- France Redefines Gambling to Remove the Skill Issue.
Lead Features
France Redefines Gambling to Remove the Skill Issue
Amendment to France’s Code of Homeland Security eradicates skill from gambling definitions. The French Chamber of Deputies has adopted an amendment to the Code of Homeland Security which redefines gambling to eliminate arguments that skill is a factor.
Ireland Moves Ahead on Gaming Regulation & Taxes
Finance Minster submits new gambling amendment for cabinet approval. Online poker operators will require licenses and new taxes will be levied. Ireland’s Minster of Finance Michael Noonan has put forward the Betting (Amendment) Bill for Cabinet approval. The bill is likely to become law at the earliest by the end of this year.
Shared Liquidity Gets Another Nod in Euro Regulators Meet
Third biannual meeting concludes yet again that shared liquidity is on the cards, but no firm action set. Once again, regulators at the latest biannual meeting have reportedly discussed shared liquidity, but no firm course of action has been announced.
EU Regulation Hot Topic at World Gaming Executive Summit
200 industry delegates attend the GES in Barcelona. Day 1 focuses on regulation. After the rigors of Riga, the beaches of Barcelona have beckoned the heads of the gambling industry to the World Gaming Executive Summit (GES). It’s not just regulators—200 delegates industry-wide are meeting to discuss a variety of topical issues—but regulation is firmly at the top of the agenda.
Exclusive News Articles
Spanish University Reports Reduced Gambling Due to Financial Crisis
Spaniards take a “very rational and cold” attitude to gambling, according to study. The Universidad Carlos III of Madrid (UC3M) has produced its fourth report on gambling in Spain, “The Social Perception of Games of Chance in Spain 2013.”
Some Unexpected Domains in Bulgaria’s Latest Blacklist
Bulgarian State Gambling Commission adds 26 sites to its blacklist, including those targeting the Australian market. Bulgaria has added another 26 domain names to its blacklist, including many that seem unlikely candidates. Unibet and Bet365’s Australian facing .com.au sites are on the list, as well as many specific to nationally regulated markets.
Paddy Power to be First to Launch Real Money Sportsbook on Facebook
Paddy Power will be the first to market to launch a real money sportsbetting application on the Facebook social network, the group announced Wednesday.
Czech Republic Asks EU for Extension on Gambling Legislation
Prime Ministerial scandal leads caretaker government to ask the EU for permission to delay new gaming legislation until the end of 2014. The political uncertainty caused by the recent corruption scandals in the Czech Republic has delayed the implementation of new gambling legislation. The government has asked the EU for permission to delay the new laws until the end of 2014.
UK Light Touch Regulation Applies to Bitcoin Exchanges—For Now
HMRC has confirmed that Bitcoin exchanges do not need to register under anti money laundering rules, but the issue is under review. The UK tax authorities have confirmed that Bitcoin exchanges do not have to register with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) under money laundering regulations, but the situation is still being reviewed.
bwin.party Chooses GeoComply for US Geolocation Services
bwin.party digital entertainment has selected Nevada-based GeoComply to provide geolocation services for its US-facing operations, it was announced Monday.
DGOJ gets an Interesting New Assistant Director General for New Regulation
Juan Espinosa García has an impeccable academic and professional background for his new job. Spanish regulator DGOJ announced its new Director General last month, and now they have appointed an Assistant Director General (ADG) for New Regulation.
Ivey Poker on Facebook: Review and Analysis
The first social product from Ivey Poker has launched—how does it compare to the competition? After months of roster-building and titbits of news, Ivey Poker has finally launched its first product.
Belgium Expand Blacklist, But Legal Situation Remains Unclear
Four more sites, including Betsafe, added to Belgian blacklist. Betsafe has joined well known industry sites such as 888poker, Bet365, TitanPoker and Winamax.fr on the Belgian Gaming Commission latest blacklist.
William Hill Poker Opens in Declining Italian Market
New Italian poker room on iPoker’s network this week. Almost five years to the day after selling its Italian interests, William Hill is opening a new online poker room in Italy.
Regular Weekly Columns
Traffic Watch
A look at the week’s gainers and fallers as the WSOP Main Event plays out in Nevada.
Regulation in Review: Europe
Regulatory news this week has from the UK and Ireland, France, Spain, Belgium and the Czech Republic.
Checking Around
Each week, the exclusive PRO column summarizes the most important threads in online poker forums, so you can stay on top of what’s being discussed. Troll free, guaranteed.
