Sportsbook Unibet is putting further investment behind racing by becoming ARC’s official starting stall sponsor for 2014. The new sponsorship will see Unibet branded starting stalls at ARC’s portfolio of racecourses across the length and breadth of the country. In addition, over 90 stall handlers will also wear Unibet branded clothing throughout the year. This sponsorship will run alongside Unibet’s freshly announced official betting and gaming partnership with Royal Windsor Racecourse.
This significant sponsorship will see Unibet’s eye catching logo’s prominently displayed on front and rear of the starting stalls at Royal Windsor, Wolverhampton, Lingfield, Ffos Las, Bath, Yarmouth, Newcastle, Brighton, Chepstow and Southwell throughout the flat season.
Unibet announced last week that it was embarking on a programme of horse racing associations and marketing initiatives in the coming months, and less than a week into the flat season the Wimbledon based company has announced sponsorships at Chepstow, Royal Windsor and this new starting stall initiative.
Ed Nicholson, Head of Unibet’s UK Marketing Operations, said: “This sponsorship is an extremely simple but effective way of informing those who like to bet on horse racing that Unibet now offers a fully comprehensive horse racing offering.
“Unibet’s sole racing product aim in 2014 is to ensure that those who like to bet on horse racing are aware that Unibet have launched a new racing odds line and have a comprehensive product that matches and exceeds our competitors offering. We would like this group to consider opening an account with us, and then to enjoy placing their horse racing bets with us on a regular basis.”
ARC’s Jo Mapletoft, Group Sponsorship Manager said: “ARC is delighted to be working with Unibet to develop its racing proposition. The exposure and reach that Unibet will gain through the brand being seen on Sky Sports At The Races and from the thousands of visitors at the ARC courses will be sure to gain positive results.”
April 14, 2014
Denmark orders ISP to block five illegal gambling sites
For a country that was one of the first to embrace online gambling in its shores, Denmark seems to be doing a decent of job cracking down on what it considered as “illegal” online gambling sites.
Quite happily, the Danish Gambling Authority recently instructed Internet service provider Three to block five suspected sites, which have been named to include 7red.com, 7red.dk, quasargaming.com, wintrillions.com and trillonario.com.
Turns out, these five sites aren’t licensed by the Danish government and worse for them, they were already warned by the authority to stop operating in the country lest they feel the wrath of getting blocked out of a market that doesn’t have any shortage of online gambling options for its residents.
This isn’t the first time the DGA has taken this step to request a block on illegal gambling sites, or at least what it deemed as such. Back in 2012, the DGA imposed blocks on 12 gambling firms lacking official Danish online gambling licenses, most notably Betclic Everest subsidiary Bet-At-Home and several Playtech-powered sites, including Titan Poker.
So clearly, the DGA already knows the go-around on the measures needed to prevent illegal online gambling sites from operating in the country. Not surprisingly, Internet service provider Three was once again the recipient of the city court of Frederiksberg’s latest injunction same as it was back in 2012. With this new injuction, Three is now forced to once again take the necessary steps to ensure that none of the five blocked sites can finagle their way into the country again.
Three really has no choice but to comply again, anyway. It’s got two weeks to do so, although it’ll probably take the company a lot sooner than that to act on the DGA’s orders.
Quite happily, the Danish Gambling Authority recently instructed Internet service provider Three to block five suspected sites, which have been named to include 7red.com, 7red.dk, quasargaming.com, wintrillions.com and trillonario.com.
Turns out, these five sites aren’t licensed by the Danish government and worse for them, they were already warned by the authority to stop operating in the country lest they feel the wrath of getting blocked out of a market that doesn’t have any shortage of online gambling options for its residents.
This isn’t the first time the DGA has taken this step to request a block on illegal gambling sites, or at least what it deemed as such. Back in 2012, the DGA imposed blocks on 12 gambling firms lacking official Danish online gambling licenses, most notably Betclic Everest subsidiary Bet-At-Home and several Playtech-powered sites, including Titan Poker.
So clearly, the DGA already knows the go-around on the measures needed to prevent illegal online gambling sites from operating in the country. Not surprisingly, Internet service provider Three was once again the recipient of the city court of Frederiksberg’s latest injunction same as it was back in 2012. With this new injuction, Three is now forced to once again take the necessary steps to ensure that none of the five blocked sites can finagle their way into the country again.
Three really has no choice but to comply again, anyway. It’s got two weeks to do so, although it’ll probably take the company a lot sooner than that to act on the DGA’s orders.
