At the SiGMA Summit 2023, held from September 25 to 28 at Marriot Beach Resort, Javier Silvania, Curaçao’s Minister of Finance, addressed the merits of the gambling law reforms that are currently in progress.

Held in association with the Ministry of Finance, the conference provided valuable insights into the new licensing regime that is expected to change Curaçao’s gambling landscape.

While the Caribbean island has been widely regarded as an affordable gambling hub for international iGaming providers, there have been growing concerns over its licensing authority’s reliability and trustworthiness. They have propelled discussions about regulatory changes aiming to modernize outdated laws and bring them on par with contemporary international standards.

The governmental efforts in this regard have led to the implementation of the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LoK), which Curaçao’s Minister of Finance described as a “safety net”, eliminating the threat of grey-listing by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The National Ordinance on Games of Chance has been designed to provide an extensive regulatory framework. Its pivotal objectives include the establishment of strict guidelines applicable to all gambling products, the upholding of safer gambling practices, and the enactment of robust Anti-Money Laundering (AML) legislation.

As already covered by SuperCasinoSites, Hilary Stewart-Jones was appointed as the new advisor to the Gambling Control Board. Her expertise within the field of gambling law is regarded as an invaluable asset that will help the authority navigate the ongoing changes and ensure a smooth transition period.

In his speech in front of the SiGMA Summit attendees, Javier Silvania highlighted the importance of the regulatory changes, as Curaçao was in danger of grey-listing due to the outdated AML legislation.

With the Financial Action Task Force financial audit scheduled for next year, he further added that if Curaçao was placed on the grey list, this would inevitably inhibit business from certain jurisdictions. Therefore, the implementation of the regulatory changes was instrumental in preventing this.

The Regulatory Changes Will Bring About Better Economic Environment and Greater Employment Opportunities

The Finance Minister went on to comment that changes of such magnitude were usually met with skepticism. However, the industry’s rehabilitation would bring about multiple positive consequences for the local economy and employment market.

He further added that the stark contrast between Malta and Curaçao’s reported licensing revenues for 2022 “offers a sobering insight into the different trajectories and priorities of these two jurisdictions”.

Although Curaçao’s gambling law reform is still in its early stages, the Finance Minister did not hide his enthusiasm about its potential to improve local employment opportunities.

Minister Silvania greatly supported Curaçao’s transition from an affordable licensing option to becoming a trusted jurisdiction that not only generates higher revenue but also provides enhanced player protection and greater advantages for gambling operators.

EveryMatrix has become the first B2B iGaming software provider to gain the seal of approval of the World Lottery Association (WLA). The distinguished certificate serves to acknowledge the company’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest safe gambling standards within the industry.

The certification is a major recognition for the leading brand, which is trusted by the industry’s leading casino, sports betting, and payment providers. EveryMatrix has a customer network of more than 300 companies, including ones participating in the regulated US market.

The company’s full product suite encompasses various products and solutions including a casino integration platform, sports betting solutions, a gaming management platform, a cross-product bonus system, and a jackpot management system, among others.

The World Lottery Association is a reputable global association, whose members include state-controlled lotteries, iGaming industry suppliers, and sports betting operators.

The certification is a landmark moment in the company’s fast-paced development. It came as a result of a comprehensive audit of EveryMatrix operations, which evaluated its current and future safer gambling practices. Following the all-inclusive monitoring process, the WLA confirmed that EveryMatrix not only complied with the safer gambling standards but also had the resources and capacity to exceed them.

Gaining the WLA Certification is a Milestone Moment for EveryMatrix

While EveryMatrix is committed to delivering online gaming that is fun, fair, and transparent, it promotes responsible gambling behavior through a broad range of technical solutions. Being aware of gambling’s potentially adverse consequences, the company has invested in various responsible gambling tools that have proven their effectiveness.

Melissa Azam, Corporate Social Responsibility Senior Manager at WLA did not hide her excitement of awarding EveryMatrix the significant recognition. She further added that safer gambling practices were at the heart of the company’s and its customers’ operations.

