Regulation round-up 6 August 2013
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (31 July to 6 August 2013)
RGA hits out as Greece prepares blacklist
Online gambling trade association says list could be illegal under EU law
The Remote Gambling Association (RGA) has warned Greek authorities against creating a blacklist of 402 egaming domains in what it describes as an attempt to grant OPAP an online monopoly.
The egaming trade association has asked the Hellenic Gaming Commission to cease reviewing interim Greek gambling licences, which it believes is being undertaken to create a blacklist of egaming operators.
“There is no justification for the review of interim licences at this stage. All that the Hellenic Gaming Commission will achieve is the closure of legitimate and well regulated gambling companies,” CEO of the RGA Clive Hawkswood said.
Copies of the proposed blacklist have appeared online and contain many of the major egaming firms, including those applying for interim licences, as well as a number of blogs and associated content sites.
Gibraltar-based operators threatened with Spanish taxation
Spain’s foreign minister has said the Spanish government could enforce Gibraltar-based egaming companies to use Spanish servers and come under Madrid’s taxation regime.
Speaking in an interview with Spanish media outlet ABC, foreign minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said that the nation had to review its legislation in many ways. He criticised the stance on Gibraltar taken by Spain’s previous government, declaring “the party is over”.
Online gambling operators also risk being affected by proposals to install a 50 fee to cross the border, with many companies employing Spanish nationals that need to cross the border each day to work and many ex-pat employees choosing to live in Spain.
Seven days in regulation:
Greece finalises lottery privatisation
Greece has completed the privatisation of its state lottery, giving a group led by OPAP the exclusive rights to operate the offering for a period of 12 years.
Greek privatisation agency Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) signed the agreement with Hellenic Lotteries SA, a consortium of OPAP Investment (67%), Intralot Lotteries (16.5%) and Scientific Games Global Gaming (16.5%).
Australia introduces nationwide live odds ban
The clampdown on gambling ads in Australia continues with the TV regulator introducing a nationwide ban and tobacco-style warnings proposed for gambling ads aired in South Australia.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has issued new codes of practice on Wednesday banning the promotion of betting odds during play and prohibit commentators from promoting odds for 30 minutes either side of a game.
New Jersey gets 37 egaming applications
New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) has confirmed it received 37 applications for online gambling licences by the 29 July deadline including 21 operator and gaming software licence applications.
The state’s regulator imposed the deadline earlier this year as part of its ambitious efforts to get the market up and running by mid-November, however it said it will continue to consider subsequent filings as it receives them.