Betclic Everest withdraw operations from Russia
Senior management at igaming operator Betclic Everest have announced that the operator will withdraw all of its igaming operations from targeting the Russian igaming market.
The decision by the operator, comes days after Betclic announced that it would no longer allow wagering and accept customer subscriptions from Belgium.
Betclic Everest announced its decision following the Russian gaming authorities’ decision to extend its internet ISP blacklist. It is thought that the Russian Government will look to toughen its stance on unlicensed igaming operators, as Russia looks to set a future igaming policy.
Russian ISP blocks have affected a number of igaming operators including Unibet, Pokerstars and Bwin. The blocks have been undertaken by Russian internet watchdog – Roskomnadzor.
Betclic Everest, actions to withdraw from the region have been followed by sports betting exchange Betfair that they would no longer accept customers from the Russian Federation.
Betclic Everest are set to make more statements regarding their decision to withdraw operations from the region.
The decision by the operator, comes days after Betclic announced that it would no longer allow wagering and accept customer subscriptions from Belgium.
Betclic Everest announced its decision following the Russian gaming authorities’ decision to extend its internet ISP blacklist. It is thought that the Russian Government will look to toughen its stance on unlicensed igaming operators, as Russia looks to set a future igaming policy.
Russian ISP blocks have affected a number of igaming operators including Unibet, Pokerstars and Bwin. The blocks have been undertaken by Russian internet watchdog – Roskomnadzor.
Betclic Everest, actions to withdraw from the region have been followed by sports betting exchange Betfair that they would no longer accept customers from the Russian Federation.
Betclic Everest are set to make more statements regarding their decision to withdraw operations from the region.
32Red to sponsor Rangers
32Red Plc has signed another new shirt sponsorship deal, this time penning a three year agreement to sponsor Rangers Football Club, commencing in the 2014/15 season. The agreement provides 32Red with shirt sponsorship, extensive visibility in the stadium and across the Club’s digital and media platforms and access to Scotland’s largest football fanbase.
Ed Ware, CEO of 32Red commented: “We are delighted to be working with Rangers Football Club and look forward to being part of the continued rise and return of the Club. 32Red has a history of successful football club sponsorship deals and we look forward to the next three seasons and our new and proud association with a club with such heritage and potential.”
Rangers Chief Executive Graham Wallace commented: “We are delighted to announce today a three-year shirt sponsorship deal with 32Red, the UK’s premier online casino company. We look forward to working closely with them over the next three seasons in a partnership that we believe will be hugely beneficial to both parties.”
Ed Ware, CEO of 32Red commented: “We are delighted to be working with Rangers Football Club and look forward to being part of the continued rise and return of the Club. 32Red has a history of successful football club sponsorship deals and we look forward to the next three seasons and our new and proud association with a club with such heritage and potential.”
Rangers Chief Executive Graham Wallace commented: “We are delighted to announce today a three-year shirt sponsorship deal with 32Red, the UK’s premier online casino company. We look forward to working closely with them over the next three seasons in a partnership that we believe will be hugely beneficial to both parties.”
Regulatory Changes for Forex Brokers
Forex brokers have been experiencing regulatory changes for almost the past 10 years. The first and most dramatic of the of these changes were in the US in 2008. The oversight agency for Forex in the US is the NFA (National Futures Association). At that time the NFA had made a decision to dramatically increase net capital requirements for Forex brokers. It was only a couple years prior when Forex brokers could operate with a capital position of $300,000. By the end of 2008 the net capital requirement for a Forex broker or RFED (Retail Foreign Exchange Dealer) was $20 million. The NFA had also instituted restrictions on order types including hedging. Result from this was movement of these brokers to various jurisdictions.
Many of the larger Forex brokers set up shop in the UK or Australia. These were two of the more established regulatory locations. Other brokers set up in places like Cyprus, Mauritius, or New Zealand. As more and more brokers were setting up in these locations the local regulators also felt the need to increase capital requirements and institute other regulations.
Most recently New Zealand was announced that it will start instituting these types of requirements. They have established that they will require a broker to have a capital position of NZ$1 million. They have also announced that they will require management and other members to assume responsibility for the company. It will be interesting to see the response from the numerous brokers that have established New Zealand as their home. For the brokers that will remain in New Zealand the net capital position will offer a sense of security for their clients. For other brokers that can’t fit the bill they may have to look at other offshore locations. As a Forex industry keeps growing expect to see you more and new regulations from these other jurisdictions.
Many of the larger Forex brokers set up shop in the UK or Australia. These were two of the more established regulatory locations. Other brokers set up in places like Cyprus, Mauritius, or New Zealand. As more and more brokers were setting up in these locations the local regulators also felt the need to increase capital requirements and institute other regulations.
