Regulation round-up 28 March 2017
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (22 March to 28 March 2017)
Bet365 and William Hill withdraw from Poland
Two operators announce departure from market ahead of next month’s new regulatory framework
Bet365 and William Hill have announced they will withdraw from Poland in the coming days as the country prepares to implement more stringent online gambling laws, EGR Intel has learned.
The operators informed affiliates last week they will stop accepting business from Polish customers by the end of the month and that players would need to withdraw funds from their accounts.
Affiliates were also warned to remove all marketing material related to the two operators, including banners and text links.
On 1 April a new version of the Polish online gambling framework goes live, which will eventually include ISP blocking measures.
Australia closes in-play wagering and online gaming loopholes
The Australian Senate has voted to close down remaining loopholes on in-play betting and online poker after approving a series of amendments to the country’s existing gambling legislation.
The upper house voted in favour of passing the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016, which included an amendment to clamp down on products designed to negate the country’s ban on online in-play.
Australian betting operators were already prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 from accepting online bets on live sports events, limited to accepting in-play wagers placed in person or over the phone.
Seven days in regulation:
Gibraltar minister downplays Brexit fears as 888 reveals plan B
Gibraltar’s gaming minister has told EGR Intel he doesn’t expect any operators to leave the peninsula due to Brexit, despite 888 yesterday revealing it was considering Malta as an alternative base for its business.
In its full-year results, the operator expressed concern over the impact Brexit could have on its future ability to rely on EU freedom of services and its eligibility for certain EU regulatory licences.
888 added that Malta was being considered “as an alternative dot com licensing jurisdiction” as a result of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, a two-year process which is to be triggered on Wednesday (29 March).
Australian government eyes nationwide point of consumption tax
The Australian government is considering the introduction of a nationwide point of consumption tax for online gambling operators, Treasurer Scott Morrison has revealed.
The Liberal Party politician told Australian news outlets that both state and territory treasurers had agreed in a meeting Friday that they would soon discuss proposals for a uniform tax regime.
Federal Treasurer Morrison said the introduction of a harmonised tax regime could lead to both an increase in tax revenue and greater harm minimisation.
Paddy Power Betfair picks up Cypriot licence
Paddy Power Betfair has received a full Cypriot sportsbook licence, enabling the firm to continue operating its Betfair.com.cy site.
The Cypriot gaming regulator, National Betting Authority (NBA), said last week it had issued full licences to Paddy Power Betfair and Meridian Gaming, taking the number of approved sports betting operators to five.
Betfair had previously been operating under a transitional permit but secured the two-year licence for an upfront fee of €45,000.
New Zealand targets offshore operators with new racing tax
Offshore operators taking bets on New Zealand racing could soon be subject to a new point of consumption levy and royalty fee under government plans announced last week.
New Zealand’s Racing Minister Nathan Guy unveiled plans to amend the country’s Racing Act 2003 in an effort to protect the TAB from increased competition from offshore bookmakers.
The proposed legislative changes include introducing a charge for offshore gambling operators using New Zealand race data and a consumption charge for oversees operators accepting bets.