Regulation round-up 23 August 2016
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (17 August to 23 August 2016)
Italian tender set for September launch
New licensing window will open next month with 120 online permits up for grabs
Operators keen on entering the Italian market will have the opportunity to apply for a licence next month with the tender document expected to be published within the next few weeks, EGR has learned.
The tender process, which had originally been scheduled for a July launch, could result in as many as 120 new market entrants, with the likes of Winamax and LeoVegas thought to be among those mulling an application.
It is understood the regulator sent the tender document to the Council of State, via the Ministry of Finance, for sign-off in early July. However, the Council has 40 days from receipt to review and publish the final tender.
Despite the delay, applicants should still be able to complete the process and launch in the market before the end of the calendar year.
PokerStars faces five year ban from California under new amendments
PokerStars could be banned from operating in California for at least five years under new amendments to the California online poker bill making its way through the state legislature.
Assemblyman Adam Gray introduced the changes to AB 2863 in an effort to get the bill approved before the state legislature adjourns on 31 August.
He has previously declined several opportunities to have the bill voted on for fear it would not pass.
Seven days in regulation:
Dutch Gambling Authority declares skins betting illegal
The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has followed Great Britain’s Gambling Commission in declaring skins betting illegal.
The KSA published a Q&A where it stated it was not possible to apply for a skin betting licence in the Netherlands and therefore the activity was prohibited, even if no money changes hands.
The regulator also admitted it had a lack of information on the subject, and asked consumers to report skins gambling providers.
Bwin and Betway ads banned by the ASA
Adverts produced by bwin and Betway have been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for “misleading” bonus and free bet promotions the companies respectively ran earlier this year.
Bwin found itself in trouble for a £30 welcome bonus offer it ran in March, which the ASA ruled was misleading as it was not clear customers would not be able to get the full bonus until they wagered six times their original deposit.
The complainant challenged whether the ad omitted significant terms and conditions after depositing £17 and was told that to release the bonus of £17 they needed to wager £102.
Hills and Lads departures lead to Australia trade body shutdown
The Australian Wagering Council (AWC) has launched a consultation to consider the creation of a new industry trade body following the recent departure of William Hill from the organisation.
William Hill left the group on 30 June due to what the AWC described as “commercial reasons”, with its departure coming just over 12 months since Ladbrokes had also vacated.
Current members of the AWC now include Sportsbet, bet365, Unibet and Betfair.