Regulation round-up 13 December 2011
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (7 December to 13 December 2011).
Alderney review could see change to regulatory framework
Executive director of AGCC hopes appointment of external observer demonstrates transparency.
The Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) could amend its regulatory framework depending on the outcome of a three-month long external review into its practices regarding the revoked Full Tilt Poker (FTP).
André Wilsenach, executive director of the commission, told eGaming Review that the appointment of former British Gambling Commission chairman Peter Dean to carry out the review was the only way for the AGCC to stay “at the forefront of egaming regulation”.
“It shows we are not looking for a hiding place,” said Wilsenach, adding that “I hope Mr Dean will indicate the areas where we can learn lessons.”
He explained that the review was ordered by the commission itself with no pressure coming from external forces, describing the decision as “An idea that’s grown over an amount of time.”
Analysis: Spain – Open for business
On 18 November, six months after the country’s gaming proposals were first passed into law, the Spanish market opened for licence applications.
Two days later, the centre-right Popular Party was elected into power in the EU member state, supplanting the previous socialist government.
But questions remain as to whether or not the new regime will provide an early stumbling block for egaming legislation, or if the opening of the process two days earlier has come just in time.
Seven days in regulation:
Unibet.fr goes live
French regulator ARJEL has announced that Unibet has been awarded licences for horse betting, sports betting and poker, paving the way for the company to relaunch in France, but this time in a regulated market.
Following its acquisition of Eurosportbet owner Solfive for an initial consideration of £4.8m in November, Unibet was required to reapply for its three French licenses.
The operator was awarded three licences in October 2010, however it chose to switch them on due to restrictive market conditions. Before France regulated in 2010 Unibet enjoyed a sizeable share of the market under its Mr Bookmaker brand that it acquired in August 2005 for £79.5m.
Intralot pulls out of France after large European earnings fall
French regulator ARJEL has heeded to Intralot’s request to repeal its sports betting licence, effectively seeing the Greek operator pull out of the market.
After being awarded a five-year sports betting licence last year with an option for an extension, Intralot said it would then apply for additional poker and horse betting licences, but further French licences never materialised.
Australia MPs call for daytime egaming ad ban
A report from the Australian parliament’s joint select committee on gambling reform has called for a blanket ban on advertising from egaming companies during children’s television viewing hours.
The proposed ban would cover both commentators’ announcements of live odds and the presence of the logos of egaming companies on the kit of sports teams.
However the proposed restrictions will only be applied to sports broadcasts within the relevant timeframe, rather than general commercial airtime.
Danish verification system launch delay
Operators preparing for launch in the Danish market have been left frustrated after the regulator announced its player ID verification system will not be ready for the opening of the market on 1 January next year.
DanID, the private company that supplies the NemID verification systems for all of Denmark’s public services, revealed that the module for player login will not be ready until mid- to late-January, while the module for player identity validation “ a digital signature “ will not be completed until the end of February.
As a result operators will be forced to obtain alternative forms of ID verification, with the Danish Gambling Authority suggesting temporarily using passports and drivers’ licenses. Companies that have integrated the NemID solution into their systems will need to find an alternative solution, or wait to enter the market until they have done so.
Nevada debates new egaming proposals
A meeting of the Nevada State Gaming Control Board (GCB) yesterday saw it debate the merits of new egaming proposals within the state.
Representatives of various operators were present, including Nevada licence applicants such as 888 and International Game Technology (IGT).
Among the issues covered were account verification and the prevention of collusion and underage gambling, while rake and multiple-skin systems were also debated.