Regulation round-up 25 July 2017
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (19 July to 25 July 2017)
UK Treasury tells operators to prepare for bonus tax from August
New tax will be applied from the start of next month regardless of whether legislation passes then
The UK tax on online gaming free plays will kick in on 1 August even if the legislation has not been passed by Parliament, the Treasury has said.
The levy, which extends the PoC tax to gaming bonuses and free plays, was originally introduced as part of the Finance Bill in March 2016, but was scrapped ahead of the election.
The government has since confirmed plans to reintroduce the clause “as soon as possible after the summer recess” which ends in September.
However, Remote Gambling Association CEO Clive Hawkswood told EGR the liability from the tax would kick in from 1 August regardless.
KSA fines on gaming operators backed by The Hague
The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) was legally able to fine two online gambling companies that offered services to Dutch customers, the District Court in The Hague has ruled.
The court case centred on a €150,000 fine issued to Mansion in 2014 and a €180,000 fine issued to ComeOn in 2015, both for targeting Dutch customers.
EGR understands both operators have paid the fines, but appealed to The Hague District Court in the hope of getting the penalties overturned.
However, the Court ruled this month that the KSA’s policies and its subsequent enforcement was indeed compliant with EU law.
Aussie competition watchdog drops injunction against Tatts/Tabcorp merger
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has dropped its attempt to halt the Tatts/Tabcorp merger while it appeals a tribunal’s approval of the deal.
The competition regulator had originally sought an injunction to stop the deal completing while it filed an appeal against the Australian Competition Tribunal’s approval of the deal.
However the ACCC has withdrawn the injunction request, saying it will focus on the appeal instead.
The ACC had its first recommendation to block the deal ignored by the Tribunal, which gave Tatts and Tabcorp permission to merge, because there are “substantial” benefits to the public and there were “no material detriments weighed in the balance which are of significance or likely to arise that outweigh the benefits”.
New Hampshire becomes 13th state to regulate DFS
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has signed a DFS bill into law, making it the 13th state to enact daily fantasy legislation.
The bill is considered pro-business, with no fees or taxes for operators, although they must register with the New Hampshire lottery commission, which has been given the purview to regulate the industry.
The new law also establishes the type of consumer protections that have become commonplace in regulating states, with age limits, segregation of player funds, and responsible gambling rules.
Firms can register with the commission while the legislation is taking effect and continue to offer their services.