Regulation round-up 9 July 2013
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (3 July to 9 July 2013)
South Australian in-play advertising ban fast tracked
Ban on live sporting odds advertising to take effect on 1 August after application approved by local regulator
The South Australian government has successfully fast-tracked its proposals to ban live odds advertising during sporting events following approval from the Independent Gambling Authority (IGA).
IGA director Robert Chappell told eGaming Review the ban will now come into force on 1 August, as opposed to the original 1 December implementation date, to cover the second half of Australia’s popular football season.
Betting agencies failing to adhere to the regulations could face initial fines of AU$10,000. This could increase to up to $100,000 for repeat offences with offenders running the risk of being barred from operating in South Australia.
Western Australia to ban live gambling ads
The Western Australian government has revealed plans to prohibit big-screen advertisements of live betting odds at sports venues.
The move follows restrictions placed on advertising during television broadcasts in other Australian states, with the South Australian government fast-tracking similar proposals after gaining approval from the Independent Gambling Authority.
Western Australia premier Colin Barnett revealed the planned legislation, which is yet to be drafted, could also be extended to include signs and billboards. Sport and recreation minister Terry Waldron told the Australian Associated Press the state government’s ban “completes the picture” of an overall ban on live betting odds being advertised.
French poker revenue declines in H1
The French online poker market has continued its decline with gross gambling revenue (GGR) falling 12% year-on-year for the first half of 2013, according to figures from regulatory body l’Autorité de regulation des jeux en ligne (ARJEL).
The numbers, released at a meeting of six online gambling regulators and published by Agence France Presse (AFP), showed GGR dropped to 135m for the six months ended 30 June. Turnover was down 14% year-on-year to 2.7bn and the number of active players was also down 7% to 906,000.
Online grows to 11% of Spanish gambling market
Strong growth in online gambling saw 4.2bn wagered on dot.es sites in 2012 comprising 11% of the total Spanish gambling market spend, according to the annual report from Spanish egaming regulator Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ).
The egaming sector’s market share of amounts wagered rose from 6% in 2011 to 11% in 2012 with the regulator’s annual report noting “significantly higher per capita demand” for online gaming than any land-based product.
Seven days in regulation:
Belgium adds four more to blacklist
Egaming domains held by Betsson and Amaya Gaming are among the latest to be added to Belgium’s blacklist of unlicensed sites.
Betsafe and Intercasino were also among the 28 domains blacklisted in Bulgaria last month, and the two are joined on the Belgian list by the dot.com domains 1Bet2Bet and Casino-Belgie.
State officials in Delaware published a first draft of the state’s online gambling regulations, with public comment permitted until July 31.
Delaware’s internet betting industry will be run by the Delaware State Lottery unlike in New Jersey and Nevada, where the market is maintained by state gambling regulators. The Delaware Lottery will have the authority to offer casino games, online poker and other online gambling products.