Betfair and Ladbrokes have failed to topple Dutch lottery and betting site De Lotto’s monopoly, following the decision published by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) this morning.
The court’s ruling stated that any online offering other than the incumbent monopoly can be restricted, even if operators are licensed in other EU countries, until egaming laws are harmonised across the EU.
The judges said: “The mere fact that an operator such as the Ladbrokes companies lawfully offer services in that sector via the internet in another member state is not a sufficient assurance that national consumers will be protected."
Betfair however declared following the ruling that it will be applying for a licence in the Netherlands “at the first opportunity”, after the court confirmed its long-stated view that sports betting licences in the EU should be allocated in a transparent and equal manner, allowing Dutch consumers to benefit from competitive bids for the Dutch market.
The decision upholds the December opinion of Advocate General Yves Bot, and is the latest round in Ladbrokes’ and Betfair’s long-running battle with the Dutch authorities since 2005, when they ruled the operators stop taking bets from Dutch citizens, citing concerns with monitoring fraud.
Betfair also said in its statement today that the court’s reiteration of points from previous cases that online betting is more dangerous than traditional offline forms had been “made without foundation”.
Betfair’s director of European public affairs, Tim Phillips said: “Until we get a clear lead from the Commission, gambling consumers will continue to be told that their preferred leisure activity is the only one in Europe which doesn’t benefit from an open market. ECJ rulings are not addressing the simple fact that consumer choice between regulated products is being dictated to in a manner which no other industry has to accept.”
Philips however welcomed the European Commission’s announcement of a Green Paper on online gambling, which he hoped would provide “an opportunity to address these key issues.”
Today’s ruling acts as a guidance for the Dutch courts, which will need to reach a final decision on the case. Their decision is expected towards the end of this year.
June 04, 2010
June 01, 2010
California introduces long-awaited internet poker bill
California has introduced its long-awaited bill authorising the creation of an intrastate online poker system.
Senator Rod Wright, leader of the Senate Committee with oversight for gambling, introduced the amended version of SB 1485 late on Friday. The bill proposes the state's Department of Justice award up to three five-year contracts to California-based operators to run online poker websites for state residents.
The bill has been designated as an urgency measure, meaning it would go into effect immediately upon legislative passage and signature by the Governor. A non-urgency measure would not go into effect until 1 January 2011.
This urgency status of the bill reflects California’s pressing need for tax revenues to plug its huge and growing budget deficit, set to reach to US$19bn by the end of the current financial year.
Florida and New Jersey are the other cash-hungry US states currently considering intrastate egaming systems as authorised under the 2006 federal Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA).
The state and federal holiday on Monday means SB 1485 will appear before California legislators on Tuesday 1 June 2010, the day final UIGEA regulations compelling banks, credit card companies and other financial institutions to “prevent payments to businesses in connection with unlawful Internet gambling” come into force.
Wright’s bill differs significantly in its proposals to those in the bill for which California gaming tribe the Morongo sought a sponsor last year. This aimed to establish a single California poker site run by a consortium of tribes and card rooms, and stalled amid accusations from other tribes that the Morongo was looking to dominate online poker alongside the card clubs.
Senator Rod Wright, leader of the Senate Committee with oversight for gambling, introduced the amended version of SB 1485 late on Friday. The bill proposes the state's Department of Justice award up to three five-year contracts to California-based operators to run online poker websites for state residents.
The bill has been designated as an urgency measure, meaning it would go into effect immediately upon legislative passage and signature by the Governor. A non-urgency measure would not go into effect until 1 January 2011.
This urgency status of the bill reflects California’s pressing need for tax revenues to plug its huge and growing budget deficit, set to reach to US$19bn by the end of the current financial year.
Florida and New Jersey are the other cash-hungry US states currently considering intrastate egaming systems as authorised under the 2006 federal Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA).
The state and federal holiday on Monday means SB 1485 will appear before California legislators on Tuesday 1 June 2010, the day final UIGEA regulations compelling banks, credit card companies and other financial institutions to “prevent payments to businesses in connection with unlawful Internet gambling” come into force.
