Regulation round-up 31 March 2015
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (25 March - 31 March 2015)
Judgement delayed in PoC tax case
Judicial review of UK Point of Consumption tax to extend into an as yet unscheduled fourth day as GBGA looks to overturn levy
The judicial review of the UK Point of Consumption (PoC) tax will extend into an as yet unallocated fourth day after both sets of counsel ran out of time to complete their arguments on what was originally scheduled to be the third and final day.
Following three days of argument and counter argument from claimant, the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association (GBGA), and defendant, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), both parties will now try and agree on a suitable date in the next few weeks on which to reconvene.
HMRC counsel Kieron Beal QC of Blackstone Chambers said he was willing to continue the debate via written submissions, however, the GBGA counsel Dinah Rose QC, also of Blackstone Chambers, successfully pushed for a fourth day with a preference to address Lord Justice Charles orally.
The GBGA used the three days in court last week to argue that the new tax regime, which came into force on 1 December, is “incompatible with requirements of EU law guaranteeing freedom to provide services”.
Spain pushes ahead with advertising changes
Online gaming operators in Spain are likely to face tougher advertising restrictions after a draft regulatory code, which includes limits on the hours gambling products can be advertised on television, was introduced by the La Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ).
The DGOJ said it was necessary to “properly develop advertising and responsible gaming regulations” ahead of the introduction of online slots products later this year, and to “channel gaming demand towards the regulated market”.
Gambling advertising in the country is currently self-regulated, and while the bill would maintain that model, it sets out a number of specific guidelines that online operators would have to adhere to.
Egaming blurs the lines between lotteries and betting, says Parliament
The growing popularity of online gambling is “removing the distinction” between betting and lottery products and needs to be urgently addressed, a UK parliamentary committee has warned.
According to a report published by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee last week, a series of new online products, which “look and feel like lotteries” but have no obligation to return money to good causes, has led to a “concerning” overlap between society lotteries and betting.
The report follows a 12-week consultation period in which both Camelot and the DCMS Committee raised concerns over a rise in betting opportunities based on international lottery draws.
UK government appoints new gambling commissioners
Great Britain’s Gambling Commission will add three new Commissioners to its board on 1 May, the Secretary of State for the Department of Culture Media and Sport announced last week.
Culture Secretary Sajid Javid MP has appointed Alison Hastings and Trevor Pearce CBE for a period of four years and Jonathan Scott for a duration of five years.
The new names will increase the number of Gambling Commission board members to 11 taking into account the planned departures of Robert Foster and Rachel Lampard in the next few months.
888 confirms Denmark licence application
888 has re-applied for a Danish operating licence and hopes to launch in the regulated market by the end of the year, COO Itai Frieberger has told eGaming Review.
The operator was awarded a Danish licence back in 2011, but decided to put its launch on hold and return its permit in order to prioritise the development of its US-facing business.
“We had to think which looked like it would be the bigger market, and we thought the US looked like a great opportunity,” Frieberger told eGR.
“But in hindsight we should probably have done it the other way round, although we are 100% committed to America,” he added.