Revista Casino, “Compliance; from a laboratory’s perspective”
Revista Casino, “Compliance; from a laboratory’s perspective”
“Compliance; from laboratory’s perspective” *Please briefly tell us about your professional experience My experience in the Gaming Industry began in 1996 when I joined the Information Systems team at NYNY as a Casino Application Analyst. In 2000 I joined Progressive Gaming International as VP of Global Compliance and then moved over to IGT in 2009 as a Sr. Compliance Staff Analyst working with product development . I joined BMM in late 2011. *What is the job of BMM’s compliance department? Is it an external nature only type of job? BMM’s Compliance Department is both external to clients and regulatory agencies, as well as internal to the various divisions within the organization. Our compliance team handles both technical compliance and regulatory compliance. The technical compliance team is responsible for the creation of regulatory checklists which serve as tools for the Service Delivery department to ensure they are testing against the proper requirements. The licensing compliance team manages all jurisdictional licensing requirements for BMM, including key employees, officers and directors licenses as well as satisfying all jurisdictional reporting. As the Compliance Officer for the organization, my role is to ensure that the organization complies with regulatory requirements for all jurisdictions where BMM holds licenses That includes satisfying reporting requirements regarding the various matters outlined in our Compliance Program. Such reporting requirements include performing satisfactory due diligence and keeping abreast of relevant governmental activities and policies. As VP, Compliance, I also manage the Compliance Committee, which is a Committee made up of our Chairman, Steve Ducharme, BMM North America COO, Mike Dreitzer and an outside member, Bob Cowley. This Committee provides the Board of Directors with guidance on matters to ensure BMM complies with applicable gaming laws in all the jurisdictions in which we conduct business. *How does the compliance department contribute to a corporation’s good image? Does it provide a competitive advantage over other organizations? A Compliance Department is key to any gaming organization and interacts as a partner at every level of the business. An experienced team of Compliance professionals is invaluable in navigating an organization through the various gaming regulations, policies, technical standards and requirements. Gaming is one of the most regulated industries worldwide and a successful compliance team means the organization can continue to run smoothly. The compliance team at BMM operates as an integral business unit within the organization with an eye toward successful business operations. *Which internal tools do you use to encourage an ethical work environment? BMM’s Compliance Policy provides guidance as to what is expected by and/or to be reported to regulatory agencies. Staff are encouraged to be aware of the regulatory requirements affecting the business and we maintain an open-door policy that allows any member of the team to raise concerns as they arise. rev 1.1 *How do modifications to regulations affect the compliance department? The compliance department is tasked with monitoring and understanding proposed modifications so as to provide regulators with feedback regarding the implications of such. The compliance department will also inform internal stakeholders of any modifications in order for all concerned parties to appropriately adjust to and satisfy those modifications. *What is the main challenge of a compliance department? Is it the same for BMM? I feel the main challenge of a Compliance Department lies within technical compliance. With over 400 globally recognized jurisdictions, staying ahead of changes in regulatory structure, technical standards, adopted technology and minimum internal control standards can be a daunting task. *How is your relationship with the many gaming regulatory entities? I view my relationship with gaming regulatory entities as a partnership. BMM prides itself on our ability to offer our expertise and support to the many gaming regulatory entities around the world. BMM provides real-time, accurate knowledge and information on the constantly changing gaming industry. Our team...
Read MoreBMM awarded license by MINCETUR
BMM Compliance has achieved another significant milestone with the official authorization by Ministerio de Comercio Exterior y Turismo (MINCETUR) to evaluate and issue statements of compliance for gaming systems that meet the qualifications of the United On Line Control System – SUCTR. MINCETUR has a goal of having all of the approximately 70,000 gaming devices operating in more than 650 gaming halls interconnected with the regulatory agency. BMM’s clients have been anxiously waiting for this recognition in order for their systems to be tested, certified and homologated to provide this service. BMM’s General Manager for Peru, Joaquin Gonzalez, says “BMM is completely committed to the Peruvian market with its qualified test lab established in Lima. BMM sees the Peru location as a hub for servicing both South American regulators and manufacturers. With ten labs in nine countries, BMM has strategically located its testing facilities and offices to best service the global gaming industry because we understand the local needs of our clients.” BMM Global President and CEO Martin Storm said, “We are extremely pleased to be working closely with Manuel San Roman Benavente, Director General of MINCETUR, and his staff to provide the services they need to effectively and efficiently regulate the thriving Peru gaming market. The accreditation process was very thorough and with this major recognition BMM will continue to grow its presence in South America. BMM is steadfast in its support of the Director General de Juegos de Casino y Maquinas Tragamonedas in his quest to successfully implement the technical standards for systems pursuant to the Complementary Technical Regulation for the implementation of the SUCTR. We look forward to many years of service in this market and are appreciative of MINCETUR’s recognition of BMM to perform this...