Wright’s bill differs significantly in its proposals to those in the bill for which California gaming tribe the Morongo sought a sponsor last year. This aimed to establish a single California poker site run by a consortium of tribes and card rooms, and stalled amid accusations from other tribes that the Morongo was looking to dominate online poker alongside the card clubs.
May 31, 2010
Online gambling in Denmark opening to foreign operators nears
As a result of European Commission pressure on Denmark to loosen up the monopolistic ways of state-held gaming provider Danska Spil, new Danish gambling laws go into effect on July 1. And some players are worried they won’t get any money they win before then.
On the positive side, Denmark’s licensing systems for foreign operators of online gambling websites does not include prohibitively expensive taxation regulations that often prove unappealing to foreign business interests, as is the case in recently introduced French gambling laws.
On the negative side, a loophole has been provided in the law to give Danska Spil a head start on establishing online poker in Denmark. Though the law goes into effect on July 1, licenses to foreign-based operators will not be issued until January 1, 2011, meaning that for six months Danska Spil poker will be the only legal game in town.
The amount of Internet betting in Denmark is estimated at about €8.3 million annually, with a large percentage of this currently going to non-Danish website operators.
Denmark’s gaming magazine “Ace” recently claimed that government interests will be using ISP blocking once the new law goes into effect to prevent any potential players from going to an online casino without a Danish license.
Even more frightening for current Danish players is a rumor that the government will be making withdrawals from non-licensed sites after July 1 – even on winnings earned before the new law goes into effect. Players have been warned to keep a minimum in their accounts in essentially all non-Danska Spil casinos.
(source)
On the positive side, Denmark’s licensing systems for foreign operators of online gambling websites does not include prohibitively expensive taxation regulations that often prove unappealing to foreign business interests, as is the case in recently introduced French gambling laws.
On the negative side, a loophole has been provided in the law to give Danska Spil a head start on establishing online poker in Denmark. Though the law goes into effect on July 1, licenses to foreign-based operators will not be issued until January 1, 2011, meaning that for six months Danska Spil poker will be the only legal game in town.
The amount of Internet betting in Denmark is estimated at about €8.3 million annually, with a large percentage of this currently going to non-Danish website operators.
Denmark’s gaming magazine “Ace” recently claimed that government interests will be using ISP blocking once the new law goes into effect to prevent any potential players from going to an online casino without a Danish license.
Even more frightening for current Danish players is a rumor that the government will be making withdrawals from non-licensed sites after July 1 – even on winnings earned before the new law goes into effect. Players have been warned to keep a minimum in their accounts in essentially all non-Danska Spil casinos.
(source)
May 20, 2010
Finland's new monopoly signs up Playtech for casino and poker
Playtech has won a supply deal with Finland’s new online casino and poker monopoly, Rahaautomaattiyhdistys (RAY).
RAY, Finland's Slot Machine Association, was in February cleared by parliament to launch online casino and poker, with Finnish state lottery Veikkaus Oy simultaneously approved to offer online bingo.
Under the terms of the four year contract, which was awarded after a tender process, RAY will launch online casino and poker using Playtech's technology platform, with poker played on an exclusive Finnish network. The online offering, planned to launch in the third quarter of this year, will also include a mobile capability.
Playtech chief executive Mor Weizer said: "By establishing a domestic online offering, RAY will be furthering its philosophy of responsible and trustworthy gaming. The unique player management tools we can provide will ensure a secure and safe operating environment in line with RAY's core values."
Finland’s monopolies have widespread support in that country, where they are often seen as more accountable than private operators, and with profit directed into state coffers rather than private hands.
Speaking at a public conference on Finland’s new gaming laws in Helsinki in February, RAY spokeswoman Tuula Lehto said that the purpose of the company’s new online business is to provide a "national, reliable and responsible alternative for Finnish players".
