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Casino Crime News Roundup: Ailing Woman Refused Entry to Casino

A sick woman who didn’t bring her service dog with her into Nevada’s Nugget Casino Resort reportedly was ordered to leave the gaming property.

Nevada’s Nugget Casino Resort
Nevada’s Nugget Casino Resort, pictured above. A woman was ordered to leave the property after she didn’t come with a service dog. (Image: Travel Nevada)

Heather Vanus, who reportedly suffers from epilepsy, recently tried to visit the casino where she typically goes many times each week. But, about two weeks ago, the Reno resident didn’t have her medical assistance dog, Cherry, at her side. Cherry had to stay home because the dog had just gotten neutered.

So, Vanus went to the casino with her fiancé.

When a security guard saw Cherry wasn’t there, he gave Vanus an ultimatum.

They said you can either remove yourself, or you can leave in cuffs,” Vanus recalled to Nevada TV station KOLO. “After it happened, my fiancé looked at me and asked if that really just happened.”

“Security told me that if she [Cherry] stayed at home, then I should have stayed at home with her,” Vanus said.

She also explained to KOLO she’s been a regular at the Nugget Casino for three years.

“They know who we are. When we come in, they automatically bring me water for my dog,” Vanus said about the staff at the casino.

Cherry knows how to alert the woman if a seizure is on the way.

The Nugget Casino declined to comment on the incident to KOLO, but the casino said in a statement it “is fully committed to complying with all ADA requirements, and we welcome all guests with disabilities who use service animals … we remain dedicated to offering an inclusive environment for all our guests.”

Four Suspects Charged After Raid

An October 17 search of an alleged gambling operation in East Oakland, Calif. led to four arrests and police seizing money and gaming devices.

An unspecified number of gambling machines, cash, three firearms, ammo, and suspected illegal drugs were seized during the raid, according to CBS News. Police also seized several vehicles that had been reported stolen.

Police obtained a search warrant for the property after being alerted about suspicious activity at the site.

Four suspects inside the structure were arrested but were not identified.

“The department and City of Oakland will seek criminal and civil accountability for those involved in this illegal and dangerous operation, which has contributed to blight in the neighborhood,” the Oakland Police Department said in a recent statement about the raid.

Cheating Alleged at Casino

A Warwick, RI man was arrested Saturday after he allegedly cheated while gambling at a Lincoln gaming property.

Michael J. Budz, 32, was charged with casino cheating, according to the Newport Dispatch.

Budz allegedly improperly made a bet with knowledge of the outcome, according to Rhode Island State Police. He was released and will appear in court at a later date.

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Canadian Gambling Industry Sees 79.3% Surge in Suspected Fraud in H1 2024

Suspected-Digital-Fraud-Coming-from-Canada-Up-Nearly-11_-Since-H1-2023-Reveals-New-TransUnion-AnalysisThe Canadian gambling industry is experiencing a significant surge in suspected digital fraud attempts, with a staggering 79.3% year-over-year (YoY) increase in the first half of 2024 (H1 2024). According to a new report by TransUnion, the gambling sector, including online sports betting and poker, saw the highest rate of suspected fraud among all Canadian industries, with 9.6% of all transactions flagged as suspicious.

This dramatic rise in fraud outpaced other major sectors, such as retail (9.2%) and government services (7.7%). The sharp increase highlights growing concerns within the gambling industry over the security of digital transactions as online gambling continues to expand across Canada.

Gambling Industry Leads Fraud Rates in Canada

Among the 19 regions analyzed by TransUnion, Canada’s gambling sector stood out for its high rate of suspected fraud. While global trends showed a 9.2% decline in suspected fraud attempts within the gambling industry, Canada bucked the trend with its nearly 80% increase. This growth in fraudulent activity has been particularly alarming as more players turn to online platforms for sports betting and poker.

The report noted that, across all sectors in Canada, the overall suspected fraud rate was 5.74%, meaning that gambling-related fraud was almost double the national average.

The increased risk of fraud is largely attributed to the boom in online gambling, which has flourished since the legalization of iGaming in Ontario in 2022. However, this growth has also made the sector a prime target for fraudsters, raising concerns for operators and players alike. Fraud can damage user trust and impact the overall experience, making it essential for businesses to implement strong security measures.

