Regulation round-up 6 September 2016
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (31 August to 6 September 2016)
Online gambling legislation advances in Brazil
New gambling bill approved by a special committee but still faces uncertain political climate
Brazil’s special gaming committee, set up last year to oversee gambling legislation, has approved a bill to regulate online gaming in the country.
The PL 442/1991 bill would specifically allow for online bingo and casino, supervised by a new regulatory body, as well as a host of land-based options like resort casinos and state-owned lotteries.
No specific tax on gaming has been created although there would be a 15% income tax on player profits when they cash out, and a 3.65% levy on GGR to go towards social contributions.
The bill must now be sent to both houses of the National Congress of Brazil to be read and debated, but the timeline for this is unclear given the political turmoil in the country.
It’s up to operators to beat fastest finger punters, says Gambling Commission
Great Britain’s Gambling Commission says it is acceptable for bettors to use tactics like courtsiding, high-speed internet connections, advanced computer software to gain an edge over operators on in-play bets.
The regulator has published its planned review of in-play betting following increased media coverage of âcourtsiding‘, a tactic whereby people at sporting events relay information to bettors, or place bets themselves, in an effort to beat traders to the punch and get favourable in-play odds.
The Commission concluded that in-play betting does not require further regulatory controls, and claimed operators could set their own time-delay standards for live betting and cash-out functionalities without the need for an industry standard.
Seven days in regulation:
Malta to introduce DFS-only licence
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has announced plans to introduce a specific DFS licence which will designate the activity a game of skill rather than gambling.
The regulator said the element of skill and knowledge involved in fantasy sports meant it should be differentiated from games of chance in terms of licensing and regulation.
A full regulatory framework is expected to be in place by the end of the year and could attract an influx of DFS operators to the Mediterranean island, according to DFS firm Oulala.
Ladbrokes reprimanded for “misleading” Euros ad
Ladbrokes has found itself in trouble with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for a second consecutive week after an online Euro 2016 promotion targeting new customers was ruled “misleading” and banned by the consumer watchdog.
The promotion, which appeared on Lads’ news microsite before England’s clash with Wales during Euro 2016, stated: “Get 6/1 for England to beat Wales OR Get 12/1 for Wales to beat England*. Maximum bet £10. One bet per new customer. Stake returned as a free bet if it’s a losing selection … *Click here for full Terms and Conditions”.
One complainant believed the claim to be “misleading” as the advert failed to state that part of the winnings would be paid in free bet tokens.
Opinion: Poland remains on a regulatory knife-edge
In July, the Polish Minister of Finance, Pawel Szalamacha, proposed changes to their national Gambling Act which would introduce a state monopoly for online and oï¬ine casino games and slot machines. The draft proposal, which has now been sent to the European Commission for review, included the continuation of a 12% turnover tax on sports betting and IP blocking for unlicensed operators in the region.
Polish-based operators such as STS.pl, Fortuna and Totolotek, currently make up 10% of the overall industry in the country, leaving the remaining 90% a grey market. The wellbeing of the punters should always remain the focus, and regulated markets oï¬er them a huge beneï¬t. Yet, this beneï¬t is only achieved if it is implemented in a free and competitive way.
In the UK, for example, you see a regulated market geared towards protecting bettors, their outlays and their experience within the betting space. It strives for safe betting, and heavily invests in responsible gambling at a regulatory level.