Naomi Koops, Senior Lawyer and Compliance Specialist at EveryMatrix was equally thrilled by the certification, which, as she said,

“extends beyond EveryMatrix’s lottery partners and includes all of its customers”.

Ebbe Groes, Founder and Group CEO of EveryMatrix, expressed his contentment with the recognition from an organization that is regarded as a pioneer in safer gambling. He confirmed his willingness to support the common objectives, which EveryMatrix and the WLA share.

Since players’ safety is of utmost importance for both the company and its partners, EveryMatrix continually strives to ensure iGaming enthusiasts are properly protected and well-informed of the potential risks of gambling. They have at their disposal all the necessary tools to reduce these hazards to a minimum.

According to Groes, safe and responsible gambling practices not only safeguard players but also contribute to the industry’s growth and progress. He concluded his speech by expressing his hopes that more companies would gain the highly-esteemed WLA recognition.

Lithuania’s Gaming Control Authority imposed a $15,900 fine on gambling operator Amber Gaming following a customer complaint filed earlier this year. The debate was sparked due to the bettor’s discontentment with limiting the available wagering options.

The Gaming Control Authority, under the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania, follows strict guidelines to ensure that the integrity of the gambling industry and customers’ rights are not compromised. Casinos and sports betting companies operating in the Baltic country are rigorously scrutinized and penalized in case the regulatory authority tracks down any violations of the established gambling regulations.

This Tuesday, the supervisory body unveiled it imposed a $15,900 penalty on Amber Gaming. This came as a consequence of a bettor’s complaint filed in May, asserting their betting offers were limited. The complaint did not disclose the reason for the imposed restriction.

In response to the Gaming Control Authority’s inquiries, Amber Gaming claimed that the customer placed roughly 280 bets on different sports betting markets. The gambling operator further explained that it would not expose any further information on the patron’s personal information and betting activity, as it was considered confidential.

This feedback propelled a decision of the gambling authority to carry out an unplanned detailed inspection of the company’s activities, aiming to uncover if it abided by the established gambling regulations. The check did not identify the exact reason for limiting the customer’s betting options and eventually concluded that the business breached Article 18, paragraph 1 of the Law on Gaming.

As per this article, gaming is to be operated in compliance with regulations that specify details such as the game’s name, gaming location, game rules, size of the stakes, and the maximum allowable winnings, among others.

Amber Gaming Is Penalized for the Second Time This Year

The above-mentioned penalty was not the first one for Amber Gaming this year. Lithuania’s Gaming Control Authority imposed a $6,400 fine on the business back in February, following an investigation. It revealed that the company sent two emails to customers, which allegedly sparked their interest to review their website.

Back in May 2021, Lithuania’s government revealed it planned a ban on various forms of advertisements, including promotional bonus offers. Discounts, gifts, and special events that gambling operators generally use to increase their customer base and sales also fall under the category of banned activities. The amendment to the Law on Gambling took effect on July 1, 2021.

Amber Gaming is not the sole operator that is closely scrutinized by the regulator. Earlier this month, Top Sport also breached a governmental ban by allowing a self-excluded customer to access its gambling products. The business was obliged to pay a fine amounting to $27,000.

By partnering with Neuquén-based gambling operator Casino Magic Online, Pragmatic Play once again showed its dedication to the Argentinian gambling sector and Latin America as a whole.

A plethora of Pragmatic Play’s casino products will be made available to an Argentinian audience as part of the deal, with Mustang Trail™, Forge of Olympus™, and the provider’s widely popular Big Bass Bonanza™ franchise being among the examples of games that Casino Magic Online users will be able to enjoy. In addition to a range of slot games, various virtual sports titles will also be integrated into Casino Magic Online’s iGaming catalog. Among them are games like Fantastic League and Penalty Shootout.

Casino Magic Online’s representative, Eduardo Antonio Nanton, expressed his excitement about the company’s collaboration with Pragmatic Play. He also praised the software provider for its iGaming library, and he noted that Casino Magic Online was happy to offer Pragmatic Play’s products to its players. According to Nanton, the company was looking forward to witnessing the reception of Pragmatic Play’s “unparalleled collection of slots and immersive virtual sports titles.”

