Regulatory Updates in iGaming and Land-Based Gambling Industry For October 2020

The final quarter of a very troubled year is upon us and gambling businesses everywhere are hoping for a more peaceful and prosperous 2021.

Before they sum up the figures for this Q4, the legislators everywhere have kept busy – less so in US, than, for example, in Europe.

US iGaming Regulatory Updates

Colorado – Online sports betting platform was launched by William Hill, while BetAmerica launched its sports book with Bronco Billy’s Casino in Cripple Creek.

Illinois – The regulatory body extended the deadline for remote sports betting registration until October 17th.

Kentucky – Kentucky’s Supreme Court has ruled that the historical wagering that some racetracks offer is illegal, while Governor said that legislature should make the needed legislative changes to make it legal.

Maryland – Larry Hogan, the Governor, has ed the initiative for legal sports betting, before putting this question to a state referendum in November.

Virginia – Virginia Lottery board has launched the sports betting license application process on 15th October. The sports betting market in this state could be launched on January 15th.

European iGaming Regulatory Updates

Finland – Temporary restrictions on customers’ monthly losses have been extended by the Government until January 1st. This reduced the maximum loss limit applied to interactive gaming m machines, table games, bingo and instant win lottery games from EUR 2000 to EUR 500.

– The Regional Council of Darmstadt announced it had awarded 15 sportsbetting licenses to operators such as GVC, Bet365 and Tipico. The regulator was considering 43 other license applications from operators wishing to target the market.

Denmark – The Sikkert Spil ID card scheme was launched by Danske Spil. This will require all customers to present their card before the operator allows them to gamble, starting October 31st.

Greece – The Hellenic Gaming Commission launched the application process for the new interactive betting and gaming licenses. The licenses will be granted for a term of 7 (seven) years and cost €3m for betting operators and €2m for gaming operators.

The Netherlands – Kanspelautoriteit has launched new consultations for proposed regulations to reduce impulsive gambling. This will include ban on time-limited bonuses and will require operators to have independent risk assessments of every game on offer.

Norway – The regulatory body has proposed the obligatory registration in all forms of gambling. This has been submitted to the consultation launched by the Ministry of Culture.

Ukraine – The Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries was established as the licensing body for the industry as was required by the State Regulation of Gambling Activities Act.

UK – UKGC introduced new guidance relating to the use of VIP schemes. From 31 October 2020 operators will be required to meet stricter requirements before making any customer a VIP including affordability, vulnerability and identity checks.

Rest of the World

Brazil – IGT and Scientific Games t venture, Consórcio Estrela Instantânea, withdrew from the contract the operation of LOTEX instant lottery games in the country.

India – The Gujarat High Court advised the state government to consider the status of interactive gambling in the state after it heard a case in relation to the legality of online rummy. The Court ruled that the current gambling legislation (Gujarat Prevention of Gambling Act 1887) was insufficient as it does not deal with online gambling in any way.

Russia – Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a bill requiring casinos to collect detailed information on patrons to allow tax authorities to more accurately calculate tax on winnings. It is not clear whether this will be applied to foreign nationals.

Source:

“H2 Gambling Capital”