cannabis, liquor, money laundering and even fraud in relation to those offences.
We also have embedded police officers integrated with our investigations branch and MOU’s with every police agency in Alberta. We can lead, conduct joint investigations, or assist the agency of jurisdiction. When a regulatory body can only “pass the information” to police and hope it gets prioritised for investigation, their results may be less effective. Police agencies today face many conflicting priorities and challenges, so it is understandable where their resources alone will not be sufficient.
Many regulators must oversee new technologies using legislation drafted for a very different era. How do you balance strict adherence to statutory mandates with the practical need to interpret rules in ways that accommodate innovation?
Dave Berry: It is so important to take the opportunity whenever it presents itself to streamline laws and regulations so that they only call out absolute “no go” zones (e.g. minimum age to participate) and set the conditions for a regulator to make policies that support the broader public policy objectives. We can change an agency policy sometimes within days or weeks if needed, but a regulation change is minimally a 6-month journey, but usually 12-18 months in duration. In the meantime, the business opportunity is missed, floundered, or has created the conditions for non-compliance.
Tat said, the regulator is often challenged to make something fit within existing legislation, my general guidance to our team is if the idea seems aligned with the public policy intent, and it passes a “gut check”, then we should try to proceed assuming it doesn’t create substantial harm.
Michael Leara: Since returning to the Missouri Gaming Commission in October 2023, I have taken a pragmatic approach to innovation, welcoming new technologies while remaining grounded in our statutory framework. We actively encourage industry stakeholders to bring forward concepts and proposals, allowing us to evaluate them thoughtfully within existing law while identifying where regulatory or legislative clarity may be needed.
As data privacy requirements expand, particularly around player monitoring, AML and responsible gambling, how do regulators reconcile increasing privacy expectations with the need for deep behavioural oversight?
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Michael Leara: Expanding data privacy requirements present a meaningful challenge, particularly in a state like Missouri where the use of biometrics and facial recognition is statutorily prohibited. Regulators must strike a careful balance, ensuring robust player protection, AML compliance, and responsible gaming oversight, while respecting clear legal boundaries around data collection and individual privacy.
Dave Berry: Privacy law compliance is a must have, not an option. Usually there are legislative exemptions that can permit disclosure of information for investigative purposes or other authorised releases; however, the recipient must also only use that information for its intended purpose.
It’s critical that all staff receive regular training in their jurisdiction’s privacy laws and also that the regulator has sufficient supervision in place to ensure it does not stray beyond its authorisation. Ensure that any request for information is justified with a strong legal position and avoid temptation to push the boundaries beyond what is reasonable.
Regulators are not just technical supervisors; they are accountable to legislatures and the public. How do you manage policy decisions when public sentiment may be more reactive than evidence-based?
Dave Berry: Building a trusted brand with your legislators and the public is key to success. If your reputation is solid, if you have a high degree of “trust” with the public, you are far more likely to survive an unpopular decision.
Written administrative decisions should always be well articulated, take the time to fully explain the situation, the various arguments made, and the rationale for the finding. Take the time to regularly educate the public on the core principles of the regulated industry and the good work that you do. Also understand that not every decision you make will be popular or well received, avoid being defensive where possible, and advocate where necessary.
Michael Leara: Having served in the State House for the maximum term allowed, I have a deep appreciation for the dynamics between regulators, legislators, and the public.
Successfully navigating this environment comes down to clear, consistent communication, grounding policy decisions in data and experience while ensuring that elected officials and the public understand both the rationale and the intended outcomes of regulatory actions.
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