Most recently New Zealand was announced that it will start instituting these types of requirements. They have established that they will require a broker to have a capital position of NZ$1 million. They have also announced that they will require management and other members to assume responsibility for the company. It will be interesting to see the response from the numerous brokers that have established New Zealand as their home. For the brokers that will remain in New Zealand the net capital position will offer a sense of security for their clients. For other brokers that can’t fit the bill they may have to look at other offshore locations. As a Forex industry keeps growing expect to see you more and new regulations from these other jurisdictions.
April 10, 2014
FA wants total ban on football betting for players
The Football Association has proposed that from next season any player in league football and the top four tiers of the non-league system will be banned from betting, either directly or indirectly, on any football match or competition anywhere in the world.
The changes to FA Rules from the start of the 2014-15 season would also see a worldwide prohibition on betting on any other football-related matter, for example, the transfer of players, employment of managers or team selection. The passing of inside information to somebody that uses the information for betting remains prohibited.
Having received a unanimous recommendation by The FA Council on Wednesday and The Football Regulatory Authority in March, the Betting Rule changes would need to be agreed by FA shareholders at their AGM on 21 May before coming into force.
The proposal follows consultation with the Premier League, Football League, Professional Footballers’ Association, League Managers’ Association and Football Conference.
Currently, FA Rules state that no participant can bet on a match or competition in which they are involved that season, or which they can influence, or any other football-related matter concerning the league that they play in. They are also prohibited from using or passing inside information for betting. The proposed rule changes would see these prohibitions retained for Participants below Step 4 of the National League System.
Darren Bailey, The FA’s Director of Football Governance and Regulation, said: “The FA constantly evaluates its rules and regulations to ensure that they meet the needs of the modern game. The proposed betting rule adjustment to encompass all aspects of world football provides a simple and straightforward message to all participants on where the line is drawn.
“It is important to stress that the rules form only one part of the overall framework for the regulation of betting and maintaining the integrity of the English game. In addition to the monitoring of betting markets throughout the world, education remains a key part of our work.
“Building on previous education programmes, we will continue to communicate to all levels of the game not only the Rules on betting, but also the restrictions in place on the use of inside information and the reporting obligations on Participants. In doing so, we will further stress the collective responsibility that all those involved in football have in upholding the integrity of football in England and beyond.”
Established by The FA Council, The Football Regulatory Authority performs the regulatory, disciplinary and rule-making functions in relation to football played in England in accordance with the Laws of the Game. The FA Council is made up of representatives from across the game, including the Premier League, Football League, County FAs, affiliated leagues and associations, clubs, referees, supporters, inclusion bodies and independent members.
The extended ban has been pushed after numerous breaches of the current betting rules clearly in the hope that simplifying the rules with a blanket ban will get the message across to the sport’s participants. The latest to breach the rules was Tranmere Rovers manager Ronnie Moore, who has subsequently been sacked for his actions.
The changes to FA Rules from the start of the 2014-15 season would also see a worldwide prohibition on betting on any other football-related matter, for example, the transfer of players, employment of managers or team selection. The passing of inside information to somebody that uses the information for betting remains prohibited.
Having received a unanimous recommendation by The FA Council on Wednesday and The Football Regulatory Authority in March, the Betting Rule changes would need to be agreed by FA shareholders at their AGM on 21 May before coming into force.
The proposal follows consultation with the Premier League, Football League, Professional Footballers’ Association, League Managers’ Association and Football Conference.
Currently, FA Rules state that no participant can bet on a match or competition in which they are involved that season, or which they can influence, or any other football-related matter concerning the league that they play in. They are also prohibited from using or passing inside information for betting. The proposed rule changes would see these prohibitions retained for Participants below Step 4 of the National League System.
Darren Bailey, The FA’s Director of Football Governance and Regulation, said: “The FA constantly evaluates its rules and regulations to ensure that they meet the needs of the modern game. The proposed betting rule adjustment to encompass all aspects of world football provides a simple and straightforward message to all participants on where the line is drawn.
“It is important to stress that the rules form only one part of the overall framework for the regulation of betting and maintaining the integrity of the English game. In addition to the monitoring of betting markets throughout the world, education remains a key part of our work.
“Building on previous education programmes, we will continue to communicate to all levels of the game not only the Rules on betting, but also the restrictions in place on the use of inside information and the reporting obligations on Participants. In doing so, we will further stress the collective responsibility that all those involved in football have in upholding the integrity of football in England and beyond.”