Founded in 1938, RAY currently has circa 19,000 slot machines in roughly 8,400 locations across Finland, together with 300 club-based casino games, and also operates Finland's only casino, the Grand Casino Helsinki. Its 2009 revenue totalled €651m.
As well as RAY and Veikkaus Oy, Finland’s other gambling monopoly is Fintoto, which offers racing betting, while Finland’s semi-autonomous Åland islands also have a gambling monopoly, Ålands Penningautomatförening, or Paf, which launched an online sports betting arm with Unibet in February.
RAY, Finland's Slot Machine Association, was in February cleared by parliament to launch online casino and poker, with Finnish state lottery Veikkaus Oy simultaneously approved to offer online bingo.
Under the terms of the four year contract, which was awarded after a tender process, RAY will launch online casino and poker using Playtech's technology platform, with poker played on an exclusive Finnish network. The online offering, planned to launch in the third quarter of this year, will also include a mobile capability.
Playtech chief executive Mor Weizer said: "By establishing a domestic online offering, RAY will be furthering its philosophy of responsible and trustworthy gaming. The unique player management tools we can provide will ensure a secure and safe operating environment in line with RAY's core values."
Finland’s monopolies have widespread support in that country, where they are often seen as more accountable than private operators, and with profit directed into state coffers rather than private hands.
Speaking at a public conference on Finland’s new gaming laws in Helsinki in February, RAY spokeswoman Tuula Lehto said that the purpose of the company’s new online business is to provide a "national, reliable and responsible alternative for Finnish players".
Founded in 1938, RAY currently has circa 19,000 slot machines in roughly 8,400 locations across Finland, together with 300 club-based casino games, and also operates Finland's only casino, the Grand Casino Helsinki. Its 2009 revenue totalled €651m.
As well as RAY and Veikkaus Oy, Finland’s other gambling monopoly is Fintoto, which offers racing betting, while Finland’s semi-autonomous Åland islands also have a gambling monopoly, Ålands Penningautomatförening, or Paf, which launched an online sports betting arm with Unibet in February.
Debrecen probed over match-fixing
Hungarian football club Debrecen is being investigated over allegations of match-fixing during a Champions League game against Fiorentina in October, the club's sports director said Thursday.
"UEFA officials questioned eight Debrecen players two days before our Hungarian league game against Ujpest (on May 15)," sports director Csaba Bartha told AFP.
"The officials were mostly interested in the match Debrecen-Fiorentina," he added, noting however that the European football federation was also probing "hundreds of matches" elsewhere.
"The inquiry surprised us because we played against much stronger teams in the Champions League who could have scored against us whenever they wished," Bartha added, hinting that the matches did not need to be fixed for Debrecen to lose.
"We are proud anyway that we were able to score three goals against Fiorentina in Budapest, and two goals in Florence in the second leg," he added.
Debrecen failed to win a single game in the group stages of the Champions League and was knocked out after facing Fiorentina, Lyon and Liverpool.
A UEFA spokesman confirmed to AFP earlier: "A team from UEFA was in Budapest last week to question players."
"These were informal talks to gather information," he added, without giving any further details.
"The inquiry is ongoing," he only said.
The spokesman would not say if the Debrecen probe was part of a wider investigation by German prosecutors into widespread match-fixing all over Europe.
Some 200 games in nine countries, including at least three Champions League matches were said to be under investigation as part of a Europe-wide betting scandal.
German television ARD meanwhile reported that an agent linked with several Debrecen players was also being investigated by UEFA.
"UEFA officials questioned eight Debrecen players two days before our Hungarian league game against Ujpest (on May 15)," sports director Csaba Bartha told AFP.
"The inquiry surprised us because we played against much stronger teams in the Champions League who could have scored against us whenever they wished," Bartha added, hinting that the matches did not need to be fixed for Debrecen to lose.
"We are proud anyway that we were able to score three goals against Fiorentina in Budapest, and two goals in Florence in the second leg," he added.
