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Industry News - March 2008
Norway Acknowledges Legal Hurdles Facing Payment Ban
28/03/2008: Norway’s plans to introduce a US-style ban on payments processing for internet gambling transactions will end up in the courts, should it go ahead, one of its senior legal advisors has predicted. The proposed ban, which widens the Norwegian definition of the offence of ‘mediating’ bets, has already attracted widespread concern.
New Estonian Gambling Law Set For 2009 - A Legal Analysis
20/03/2008: New legislation due to come into force in January 2009 means that Estonia is on the verge of completing a much anticipated modernisation of its gambling regulatory regime. The new law, notified to the European Commission last week, radically increases the capital and machine capacity requirements of existing operators, whilst remote gambling is also to be regulated for the first time. This exclusive analysis summarises the key provisions of the draft law, and provides a sneak preview of what Estonia’s new gambling regime will look like.
Roman Court Rejects Blacklist Damages Claim
17/03/2008: Rome’s administrative court has played a central role in questioning the validity of Italy’s blacklisting policy against foreign betting companies, but last week refused to hear a case relating to losses sustained by betting operators who claim to have been harmed by ISP blocking. The controversial court decision instead turned up the heat on the claimants, calling their legal status into question.
Greece’s OPAP Shrugs Off Regulatory Pressures
14/03/2008: As Greece’s partly state-owned monopoly betting operator OPAP continues to be scrutinised by the EU Internal Markets directorate, its president and CEO has reassured investors with a business-as-usual strategy and several new relationship building initiatives.
UK Licence Fees Rise Under New DCMS Proposals
14/03/2008: The Gambling Commission and Department of Culture, Media and Sport have produced their promised consultation document on the review and adjustment of licensing fees for UK gambling businesses. Operators aggrieved at the current system are expected to carefully study these latest proposals - which broadly maintain the existing charging structure but introduce a shake-up of casino licence fees - and should take advantage of the opportunity to have their say.
Sweden To Hold Fire On Betting Ad Prosecutions
13/03/2008: Under fire from the EU over its gaming laws, Sweden’s prosecutors have now been advised to halt their attempts to prosecute media organisations that accept advertising from foreign bookmakers. The delay, ordered until the EU completes its infringement processes, means that many of the ongoing cases will expire before they can be tried.
EU To Probe US Online Gambling Laws
11/03/2008: The European Commission said yesterday that it would escalate its investigation into US rules that prevent European companies from offering Internet gambling services in the United States. The decision, taken at EU College of Commissioner level, was prompted by a complaint lodged by the Remote Gambling Association (RGA) in December.
Charity Lotteries Seek EU Backing In Anticipation Of Open Market Future
07/03/2008: The Association of Charity Lotteries in the European Union (ACLEU), officially launched in Brussels this week, has called upon European politicians to protect the model of charity lotteries. The call is made amidst current political and legal debate surrounding the future of gambling within the EU, and the ACLEU concedes this is likely to see an opening up of many markets to foreign private operators.