Vice President of Pragmatic Play’s Latin American Operations Victor Arias also made a statement celebrating the deal, saying that Pragmatic Play was “thrilled” to partner with Casino Magic Online. Additionally, he pointed out that collaborating with Casino Magic Online enabled Pragmatic Play to grow its position in Latin America, which is something the software supplier continues to strive toward.

Pragmatic Play is not a Newcomer to Argentina’s Gambling Sector

The Argentinian gambling sector is regulated both on a state level and on a provincial level, and Pragmatic Play has continued to tap into Argentina’s iGaming market by partnering with companies across the country. The deal with Casino Magic Online is the latest of many collaborations to give gambling enthusiasts based in Argentina the opportunity to enjoy what Pragmatic Play has to offer.

Earlier this September, Pragmatic Play announced a partnership with the platform Ondiss, which is what allowed for the integration of the software supplier’s casino products into Casino Magic Online’s catalog. An earlier deal, this time with Super 7 in August, introduced Pragmatic Play’s portfolio to Argentinian casino devotees who reside in the Province of Mendoza. Another notable fact about this collaboration is that in addition to slots and virtual sports titles, Mendoza residents will also be able to play live casino games belonging to the Pragmatic Play suite.

Apart from Argentina, Columbia and Mexico are other notable gambling hotspots in Latin America. Latin America as a whole has an ever-expanding gambling market, with a number of countries having already set up laws that regulate games of chance and sports betting. This enables Pragmatic Play to form numerous partnerships with Latin American gambling companies and expand its reach in the lucrative region.

The Curaçao Gaming Control Board, the licensing authority for the online and land-based gambling industry in Curaçao, unveiled a major addition to its team of professionals. Hilary Stewart-Jones, an eminent consultant in gambling law, was appointed as an advisor to the regulatory authority. She would play an instrumental role in helping the board steer the forthcoming changes in the Curaçao gambling landscape.

Holding a master of law degree from the Queen Mary University of London, she has more than 30 years of professional experience in the legal sphere. Stewart-Jones’s expertise would be an asset of inestimable value to the Curaçao Gaming Control Board.

Among her career milestones are being Chairman and CEO of Skywind Group, an independent consultant at gambling law company Harris and Hogan, and a non-executive director of Paysafe Group. Her area of expertise is quite extensive, including Risk and Compliance Review, Creating Policies and Procedures, Licensing and Probity Approvals, Gambling Regulations, Financial Regulations, Contracts, and Terms and Conditions, among many others.

Stewart-Jones’ remarkable achievements within the sphere of gambling law align perfectly with her role as an advisor to the Curaçao Gaming Control Board. In a statement on her recent joining of the team, Stewart-Jones said she was honored to play a role in the crucial changes that were about to reshape the gambling law in the island country. She further added that the upcoming regulatory changes would bring about Curaçao’s transformation into “a world-class player in the global gambling arena.”

New Gambling Regulations to be Implemented in Curaçao

An exhaustive reorganization of the gambling regulation in Curaçao is currently underway due to the risks associated with the insufficiently robust verification processes and generally liberal requirements.

The reform commenced on September 1, 2023, and features a transitory phase that will allow operators to comply with the new gambling requirements. The forthcoming changes are meant to overhaul the currently accepted regulatory framework for gambling and eventually create a safer and more transparent environment.

Several important regulatory changes will reshape the current gambling landscape. As of September 1, 2023, license holders are no longer allowed to share or lease their licenses. Furthermore, the sole independent operating authority that will be able to grant B2C and B2B certificates will be the Curaçao Gaming Authority.

License holders will be required to comply with strict guidelines concerning their financial security and integrity. Their operations will be subjected to compliance checks and audits on a regular basis. Ensuring player security and responsible gambling resources will also be among the reform’s priorities.

All in all, the appointment of Stewart-Jones is seen as a timely and well-considered move from the Curaçao Gaming Control Board, further solidifying its commitment to ensure a smooth transition to the new gambling regulations.

