Regulation round-up 31 January 2012
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (25 January to 31 January 2012).
Exclusive: Spain in talks to join ARJEL-AAMS MoU
Long-term goal to create cross-border European liquidity
The Spanish gambling regulator is in talks to join the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by ARJEL and AAMS.
The original agreement between the Italian and French regulators was signed in June last year, and was initially designed to share information and discuss shared issues. The key areas of collaboration include regulatory developments, the prohibition of illegal sites, supervision of licensed operators and fraud protection.
All three regulators confirmed the deal, though a spokesperson for ARJEL was keen to stress the agreement was in its early stages and is currently “just a project.”
Francesco Rodano, head of remote gaming at AAMS, said: “I think Spain joining the MoU would be natural. [“¦]It makes sense to add Spain, as that would make their regulated product more attractive.”
Exclusive: Bwin.party chasing Belgian licence
Bwin.party is among the latest applicants looking to secure a licence for the newly regulated Belgian egaming market.
The Power 50 operator has applied for both online and offline sports betting licences, although it has not made a formal application for any other vertical.
The application appears to mark a change of approach from the end of last year, when the operator’s objections to the Belgian law and its supposed non-compliance with EU legislation left it at risk of being included on a 100-site blacklist set to be drawn up before the end of 2012.
Seven days in regulation:
Poll results: France needs to regulate casino and skill games
With the French egaming market in a state of decline under the current regulatory model, eGR readers believe that regulating casino and skill games would be the best way to prompt growth in the sector.
Earlier this month ARJEL president Jean-François Vilotte hinted at the possibility of skill games regulation in 2013, revealing that he is due to present a report on possible methods of skill games regulation to the minister of finance in February next year. 42% of those polled believed this would be the most effective way to halt the continuing decline in the French market.
Jersey regulator signs MoU with Denmark
The Jersey Gambling Commission has signed a bilateral cooperation agreement with its Danish counterpart, the Danish Gaming Authority (DGA).
According to the commission, the agreement aims “To achieve a common understanding and set of standards where the parties can promote co-operation in support of their legitimate interests and provide operational assistance to each other in achieving these aims.”
Playtech applies for Jersey licence
Playtech has applied for an operating licence in Jersey, to supplement its licences in Alderney and other jurisdictions.
The AIM-listed service provider has made the application after a business delegation from the largest Channel Island visited Israel, where Playtech is based, last year.