Weekend gaming updates: Fresh stories from the dynamic world of video games
All right, let's dive into the latest news buzzing around the gambling world, peeps!
Controlling the Odds: Updates on Regulation, Player Feedback, and Scams in the Gambling Biz
Here's the lowdown on who's making waves in the gambling industry, meeting its diverse demands.
Matviyenko Demands Evaluation of Online Gambling Services
Russia's Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko has handed a task to senators: analyze the work of online gambling services. Matviyenko sees the urgent need for regulation in this sector to maintain order and stability, not chaos.
banks in Hungary Tackle Illegal Gambling Operators
In Hungary, banks join the fight against irksome illegal gambling operators that threaten state funds and societal progress. This month, they'll be blocking accounts linked to these nefarious outfits, including transactions related to unlicensed gambling sites. Expect future website blocking and fines, ensuring that gaming or bets become a no-go for illegal websites.
"Fast Games" Tech Banned from Bookmakers
Tighter restrictions are set for gambling equipment used by bookmakers after the approval of a new law. This law also bans the use of "fast games" technology, including slot machines and gaming tables, both online and offline, come September 1, 2023. Plus, taxes, registration fees, and other areas have been elevated for better budget balancing. Let's wait and see if these moves prove to be wise.
Education Funding from Gambling Licenses
Fees from Ukraine's gambling industry's licensing contribute significantly to the budge. The Ministry of Education and Science states that these funds will support educational institutions, aiding higher and professional education institutions. Over 76 million UAH has already been allocated for urgent repair work of higher education institutions.
Russian Parliamentarian Proposes Special Gambling Subdomain
State Duma deputy Ivan Sukharev has started the development of a special subdomain for the placement of gambling websites. Sukharev aims to eliminate illegal online resources operating as bookmakers and casinos but unregulated by law and not ensuring player fund returns. This subdomain will serve as the home base for legal gambling operators in Russia, with restricted access to prevent fraudsters.
Online Casino Joker's License Cancellation Reversed
Last year, the KRAIL revoked online casino Joker's license, a decision reversed by a court. LLC "DOKER.YUA" requested that the court recognize the KRAIL's decision as illegal, allowing Joker to operate in Ukraine. The court concurred, with KRAIL now facing a hefty court fee of 2684 UAH.
Star Forward Linked to Gambling Addiction
Former Rubin, Zenit, and Rostov forward Alexander Bukharov opened up about his gambling addiction, which began when he moved to Saint Petersburg. In 2010, he won $20,000 by participating in the Pokerstars Sunday Million online tournament, investing over 11 hours in play.
Scammers and Hucksters Wreak Havoc in the Gambling World
Embezzling for Online Casino Games
A saleswoman from a Mogilev store found herself under the spotlight of a criminal investigation for embezzling money to play online casino games. Once she gambled using family money, but her insatiable gambling appetite led her to steal from the store.
Gambling in Prison and Extorting Money from Inmates
Law enforcement agencies in the capital region busted a criminal group that organized gambling activities in prisons, extorting money from inmates. Perpetrators could face up to 15 years in prison, and seized evidence includes draft records, mobile phones, and bank cards.
All-In from Organizers of an Illegal Casino
Illegal gambling operations continue to thrive despite the state's efforts to curb them. From November 2022 to May 2023, organizers ran gambling events in Norilsk, recruiting gambling addicts to join. In a raid on one such session, law enforcement seized gaming equipment, recorders, video cameras, and over 300,000 rubles. A criminal case has been opened.
Passwords Obtained, Credit Taken
A gambling addict in the Sumy region managed to obtain passwords from friends to access banking apps like Privat24 and Monobank, then took out loans and spent them on bets at Parimatch. He was sentenced to six years in prison and fined the victims for their losses. The victims are surprising, as they provided passwords, bank account numbers, and personal details to the addict.
Resort in Karaganda - Not a Place for Gambling
The "Baiterek Resort" near Karaganda has become a hub for illegal poker games despite gambling being prohibited there. The organizer distributed cards, exchanged gaming chips for money, and reaped a 3% profit from each game. Consequences are severe, with a fine of 1,725,000 tenge.
Illegal Gambling Business Disrupted in Maykopsky District
Four suspects in the Maykopsky District have been caught for organizing and conducting illegal gambling. The organizer rented non-residential premises, transformed them into an underground gambling club, and used computer equipment with appropriate software for internet gambling. Seized evidence includes electronic devices, tablets, phones, bank cards, and draft notes.
Online Casino Raid in China Leads to Mass Arrests
In a Yunnan province city, police seized 900 million yuan from a group of 93 individuals, following an almost two-year investigation. The online gambling platform was shut down and over 1700 bank accounts belonging to users and operators were closed without the likelihood of refund.
Illegal Casino Discovered in Novosibirsk
Police discovered another illegal casino in Novosibirsk, operating on Gorky Street in the Leninsky District. An abandoned building was used for illegal gambling, and a criminal case has been opened for further investigation.
Siberian Duo Operates Illegal Casino
Two women from Novosibirsk rented a non-residential space and installed over 30 gambling machines, operating an illegal gambling club for eight months. Cases have been sent to the Oktyabrsky District Court.
Vladivostok Casino Organizers Get Their due Punishment
A criminal group operating illegal gambling, bribery, and other crimes in Vladivostok has received their fitting punishment, having been active for over two and a half years. The verdict includes prison sentences, fines, and jail terms for the gang leader. This serves as a warning to other fraudsters engaging in illegal gambling activities.
What are the requirements for legal gambling operators in Hungary, Russia, and Ukraine? In Hungary, they are mandated to operate with a license and comply with regulations against illegal gambling activities, with banks blocking accounts linked to unlicensed gambling sites. In Russia, operators must adhere to tighter restrictions set for gambling equipment used by bookmakers, including the ban of "fast games" technology. Ukraine's gambling industry contributes significantly to the education budget, and the Novosibirsk city authorities in Russia are currently investigating an illegal casino. The weather in Novosibirsk does not seem to have affected the operations of such illegal establishments. In the gambling world, it's important for operators to meet the demands of diverse customers while avoiding scams, insufficient regulation, and the consequences that come with such transgressions.
