Regulation round-up 24 January 2017
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (18 January to 24 January 2017)
EU lawyer deals new blow to GBGA’s bid to overturn PoC tax
Advocate General backs UK government’s argument that provision of services between Gibraltar and UK not caught by EU law
The Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association’s challenge against Great Britain’s Remote Gaming Duty was dealt a blow yesterday after a senior EU lawyer said the UK and Gibraltar should be treated as “one entity” in the freedom to provide services.
Advocate General to the Court of Justice of the European Union, Maciej Szpunar, on Thursday rejected the GBGA’s argument that the 15% Point of Consumption tax is an unlawful restriction on the supply of services to the UK.
The trade association had previously challenged the legality of the levy before the High Court of England and Wales, which subsequently referred the case to the EU Court of Justice.
In his Opinion, Szpunar claimed that while European Law does apply to Gibraltar, EU Treaties were “silent on the relationship” between the UK and the British Overseas Territory in the application of the four fundamental freedoms.
Supreme Court asks Trump administration to weigh in on sports betting legalisation
The US Supreme Court has asked the Trump administration to weigh in on New Jersey’s push to legalise sports betting.
The court last week issued a ‘call for the views of the Solicitor General’ (CVSG) before it decides whether to hear the case.
Its decision will be seen as good news for New Jersey, as CVSG generally means the Court has “at least some interest” in hearing the case, according to Christopher Soriano, a partner at Duane Morris.
Seven days in regulation:
Poll results: 10% levy an “unfair outcome” for operators
A 10% levy on horseracing profits is an unfair toll for operators, according to a majority of respondents to last week’s poll.
Around 59% of voters agreed the rate, confirmed by the Government earlier this month, was an “unfair outcome,” with opponents suggesting it fails to take into account other costs associated with racing like media rights and advertising.
According to a Ladbrokes Coral spokesperson: “The issue has always been the rate and the question has been what does racing need and what can be afforded.
Paddy Power responsible for two of 2016’s most controversial ads
Paddy Power was responsible for two of 2016’s most complained-about ads, according to a list compiled by the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA).
The famously brash bookmaker received 670 complaints relating to the ads, although none of the complaints were upheld by the ASA.
The Irish operator claimed the fifth spot on the list with an ad of two football teams playing blindfolded, which received 450 complaints.
Michigan introduces sports betting bill
Michigan has become the third state to introduce sports betting legislation in 2017, with the filing of a new bill that could allow the state’s casinos to take bets.
HB4060, introduced by House Representative Robert Kosowski, would authorise a referendum for Michigan voters to decide on the issue.
The bill would also empower the state gaming control board to create rules to “regulate the conduct of sports betting.”