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The online gambling industry continues to make a mockery of itself. This time it is Gambling.com and its awarding BetMGM 'Online Casino of the Year'. Say what?
One half of the BetMGM partnership, MGM, is currently recovering from a massive cyber attack that resulted in compromised social security, driver's license and passport numbers.
British gambling firm Entain is the other entity involved with BetMGM. Back in August the company said it had set aside 585 million pounds ($744.5 million) for a potential settlement with British authorities in relation to an investigation into potential bribery offences at its former Turkish business.
Additionally the company has had to pay record fines for regulatory lapses.
Andrew Rhodes, the UK Gambling Commission chief executive, said at the time: “Our investigation revealed serious failures that have resulted in the largest enforcement outcome to date.
“There were completely unacceptable anti-money laundering and safer gambling failures. Operators are reminded they must never place commercial considerations over compliance.
“This is the second time this operator has fallen foul of rules in place to make gambling safer and crime free.
“They should be aware that we will be monitoring them very carefully and further serious breaches will make the removal of their licence to operate a very real possibility. We expect better and consumers deserve better.”
This summer BetMGM refused to pay a special education teacher more than $200,000 in winnings after claiming a software malfunction. After mounting pressure, the betting company finally caved and paid the player.
After company pitchman Jamie Foxx was hospitalized with a debilitating illness this past spring, BetMGM continued running ads that featured him.
Charles Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer of Gambling.com Group, said: “BetMGM continues to solidify its reputation as the iGaming industry leader in the United States through its comprehensive game portfolio, omnichannel focus, and first-class execution of all the digital fundamentals. It is a delight to award a Golden Eagle trophy and the Online Casino of the Year award to BetMGM Casino for the second year in a row.”
Matt Prevost, Chief Revenue Officer at BetMGM, said: “These prestigious awards are a testament to the continued hard work and dedication of the team at BetMGM. We are honored to win Online Casino of the Year from the American Gambling Awards for the second year in a row. It’s a fantastic reflection of BetMGM and our premier partners who are driven to provide customers with an award-winning online casino experience every day.”
We say: "Enough with the participation trophies already". It's nauseating. Organizations like Gambling.com and SBC, which regularly awards Entain as "Most Socially Responsible" each year, should know better. The industry has evolved too far for this type of silliness.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