Fraud Types and Business Impact

Fraud in the gambling industry typically falls into several categories, including scam/authorized fraud, account takeovers, and synthetic identity fraud. Scam/authorized fraud was the most common, cited by 31% of businesses in a separate TransUnion survey. Account takeovers, where fraudsters gain access to users’ online gambling accounts without their permission, were the second most prevalent, impacting 19% of businesses.

As a result of these fraud schemes, Canadian businesses across all sectors reported losing approximately 6% of their revenue—an estimated $78 billion—in the past year due to fraud. Gambling operators, who rely heavily on trust and security to maintain player engagement, are particularly vulnerable to the impact of these losses.

Calls for Stronger Fraud Prevention in the Gambling Sector

In response to these alarming trends, experts are urging Canadian gambling operators to prioritize fraud prevention technologies to protect both their businesses and consumers. Patrick Boudreau, Head of Identity Management and Fraud Solutions at TransUnion Canada, emphasized the importance of advanced security measures to combat evolving fraud tactics.

“Protecting customers and their businesses from fraud is essential to enabling safe and tailored consumer experiences,” Boudreau stated. He highlighted the need for identity verification, IP intelligence, and device reputation monitoring as critical components of a comprehensive fraud prevention strategy.

Source:

“Suspected Digital Fraud Coming from Canada Up Nearly 11% Since H1 2023, Reveals New TransUnion Analysis“, globenewswire.com, October 16, 2024.

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Thailand’s Casino Law Set for Cabinet Review by End of 2024

Thailand-Set-to-Transform-Tourism-and-Entertainment-with-New-Integrated-Resort-ActThailand’s move toward legalizing casinos is making progress, with the draft law on entertainment complexes expected to be presented to the cabinet by the end of this year, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. The bill, which seeks to regulate and legalize casino resorts within Thailand, will then move to the House of Representatives for parliamentary review during its upcoming session, set to reconvene in mid-December 2024 and continue until April 2025.

Strong Public Support for the Bill

The proposed law, which has been in development for several months, recently underwent a public hearing as required by Thailand’s constitution. During this consultation process, it garnered 82% approval from participants, marking a significant milestone for its advancement. This is the first time this figure has been made public, indicating a solid backing for the law’s implementation.

The draft law aims to establish legal casino resorts as part of broader entertainment complexes, a first for Thailand. These complexes are expected to stimulate significant economic growth, both in terms of foreign tourism and local employment. According to a study conducted by the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO), the establishment of these entertainment venues could increase the number of foreign tourists by an additional 5 to 20%, raising per capita spending from THB40,000 (approximately $1,183) to THB60,000.

Economic Benefits and Employment Opportunities

The economic potential of these entertainment complexes extends beyond tourism. Julapun highlighted that the construction phase alone would attract substantial investment, while the operation of the resorts is expected to create numerous jobs for Thai citizens. The deputy minister expressed hope that local residents would be employed within the entertainment complexes and emphasized the need for training programs to ensure that employees possess the necessary skills.

In addition to boosting the economy through tourism and job creation, the draft law also seeks to regulate how these complexes operate. Private investors interested in these projects must meet certain criteria, including a minimum registered capital of THB10 billion (around $300 million). Proposals will be evaluated based on the types of projects they offer and their potential to contribute to Thailand’s tourism industry.

Adjustments After Public Hearing

Following the public consultation, the draft legislation received 45 recommendations for improvement. One of the key suggestions was to rename the bill from the “Entertainment Complex with Casino” to the “Integrated Resort Act,” to better reflect the variety of amenities these complexes will provide. Participants also recommended expanding the number of allowable entertainment activities from four to seven, which would include cultural showcases that highlight Thai heritage and enhance the resorts’ appeal.

Another significant recommendation pertained to the ownership structure of these complexes, with proposals advocating for Thai nationals to hold between 30% and 51% of the shares. The duration of licenses was also a key point of discussion, with suggestions to either reduce the validity from 30 years to 10 years or, alternatively, extend it to 50 or 60 years. Furthermore, it was proposed to limit the number of entertainment complexes to between three and seven, strategically located in popular tourist destinations such as Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Hua Hin, rather than in Bangkok.

