New Members in the Coalition

Fanatics, Hard Rock Digital, and PointsBet all talked about the importance of responsible gambling for the respective companies, and how joining the Responsible Gambling Coalition bolsters their commitment to the cause. The Coalition also received an RGCheck accreditation from the Ontario-based Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) – an established non-profit, dedicated to problem gambling.

Anthony D’Angelo the senior manager of responsible gaming for Fanatics Betting & Gaming, expressed how proud Fanatics was to be entering the ranks of the Coalition.

We are committed to the 12 responsible gaming principles and providing our fans tools and resources to enjoy our products.

Anthony D’Angelo, senior manager of responsible gaming, Fanatics Betting & Gaming

Danny Crook, senior vice president of operations at Hard Rock Digital, and Rachel Kasper, senior vice president of legal and compliance at PointsBet US, echoed the same sentiment in the PR release. All three companies showed their commitment to promoting and implementing safer gambling principles as members of the Responsible Gambling Coalition.

The Continued Sustainability Trend

The 12 principles the Coalition defined serve as a rulebook for what companies strive to achieve. All members are committed to the need for a unified, nationwide responsible gaming toll-free helpline, for example, and the group is partnering with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) by serving as donors and advisory board members.

PointsBet USA and PointsBet Canada recently won RGC accreditation, so this is a natural continuation of the commitments the operator is making to responsible gambling internationally. RG Check is largely seen as an international benchmark for good responsible gambling practices, and many companies aspire to pass this accreditation program.

Fanatics is also stepping up its game in improving sustainability and following good gaming practices this year. The latest partnership with the Coalition is also a continued trend for the company, as Fanatics inked a deal with IBIA – the International Betting Integrity Association – towards the end of January. IBIA is also highly regarded in the global regulated betting industry.

In other good initiatives, Hard Rock International and WWF renewed their collaboration last week. It’s called Earth Hour. Hard Rock properties “went dark” on March 25 for an hour, bringing back to life Hard Rock’s “Save the Planet” motto. The aim is to raise awareness about climate change, and this particular motto is one of Hard Rock’s four founding mottos.