Regulation round-up 18 March 2014
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (12 March to 18 March 2014)
RGA questions new EU money laundering rules
Revised rules broadly welcomed by online operators however increased due diligence requirements questioned
The European Parliament adopted revised money laundering rules yesterday, bringing all gambling services under a harmonised European framework for the first time.
The new Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD), designed to bring greater legal security and consistency to the industry, was broadly welcomed by online gambling operators.
However the Remote Gaming Association (RGA) said it was “disappointed” that online gambling was singled out in the framework, and questioned the measure requiring operators to apply due diligence to all customers as soon as a business relationship is established.
“This requirement conflicts with the spirit of the Commission’s proposal and the previous Directives,” it said in a statement. “In practice it could well mean that the online gambling industry will be compelled to conduct due diligence on every one of its customers.”
Spanish slots expected in Q4 2014 as consultation period opens
The Spanish government has invited stakeholders to comment on the country’s proposed online slots and exchange legislation with a go-live date not expected before Q4 2014.
A two-week consultation began yesterday allowing the egaming industry and other interested parties to submit feedback on the proposals, however the regulator does not have to act upon the suggestions.
Spain’s long-awaited online slots regulation was published last month, revealing a strict set of customer protection guidelines operators must adhere to.
Seven days in regulation:
RGA to lead industry advertising review
The Remote Gambling Association (RGA) has been tasked with leading a review of the gambling industry’s advertising code by culture secretary Maria Miller, as the government responds to political outcry concerning marketing practices.
Miller, who last week ordered a review of TV gambling advertising, wrote to RGA chief executive Clive Hawkswood requesting him to conduct the review.
Speaking to eGaming Review, Hawkswood said the review is still in the planning stages with the project being overseen jointly with the Bingo Association, the Association of British Bookmakers, and the British Amusement Catering Trade Association.
Time to act on Sweden’s gambling laws, says EGBA chief
Sweden must be referred to the Court of Justice for the European Union over its failure to overhaul its online gambling laws if the European Commission (EC) is to be taken seriously, the secretary general of the European Gaming and Betting Association has said.
Maarten Haijer made the claim after reports emerged in the Swedish press alleging that the EC postpone any legal action to allow the country more time to implicate changes.
Accusing Sweden of being in a “perpetual state of imminent change”, Haijer said the EC must now follow through on its promise to act.
Bet Butler acquires B2C customers from troubled Bodugi.com
Bet Butler is set to acquire Bodugi Technology’s real-money social betting site’s customer database following its licence suspension from the UK Gambling Commission, eGaming Review has learned.
The regulator suspended Bodugi’s pool betting and fixed-odds licence last month after complaints players had been unable to withdraw funds from Bodugi.com and following a lack of response to the Commission’s requests to discuss its concerns.
Following the interim suspension Bodugi Technology said it had taken the decision to discontinue its B2C business to focus solely on its B2B operations.