For Saturdays semi-final, William Hill was offering the miserly odds of 4/5 on Wales winning and 11/10 on France.
Ladbrokes were yesterday offering 11/8 odds on a Wales versus New Zealand final and 9/2 on Wales versus Australia.
Ladbrokes Alex Donohue said: Were cheering on Australia in a big way for the tournament. New Zealand would be an acceptable result but a Wales win would leave us in despair.
Sky Bet was offering 4/6 odds for Wales and 6/5 for France to prevail on Saturday, a distinct shift from 24 hours earlier when France were at evens and Wales the narrow 5/6 favourites.
Bookmaker Stan James said the semi final lineups have led to a shake-up in Rugby World Cup betting with StanJames.com.
The big Rugby World Cup betting story so far is that New Zealand can be backed now at a bigger price than they were available pre-tournament, he said.
New Zealand were on offer at 1/2 with StanJames.com before the Rugby World Cup began, with New Zealand having looked the proverbial good thing, but despite them having reached the Rugby World Cup semi-finals the wheels have at times looked like they might be coming off their train.
New Zealand can now be backed at odds of 8/13 to win the Rugby World Cup.
He added: Wales have been a revelation in this Rugby World Cup, and are now 11/2 chances to win the Rugby World Cup outright having been a massive 80/1 at one stage during the summer.
Here at Stanjames.com we make Wales slight favourites to beat France (13/2 to win the Rugby World Cup) in their semi-final clash on Saturday.
October 11, 2011
October 10, 2011
CMC Markets upgrades trading platform
Spread betting firm CMC Markets has upgraded its new Next Gen trading platform, moving to a totally customised package allowing customers to create their perfect trading platform.
As part of the company's ongoing commitment to offer the best trading technology, CMC has been working with its customers to give them the developments they want. Customer feedback from CMC's Traders Club events and customer service department has allowed CMC to develop its platform offering in line with its customers' needs and requirement.
Customers can now trade on a fully customised screen allowing them to save enhanced charts, use technical pattern and candlestick highlighting functions and develop their own bespoke drawing tools and technical indicators.
In addition, the iPhone and iPad charting software has also received a significant upgrade with the introduction of more technical tools, drawing tools, and increased data points.
“A key part of our strategy has been to invest heavily in bringing our customers the best technology on the market,” said Peter Cruddas, founder of CMC Markets. “We recognise that our clients have individual needs and the developments to our Next Gen platform are giving our customers exactly what they've asked us for. The move to a totally customised package allows customers to create their perfect trading platform.”
As part of the company's ongoing commitment to offer the best trading technology, CMC has been working with its customers to give them the developments they want. Customer feedback from CMC's Traders Club events and customer service department has allowed CMC to develop its platform offering in line with its customers' needs and requirement.
Customers can now trade on a fully customised screen allowing them to save enhanced charts, use technical pattern and candlestick highlighting functions and develop their own bespoke drawing tools and technical indicators.
In addition, the iPhone and iPad charting software has also received a significant upgrade with the introduction of more technical tools, drawing tools, and increased data points.
“A key part of our strategy has been to invest heavily in bringing our customers the best technology on the market,” said Peter Cruddas, founder of CMC Markets. “We recognise that our clients have individual needs and the developments to our Next Gen platform are giving our customers exactly what they've asked us for. The move to a totally customised package allows customers to create their perfect trading platform.”
October 06, 2011
Full Tilt Poker equity stakes?
A rescue effort of Full Tilt Poker has been proposed by the family-owned French investment company. According to a source close to the issue, the alleged rescue plan could involve equity stakes to some of the troubled website’s thousands of customers.
According to the Wall Street Journal publication, Benham Dayanim, lawyer for the Groupe Bernard Tapie, said that “the Tapies may address Full Tilt’s liabilities by offering equity in a revived company to poker players owed the most money.” The WSJ report also implied that the Groupe Bernard Tapie is seeking investment from the current owners of Full Tilt. However, this move would mean they would be left with no management role in any new company.