Four semi-professional gamblers reached out to Dutch broadcasting company NOS, claiming that TOTO, a gambling operator based in the Netherlands, did not fully pay out winnings from football bets that were placed on a match belonging to the 2022 Danish Cup. The gamblers said that they were owed a total of €26,000 in winnings for their bets and that TOTO declined to honor the bets in full, which prompted them to file a lawsuit against the operator.

The majority of the wagers were bets between €200 and €250 in size on the possible outcome that the Danish HB Koge, a club in the first division, would win against a club belonging to the second division. The listed payout at the time showed that should a bettor win, they could expect a payout that exceeded their wager up to 6 or 7 times.

NOS reports that the gamblers in question are among the few who can make a living out of gambling and that they achieve this by monitoring gambling operators for mistakes and placing bets that will put the bettor at an advantage. This is in stark contrast to most other Dutch gamblers, who lose €310 on average per month as a result of wagering.

The Semi-Professional Gamblers Were Prevented From Placing Bets Online

According to the bettors’ claims, they did not place the bets online due to having been blocked from wagering on the web by various gambling operators. Among the said gambling companies were TOTO and BetCity, and none of the bettors were given a reason for being excluded. In the case of BetCity, the operator shared with NOS that it limited bets as part of its “risk management” measures, i.e., measures that are usually meant to address issues like problem gambling and money laundering.

With online betting being rendered impossible for the gamblers, they turned to retail betting instead. The bets were placed at land-based sports betting outlets, namely supermarkets and cigar shops that accept bets on behalf of TOTO. The gamblers achieved this thanks to the fact that they were not asked to provide ID documentation before or after placing the bets.

TOTO told NOS that the odds of the bets in question were an obvious mistake, given the disparity between the teams’ divisions. According to the gambling company, the bettors were attempting to use this error to their advantage, and their bets were, therefore, liable to paying out less than the mistaken listing suggested.

The Netherlands’ gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), gave NOS a responce that addresses the practice of limiting or excluding winnings bettors that gambling companies partake in. According to the regulator’s spokesperson, imposing such restrictions on bettors who win is not forbidden. However, it was also expressed that using measures meant to assist individuals who sufffer from gambling addiction in such a way is “undesirable”. As for the legal actions the players are taking against TOTO, the KSA did not provide commentary on the matter.

Online sports betting and iGaming operator, BetMGM, has recently collaborated with Kindbridge Behavioral Health, an innovative mental health service provider, to launch a revolutionary problem gambling program in Colorado.

While the first offers a variety of sports betting, casino, poker, and racing services across more than 20 US states, the latter is committed to delivering professional counseling services to individuals who struggle with compulsive gambling. Both businesses joined forces to establish a pioneering, mutually beneficial partnership that would help customers of the popular gambling brand.

The initiative aims to provide support to addicted gamblers in the state, more specifically, to self-excluded BetMGM gamblers. They can benefit from the organization’s all-inclusive mental health assessment and support facilities to recuperate from their gambling addiction. The mental health program includes the ability to schedule appointments with specialized problem gambling counselors via telehealth services, get access to additional mental health assessments, and locate peer support groups.

Commenting on the new partnership, BetMGM’s CEO, Adam Greenblatt, highlighted the importance of investments and innovations within the field of responsible gambling. He went on to add that BetMGM was thrilled to connect problem gamblers with the right professionals to help them along the journey to recovery. He applauded Kindbridge’s expertise in the field of mental health care and their ability to cope with the specific nature of gambling addiction.

Kindbridge Behavioral Health’s Founder and CEO, Daniel Umfleet, was equally thrilled by the new partnership, praising BetMGM’s vision for the handling of problem gambling. He further commented that such partnerships promote the quick access of problem gamblers to the mental health services they need.

The Colorado Division of Gaming Played a Vital Role in the New Partnership

The Colorado Division of Gaming, part of the Colorado Department of Revenue, is the regulatory body responsible for monitoring the gambling industry within the state. Its scope includes social gambling, the lottery, specific licensed casinos, and horse racing. The controller is recognized for its innovative approach to the regulation of the said sectors.

According to BetMGM, the Colorado Division of Gaming has played a crucial role in the establishment of the new partnership that would revolutionize the way problem gamblers seek mental health services.

