I’ve just returned to Norway from the Gaming Regulators European Forum (GREF) conference in Cyprus – and it was great catch up with so many familiar and new faces from the European regulatory space.

Next month, the North American Gaming Regulators Association (NAGRA) holds its’ annual education and training in Sacremento California, and in August the Gaming Regulators Africa Forum (GRAF) conference takes place in South Africa. IAGR Trustees endeavor to attend regional regulators meetings. Feel free to contact your regional IAGR Trustees directly, whether in-person at conferences or by email, to ask questions, offer suggestions or learn more about IAGR and the benefits of membership.

International travel can be tiring but the insights you gain by engaging face-to-face with other regulators are invaluable. So many regulatory environments. So many philosophies and approaches to gaming regulation.

And that’s why IAGR exists – to represent the interests of gaming regulators around the world.

Bringing fresh ideas to gaming regulation

To ensure we best represent our membership, we refresh IAGR Board positions almost every year. In October, four of our valued trustees will be stepping down from the Board which means we’ll need to find enthusiastic regulators to take their place.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who would like to help influence regulatory best practice and work with regulators from jurisdictions around the world.

To be eligible you must be working for a regulator that holds a full IAGR membership. For more information contact iagr@iagr.org.

Ad ban highlights the role of advertising authorities

Most regulators are obliged to work hard in order to protect consumers from promotions that could put them at risk of gambling harm. Some regulators have the power to take action against advertisers that do the wrong thing, however there are jurisdictions that work with ad standards agencies to regulate gambling ads.

This month, news sites all over the world covered the UK Advertising Standards Authority’s ban on an ad William Hill ran in the Tinder dating app. The ad was found to link gambling and ‘success’ with the opposite sex.

For regulators, keeping up with a fast moving industry can be challenging.

New Zealand’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has revamped its Gambling Advertising Code, focusing on protecting young people and vulnerable audiences from potential gambling harm. Hilary Souter, the ASA’s Chief Executive gives an overview of the new code in our regulatory update.

Flexing regulatory muscle

The regulatory community took great interest in the recent sanctions imposed on Wynn Resorts by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) as part of its year-long investigation into sexual misconduct within the company.

The USD$35 million fine is one of the largest penalties handed out to a casino operator in recent memory.

We spoke to Gayle Cameron at the MGC about the decision, the penalties and the licence conditions imposed on Wynn Resorts.

Tailored training for Asia-Pacific regulators

Liquor & Gaming NSW and University of Nevada, Las Vegas International Center for Gaming Regulation are partnering to hold a five-day course for regulators in the Asia-Pacific region.

The course content has been developed specifically for those working within the Asia-Pacific regulatory environment. And it’s the first time a course like this has been held on Australian shores. Find out more.

IAGR2019 is getting closer

I’d just like to say a huge thanks to our host jurisdictions in Jamaica – the Casino Gaming Commission and the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission – for their hard work so far in getting things sorted for IAGR2019.

You can find out more about the regulatory environment in Jamaica in our member profile.

If you haven’t booked your place yet at IAGR2019, get in early as this year we have limited spaces available.

Thanks for reading. Speak with you next month.

Trude Høgseth Felde

IAGR President