After the whole fiasco of watching Full Tilt Poker fall apart, any kind of rescue efforts will not be smooth. There are plenty of hurdles that the Groupe Bernard Tapie must clear before any potential takeover can proceed. The biggest hurdle is notably an agreement from the US Department of Justice and a new operating licence after the Alderney Gambling Control Commission’s recent revocation.
The company said in a statement posted Thursday on the website pokerstrategy.com that the Alderney decision to revoke Full Tilt’s license “makes it more difficult to execute the sale of the company and hence repay its players” but that it “remains committed to repaying its players in full and continues in active negotiations.”
Full Tilt has player liabilities of over $300m.
The company has expressed their hope with bringing the situation out of the abyss, according to the source close to FTP.
According to the Wall Street Journal publication, Benham Dayanim, lawyer for the Groupe Bernard Tapie, said that “the Tapies may address Full Tilt’s liabilities by offering equity in a revived company to poker players owed the most money.” The WSJ report also implied that the Groupe Bernard Tapie is seeking investment from the current owners of Full Tilt. However, this move would mean they would be left with no management role in any new company.
After the whole fiasco of watching Full Tilt Poker fall apart, any kind of rescue efforts will not be smooth. There are plenty of hurdles that the Groupe Bernard Tapie must clear before any potential takeover can proceed. The biggest hurdle is notably an agreement from the US Department of Justice and a new operating licence after the Alderney Gambling Control Commission’s recent revocation.
The company said in a statement posted Thursday on the website pokerstrategy.com that the Alderney decision to revoke Full Tilt’s license “makes it more difficult to execute the sale of the company and hence repay its players” but that it “remains committed to repaying its players in full and continues in active negotiations.”
Full Tilt has player liabilities of over $300m.
The company has expressed their hope with bringing the situation out of the abyss, according to the source close to FTP.
Motherwell FC footballer arrested following betting probe
A footballer for Scottish Premier League side Motherwell FC has been arrested at his home by Merseyside Police following allegations of betting irregularities in a match last December.
Stewart Regan, chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, confirmed that the Scottish FA had received notification from the UK Gambling Commission that midfielder Steve Jennings had been arrested.
“This follows extensive enquiries in relation to alleged betting irregularities at a Scottish Premier League match between Motherwell and Hearts on December 14, 2010,” said Regan in a statement this morning. “While the investigation involves several other individuals out with Scotland, it is important to stress that the evidence gathered throughout this thorough period of investigation has involved only one Scottish match.
“Motherwell FC are aware of the situation and will issue a response in due course. The Scottish FA will make no further comment at this stage.”
During the match against Hearts at Fir Park, Jennings was sent off near the end of the game for dissent against the referee after his side were refused a penalty. Bookmaker Blue Square reported several large bets that day on a Motherwell player being sent off during the game.
Jennings is one of nine men arrested by Mersey Police across Merseyside and Glasgow in a joint operation with the Gambling Commission for conspiracy to defraud.
Meanwhile in Australia, National Rugby League player Ryan Tandy has been found guilty of match-fixing in relation to a match involving the North Queensland Cowboys and the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs last August.
The 30-year old former Canterbury player escaped a jail sentence but has been handed a AUD$4,000 fine and a 12 month good behaviour bond by magistrate Janet Wahlquist. He is like to be banned for life from the game however, after the NRL reaffirmed that it will impose life bans on any persons convicted of match-fixing.
The NRL said that there are a number of other legal matters still to be heard in connection with the investigation and that given the time of the season and the imminent nature of those hearings, the NRL will reserve imposing any penalties on any person found guilty of fixing any part of a match until such time as those matters are resolved.
“Clearly there remain some complex legal arguments to be heard and the rights of individuals through that process must be respected,” said NRL chief executive, David Gallop. “The outcome for anyone found guilty of interfering with a match for any improper purpose could not be more apparent.
