Regulation round-up 21 February 2012
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (15 February to 21 February 2012).
EC questions compliance of Italian legislation
Court of Justice ruling follows dispute with UK operator Stanleybet.
The European Commission Court of Justice (ECCJ) has ruled that Italian gambling legislation seeks to protect the market position of licensed companies at the expense of new entrants, and as a result, contravenes European law.
The ruling follows a dispute with UK operator Stanleybet, that was blocked from applying for a licence between 1998 and 2006, prompting a claim for 1.5bn in compensation against the Italian government in May 2010.
The dispute arose over the fact that Stanleybet offered its sports betting services through agencies known as ‘data transmission centres’, allowing players to place bets via its UK servers. As a result it was blocked from obtaining a licence and the government brought sanctions against Marcello Costa and Ugo Cifone, two Stanleybet employees.
The ECCJ yesterday ruled the sanctions to be illegal, as EU Member States are unable to discriminate against new entrants to the market in order to safeguard the interests of current licensees and increase tax revenues. As a result Italy’s egaming legislation was ruled to be in violation of European law, rendering the sanctions invalid.
Seven days in regulation:
Exclusive: Balkan states to sign egaming MoU
The former Yugoslav countries of Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in an attempt to combat illegal gambling, eGaming Review has learned.
The regulatory bodies of the five countries are likely to sign the agreement at a regulatory conference to be held in May, and will look to collaborate on effective methods of banning unlicensed operators.
Mirjana Acimovic, president of the Serbian gaming association JAKTA told eGR that each country had experienced similar problems with illegal gambling, with Slovenian gambling regulators first airing the idea of working together at the countries’ first gaming conference in 2010.
Opinion: Europe’s approach to regulation paves the way for US success
As operators and suppliers on both sides of the pond ready align their strategies and partnerships in readiness for a regulated online gaming market, Emma Lindley suggests US states could learn something from best practice European legislation.
DGA launches whistleblower service
The Danish Gambling Authority (DGA) has announced the launch of a ‘surveillance’ service for companies and citizens to notify the regulator of illegal operators in the market.
People who are aware of unlicensed Danish-facing sites can email screenshots and company information to the DGA to investigate the companies, and issue them with a notice to cease operating.
Stratosphere owner applies for Nevada licence
American Casino Entertainment Properties, owner of the Stratosphere Casino in Las Vegas, has applied for operator and service provider licences in Nevada.
According to poker magazine CardPlayer, the company is the seventh to apply for an operator licence in the Silver State and the ninth to seek accreditation as a service provider.
Poker Leaders and Beturf approved in France
French regulatory authority ARJEL has approved a further two companies to operate in the country’s egaming market.
Poker Leaders has received clearance to offer online poker, while Beturf was granted horse betting accreditation in the latest round of decisions from the regulator.