German Sports Betting Association Calls for Revision of Draft State Gambling Treaty
The German Sports Betting Association (Deutscher Sportwettenverband – DSWV) has urged the federal states to revise the draft State Treaty on Gaming Regulation (GlüNeuRStV).
Under the proposed regulations, the licensed market may not be sufficiently attractive to be able to successfully compete with black market offerings, DSWV President Mathias Dahms said:
“While the GlüNeuRStV is a first step towards modern, market-compliant gaming regulation in Germany, political compromises have introduced structural, undesirable elements in the GlüNeuRStV, which will challenge the success of future gaming regulations.”
In particular, the DSWV deems the proposed restrictions on live betting too restrictive as to offer an attractive alternative to unlicensed operators.
The DSWV furthermore called for transitional regulation of the online casino market to effectively ensure channelization when the regulated casino market goes live. “It would make sense to seamlessly transfer the existing offers into the new regulatory system,” Dahms said.
In related news, the DSWV also revealed that German consumers spent approximately €9.3bn on sports betting in 2019, up 21% on the previous year.
Spanish Government Announces Gambling Advertising Restrictions
Spain’s online gambling operators will only be allowed to advertise on radio or TV in a four-hour window starting at 1am under new regulations proposed by the government.
Internet ads will also face restrictions, but specifics will not be revealed until the government releases a draft of its long-awaited Royal Decree on gambling advertising.
Spanish Minister of Consumer Affairs, Alberto Garzón revealed these proposals last week in a closed-door meeting with representatives of the Spanish gaming industry.
Additionally, the government is still mulling how to address land-based gambling promotions, as well as sponsorships of sports teams.
Spain’s online gambling industry association Jdigital welcomed the willingness of the Spanish government to enter into a dialogue with the industry, but also pointed out the ineffectiveness of Italy’s gambling ad ban in reducing the number of active players.
Upcoming Events
The following events may be of interest to members of the GiH community.
GamblingCompliance Global Regulatory Awards 2020, which celebrate excellence in compliance and responsible gambling initiatives, will be awarded on 22 April, 2020 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in Central London.
The World Gaming Executive Summit will return to Barcelona from 30 June – 2 July, 2020. Key themes on the agenda include AI, the future of land-based gaming, CSR, sustainable marketing, regulation updates, fantasy sports, and emerging marketing opportunities.
Decision Makers Attend GiH Lunch @ICE 2020
The Gaming in Holland lunch at ICE 2020 was a great success with all (future) Dutch gaming industry decision makers attending.
While we await further developments in the run-up to the Remote Gaming Act coming into force, the GiH Lunch offered an excellent opportunity to take stock of the current state of play.
Specifically, the General Administrative Order (AMvB) that is to accompany the Remote Act, which translates primary legislation into specific regulations, is expected to be published any day now. As we announced earlier, progress is also being made on the national self-exclusion register.
While these developments are taking place, the Gaming in Holland lunch offered a very welcome occasion for all stakeholders, including the regulator, operators, and legal professionals, to exchange views and strengthen relationships.
Other News
GVC Holdings Director of Regulatory Affairs, Martin Lycka, retraces the bumpy road to Dutch gambling modernization.
Local authorities in the municipality of Arnhem raided several illegal gambling establishments.
Genius Sports CEO Mark Locke has criticized gambling suppliers’ use of models at ICE, claiming that the treatment of women during ICE week is “frankly abhorrent.”
Rising prices are hurting Malta’s iGaming industry.
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has confirmed it is investigating the scheduled merger of Flutter Entertainment and Stars Group.
Patrik Hofbauer, CEO of Svenska Spel, has blasted new regulatory standards aimed at preventing match-fixing as a “patchwork with very large holes in it.”
Danish regulator Spillemyndigheden has revealed that its problem gambling helpline received 722 calls during its first full year of operation, more than initially expected.
Shareholders in GVC Holdings have voted overwhelmingly to allow the company to depart the Isle of Man and return to the UK, the operator has confirmed.
Gaming equipment manufacturer Novomatic is expected to post strong results for 2019.
Bulgaria’s parliament has approved legislation banning private lotteries while the country’s gambling regulator has issued a warning regarding its licensees’ tax obligations.
Consumers in the US placed legal sports bets totaling $13bn in 2019, almost double the $6.6bn that was wagered in the previous year, according to data released by the American Gaming Association (AGA).
Kindred and Caesars Entertainment have signed an agreement for market access to several US states.
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