The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) and the International Masters Gaming Law (IMGL) have finally come back in an in-person weekly meeting, IAGR 2021, that is still taking place right now (from September 13th to 17th) at the Boston Marriott Copley Place (Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.). The event, under the title Disrupting the Regulator. Sparking innovation in regulatory practice, was originally scheduled to be held in September 2020, but was canceled due to COVID-19.
This annual conference brought senior international gambling regulators and industry stakeholders together to hear from leading speakers, discuss known and emerging issues and connect and share knowledge about regulatory policy and practice, the latest research and industry developments and trends.
The program covered a wide range of subjects, like the following ones: regulatory applications for artificial intelligence, big data and biometrics; RegTech monitoring, reporting & solutions; regulatory disruption case studies and lessons; non-cash payment technology; AI enhancing risk-based supervision & player protection; threat detection, assessment & interception in casino environment; mitigating money laundering and terrorist financing risk; responsible gambling innovation; positive/safer gambling behaviors; defining and measuring gambling harm; international standards and mutual recognition; leading investigative & interviewing approaches; threat of serious & organized crime; gambling advertising, public sentiment and regulatory approaches; gambling taxation approaches and merits; technology driven assurance and audit approaches; betting manipulation, & integrity arrangements; cyber security threats and opportunities; future problem gambling help services; junket operators regulation, risk and reward; compliance & enforcement approaches & decisions; blockchain & cryptocurrency; eSports gambling & integrity arrangements; gambling industry culture and diversity; and cross jurisdictional enforcement action, among others.
Some of the speakers had in-person participation, while others were online. Different executives can be mentioned, such as Ludovico Calvi (President, Global Lottery Monitoring System Executive Committee); Tim Miller (Executive Director, Gambling Commission); Gina Smith (Deputy Directory of Gaming Compliance, Virginia Lottery); Kurt Steinkamp (Deputy Director, Michigan Gaming Control Board); Nakisha Skinner (Licensing Division Chief, Massachusetts Gaming Commission); Dan Hartman (Director, Colorado Division of Gaming); Marlene Warner (Executive Director, Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health); Matt Oyster (General Counsel, Ohio Casino Control Commission); and Sara Tait (Executive Director, Indiana Gaming Commission).
Besides keynotes and conferences, IAGR 2021 also included a range of networking events to connect, spark conversation, and help delegates build an enhanced group of senior regulatory and industry leaders to help each other advance efficient and effective regulatory outcomes globally. One of them was the International Regulatory Awards, granted at a gala dinner in Boston. This inaugural awards program aims to recognize exceptional regulators who are helping to drive the industry forward. They were judged by a committee made up of IAGR Trustees and independent stakeholders. The UK Gambling Commission took home the award for Regulatory Excellence for their wide-scale collaboration with industry on three areas of concern, leading to a fast track of consumer protection changes. For its part, the New South Wales’s Office of Responsible Gambling (Australia) received the award for Best Regulatory Campaign for this fresh, novel approach to addressing safer gaming.
IAGR consists of representatives from gaming regulatory organizations throughout the world. IAGR’s mission is to advance the effectiveness and efficiency of gaming regulation. IMGL is a non-profit association comprising over 340 members globally. Its members are recognized as the leading experts in their jurisdictions and are involved in most material gambling sector developments and issues worldwide. Mabutho Zwane, president of the IAGR, expressed his satisfaction with the development of the meeting, and thanked sponsor DraftKings for its support.