Regulation round-up 4 April 2017
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (29 March to 4 April 2017)
Swedish government report calls for abolition of monopoly
Long-awaited report says country could usher in a new multi-vertical licensing system within 18 months
The Swedish government was last week advised to abolish its monopoly online gambling system and open up the market to foreign operators under a new multi-vertical licensing regime.
The 1,340-page report into re-regulation, which was presented to civil minister Ardalan Shekarabi, urged the government to remove Svenska Spel’s exclusive position and adopt an 18% GGR tax.
The licensing process, which if adopted could begin as early as next year, would enable operators to apply for six separate licences across all gaming verticals, while a specific licence for software suppliers was also suggested.
Outgoing Swedish regulatory chief Hakan Hallstedt, who led the investigation, said that whilst the report set out a preferred regulatory framework, it was up to the government to set the specifications.
Bwin applies for Polish sports betting licence
Bwin has applied for a Polish online sports betting licence, the first major operator to state its intention to enter the highly-taxed market since the country amended its regulatory framework, EGR Intel has learned.
From 1 April, foreign operators are able to enter the licensed market without the need to have a physical presence in the country, as was the case before the European Commission deemed the requirement to be in breach of EU law.
And with the regulatory tweak turning the country from grey to white, the likes of bet365, William Hill, Betfair and EnergyBet, among others, have in recent days pulled their products from the country.
Seven days in regulation:
Australian federal gambling bill hit with delays
Australia’s new federal gambling bill could be delayed until July after it failed to pass the House of Representatives on Friday before the latest session of Parliament had concluded.
The next session of the Australian Parliament starts 9 May but the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016 is unlikely to be heard for weeks after that date due to Federal Budget discussions.
The legislation – which clarifies the ban on online poker and in-play betting – needs to be ratified for a second time by the lower House after an amended version was recently sent back to the chamber by the Senate.
UK government to miss Racing Levy implementation date
The UK’s new Racing Levy will miss its planned 1 April implementation date after the government failed to receive EU state aid approval in time.
Lord Ashton of Hyde made the announcement during a debate in the House of Lords last week, but said he still expected to receive approval from the European Commission “shortly”.
The news means that the Horserace Betting Levy Board must now go ahead with arrangements for the 56th levy scheme to be implemented on 1 April until state aid approval is received.
Regulation Down Under: What happens next?
Australia’s long-awaited Interactive Gambling Amendment (IGA) Bill 2016 seemed to have cleared a major hurdle last month after it was passed by the Senate, but the regulatory climate Down Under is really only just heating up.
Contrary to numerous press reports, the new legislation – which clarifies the ban on online poker and in-play betting – still has some way to go before it becomes law. And current circumstances suggest it is unlikely to happen anytime soon.
Meanwhile, discussions are underway at the very top of Australia’s Department of Treasury over the possibility of introducing a new nationwide point of consumption (PoC) tax.
Poll: Will a regulated Sweden be an attractive market for operators?
Sweden’s long-awaited report into re-regulation was finally released on Friday, urging the government to replace the country’s monopoly system with a multi-vertical licensing regime.
The news would have been music to the ears of many operators, particularly Kindred Group and Betsson, which hope the Swedish government is swift in implementing the recommendations.
Operators seeking to enter the market will face an 18% tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR) under the proposals of the 1,340-page report – much more favourable than the 29% rate set to be introduced in the Netherlands, for example.