Licensing and Regulations

The draft law also sets forth various regulations for both operators and Thai citizens wishing to access the casino facilities. The law proposes that the entry fee for Thai nationals should not exceed THB5,000 (approximately $148) per visit. Additionally, licenses for operating the entertainment complexes will be issued for a period of 30 years, with an option for renewal every 10 years. The initial licensing fee is set at THB5 billion (about $148 million), with an annual maintenance fee of THB1 billion ($30 million).

The draft law is a major step forward in Thailand’s efforts to legalize and regulate casino operations within its borders. By offering significant economic opportunities and attracting private sector investment, the bill aims to position Thailand as a major player in the global entertainment and tourism industry. Once the cabinet and parliament finalize the legislative process, Thailand could see its first legal casinos within a few years, further enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination.

Source:

Casino Law Expected to Be Sent to Cabinet This Year, bangkokpost.com, October 24, 2024.

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Massachusetts Online Lottery Launch Delayed to 2026 Due to Funding Issues

Massachusetts-online-lottery-launch-delayed-to-2026Massachusetts residents hoping to participate in the state’s online lottery will have to wait until April 2026 due to delays in receiving the necessary funding to develop the platform. Initially projected to launch by the end of 2025, the timeline has now been pushed back, state officials confirmed.

During a recent Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce meeting, State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts Lottery, revealed that the lottery’s online expansion has been slower than expected. This delay stems from the state not yet receiving the $2.5 million in government funding required to kickstart the project.

Lottery Director Mark Bracken explained that the 16-month timeline to implement the platform will not begin until the funds are allocated. “Unfortunately, we have not received funding yet to do anything with online lottery,” Bracken stated, noting that the money might not arrive until between November 2024 and January 2025.

Funding Delays Push Timeline

Massachusetts lawmakers passed legislation to legalize the online lottery in June 2024, with Governor Maura Healey signing it into law in July. However, the lack of immediate funding has hindered progress, meaning that the state lottery can’t move forward with hiring staff or engaging the necessary consultants to develop the platform.

Once the funding is secured, the Massachusetts Lottery will have 16 months to fully implement the online platform. This timeline pushes the expected launch to spring 2026, instead of the previously estimated fall 2025. Bracken reassured the public that the additional time would allow the lottery to launch a more refined and polished product. “We want this to be the best platform with the best offerings for our players,” he stated.

Financial Expectations Adjusted

The delays have also prompted a revision of the expected revenue generated from the online lottery. Initially, state officials anticipated the platform would bring in $100 million in revenue for the first fiscal year. However, that estimate has now been lowered to $70 million, with revenues expected to increase to $180 million by the second year and $230 million by the third.

The funds raised through the online lottery are earmarked to support early childhood education and care programs in Massachusetts. Despite the setback, the Massachusetts Lottery remains optimistic about the long-term success of the platform once it’s operational.

Gambling, Retail, and Government Impact

Bracken and Goldberg also addressed concerns that the launch of online sales could negatively impact traditional retail sales. However, Bracken dismissed these fears, explaining that, in states where online lottery platforms have been introduced, retail sales have often seen a boost. “In every state that had online lottery, their retail sales grew at a faster pace than states that didn’t have online lottery,” Bracken explained.

In addition, online players will be able to redeem bonuses in retail locations, which is expected to drive further foot traffic to brick-and-mortar lottery outlets. This approach aims to balance the growth of the online lottery with the continued success of traditional lottery retailers.

Preparing for Launch

Although the funding has yet to be finalized, the Massachusetts Lottery is already laying the groundwork for the platform. Officials have been in discussions with several platform providers and game vendors and have issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify potential partners for developing the online system.

Once the platform is up and running, players can expect a full suite of digital lottery options, including traditional draw games and innovative e-instant games similar to online slots. Bracken hinted at the possibility of themed mini-games that put a new spin on traditional scratch tickets, providing a fresh experience for players while staying true to the lottery format.

The online platform will allow Massachusetts players to purchase tickets and play instant win games directly from their phones or computers, providing more convenience while also expanding the state’s gambling ecosystem.

Source:

When Massachusetts Expects to Launch Online Lottery, wbsm.com, October 21, 2024.

