Regulation round-up 14 June 2016
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (8 June to 14 June 2016)
Bet365 fined ?1.4m for Australian advertising breach
Federal Court imposes hefty penalty after an “unintentional software” problem led to free bet T&Cs error
Bet365 was hit with a AU$2.75m (?1.4m) fine last week after an “unintentional software error” led to the firm running a free bet offer the Australian Federal Court deemed “misleading and deceptive”.
The ‘$200 FREE BETS FOR NEW CUSTOMERS’ offer ran on bet365.com.au between March 2013 and January 2014, and was found not to have sufficiently brought to the attention of customers the promotion’s terms and conditions.
The case was brought before the country’s federal court by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) after players found they were only able to receive the free bets after depositing and gambling $200 of their own money first.
Senet Group unveils Euro 2016 ad campaign
The Senet Group has kicked off a new nationwide advertising campaign ahead of this summer’s European Championships, the self-regulatory body announced this morning.
The new marketing push is designed to encourage responsible gambling throughout the month-long tournament and will feature a new TV advert based on its previously released ‘Bad Betty’ theme.
Adverts will also appear in national newspapers and across social media.
Seven days in regulation:
Playtech hires former Italian gaming regulator Rodano
Former Italian gaming regulator Francesco Rodano has joined Playtech as chief policy officer after leaving his position with the Italian government.
In his new role, Rodano will be responsible for advising the supplier giant on the gambling policies of different countries, finding new business opportunities, and developing relationships with key policy-makers and industry stakeholders.
Rodano will be based in Playtech’s London office and report directly to the group’s chief executive Mor Weizer.
Ladbrokes Aus to close Live Play in “show of good faith”
Ladbrokes Australia says it will pull its live betting product as a “show of good faith” after rivals licensed by a different regulating body were hit by a ban on click-to-call systems.
Last week, the Northern Territory Racing Commission sent a letter to a number of corporate bookmakers licensed in the state, requesting they cease offering online live wagering products within 28 days.
The decision, which was influenced by the federal government, will impact operators including William Hill, Unibet, Sportsbet and bet365, all of which have products designed to negate the ban on online live betting in the country.
Stoiximan enters Romanian market
Greek operator Stoiximan is launching into Romania under the brand Betano.com as the firm aims to become a leader in the recently regulated market.
The company, which operates in Greece and Cyprus under the Stoiximan brand, will offer a new online and mobile platform specifically designed to attract Romanian customers.
“We have a long-term investment plan in Romania and our aim is to place Betano as a leader and trustworthy brand on the local market,” Panos Konstantopoulos, Stoiximan chief marketing officer, said.