Regulation round-up 17 September 2013
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (11 September to 17 September 2013)
Gambling Commission rejects in-running ban proposal
UK regulator says ban on popular activity can be avoided as Coral labels proposal “silly”
The Gambling Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to in-running betting after the European Parliament voted through a resolution which sought to ban the activity.
Parliament recently adopted a report drawn up by Conservative MEP Ashley Fox which called for a ban on all forms of in-running sports betting due to its ‘venerability’ to match-fixing.
However, the UK gambling regulator told eGaming Review that although it welcomed certain aspects of the resolution, it felt the prohibition of in-running betting was an unnecessary measure.
“We have looked carefully at this and think any threat to sports betting integrity can be managed without the need to ban what is a very popular activity,” a spokesperson said.
Malta Remote Gaming Council files Greece complaint
The Malta Remote Gaming Council (MRGC) has filed a complaint against the Hellenic Republic of Greece over the blocking of websites belonging to licensed gaming operators.
The complaint, sent to European Commission directorate general for internal market and services Michel Barnier, disputes the award of a monopoly over specific online gaming products to state-backed operator OPAP and measures taken to enforce the monopoly, urging for “decisive and early action” to be taken.
The Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) issued a black list of 402 gaming websites lacking approval to operate in in the country, ordering internet service providers in the country to block access or face heavy fines.
Seven days in regulation:
RGA slams European Parliament as it adopts egaming resolution
The Remote Gambling Association (RGA) has branded elements of an online gambling resolution as “fundamentally wrong” and “unjustified”, after the European Parliament this afternoon voted through the measures.
The Parliament’s resolution follows last year’s publication of an action plan on online gambling led by Conservative MEP Ashley Fox which sought to address what it described as “dangerous” links between gambling and hardship.
The resolution also targeted the integrity of sport to which it argued the online gambling industry posed a threat. As such, it has called for the prohibition of all in-running sports betting due what it sees as its ‘venerability’ to match-fixing.
Gambling Commission edges towards liquidity sharing
The Gambling Commission has called for controls on poker and other networks as part of a series of proposed amendments to the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP).
The proposal is viewed by observers as further evidence the regulator is moving towards allowing poker networks that will fall under its regulatory remit to share liquidity across borders and operators.
Leading gaming lawyer and Pinsent Masons consultant Susan Biddle told eGaming Review that, if implemented, liquidty sharing would only apply to poker and not to other forms of liquidity such as bingo or pool betting.
Dutch hits unlicensed operator with 100k fine
The Dutch Gambling Authority (DGA) has issued a fine of 100,000 to Curaçao-based gaming company Global Stars in a move which should send out a “clear signal” to other unlicensed operators.
The operator becomes the first to be fined for offering online bingo and roulette to consumers based in the Netherlands without a valid license.
According to the DGA, Global Stars targeted Dutch punters through its myglobalgames.com, boekjesbingo.nl and myglobalgames.nl domains.
Sheriff Gaming has Alderney licence suspended
Sheriff Gaming operator Bubble Group has had its gaming licence suspended by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) following an investigation into three of its executives.
The suspension comes after Dutch authorities confirmed an investigation into Michel Gregoire, Maurice Gregoire and Stijn Flapper for alleged involvement in seven unlicensed operators which targeted Dutch residents.
The AGCC confirmed in a statement that it had issued a Suspension Notice under Regulation 91 of the Alderney eGambling Regulations 2009, requiring the operator to immediately suspend its operations.
32Red set to go Dutch as PoC tax looms
Gibraltar-based operator 32Red has laid out plans to expand its international footprint after criticizing the UK government’s plans to introduce a point of consumption (PoC) tax.
Ed Ware, 32Red CEO, listed Spain, Germany and the soon-to-be regulated markets of the Netherlands and the US as markets on the operator’s agenda for international expansion.
“I think if we had to pick out a favourite to kick-off with we would go for Holland who are actively invested in regulating the market and we are trying to be as involved as we can there, but I wouldn’t discount any of the others on the list,” he said.
CAP amends code to permit under 25s in betting advertising
CAP, the body responsibly for writing and maintaining the UK Advertising Codes, has amended the gambling section of the CAP code to allow betting operators to use individuals under the age of 25 in advertising material.
Following a consultation, the rule prohibiting the appearance of individuals who are or appear to be under the age of 25 from appearing in marketing communications for gambling products will be amended to create “a narrow and targeted exemption for betting websites”.
The move follows industry concern over CAP’s online remit extension and its application to betting websites, which led CAP to consult publically on the amendment.