Debrecen failed to win a single game in the group stages of the Champions League and was knocked out after facing Fiorentina, Lyon and Liverpool.
A UEFA spokesman confirmed to AFP earlier: "A team from UEFA was in Budapest last week to question players."
"These were informal talks to gather information," he added, without giving any further details.
"The inquiry is ongoing," he only said.
The spokesman would not say if the Debrecen probe was part of a wider investigation by German prosecutors into widespread match-fixing all over Europe.
Some 200 games in nine countries, including at least three Champions League matches were said to be under investigation as part of a Europe-wide betting scandal.
German television ARD meanwhile reported that an agent linked with several Debrecen players was also being investigated by UEFA.
May 19, 2010
Paddy Power volcanic betting
Paddy Power today announced the launch of a new holiday protection product designed to safeguard holidaymakers against the threat of unscheduled airport closure due to volcanic ash.
This new initiative allows would-be holidaymakers to place a bet on a specified UK or Irish airport closing for at least a one hour period due to volcanic ash contamination on any given date between June 01 and August 31st.
The odds on offer vary by airport and by date, as an example a €1,000 holiday leaving London Heathrow on July 18th can be covered by placing a bet €50 at 20/1. Customers will each be allowed up to €2,000 of cover.
Paddy Power said “This new venture was brought about by considerable customer demand. In fact we have been quoting odds on airport closure to customers since Eyjafjallajökull blew its top back in April. It’s a very exciting new business opportunity and we’re hoping to expand our offering in the short term”
www.volcanobetting.com
This new initiative allows would-be holidaymakers to place a bet on a specified UK or Irish airport closing for at least a one hour period due to volcanic ash contamination on any given date between June 01 and August 31st.
The odds on offer vary by airport and by date, as an example a €1,000 holiday leaving London Heathrow on July 18th can be covered by placing a bet €50 at 20/1. Customers will each be allowed up to €2,000 of cover.
Paddy Power said “This new venture was brought about by considerable customer demand. In fact we have been quoting odds on airport closure to customers since Eyjafjallajökull blew its top back in April. It’s a very exciting new business opportunity and we’re hoping to expand our offering in the short term”
www.volcanobetting.com
May 14, 2010
France: Constitutional Council clears new egaming laws
France's Constitutional Council, the highest constitutional authority in the country, has declared that new laws regulating online gaming are constitutional, paving the way for a French egaming licence system.
The decision yesterday afternoon follows an appeal to the Council by the French Socialist Party in the wake of the law being voted in by the National Assembly on 6 April.
It dismisses all the complaints against the regulation presented by its opponents, which included that the law infringes the public’s right to health protection and that it contravenes the principle of equality in taxation, and will lead to the creation of the new Autorité de Régulation des Jeux en Ligne (ARJEL) egaming regulator.
Official decrees providing details of the regulation such as tax rates, which products will be authorised and how the regulation will function will be published by French budget minister François Baroin shortly.
The decision yesterday afternoon follows an appeal to the Council by the French Socialist Party in the wake of the law being voted in by the National Assembly on 6 April.
It dismisses all the complaints against the regulation presented by its opponents, which included that the law infringes the public’s right to health protection and that it contravenes the principle of equality in taxation, and will lead to the creation of the new Autorité de Régulation des Jeux en Ligne (ARJEL) egaming regulator.
Official decrees providing details of the regulation such as tax rates, which products will be authorised and how the regulation will function will be published by French budget minister François Baroin shortly.
May 10, 2010
Sportingbet extends Wolves Sponsor Deal
Wolverhampton Wanderers have received a major off-the-pitch boost with their main sponsor, Sportingbet.com, extending their current main sponsorship arrangement for a further two seasons, with a full season still remaining on the existing deal.
Sportingbet.com has signed a seven figure contract, which will see them remain as Wolves' main Club partner until at least the end of the 2012/13 season.
The partnership commenced in June 2009 and is the biggest sponsorship deal in the Club's 133 year history.