“From the outset, the NRL has involved independent investigators and sought the assistance of the NSW Police in dealing with betting irregularities around the first scoring option in this match and we remain convinced that was and remains best course of action.
“We welcome the assistance of the authorities in treating these matters seriously and look forward to the conclusion of all proceedings. We also welcome Federal and State Governments’ recognition of the importance of giving sports the legislative support and regulatory assistance in dealing with sports betting issues. We look forward to seeing these policies finalised across all states.”
Stewart Regan, chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, confirmed that the Scottish FA had received notification from the UK Gambling Commission that midfielder Steve Jennings had been arrested.
“This follows extensive enquiries in relation to alleged betting irregularities at a Scottish Premier League match between Motherwell and Hearts on December 14, 2010,” said Regan in a statement this morning. “While the investigation involves several other individuals out with Scotland, it is important to stress that the evidence gathered throughout this thorough period of investigation has involved only one Scottish match.
“Motherwell FC are aware of the situation and will issue a response in due course. The Scottish FA will make no further comment at this stage.”
During the match against Hearts at Fir Park, Jennings was sent off near the end of the game for dissent against the referee after his side were refused a penalty. Bookmaker Blue Square reported several large bets that day on a Motherwell player being sent off during the game.
Jennings is one of nine men arrested by Mersey Police across Merseyside and Glasgow in a joint operation with the Gambling Commission for conspiracy to defraud.
Meanwhile in Australia, National Rugby League player Ryan Tandy has been found guilty of match-fixing in relation to a match involving the North Queensland Cowboys and the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs last August.
The 30-year old former Canterbury player escaped a jail sentence but has been handed a AUD$4,000 fine and a 12 month good behaviour bond by magistrate Janet Wahlquist. He is like to be banned for life from the game however, after the NRL reaffirmed that it will impose life bans on any persons convicted of match-fixing.
The NRL said that there are a number of other legal matters still to be heard in connection with the investigation and that given the time of the season and the imminent nature of those hearings, the NRL will reserve imposing any penalties on any person found guilty of fixing any part of a match until such time as those matters are resolved.
“Clearly there remain some complex legal arguments to be heard and the rights of individuals through that process must be respected,” said NRL chief executive, David Gallop. “The outcome for anyone found guilty of interfering with a match for any improper purpose could not be more apparent.
“From the outset, the NRL has involved independent investigators and sought the assistance of the NSW Police in dealing with betting irregularities around the first scoring option in this match and we remain convinced that was and remains best course of action.
“We welcome the assistance of the authorities in treating these matters seriously and look forward to the conclusion of all proceedings. We also welcome Federal and State Governments’ recognition of the importance of giving sports the legislative support and regulatory assistance in dealing with sports betting issues. We look forward to seeing these policies finalised across all states.”
Bodog creates new role to keep at forefront of industry
Online gaming and betting operator Bodog Europe has appointed Novomatic’s Harald Kaiblinger to the newly created role of research and development director.
Bodog said that Kaiblinger joins the company with the specific aim of unearthing the newest and best products, as well as platforms that can keep the business at the forefront of the industry.
Kaiblinger joins Bodog from gaming giant Novomatic, where he held a similar role.
“Bodog is a brand that never likes to sit still and this is what attracted me,” said Kaiblinger, following his appointment. “In igaming it is crucial to keep moving and to never rest on your laurels. There is always a new product or a new platform that can change the landscape of a business or even the whole industry and you need to move fast to capitalise on these opportunities. Bodog Europe has created this role so we can do just that.”
Patrik Selin, CEO of Bodog Europe, added: “Harald is a great addition to the team here in London and the role is one I believe to be vital in this industry where a new poker or mobile explosion can happen so quickly. We need to put ourselves at the front of those curves and Harald will help us in that pursuit.”