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Brazil Proposes Online Betting Ban Over Mental Health and Financial Risks

Latest-bill-calls-for-online-betting-ban-in-BrazilA new bill aimed at banning online sports betting across Brazil has been introduced by Senator Sérgio Petecão, reflecting growing concerns over the impact of virtual gambling on mental health and financial stability. The bill, officially named Bill 4.031/2024, was submitted to the Brazilian Senate on October 21, 2024, and seeks to halt the rapidly growing online betting market just months before it is set to be fully regulated and legalized.

Concerns Over Mental Health and Financial Debt

Senator Petecão’s primary concern is the toll that online betting can take on the mental well-being of bettors, as well as the financial burden it places on families. The senator argues that online betting platforms are accessible 24 hours a day, creating a heightened risk for addiction and compulsive gambling behaviors. According to Petecão, “The platforms of online betting are available 24 hours a day, creating a false sense of easy winnings and leading many people to addiction. This compromises their own lives, their relationships, and their finances.”

The proposal comes in response to growing evidence that many Brazilians are falling into significant financial debt due to online betting. One controversial study, despite its small sample size, received widespread attention for suggesting that some bettors were using money meant for food and medicine to gamble. These findings have fueled public debate about the potential dangers of expanding the online betting market.

Bill Calls for an Immediate Halt

The new bill requests that the law enabling online betting in Brazil, signed earlier this year, be amended within 60 days to prohibit virtual gambling. While in-person betting at physical venues would still be allowed, with bettors required to purchase printed tickets, the bill suggests that online betting is a far more dangerous practice due to its round-the-clock availability and the anonymity it offers players. Petecão’s argument hinges on the belief that retail betting carries fewer risks of addiction compared to its online counterpart.

The senator’s proposal arrives as the Brazilian government prepares to launch its licensed online betting market in January 2025. As preparations continue, various other lawmakers and public figures have expressed similar concerns, particularly regarding the potential impact on vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those dependent on social benefits.

Government Response and Lula’s Position

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is expected to address these concerns and clarify the government’s stance on the matter before the scheduled launch of the regulated betting market. In response to calls for more restrictive measures, Lula has already signed Bill 3.626/2023, which legalized online betting. However, the latest developments and concerns may prompt further action. Less severe proposals, such as spending limits for vulnerable groups and an accelerated ban on using credit cards for betting, are also being discussed.

In addition to Petecão’s bill, the Brazilian government has already been actively working to curb illegal betting through its Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA). This regulatory body recently blocked over 2,000 unlicensed betting sites operating in Brazil. The SPA has also focused on ensuring that licensed operators meet strict requirements, including providing safeguards to protect players from gambling addiction and unethical practices.

Opposition from the Betting Industry

While the proposed ban has garnered attention, it faces strong opposition from within the betting industry. Licensed operators argue that a ban would only drive more bettors to illegal sites, undermining the government’s efforts to control the market. Moreover, with the launch of the legal market so close, many in the industry worry that these drastic measures could stall progress and hinder the development of a regulated, safer betting environment.

Supporters of the legal betting market point to ongoing efforts to protect consumers, such as advertising restrictions and player protection mechanisms, as steps in the right direction. Advocates for legalization believe that a regulated market will reduce harm by providing proper oversight and tools to manage problem gambling.

Impact on Bolsa Família and Social Benefits

The controversy surrounding online betting extends beyond the Senate, as data from Brazil’s Central Bank reveals that some recipients of Bolsa Família, the government’s flagship social welfare program, have been using their benefits to place bets online. This revelation has led to discussions about imposing stricter regulations on how Bolsa Família funds can be spent. Senator Cleitinho has introduced a separate bill that would limit the use of these funds to specific purchases, ensuring that they are used for necessities like food and healthcare rather than gambling.

As the Brazilian government continues to debate these issues, the outcome will shape the future of the country’s betting industry. Whether Petecão’s bill leads to an outright ban or simply encourages further regulation remains to be seen. Either way, Brazil is facing a critical decision about balancing economic interests, public health, and consumer protection in the burgeoning online gambling market.

Source:

“Bill to Ban Online Sports Betting Proposed in Brazil“, igamingbusiness.com, October 23, 2024.

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