Online gambling laws are constantly evolving. As an industry player or enthusiast at Casino House, it’s crucial to stay on top of new developments so you can operate legally and take advantage of opportunities. This guide will walk you through effective strategies to track gambling legislation and regulation changes.
Follow Key Government Agencies
The first step is identifying the main regulatory bodies that oversee online gambling in your jurisdiction. For example, in the United States, important agencies include:
- The Department of Justice (DOJ)
- State gambling commissions
- State attorneys general
Once you know the key players, bookmark their websites and check for updates regularly. Skim press releases and announcements for new policies, enforcements, or legal interpretations. You can also sign up for email newsletters to get alerts right to your inbox.
Many agencies also have Twitter accounts and post rule changes there. Following them allows you to catch breaking developments in real time.
Subscribe to Industry News Publications
Dozens of iGaming news outlets exist to report on legislative moves as they happen. Find a few trusted publications and subscribe to their content.
Helpful online gambling news sites include:
- Online Poker Report – Focuses on poker but also covers wider industry news
- CalvinAyre.com – Popular all-around gambling news site
- USBets – Emphasizes US gambling legislation
- Gambling.com – Global outlook but with US sections
As laws change, these sites will analyze impacts and outlooks for the industry. Their reporting helps put new rules in context so you understand how it affects operations.
Engage with Gambling Lawyers and Experts on Social Media
Many lawyers and advisors who specialize in online gambling laws share their expertise on social platforms. Follow them to get concise updates and commentary on regulatory shifts.
Some noteworthy experts on gambling law include:
- Tony Batt, @GamblingLawyer – Batt is an iGaming attorney who comments on legislation nationwide
- Daniel Wallach, @WALLACHLEGAL – Wallach is a sports betting lawyer who closely covered the repeal of PASPA
- Sue Schneider, @Sue_Schneider – Schneider tracks gambling bills in state legislatures across the US
Following their Twitter feeds, videos, and posts gives an “inside baseball” angle on new laws and cases. Their posts often include analysis you won’t find in basic news reports.
Attend Gambling Conferences and Events
Industry conferences offer a chance to learn the context behind gambling legislation directly from lawmakers and regulators themselves. Attending these events allows you to ask questions and connect face-to-face.
Leading annual conferences include:
- Global Gaming Expo (G2E) – The biggest iGaming expo in the US, held in Las Vegas
- International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) – An invitation-only conference of gaming attorneys and advisors
- Mid-American Gambling Regulators Association – Discussions among state and tribal gambling regulators
Meeting the people who craft, lobby for, interpret, and enforce gambling rules provides perspective. Conferences also facilitate networking with others tracking regulation.
Bookmark Resources and Check Regularly
As you discover gambling law experts, publications, agencies, and conferences, bookmark them for easy reference. Revisit your list daily or weekly to catch up on the latest activities.
Setting news alerts and following social media feeds will push updates to you automatically. But having your own centralized resource list ensures important changes don’t slip by unnoticed.
Understand How New Laws Affect You
The most crucial part of following iGaming legislation is understanding how it impacts you, your company, or your interests directly.
When you learn of a new regulatory development, consider questions like:
- How does this change the rules for my type of gambling activity or jurisdiction?
- Do any exemptions apply to my situation?
- How will compliance procedures need to change?
- What new opportunities or challenges does this create?
Staying current is only useful if you can translate new laws into strategic business actions and plans.
Partner With an Attorney to Stay Compliant
No matter how closely you follow the latest regulations, there may be nuances that escape your notice. Developing a relationship with a qualified gambling law attorney provides expert guidance.
They can answer your specific questions and help interpret how evolving rules apply to your circumstances. Their assistance is invaluable in ensuring you adapt appropriately and remain compliant.
Conclusion
Online gambling laws don’t stand still. But following these tips will help you track shifts, understand impacts, and capitalize on opportunities. Monitoring government agencies, industry media, experts, events, and your own curated resources provides multiple channels of insight. Partnering with legal counsel adds a safety net to keep your compliance up to date.
Staying plugged in takes some diligence. But the payoff is the ability to navigate an evolving legal landscape that rewards those who keep their finger on the pulse.