Bodog said that Kaiblinger joins the company with the specific aim of unearthing the newest and best products, as well as platforms that can keep the business at the forefront of the industry.
Kaiblinger joins Bodog from gaming giant Novomatic, where he held a similar role.
“Bodog is a brand that never likes to sit still and this is what attracted me,” said Kaiblinger, following his appointment. “In igaming it is crucial to keep moving and to never rest on your laurels. There is always a new product or a new platform that can change the landscape of a business or even the whole industry and you need to move fast to capitalise on these opportunities. Bodog Europe has created this role so we can do just that.”
Patrik Selin, CEO of Bodog Europe, added: “Harald is a great addition to the team here in London and the role is one I believe to be vital in this industry where a new poker or mobile explosion can happen so quickly. We need to put ourselves at the front of those curves and Harald will help us in that pursuit.”
October 05, 2011
Greek gambling laws breach EU state aid rules, says RGA
The Remote Gambling Association (RGA), whose members include most of the leading gaming operators, has lodged a complaint with the European Commission challenging the compatibility of the Greek government’s new gambling law with EU State aid requirements.
The complaint focuses on the favourable tax treatment afforded to the land-based services of OPAP, the part state-owned gambling operator, in relation to private online gambling operators.
The Greek Parliament adopted new gambling legislation in August of this year, which regulates remote gambling.
The RGA said that it welcomed the fact that the legislation provides for the licensing of online operators, however it believes that the legislation has been geared towards delivering an unfair economic advantage to the existing monopoly operator OPAP.
The complaint focuses on the favourable tax treatment afforded to the land-based services of OPAP, the part state-owned gambling operator, in relation to private online gambling operators.
The Greek Parliament adopted new gambling legislation in August of this year, which regulates remote gambling.
The RGA said that it welcomed the fact that the legislation provides for the licensing of online operators, however it believes that the legislation has been geared towards delivering an unfair economic advantage to the existing monopoly operator OPAP.
October 03, 2011
William Hill signs exclusive betting partnership with ESPN
Bookmaker William Hill has signed a multi-platform deal to become the exclusive sponsor of ESPN’s televised UK coverage of three domestic football leagues in Europe, while also becoming the exclusive UK betting partner for ESPN’s forthcoming mobile app for football news and information site, ESPNsoccernet.
Under the agreement, William Hill will be the exclusive sponsor of ESPN’s televised UK coverage of Italy’s Serie A, the Russian Premier League and the Dutch Eredivisie as part of an integrated, multi-platform affiliation with European football.
William Hill will sponsor all of ESPN’s televised match coverage – live, delayed and highlights – of the three domestic football leagues, with pre- and end-break TV bumpers. The sponsorship also extends to ESPN’s various preview and review TV shows around the leagues.
“Our multi-platform coverage of Europe’s top football leagues is a popular part of the ESPN offering to fans and brands alike,” said Alan Fagan, director advertising sales, ESPN EMEA. “Our agreement with William Hill, one of the UK’s leading brands, reflects how we can deliver value to top-flight advertisers, connecting them with loyal and passionate UK football fans across multiple screens. ESPN has an unrivalled ability to serve advertisers with local precision and solutions in the UK, and in markets around the world.”
William Hill will also be the exclusive UK betting partner for ESPN’s forthcoming mobile app for football news and information site, ESPNsoccernet. As well as display advertising, William Hill will be integrated into the app with a ‘bet now’ button enabling users to place bets on football action as it happens.
“ESPN is one of the leading names in sports media and we’re really looking forward to working with them,” said Kristof Fahy, William Hill’s chief marketing officer. “This multi-platform deal will enable us to promote our brand and services to millions of sports fans across the UK, while our mobile betting partnership with ESPN looks like a real winner.”
Completing the multi-platform deal, William Hill will run display banners and rich-media ads online with ESPNsoccernet.
