Regulation round-up 22 November 2016
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (16 November to 22 November 2016)
Dutch regulator launches open tender for tote racing licence
New transparent bidding process follows pressure from courts and operators
The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) will launch a digital tender for an exclusive five-year tote betting licence in late November.
The regulator will be accepting applications through its website from 29 November for the right to operate the pari-mutuel racing product from 2017 to 2022.
The existing contract with Sportech expires at the end of 2016.
As part of the forthcoming two-phase tender process, applicants will be assessed against a to-be published criteria and on their ability to “provide a reliable tote”.
William Hill takes America’s first regulated eSports bets
William Hill became the first bookmaker in America to legally accept wagers on eSports over the weekend, after receiving permission to do so from the Nevada Gaming Control Board last week.
The operator partnered with the Downtown Grand resort in Nevada to offer bets on a League of Legends tournament being hosted in California through Saturday and Sunday.
The deal also means customers will be able to wager on future eSports events in any of Hills’ 108 race and sportsbooks, or via the app.
“We are excited to partner with Seth Schorr and the Downtown Grand to become the first sportsbook in America to offer legal wagering on eSports,”said William Hill US CEO Joe Asher.
Seven days in regulation:
Q&A: Interwetten chief Werner Becher on the German opportunity
After proving to be something of a regulatory minefield in recent years, there finally seems to be some good news coming out of the German sports betting market. Earlier this month, the regions informed the European Union of plans to introduce a new State Treaty on gambling which would have unlimited licences available for companies which meet a qualitative criteria.
And firms like Interwetten are well poised to take advantage, with the company expected to break through the âÂ1bn turnover threshold in 2016. The Malta-based operator is also enjoying double digit growth in other key markets around Europe. The firm’s spokesman of the board and de-facto chief executive, Werner Becher, tells EGR about his plans for the company.
eGaming Review (EGR): Which of your key markets are enjoying most growth?
Werner Becher (WB): This year, we will double our revenue in Greece. You have to keep in mind that we had to start from zero after domain and payment blocking two years ago and capital controls last year. It was not easy to reactivate our user database, but we did well. Also in German speaking countries, as well as Spain, we are happy with a revenue growth of more than 20% in 2016.
Mr Green given green light for Nasdaq Stockholm listing
Mr Green & Co AB is expected to commence trading on the Nasdaq Stockholm from the end of November after it was given the green light for its shares to be listed on the Swedish stock exchange.
The company said the listing of shares is a “logical and important step”for the operator’s development plans and implementation of its new business strategy, Mr Green 2.0.
It added the listing will give Mr Green “greater access”to the Swedish and international capital markets.
Poll results: Foreign operators face uphill battle in Australia
Foreign firms face a difficult future if they continue operating in the Australian market, according to a majority of respondents to last week’s poll.
More than 59% of voters said Australia was not an attractive proposition for licensed foreign operators when considering the regulatory restrictions, including a ban on in-play betting online, and the absence of poker and online casino regulation.
Some states also impose minimum bet liabilities on operators, while places like South Australia are considering an “ill-considered”switch to a POC tax.
Market conditions have made it difficult for some operators to turn a profit, especially when battling unlicensed offshore rivals.