Best of PRO This Week:

Key Takeaways

PartyPoker Ends “Protected Table” Skill Segregation System.
CRIM Report Accepted by EU Parliament.

Lead Features

PartyPoker Ends “Protected Table” Skill Segregation System

Policy reversal following player complaints and abuse of the system. PartyPoker’s new Head of Poker has ended the “Protected Table” policy introduced in February this year.

CRIM Report Accepted by EU Parliament

Bitcoin regulation, asset seizure without conviction and five year bans for gray market operators are included in CRIM’s report on anti-money laundering. EU Parliament has adopted a final text of the report by the Special Committee on Organised Crime, Corruption and Money Laundering (CRIM).

Exclusive News Articles

The Netherlands Gambling Regulator Announces Heightened Regulatory Surveillance of Holland Casino

More visits and staff interviews form part of a new monitoring regime for Holland Casino. The Dutch Gambling Authority (DGA), Kansspelautoriteit has said that it will take a more active role in monitoring the state monopoly Holland Casino.

bwin.party Shareholders to Divest for New Jersey iGaming

Couple agree to sell rather than file personal licensing applications. PartyGaming Founder Ruth Parasol DeLeon and partner James DeLeon have opted to divest their shares in bwin.party ahead of licensing in the state of New Jersey.

Slovenia Introduces New Gaming Act

The new law is expected to come into force early in 2014. Slovenia plans to introduce a new Gaming Act early next year. It has notified the European Union of its intentions, as required to do under EU law—the European Commission will now examine the law for compliance with EU treaties.

ISGA Launches Best Practice Principles for the Social Games Industry

The ISGA has also announced a research program to explore the role of social games in the digital economy. International Social Games Association (ISGA) has produced a set of best practice principles for the social games industry.

Indian Poker Site Adda52 Plans to Attract Foreign Players

Adda52 claims to have been the first site to offer online poker in India. Indian site Adda52 has made a major software overhaul in preparation for marketing itself to players outside its national borders.

Quarterly Net Losses Increase by 50% at Caesars Entertainment Corporation

The third quarter results from Caesars Entertainment Corporation have shown a weak financial position. Net losses attributable have increased from $505.5m to $761.4m.

Spanish Industry Group JDigital Take Issue with “No Gambling Day” Campaign

JDigital argues that the local governments promoting the day are being hypocritical, given their dependence on gambling revenues. A “No Gambling Day” that was held in Spain this week was met by objections from the Spanish Association of Digital Gaming (JDigital). It would prefer to see an “Addiction Free Day.”

Billionth Hand Promotion Boosts PokerStars.ES Traffic 20%

The first billion hand promotion at PokerStars Spain pays dividends, moving it ahead of sister site PokerStars.IT. The last week has seen PokerStars.ES increase its cash game traffic by over 20% in the run up to dealing its one billionth hand on the segregated Spanish site.

30% of Poker Will Soon be Mobile, Forecasts PartyPoker Head

Current mobile play at 4% lags industry competitors, but PartyPoker has the mobile offering to ride the market trend. In an interview with TrustedReviews while attending the bwin.party-sponsored WPT events in London, PartyPoker’s Head of Poker has forecast a massive increase in online poker played on mobile devices.

Isle of Man Rationalizes Gaming Taxes

A bureaucratic tax system which depends on the status of operators as bookmakers, pool operators or online gaming operators is being replaced with a single Gaming Duty. From January 1, 2014, the Isle of Man will rationalize its system of taxes on gambling. Effectively rates remain the same, but the administration will be streamlined.

Poker Revenues Shrink in Playtech’s Strong Q3

With a 21% decline, online poker now accounts for just 3.5% of the group’s total revenue. Playtech boasted strong revenue growth Tuesday, with Q3 revenue up 16%, despite further declines in online poker.

Geolocation Provider XYverify Receives New Jersey Approval

First verification service approval granted by the DGE. XYVerify Corp. announced Monday it has received approval from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) to provide geolocation verification services to online gambling providers in the state.

The UKGC Responds to RGA Concerns About Money Laundering and Social Responsibility Provisions

Clarification of the confusion whether actions mandated by social responsibility regulations conflict with anti-money laundering demands. The UK Gambling Commission has published a response to questions about “Money Laundering and Social Responsibility Provisions,” which were posed by Remote Gambling Association (RGA).

Albania Plans to Shut Down All Foreign Internet Gambling Sites

Too much money is leaving the country, according to the Albanian Prime Minister. The Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama has announced that new legislation will be proposed to close internet access to gambling websites.

Optimal Payments Receives Approval in New Jersey

Payment processor famous for the NETELLER brand to be part of regulated market in New Jersey. Payment provider Optimal Payments announced Monday that it has been deemed suitable to offer its services by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE).

The Swedish Gaming Industry Ethical Council Issues Advertising Rules Limiting Bonus Offers

New guidelines establish a Kr 200 cap on bonus offers. New advertising rules have been issued by the Swedish Gaming Industry Ethical Council (SPER) which limit bonus offers to a maximum of Kr200 ($31.66).

Saipan Hotels to be Allowed to Offer Electronic Gaming

The House of Representatives of the Northern Marianas has passed a bill to permit limited electronic gambling. The House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands has voted to allow electronic gaming in Saipan’s hotels with at least 100 rooms.