Under the agreement, William Hill will be the exclusive sponsor of ESPN’s televised UK coverage of Italy’s Serie A, the Russian Premier League and the Dutch Eredivisie as part of an integrated, multi-platform affiliation with European football.
William Hill will sponsor all of ESPN’s televised match coverage – live, delayed and highlights – of the three domestic football leagues, with pre- and end-break TV bumpers. The sponsorship also extends to ESPN’s various preview and review TV shows around the leagues.
“Our multi-platform coverage of Europe’s top football leagues is a popular part of the ESPN offering to fans and brands alike,” said Alan Fagan, director advertising sales, ESPN EMEA. “Our agreement with William Hill, one of the UK’s leading brands, reflects how we can deliver value to top-flight advertisers, connecting them with loyal and passionate UK football fans across multiple screens. ESPN has an unrivalled ability to serve advertisers with local precision and solutions in the UK, and in markets around the world.”
William Hill will also be the exclusive UK betting partner for ESPN’s forthcoming mobile app for football news and information site, ESPNsoccernet. As well as display advertising, William Hill will be integrated into the app with a ‘bet now’ button enabling users to place bets on football action as it happens.
“ESPN is one of the leading names in sports media and we’re really looking forward to working with them,” said Kristof Fahy, William Hill’s chief marketing officer. “This multi-platform deal will enable us to promote our brand and services to millions of sports fans across the UK, while our mobile betting partnership with ESPN looks like a real winner.”
Completing the multi-platform deal, William Hill will run display banners and rich-media ads online with ESPNsoccernet.
Paddy Power migrates online casino to Playtech platform
Extending the relationship between the two parties, Irish online gaming operator Paddy Power has migrated its online casino to Playtech’s platform following the signing of a new multi-year agreement.
Paddy Power has re-launched its Playtech-powered online casino product today, including a comprehensive games library comprising slots, table and card games and a wide range of branded content in both download and web-based formats.
In addition, Paddy Power will benefit from Playtech's advanced player management tools, including loyalty functionality which will create significant opportunities for Paddy Power to enhance player returns.
“We have built a strong relationship with Paddy Power over several years and are delighted to be able to further consolidate our service provision to one of the industry's leading players through this agreement to provide our leading casino technology,” said Playtech chief executive Mor Weizer.
Paddy Power's relationship with Playtech began in 2007 when it became a member of Playtech's iPoker network. More recently Paddy Power joined Playtech's Virtue Fusion bingo network. The company’s online casino was previously powered by IGT’s WagerWorks.
“We are excited to announce the launch of Paddy Power's new casino using Playtech's technology,” said Paddy Power’s head of gaming Christopher Coyne, and casino manager Denise Dunne in a joint statement. “We believe it will be best-in-class with an abundance of excellent games added to our market leading casino promotions for players.
“Playtech was chosen following a rigorous selection process from amongst the leading casino suppliers. The project teams have delivered a fantastic online casino which we believe will significantly enhance our online offering.”
Paddy Power has re-launched its Playtech-powered online casino product today, including a comprehensive games library comprising slots, table and card games and a wide range of branded content in both download and web-based formats.
In addition, Paddy Power will benefit from Playtech's advanced player management tools, including loyalty functionality which will create significant opportunities for Paddy Power to enhance player returns.
“We have built a strong relationship with Paddy Power over several years and are delighted to be able to further consolidate our service provision to one of the industry's leading players through this agreement to provide our leading casino technology,” said Playtech chief executive Mor Weizer.
Paddy Power's relationship with Playtech began in 2007 when it became a member of Playtech's iPoker network. More recently Paddy Power joined Playtech's Virtue Fusion bingo network. The company’s online casino was previously powered by IGT’s WagerWorks.
“We are excited to announce the launch of Paddy Power's new casino using Playtech's technology,” said Paddy Power’s head of gaming Christopher Coyne, and casino manager Denise Dunne in a joint statement. “We believe it will be best-in-class with an abundance of excellent games added to our market leading casino promotions for players.