The gambling authority presented a new rule requiring operators to implement an effective risk-scoring system. It should monitor, evaluate, and identify at-risk and problem gamblers and provide them with the necessary responsible gambling resources. In addition, it should provide a prompt response communication strategy.

The new partnership of BetMGM and Kindbridge has exceeded the regulator’s requirements and has created favorable conditions for a safer and more transparent gambling environment within Colorado. According to Kindbridge’s CEO, the collaboration would ultimately establish

“the right kind of connectivity between the gambling industry and healthcare services that will positively impact lives”.

On September 25, the Danish Gambling Authority announced that from October 1, any individuals looking to place bets at retail betting locations across the country will need to present operator-issued player identification cards. In addition to sports betting, the requirement will also encompass lotteries and scratch card games.

As stated in the watchdog’s announcement, providers will be free to issue either physical cards or virtual cards that could be utilized through a smartphone application. It is also written that only bettors who have a registered account with a given provider can acquire the said gambling operator’s card and wager at the gambling company’s retail gambling locations.

The unique ID cards will bring the utility of online betting websites to land-based locations, as each card will track its user’s bets and prevent wagering activity if the bettor has implemented bet limits on their account. Bettors will also benefit from the fact that winnings will be issued virtually thanks to the card system, i.e., no losses will be incurred should an individual displace their bet slip.

Moreover, Danish Residents who have entered Denmark’s Register of Voluntarily Excluded Players (ROFUS) and have, therefore, excluded themselves from gambling within the territory of Denmark, will also be excluded from betting at brick-and-mortar betting locations once the October 1 identification system has officially launched.

The system’s launch is expected to limit anonymous betting and further aid Danish authorities in the prevention of underage gambling, i.e., illegal gambling committed by Danish individuals aged 17 or younger. According to the regulatory body, the system will also assist Denmark’s regulators in cracking down on money laundering. Another key issue that the cards will address is match-fixing.

The Legal Framework Surrounding Danish Gambling Has Undergone Multiple Changes

The player card system is not the first major update to be introduced to Denmark’s sports betting landscape. The year 2000 saw the establishment of the Danish Gambling Authority, and gambling at the time was essentially limited to Danske Spil, which operated as a monopoly. This changed with the passing of the Gambling Act in 2010 and its official implementation in 2012, when Denmark switched from its monopoly model to a system where numerous operators would be allowed to obtain a license and offer most forms of gambling within Denmark. Since then, Denmark’s authorities have implemented various amendments to the legislation that concerns gambling and sports betting.

A notable amendment was the one passed in 2018 when various types of gambling that used to still be limited to the monopoly were legalized for other operators. This included betting on horse, dog, and pigeon racing events. Lotteries remain at the sole discretion of Danske Lotteri Spil to this day, however.

In the year following the 2018 amendment, the card identification system was approved by the government. The system saw further support from all of the country’s major political parties in 2021, and this included members of the Social Democrats, along with political figures belonging to the opposition.

Following a report issued by Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, the Financial Services Authority, Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK), required banks to suspend several accounts associated with unlawful activities, including online gambling.

All types of gaming and betting products are fully forbidden for both locals and foreigners in the Islamic country, and their ever-increasing popularity should be kept under stricter governmental control, according to the local financial services authority. Under Article 303 of Indonesia’s Criminal Code, both online and in-person gambling are punishable by up to a four-year prison sentence. The problem is particularly acute since online gambling’s surge is inextricably linked to the rise of online credits.

Indonesia’s Parliament passed the Financial Sector Development and Strengthening Reform Bill (P2SK) into law on December 15, 2022. This empowered the OJK to exercise control over banks. The law aims to tackle a fundamental issue in Indonesia’s financial sector: achieving a harmonious relationship between consumer protection and the fast-paced expansion of the financial industry.

Yesterday, September 24, 2023, Dian Ediana Rae, Chief Executive of Banking Supervision at the OJK, commented that the endeavors to keep the integrity of the banking system in Indonesia should be the joint responsibility of everyone involved in the reform.

Reacting to this comment, Nailul Huda, Economics and Public Policy Researcher at INDEF (Institute for Development of Economics and Finance), said that this should have happened long ago.