Established by The FA Council, The Football Regulatory Authority performs the regulatory, disciplinary and rule-making functions in relation to football played in England in accordance with the Laws of the Game. The FA Council is made up of representatives from across the game, including the Premier League, Football League, County FAs, affiliated leagues and associations, clubs, referees, supporters, inclusion bodies and independent members.
The extended ban has been pushed after numerous breaches of the current betting rules clearly in the hope that simplifying the rules with a blanket ban will get the message across to the sport’s participants. The latest to breach the rules was Tranmere Rovers manager Ronnie Moore, who has subsequently been sacked for his actions.
April 07, 2014
William Hill announces technical migration of Australian brands into one platform
William Hill has announced the complete migration of its three acquired Australian brands - Centrebet, Tom Waterhouse and Sportingbet Australia. The integration will see all brands managed under a single platform, promoting unified technologies and products to its Australian customer base.
William Hill will maintain all three brands active, which counters previous industry speculation that the operator would be looking to condolidate its Australian brands into one.
2013 saw William Hill acquire all three brands in order to enter the Australian online sport betting market. The acquisition saw William Hill become the third biggest online gambling operator behind Paddy Power and Tabcorp. The combined acquisition contributed £86.7 million in net revenue and £12 million in profit for 2013 performance.
William Hill will re-launch Sportingbet.com.au with a new mobile friendly responsive site. The operator further announced that the re-launch would be supported by an ongoing Australian tv advertising campaign which would be promoted by former Australian international cricketer Shane Warne (former brand ambassador for 888 Poker).
William Hill will maintain all three brands active, which counters previous industry speculation that the operator would be looking to condolidate its Australian brands into one.
2013 saw William Hill acquire all three brands in order to enter the Australian online sport betting market. The acquisition saw William Hill become the third biggest online gambling operator behind Paddy Power and Tabcorp. The combined acquisition contributed £86.7 million in net revenue and £12 million in profit for 2013 performance.
William Hill will re-launch Sportingbet.com.au with a new mobile friendly responsive site. The operator further announced that the re-launch would be supported by an ongoing Australian tv advertising campaign which would be promoted by former Australian international cricketer Shane Warne (former brand ambassador for 888 Poker).
Betclic withdraw from Belgium, amid PPO investigation
Betclic senior management have chosen to withdraw the company’s operations from the Belgian igaming market as the Public Prosecution Office (PPO) charged the operator with alleged unlicensed igaming operations targeting Belgian igaming players.
Prior to the decision taken by senior management, the operator had suffered a confiscation of €60,000 by the Belgian Gaming Authorities, for servicing unlicensed igaming services to Belgium customers. Betclic were placed under the black list of igaming operators, who had been warned by regional authorities and restricted Belgian IP access to their igaming portals.
The PPO are set to investigate the operator, for illegal igaming operations, BetClic deny any knowledge of wrongdoing on their part. A company statement read “Betclic Everest Group expresses its total surprise concerning the information referring to criminal sanctions and fund blocking that the Group is said to face in Belgium,”
The PPO claim that the operator had been warned of servicing Belgian customers with unlicensed igaming services, furthermore they claim that the operator breached regional igaming laws by allowing payment process on Belgian credit cards. The PPO have further stated that it has proof from Belgian based financial institutions that the operator had processed these online payments.
If prosecuted members of the Betclic board could be held responsible by Belgian igaming authorities and could face prison sentences of six months to five years.
Prior to the decision taken by senior management, the operator had suffered a confiscation of €60,000 by the Belgian Gaming Authorities, for servicing unlicensed igaming services to Belgium customers. Betclic were placed under the black list of igaming operators, who had been warned by regional authorities and restricted Belgian IP access to their igaming portals.
The PPO are set to investigate the operator, for illegal igaming operations, BetClic deny any knowledge of wrongdoing on their part. A company statement read “Betclic Everest Group expresses its total surprise concerning the information referring to criminal sanctions and fund blocking that the Group is said to face in Belgium,”
The PPO claim that the operator had been warned of servicing Belgian customers with unlicensed igaming services, furthermore they claim that the operator breached regional igaming laws by allowing payment process on Belgian credit cards. The PPO have further stated that it has proof from Belgian based financial institutions that the operator had processed these online payments.
If prosecuted members of the Betclic board could be held responsible by Belgian igaming authorities and could face prison sentences of six months to five years.
Ladbrokes leaked document Controversy
Following the leaked Ladbrokes document that shows the countries second largest bookmaker made £1 billion in a month from the highly controversial Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs), David Cameron the UK’s Prime Minister will announce stronger penalties for any bookmaker that fails to enforce maximum playing times and loses for gamblers on the machines.