“Playtech was chosen following a rigorous selection process from amongst the leading casino suppliers. The project teams have delivered a fantastic online casino which we believe will significantly enhance our online offering.”
September 30, 2011
Microgaming forms management board for poker network
Online gaming developer Microgaming has established a network management board, a body which will control the development and operational running of the Microgaming Poker Network, comprising of representatives from primary operators on the network.
The board comprises of a single representative from the primary operators on the Microgaming Poker Network, a representative from Microgaming’s network games team and a chairman, sourced from within the industry.
Operators and Microgaming will share votes on key decisions, with proportional shares determined by a formula agreed by the voting members of the board. The board members will additionally determine the criteria for membership to the board, with the chairman and industry experts to be non-voting members.
The responsibilities of the board will include the construction of the development roadmap, the setting of network-wide policies for marketing and rake-back, including penalties for breaches, and the planning of network-wide promotions.
“Poker is a difficult industry to be in, and that difficulty is heightened when operators are not in control of their own destinies,” said Lydia Melton, head of network games at Microgaming. “By establishing the Network Management Board, we are essentially ceding control of the Microgaming Poker Network to the primary operators on the Network.
“Microgaming is a technology company with over 15 years of experience in this industry, and we will continue to develop and progress our poker software, as guided by the NMB, with no reduction in resources or drive. When others are slowing down, it is full steam ahead at Microgaming.
“The industry needs this, and we strongly believe that we are the only network willing to make such a fundamental change to how we operate.”
Microgaming said that the formation of the board was one part of the project to change the Microgaming Poker Network to what the company referred to as a Sportsbook Poker Network, in which all members contribute towards the success of each other and to the network as a whole.
The first meeting of new board will take place in early November, with members expected to include the likes of Ladbrokes, Stan James, Unibet, Triobet, Digibet, and 32Red amongst others.
The board comprises of a single representative from the primary operators on the Microgaming Poker Network, a representative from Microgaming’s network games team and a chairman, sourced from within the industry.
Operators and Microgaming will share votes on key decisions, with proportional shares determined by a formula agreed by the voting members of the board. The board members will additionally determine the criteria for membership to the board, with the chairman and industry experts to be non-voting members.
The responsibilities of the board will include the construction of the development roadmap, the setting of network-wide policies for marketing and rake-back, including penalties for breaches, and the planning of network-wide promotions.
“Poker is a difficult industry to be in, and that difficulty is heightened when operators are not in control of their own destinies,” said Lydia Melton, head of network games at Microgaming. “By establishing the Network Management Board, we are essentially ceding control of the Microgaming Poker Network to the primary operators on the Network.
“Microgaming is a technology company with over 15 years of experience in this industry, and we will continue to develop and progress our poker software, as guided by the NMB, with no reduction in resources or drive. When others are slowing down, it is full steam ahead at Microgaming.
“The industry needs this, and we strongly believe that we are the only network willing to make such a fundamental change to how we operate.”
Microgaming said that the formation of the board was one part of the project to change the Microgaming Poker Network to what the company referred to as a Sportsbook Poker Network, in which all members contribute towards the success of each other and to the network as a whole.
The first meeting of new board will take place in early November, with members expected to include the likes of Ladbrokes, Stan James, Unibet, Triobet, Digibet, and 32Red amongst others.
German Court blocks chances of online gaming
Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Plc, Betfair and others lost a top appeals court case over Germany’s ban on online gambling.
The Federal Court of Justice, Germany’s highest civil court, said in five suits brought by state-owned lotteries that the prohibition is justified to combat dangers associated with gambling. Shares of Bwin fell as much as 12 percent.
“Because of the greater dangers of the Internet, above all anonymity, lack of social control and accessibility at any time, this sales venue can be subject to stricter regulation,” Presiding Judge Joachim Bornkamm said after the rulings.