Indonesia’s Efforts to Eradicate Online Gambling

Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Kominfo, can employ the latest technology and join forces with internet service providers to suspend the operation of online gambling websites. Ultimately, this collaboration would reduce the illegal activity to a minimum.

Earlier this month, on September 15, Budi Arie Setiadi, the Minister of Communication and Information issued an instruction letter detailing the procedures to be followed with regard to the elimination of online gambling.

Nezar Patria, Deputy Minister of Communication and Informatics of Indonesia replied that the instructions would streamline the process and boost the country’s capacity to cope with the proliferation of the illegal activity.

In parallel with the rise of online gambling in Indonesia, the percentage of bad credits until July 2023 has spiked by 59.42% compared to the same period in 2022.

Over a period of five years, from 2018 to 2023, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has blocked more than 900,000 illegally operating online gambling service providers. The figures for the last two months of August and September 2023 are even more impressive, with over 115,000 interactive gambling venues that were forced to cease their business operation.

In addition to the governmental efforts to block online gambling service providers, Indonesia is looking to curb the activity of affiliate marketing and advertisement agencies.

This week, a police raid at Rio Arcade in St. Lucie County, Florida resulted in the arrest of nearly 40 patrons of the illegal establishment. Three of the violators, Diane Sharpe, Nicholas Frick, and Krista Nabeack claimed they were not aware gambling is against the law and shared their detailed view of the situation.

The three of them could not hide their mutual disappointment, commenting they saw the situation as completely unfair. As Frick said, the above-mentioned casino was not the sole illegal gambling establishment within the area. Notices indicating that gambling is against the law were nowhere to be seen, just the glittering signs of the arcades.

Coming back from a trip to New Jersey, the 76-year-old Sharpe added that no one told her gambling at this arcade was illegal.

On the other hand, local officials said that gambling is only legal in certain places, approved under detailed regulations. The Florida Gaming Control Commission was established in 2022 by Governor Ron DeSantis to monitor illegal gambling establishments within the state. The arrested law offenders, in turn, said that this was not sufficiently well communicated to the public.

Officials from St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office joined in the argument noting that they have previously put efforts into educating the public about the current state of gambling regulation in Florida. Ken Mascara, St. Lucie County Sheriff, further added that the law enforcement officials have previously raided other unlawful casino establishments.

In May this year, they uncovered about 50 illegally operating land-based casinos along Route 1, US-1, Fort Pierce. Ever since, nearly half of these establishments ceased their unlawful operations. Furthermore, the Sheriff added that once these cases were fully resolved, they would proceed to close the other half.

Illegal Gambling in Florida is Classified as a Second-Degree Misdemeanor Charge

Illegal gambling in the state of Florida is categorized as a second-degree misdemeanor charge. This means that the penalties for illegal gambling in the state can reach as much as $500 in fines and up to 60 days in jail or a 6-month probation period. The said charges are specifically referred to in Florida State Statute 849.08. The statute enlists the types of unlawful games of chance including keno, roulette, and card games, among others.

Diane Sharpe, Nicholas Frick, and Krista Nabeack said that they felt utterly misled by the gambling establishment, as they had been assured it operated legally. The employees at the arcade confirmed that the establishment complies with all regulatory requirements.

Gambling in Florida is regulated at the state level. As per the current gambling laws, there are specifically designated venues that are approved by the law. Outside of these locations, it is illegal to provide gambling services or participate in gambling.

Rob Mercer from the state of California confessed to the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Tuesday, stating that he had faked a colon cancer diagnosis in order to raise funds to enter the World Series of Poker (WSOP) main event.

The amateur poker player opened a GoFundMe page in June with the aim of raising enough funds to afford the $10,000 buy-in payment for the WSOP main event. The campaign was advocated for by poker player Doug Parscal Jr., a prominent figure in the poker community, as well as Nick Vertucci, who produces the Hustler Casino Live Poker Show. Mercer saw great success, raising between $30,000 and $50,000 from supporters. The GoFundMe page earned a total of $12,025, while the rest was provided by private donations.

