Regulation round-up 26 July 2016
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (20 July to 26 July 2016)
Polish government says no to liberalised market
New Poland Gambling Act to include a state monopoly for online casino and IP and payments blocking
The Polish government has ruled out the introduction of a liberalised online gambling framework, instead passing measures to clamp down on unlicensed operators and introduce an online casino monopoly.
The draft bill of amendments to the country’s Gambling Act, which has now been sent to the European Commission for review, will see the introduction of IP and payments blocking and keeps in place the 12% turnover tax on sports betting.
The monopoly for online casino will be operated by Totalizator Sportowy (Polish State Lottery), which last week saw its Lotto product become the title sponsor of Poland’s top-tier football league, Ekstraklasa.
The amendments come despite repeated calls from vice-Prime Minister Jaros??aw Gowin to change the turnover-based levy in favour of a 20% tax on revenues and adopt an online framework similar to that seen in Denmark.
Gambling Commission to examine eSports betting
Great Britain’s Gambling Commission will put eSports betting under the microscope over the coming months as the regulator looks to understand whether the product poses a risk to young people.
Writing in the regulator’s annual report, recently appointed CEO Sarah Harrison said she would place a special focus on “emerging products and digital currencies”, including eSports, going forward.
“The growing market in eSports and computer gaming has scope to present issues for regulation and player protection,” Harrison said.
Seven days in regulation:
Skins betting crackdown to benefit regulated eSports operators
A crackdown on the illegal ‘skins’ betting industry – where people wager virtual items on eSports events – could provide a major boost for regulated eSports betting operators, according to industry experts.
Valve – the developer of distribution platform Steam- said its software was not intended to be used for gambling and sent cease-and-desist letters to 23 of the largest skin gambling sites.
The termination of these sites, which combine to make up a $4bn industry, could provide a major boost to the regulated eSports betting industry which is currently about one sixth of that size.
Poll results: UK liquidity pool will boost New Jersey poker market
Plans to pool poker liquidity between New Jersey and the UK would have the desired positive effect on the scuffling US market, according to a majority of respondents to last week’s poll.
Regulators in the two jurisdictions are said to be progressing towards a deal, with companies active in both countries, like 888 and PokerStars, asked to submit their thoughts on the issue by 1 August.
PokerStars is said to be the most supportive operator, perhaps given its vast UK player base, while rivals are said to be less positive given the competitive edge it could hand PokerStars.
Delaware online revenues continue to surge
Delaware’s three online gaming operators posted a net win of almost $305,000 in June, an 8% month-on-month increase.
The figure marks a new record for the state breaking a mark which was set in April and then again in May.
The surge came entirely from table games, with revenue growing from $54,000 to $83,000, while video lotteries and poker both saw revenues dip slightly.