The European Union’s top court ruled last year that Germany’s betting monopoly, which allows most sports betting to be done only through state-controlled companies, violates European laws. Germany has faced criticism for allowing private horse betting while outlawing other forms of private sport bets. The EU court ruling didn’t bring an end to the various suits pending in Germany over the issue.
Bwin e.K., the company’s German unit that was involved in the lawsuit, said it will consider whether to file a constitutional complaint. Any such step wouldn’t yield a ruling until the end of this year when the current rules elapse anyway, the company said.
‘Won’t Last can’t last’
“The ban violates European rules and won’t last,” Bwin e.K. said. “A regulated market opening is the only way to combat the black market in Germany and to comply with EU requirements.”
German states are debating on how to revise their state treaty that sets current rules. The state of Schleswig-Holstein has decided to open its market. The state treaty, which took effect in 2008 and is elapsing on Dec. 31, was an effort to take earlier rulings by the EU court and the nation’s constitutional court into account.
Bwin shares fell 6.7 percent to 119.2 pence at the close of London trading after falling as much as 12 percent following the ruling.
Today’s decision matches a June ruling by Germany’s top administrative court, which also cleared the online ban because it covers private offers and government-owned lotteries.
“When looking into whether a regime is coherent, you don’t have to look at the total market,” Bornkamm said. “The online sector is a marked-out area that can easily be viewed as isolated.”
While the states tolerate private horse race betting on the Internet in practice, the volume of those bets is so small they don’t make the whole system incoherent, the judge said.
The court rejected the arguments that Bwin e.K. could make use of a license issued by the former East German government or that exceptions need to apply to companies who hold license from other European countries.
“Our ruling is valid only for the rules that apply until the end of this year,” said Bornkamm.
The Federal Court of Justice, Germany’s highest civil court, said in five suits brought by state-owned lotteries that the prohibition is justified to combat dangers associated with gambling. Shares of Bwin fell as much as 12 percent.
“Because of the greater dangers of the Internet, above all anonymity, lack of social control and accessibility at any time, this sales venue can be subject to stricter regulation,” Presiding Judge Joachim Bornkamm said after the rulings.
The European Union’s top court ruled last year that Germany’s betting monopoly, which allows most sports betting to be done only through state-controlled companies, violates European laws. Germany has faced criticism for allowing private horse betting while outlawing other forms of private sport bets. The EU court ruling didn’t bring an end to the various suits pending in Germany over the issue.
Bwin e.K., the company’s German unit that was involved in the lawsuit, said it will consider whether to file a constitutional complaint. Any such step wouldn’t yield a ruling until the end of this year when the current rules elapse anyway, the company said.
‘Won’t Last can’t last’
“The ban violates European rules and won’t last,” Bwin e.K. said. “A regulated market opening is the only way to combat the black market in Germany and to comply with EU requirements.”
German states are debating on how to revise their state treaty that sets current rules. The state of Schleswig-Holstein has decided to open its market. The state treaty, which took effect in 2008 and is elapsing on Dec. 31, was an effort to take earlier rulings by the EU court and the nation’s constitutional court into account.
Bwin shares fell 6.7 percent to 119.2 pence at the close of London trading after falling as much as 12 percent following the ruling.
Today’s decision matches a June ruling by Germany’s top administrative court, which also cleared the online ban because it covers private offers and government-owned lotteries.
“When looking into whether a regime is coherent, you don’t have to look at the total market,” Bornkamm said. “The online sector is a marked-out area that can easily be viewed as isolated.”
While the states tolerate private horse race betting on the Internet in practice, the volume of those bets is so small they don’t make the whole system incoherent, the judge said.
The court rejected the arguments that Bwin e.K. could make use of a license issued by the former East German government or that exceptions need to apply to companies who hold license from other European countries.
“Our ruling is valid only for the rules that apply until the end of this year,” said Bornkamm.
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