Regulation round-up 19 December 2017
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (13 December to 19 December 2017)
Spanish government gives green light for new licensing window
Companies are able to apply for both B2B and B2C licences as the DGOJ opens its latest licensing round
The Spanish ministry of finance has given the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) the green light to re-open the window for operators to apply for gambling licences.
A statement from the Spanish gambling authority said once the window opens, firms will be able to apply for both B2B and B2C licences.
Although no specific date for the window has been announced, the director general of the authority, Juan Espinosa Garcia previously told EGR: “As soon as the minister approves the proposals the window is officially open straightaway.
“The aim is also for Spain to be open for applications throughout the whole of 2018 more or less.”
Sweden gambling authority issues ‘final warning’ against gambling advertising
Sweden’s gaming authority (Lotteriinspektionen) has filed a warning against national newspaper Metro for continuing to publish adverts for unlicensed gambling operators.
Jackpotjoy, Multilotto.com and Global Gaming were among the operators featured in the publication.
Metro has been threatened with a SEK 250,000 (£22,300) fine if it continues to unlawfully promote foreign gambling brands.
Lotteriinspektionen launched a renewed crackdown on gambling adverts in October after the Swedish Supreme Court ruled against two advertising firms for promoting Unibet games.
More than 80% of children exposed to gambling adverts
More than 80% of 11-16 year olds have been exposed to gambling adverts on TV, with 39% having seen these adverts more than once per week, according to new figures from the UK Gambling Commission.
Around 70% of young people had also seen gambling adverts on social media, while 66% had seen gambling adverts on other sites online.
The figures prompted concern from the Gambling Commission and responsible gambling charities who urged operators to strengthen their protections and age verification protocols.
The figures also showed that 12% of 11-16 year olds had gambled with their own money in the last week, equivalent to around 370,000 children.
Tatts-Tabcorp merger clears final hurdles
The £6.5bn merger between Tatts Group and Tabcorp has cleared its final hurdles after the deal was officially approved by the Supreme Court of Victoria.
The announcement came just one day after Tatts shareholders voted overwhelmingly to approve the deal, and means the oft-threatened merger is finally set to complete on 22 December.
Tabcorp said the combination created a “world-class, diversified gambling entertainment group with a large national footprint and a diverse suite of product offerings across wagering, media, lotteries, Keno and gaming services”.
Chairman Paula Dwyer, in a letter to shareholders, said the integration of the two businesses is expected to take approximately two years, subject to regulatory approvals.