Although Mercer’s actual circumstances have now come to light, he told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that he did not intend to personally refund donors, citing his belief that he was suffering from undiagnosed breast cancer as reasoning. He also emphasized that he felt embarrassed because of this condition and that it is why he lied about his diagnosis. Nonetheless, GoFundMe did notify donors on Wednesday that the company will issue refunds, reported the outlet.

Donors Grew Sceptical of Mercer’s Claims

Rob Mercer was publicly accused of faking the terminal illness in August. Suspicions were first raised by Parscal, who got in contact with poker community figures and supporters of Mercer’s campaign in order to find out more about the situation.

Among them was Nick Vertucci. Vertucci had initially heard of Mercer’s situation on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, and had assured Mercer that he would intervene and support him financially should he be unsuccessful in raising enough funds. However, Vertucci claimed that Mercer’s behavior during the WSOP event was suspicious and that Mercer had visited a casino pit, according to individuals who donated a lot of money to the player. This led to accusations aimed at Mercer for allegedly placing bets with donor money.

Cody Daniels, a professional poker player who suffers from a chronic illness, said that during conversations between the two, Mercer’s answers to questions regarding his alleged condition were “very vague.”

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, numerous other donors voiced their suspicions to Parscal who would later request documented proof of Mercer’s illness. After failing to provide Parscal with credible documentation, Mercer closed his Twitter account, and opened up about the fraudulent campaign in the month to follow.

Upon hearing about Mercer’s confession, Cody Daniels expressed his disappointment on a social media post. In addition, the aftermath of this situation will not be inconsequential according to Vertucci, who voiced that this case would lead to himself and other members of the poker community being less trusting of future charity campaigns.

As for Mercer himself, he did apologize for what he did, recognizing that he made a mistake. He also told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that he understood the poker community’s reaction to the situation.

This Tuesday, the University of Minho, based in Braga, Portugal presented a nationwide study called ‘Quem paga a Raspadinha?’ (Who pays for the scratch cards?). According to it, nearly 100,000 Portuguese citizens are addicted to scratch cards. Approximately 30% of them have manifested compulsive gambling traits, being unable to cut back or stop.

Based on 2,554 respondents, the study has taken into consideration several underlying factors such as social status, education, gender, and frequency of gambling.

Starting with the social status of the interviewees, the study concluded that the most common use of scratch card gambling products occurs among people of lower income. Those who earn between €400 and €660 monthly succumb to their gambling addiction three times more often compared to people whose monthly payroll stands at approximately €1,500.

As far as the respondents’ level of education is concerned, the study revealed that those of lower educational status (primary and secondary education) exhibited a greater inclination to try their luck on scratch card products than people with a master’s degree, for example.

When it comes to gender, women take the lead, with 53.15% who have gambling-related problems, compared to 46.85% of men.

Last but not least, the study examined the participants’ frequency of gambling. Nearly half of 221 respondents answered they gamble every week. Approximately 90 people succumb to their gambling habits every month. And, finally, 18 of them confirmed they gamble every single day.

The Gambling Support Institute is a privately owned entity, which deals with problem and at-risk gamblers, including ones preoccupied with scratch cards. As per information from Pedro Hubert, a therapist in the sphere of problem gambling working at the institute, the findings of the study coincide with reality. The number of problem gamblers who seek professional help from the facility would have been significantly higher if they had sufficient resources to pay for it.

More Resources to be Invested in Gambling Prevention

The problem gambling counselor further added that prevention is among the best possible measures that can be taken against compulsive gambling. According to him, the public should be well aware of the fact that gambling is meant for entertainment and recreation, and not as a source of funds. Problem gambling-related information should be readily available not only in gambling establishments but broadcast on TV as well to reach a possibly larger audience.

He also commented on the fact that scratch cards present a truly tempting gambling product due to their low price, availability, and great winning potential.

The study is the result of a collaboration between psychiatrist Pedro Morgado and economist Luís Aguiar-Conraria. They both insisted on better governmental regulation that would ultimately reduce illegal gambling to a minimum.

This Tuesday, on the exact day the study was presented, Portugal’s Minister of Labor, Ana Mendes Godinho confirmed that the government should first evaluate its findings and then take appropriate measures.