Sportingbet.com has an extensive portfolio of Wolves' rights. Their distinctive brand appears on Wolves' home and away shirts and on all technical training kit.
Sportingbet.com's football business has continued to grow since commencing their relationship with Wolves. In just one season, Sportingbet.com has been involved in a range of fan initiatives including the popular 'Wolves Accumulator' reality online game, which has seen thousands of fans participate for fun with no betting stake required.
Sportingbet.com has signed a seven figure contract, which will see them remain as Wolves' main Club partner until at least the end of the 2012/13 season.
The partnership commenced in June 2009 and is the biggest sponsorship deal in the Club's 133 year history.
Sportingbet.com has an extensive portfolio of Wolves' rights. Their distinctive brand appears on Wolves' home and away shirts and on all technical training kit.
Sportingbet.com's football business has continued to grow since commencing their relationship with Wolves. In just one season, Sportingbet.com has been involved in a range of fan initiatives including the popular 'Wolves Accumulator' reality online game, which has seen thousands of fans participate for fun with no betting stake required.
Betclic to confirm Olympique Marseille tie for next season
BetClic is to confirm its sponsorship for next season of French football champions Olympique Marseille at a press conference this Wednesday, ahead of the company being legally allowed to display its logo in France next month with the part liberalisation of that country’s egaming market.
The shirt sponsorship of Marseille had been parked for Mangas Gaming-owned BetClic since the Louis Dreyfus group, the holding company for current French champions Marseille, became a major investor in Mangas earlier this year.
The deal complements BetClic’s recent sponsorship of Italian Serie A giants Juventus and no less than 13 Portuguese teams. BetClic and another top-flight French team, Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) in March argued that there was “no legal basis” to UEFA’s decision that month not to allow Lyon to wear BetClic’s logo for its recent Champions League tie with Bwin-sponsored Real Madrid, played in Spain. The pair argued that the French law did not apply to matches held under European competition rules and outside of France.
Other recent significant football sponsorships signed by egaming companies include Tombola with Premier League football team Sunderland, replacing Irish bookmaker BoyleSports, and Sportingbet extending its deal with fellow Premier League team Wolves until 2013.
The press conference will be held by Mangas Gaming chief executive Nicolas Beraud and the chief executive of Olympique Marseille, Jean-Claude Dassier.
The deal complements BetClic’s recent sponsorship of Italian Serie A giants Juventus and no less than 13 Portuguese teams. BetClic and another top-flight French team, Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) in March argued that there was “no legal basis” to UEFA’s decision that month not to allow Lyon to wear BetClic’s logo for its recent Champions League tie with Bwin-sponsored Real Madrid, played in Spain. The pair argued that the French law did not apply to matches held under European competition rules and outside of France.
Other recent significant football sponsorships signed by egaming companies include Tombola with Premier League football team Sunderland, replacing Irish bookmaker BoyleSports, and Sportingbet extending its deal with fellow Premier League team Wolves until 2013.
The press conference will be held by Mangas Gaming chief executive Nicolas Beraud and the chief executive of Olympique Marseille, Jean-Claude Dassier.
May 08, 2010
Numericable partners with BetClic for live bets
French cable operator Numericable has announced a deal with online sport gambling website BetClic to offer subscribers the possibility of betting online and live while watching football and tennis matches or horse races on TV.
“When people are watching such an event, they will be able to make live bets with their remote control,” Numericable’s CEO Pierre Danon said at a press conference in Paris.
Numericable’s TV portal will be enriched with a Betclic space where all possible bets related to a sports event currently broadcast on Numericable will be listed, along with the available odds.
To Pierre Danon, this is “a world premiere” which will become effective before the end of 2010.
“When people are watching such an event, they will be able to make live bets with their remote control,” Numericable’s CEO Pierre Danon said at a press conference in Paris.
Numericable’s TV portal will be enriched with a Betclic space where all possible bets related to a sports event currently broadcast on Numericable will be listed, along with the available odds.
To Pierre Danon, this is “a world premiere” which will become effective before the end of 2010.
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