Regulation round-up 2 February 2016
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (27 January to 2 February 2016)
Hills, Betway and Unibet fall foul of new Lithuania laws
Trio placed on country’s blacklist after authorities judge them to have operated without a licence
Websites belonging to William Hill, Betway and Unibet have been blocked in the Republic of Lithuania after authorities found the trio to be operating in the country without a licence.
Following local court orders, the firms have been placed on Lithuania’s new blacklist and are the first operators to appear on the register following the launch of the country’s new remote gaming framework on 1 January.
Speaking to eGaming Review, Skirmante Paukstiene, chief specialist at the government’s division of legislation, staff and general affairs, confirmed the three names and suggested the operators had been acting ‘illegally’.
“As established in the Gaming Law of the Republic of Lithuania, in case the Gaming Control Authority finds out that the illegal gambling operator, not licensed in the Republic of Lithuania, is organising remote gambling, the authority has the right to issue binding orders to stop the illegal activity, also to stop payments and access to illegal gambling sites, after the Courts’ order is received,” Skirmante said.
Polish government refutes regulatory reform reports
Poland’s Ministry of Finance has poured cold water on recent reports suggesting it was preparing to overhaul the country’s Gambling Act, but hinted at tax reforms which could close the door on unlicensed operators in Poland.
Last week reports in local media suggested Poland’s recently-elected government was considering a major overhaul of gambling regulations, including the regulation of the online poker vertical.
But in a statement issued last Monday, the Ministry refuted the reports, saying it was not working on amendments to the Gambling Act, which has been in place since 2009.
Seven days in regulation:
Lower Dutch tax rate to trigger sports investment, says Unibet
Unibet says it is ready to sign a multi-million pound, four-year sponsorship deal with the Dutch Royal Cycling Federation (KNWU) on the provision the Netherlands lowers its proposed 29% levy on the soon-to-be-regulated remote gambling market.
The deal, which is reportedly worth ?7m, will see the Unibet logo displayed on the jerseys of the Dutch national cycling teams, but is wholly dependent on the outcome of the on-going regulatory process in the country.
The operator said the sponsorship agreement, which is due to commence on 1 January 2017, would be scaled back to just a one-year deal should the country press ahead with its 29% tax plans, although a lower rate of 20% would see national sporting bodies benefit from increased sponsorship opportunities.
Amaya names Eric Frank as director of legal affairs
Amaya has named gaming attorney Eric Frank as its new director of legal affairs.
Based out of Amaya’s Miami offices, Frank will be focused primarily on regulatory compliance in the Americas and will report directly to Eric Newcomer, VP of legal affairs.
“Amaya is a market leader that enjoys strong, positive relationships with regulators around the world,” Eric Hollreiser, Amaya spokesman, said.
New York online poker bill gets hearing today
Online poker legislation is set for its first hearing of the year in New York this week as lawmakers take a closer look at legalising the activity in the state.
The Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee will discuss S5302B today; the bill was introduced by Committee chair John Bonacic back in May last year.
If passed into law, the bill would establish a regulatory framework for online poker in the state with up to 10 interactive licences up for grabs.
California DFS bill marches on
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) bill AB 1437 continues to make repaid progress through the California legislature after being overwhelmingly approved by the state Assembly last week.
The bill, introduced by Assemblyman Adam Gray back in September, passed through the full Assembly with a 62-1 vote – Assemblyman Adam Levine the only nay-sayer.
AB 1437, which includes a raft of consumer protections that include forcing operators to segregate player funds and limits on advertising, will move on to the state Senate.
Poll results: Paddy Power Betfair best placed for US sports betting
The combined Paddy Power Betfair, along with William Hill, would be the clear market leaders in US sports betting according to the majority of respondents to last week’s EGR poll.
The subject of sports betting is expected to hit the headlines next month, with an appeals court to rule on whether licensed casinos and race tracks in New Jersey can legally operate sportsbooks.
And with an estimated ?100bn being wagered on unlicensed off-shore sites in the US each year, the potential to cash in is huge.