Read MoreBMM celebrates 30 successful years
BMM Compliance is pleased to announce we are celebrating our 30th Anniversary in November 2011. Launched in Australia in 1981, BMM has grown to become one of the world’s leading providers of gaming product certification. Since 2005, BMM has expanded its operations internationally from two to 12 countries in order to service gaming customers worldwide. Over the last three decades gaming jurisdictions have consistently relied on BMM to help shape regulations and standards. “BMM’s original gaming technical standards for Australia, written in 1992, became the basis for all standards used today in gaming around the world.” states Martin Storm, Global President & CEO. “As such, BMM continues to be the lab of choice for regulators wanting new gaming standards. This success has translated into unprecedented growth in 2011, particularly in our North American business where we have established the industry’s strongest leadership team yet.” Across the world BMM remains the market leader particularly in Australia, Asia and Africa. “We have targeted new investments all around the world to ensure our growth,” said Martin Storm. BMM has many initiatives planned for 2012 as the 30th anniversary celebration year. Wendy Anderson, VP Marketing & People says, “BMM staff across the globe will celebrate this special occasion and we are planning an entire year of events with educational workshops, special exhibitions, presentations and awards. As part of this celebration BMM is sponsoring a student scholarship program which will commence in 2012.” BMM is providing compliance education throughout the gaming industry designed to maintain the highest integrity and standards. Richard Williamson, SVP Regulatory says, “BMM is deeply committed to delivering substantive educational programs and advising regulators on technological advances.” Mike Dreitzer, COO says of BMM’s growth, “BMM offers manufacturers access to all key markets around the world. Importantly, the largest manufacturers continue to bring more of their business to BMM as they access the world of gaming.” Martin Storm concludes, “BMM’s global compliance expertise and commitment to quality and innovation over the last 30 years have been the foundation of our growing regulatory and customer partnerships...
Read MoreBMM to exhibit at upcoming SAGSE Buenos Aires
(Argentina).- BMM is preparing to attend the forthcoming edition of SAGSE in Buenos Aries next November, at booth 405, in Costa Salguero Convention Center. “SAGSE is by far the premier show in the region”, stated sources of the firm. BMM is looking forward to meeting with industry stakeholders to provide compliance insight and engineering expertise for Latin American gaming regulators, manufacturers and operators. Travis Foley, VP of Operations – America’s, will be attending the show for the first time on behalf of BMM along with Drew Pawlak, SVP Business Development –...
Read MoreBMM approved by Spanish Gaming Authorities to test & certify i-gaming platforms
BARCELONA, Spain: On September 30th 2011, BMM International announced that its European laboratory has been accredited to test and certify iGaming platforms for Spain. BMM Spain is now an accredited independent testing laboratory for B2B iGaming platform suppliers and B2C online gaming operators. BMM Spain was established in 2007 and has a great deal of expertise in AWP and Online testing.”Being recognized by the Spanish Gaming Authority allows us to assist them as the gaming market in Spain grows,” said Tebogo Makamo, VP Operations – Europe. “We are confident we have the resources to fully service their needs quickly and cost-effectively.” Albert Daudé i Costa, Director of Technical Services – Europe, said of the new accreditation “We are delighted to receive this accreditation, and are very much looking forward to working with the Spanish Gaming Authority. BMM is also ready and able to provide support to both operators and manufacturers.” Albert Daudé i Costa can be reached at...
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