Regulation round-up 13 May 2014
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (7 May to 13 May 2014)
GTECH wins 125m Belgian Lottery contract
Parties agree on 10-year deal which includes online gaming system and terminals
GTECH is in line for around 125m in new revenue after securing a 10-year contract to supply the National Lottery of Belgium (NLB) with an online gaming system, terminals and related services.
The deal, which is expected to commence in the coming weeks, was dubbed “significant” by GTECH’s international president and CEO Walter Bugno.
GTECH first joined forces with the NLB back in 1993 when it deployed its inaugural gaming system, however contract will see its relationship expand and update its technology integration.
The supplier will provide its Enterprise Series (ES) central system solution and replace the NLB’s existing terminal base as well as deploy mobile and handheld terminals as well as self-service ticket checkers.
Poll: Should the egaming sector advertise more responsibly?
The UK government’s investigation into the volume and frequency of online gambling-related adverts may not result in a damaging crackdown, however it serves as a timely reminder of the industry’s precarious position.
Earlier this month the UK’s advertising authorities began an in-depth review into the country’s gambling sector, a move in part driven by an increase in complaints received by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
It comes at a time when operators all over Europe are investing more than ever in their TV marketing, with Ladbrokes launching a high profile campaign earlier this month and even smaller online bookies such as Betfred.com investing £10m over the course of the past football season.
Pokerstars wins fast-fold US patent
Pokerstars finally succeeded in its attempt to gain a US patent for its fast-fold poker variant Zoom Poker late last week, bringing to an end a process dating back more than five-years.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) agreed to award Pokerstars a patent for the fast-fold game after the poker giant once again resubmitted its applications earlier this year.
The award follows a number of unsuccessful applications with the original patent submission dating back as far as December 2008, prior to Pokerstars 2012 acquisition of Full Tilt.
Seven days in regulation:
Second internet poker bill introduced in New York
A second bill proposing the legalization of internet poker in New York has been submitted to the state Assembly by Republican James Gary Pretlow.
The legislation “ AB 9509 “ is the companion bill to SB 6913, which was introduced to the Committee on Racing Wagering and Gaming by Senator John Bonacic back in March.
Under both bills the state regulator would be permitted to grant a maximum of ten internet poker licenses lasting up to ten years each, with operators paying a one-time license fee of US$10m.
Libertarian group says federal egaming ban “will not work”
The Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) has issued a report into plans to restore the Wire Act saying a federal ban on internet gaming is “futile” and that “prohibitions do not work”. [private]
The report was written in response to attempts by South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham and Utah Republican Jason Chaffetz to restore the Wire Act and ban internet gaming across the US.
The pair submitted a bill to Congress in March and have received support and opposition in equal measure, with the likes of the Poker Players Alliance and New Jersey Senator Ray Lesniak entering the debate.
Egaming would be a positive force in Pennsylvania, says official study
Pennsylvania appears to have taken a positive step towards online gambling regulation after a study into the feasibility of legalizing internet gaming in the state found it would have a positive impact on its overall gaming industry. [private]
The study, presented to the state’s Legislative and Budget Finance Committee today, also estimated the potential annual market value from internet gambling at US$178m for casino games and $129m for poker, giving a total value of $307m.
The study said its estimates were based on Pennsylvania having a cleaner launch than neighboring New Jersey, which has been plagued by issues with payment processing and geolocation. It said a more conservative year one estimate would be 60% of the forecast level.