Regulation round-up 4 March 2014
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (26 February to 4 March 2014)
Betclic in the dark over Belgium allegations
French operator reveals its “surprise” at investigation into alleged unlicensed activity in Belgium
Betclic Everest Group has spoken of its “total surprise” at reports the company is under criminal investigation by Belgian authorities for allegedly operating without the necessary licence in Belgium.
eGaming Review revealed that that Betclic could face a fine of up to 1.2m after the Belgian Public Prosecution Office (PPO) seized around 600,000 in relation to transactions purportedly made to the blacklisted site betclic.com.
“Betclic Everest Group expresses its total surprise concerning the information referring to criminal sanctions and fund blocking that the Group is said to face in Belgium,” a Betclic Everest Group spokesperson said.
The PPO is said to have received information from a number of financial institutions that Betclic had been in receipt of payments from customers based within the Belgian borders.
Realistic Games secures Gibraltar licence
Slots and table game supplier Realistic Games is planning to expand both its content portfolio and customer base this year after receiving a B2B remote gambling licence from the government of Gibraltar.
The developer joins the likes of Bally, IGT and Scientific Games in receing a B2B licence from the British Overseas Territory, and will open a new office there in the coming months.
Over the past three months Realistic Games has added William Hill and Boylesports to the list of operators licensing its products, with BetVictor, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power and bet365 already signed up.
Seven days in regulation
Nevada and Delaware enter “groundbreaking” state compact
Nevada and Delaware are to permit the pooling of cross-border liquidity for the first time in the US after forming the Multistate Internet Gaming Agreement (MIGA).
The compact, signed by Delaware Gov Jack Markell and Nevada Gov Brian Sandoval, aims to boost liquidity and revenues in each state’s internet poker rooms, with the vertical having struggled in Delaware and stagnated in Nevada since going live last year.
The structure of the document is such that other states can be easily added to the agreement as and when they regulated egaming. Although MIGA is currently internet poker only, other states that join will be able to decide whether they chose to pool liquidity over online slot and casino games as well.
Poll Results: Euro regulations should be harmonised
Closer harmonisation of European online gaming and gambling regulations would benefit the industry, according to more than three quarters of respondents to this week’s poll.
Last month eGaming Review reported that the European Commission had tasked Big Four accountancy firm PwC to explore ways in which the continent’s myriad of online regulations could be aligned in order to increase cross-border cooperation.
As part of the 10-month study, PwC will look at the current approach of 32 EU and EEA member states in order to highlight areas which could be standardised.
The make-up of regulatory frameworks across Europe currently vary from country to country, something which has made it increasingly difficult for operators to remain fully compliant, while licence applications processes can often be repetitive and time consuming.
Swedish appeal court rules poker losses deductible
The Swedish Court of Administrative Appeal has this week ruled that players on non-European Economic Area (EEA) online poker sites should only pay tax on net profits after deeming that losses should be deductible.
The ruling comes after Sweden’s tax authority had claimed those playing with operators based outside of the EEA should be taxed only on winnings, which resulted in instances where players were still required to pay tax despite making a net loss. The tax authority has the right to appeal.
All players using websites located in EEA jurisdictions are exempt from paying tax however the latest ruling now leaves the door open for players yet to settle tax bills stemming from non-EEA poker games to have their balance recalculated.
Internet lottery bill submitted in NJ
A new bill that would introduce online lottery ticket sales and games has been submitted to the New Jersey legislature.
Bill A2703 has been sponsored by Assemblymen Troy Singleton, Ralph Caputo, and John Burzichelli, along with co-sponsor Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle, and was introduced last week.
The bill has now been referred to the Tourism and Gaming Committee.
Current legislation bars the New Jersey State Lottery from conducting lottery games or ticket sales on any video mechanical or electrical device.