The leaked internal memo from Ladbrokes shows that the new rules coming in would not affect bookmakers as 92% of customers playing FOBTs do not play longer than 30 minutes consecutively.
Even the alarm on players losing over £250 stopping them playing and alerting a member of staff would not work as The Ladbrokes analysis shows that the average loss per “60-minute or over” session of roulette is a little more than £93, well below the cap proposed.
The Ladbrokes memo which showed in April 2013 that gamblers had played their FOBTs 4.8 million times, staking £1bn, over a four-week period.
Over the last four years, annual player losses from the fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) have risen from £1.3billion to around £1.5billion.
And last year the gambling industry regulator warned that the machines expose ‘even normal leisure gamblers to potentially harmful rates of loss whether or not they would be classified as problem gamblers’.
The latest news on Ladbrokes is another blow for the struggling bookmaker whose Chief Executive is already under fire and has until this summer’s world cup to turn around the companies fortunes and try to catch up with William Hill in both its online and retail businesses.
The leaked internal memo from Ladbrokes shows that the new rules coming in would not affect bookmakers as 92% of customers playing FOBTs do not play longer than 30 minutes consecutively.
Even the alarm on players losing over £250 stopping them playing and alerting a member of staff would not work as The Ladbrokes analysis shows that the average loss per “60-minute or over” session of roulette is a little more than £93, well below the cap proposed.
The Ladbrokes memo which showed in April 2013 that gamblers had played their FOBTs 4.8 million times, staking £1bn, over a four-week period.
Over the last four years, annual player losses from the fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) have risen from £1.3billion to around £1.5billion.
And last year the gambling industry regulator warned that the machines expose ‘even normal leisure gamblers to potentially harmful rates of loss whether or not they would be classified as problem gamblers’.
The latest news on Ladbrokes is another blow for the struggling bookmaker whose Chief Executive is already under fire and has until this summer’s world cup to turn around the companies fortunes and try to catch up with William Hill in both its online and retail businesses.
English Football Facing Its Biggest Match Fixing Scandal
English football facing its biggest match fixing scandal as local police arrest a further seven footballers on suspicions of match fixing in the English football league.
Seven more footballers have been arrested in what is fast turning out to be the most controversial match fixing scandal in English footballing history.
Six players from Preston North End, and a solitary player from Barnsley, now take the official number of players arrested in connection with spot-fixing to 13, following the arrest of six players in the back end of 2013.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) told members of the UK tabloid press that the players were being interviewing by local police in connection with the case that made all of the headlines thanks to undercover reporters.
The Preston players are believed to be Captain John Welsh, Keith Keane, Bailey Wright, David Buchanan, Ben Davies and Graham Cummins, with Barnsley defender Stephen Dawson also taken in for questioning. Davies and Cummins are on loan at York City and Rochdale respectively meaning the scale of the cheating could be even further than just the fields involving Preston and Barnsley.
The tabloids also report that the previous six players have also been rearrested for further questioning into alleged bribery and money laundering matters.
The madness started when undercover reporters video taped the former Portsmouth star Sam Sodje admitting to getting deliberately sent off in return for a £70,000 bribe.
Sodje’s brothers Steve and Akpo who play for Tranmere, Blackburn striker DJ Campbell, Oldham winger Cristian Montano and Tranmere defender Ian Goodison have all been rearrested after the NCA stated ‘new evidence’ had surfaced in the proceedings.
Preston released a statement in reaction to the arrests.
“In response to media inquiries received, Preston North End Football Club can confirm that today, April 3 2014, the club has been contacted by the National Crime Agency in relation to a wide-ranging investigation into ‘spot fixing’ in football.
“There are no suggestions that any offences that might have occurred involved match-fixing.
“None of our employees have been charged with any offence at this time and until or unless this position changes we will be taking no further action nor making any further comment.
“All of our contracted employees are available for selection by the manager.”
The case continues.
Seven more footballers have been arrested in what is fast turning out to be the most controversial match fixing scandal in English footballing history.
Six players from Preston North End, and a solitary player from Barnsley, now take the official number of players arrested in connection with spot-fixing to 13, following the arrest of six players in the back end of 2013.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) told members of the UK tabloid press that the players were being interviewing by local police in connection with the case that made all of the headlines thanks to undercover reporters.
The Preston players are believed to be Captain John Welsh, Keith Keane, Bailey Wright, David Buchanan, Ben Davies and Graham Cummins, with Barnsley defender Stephen Dawson also taken in for questioning. Davies and Cummins are on loan at York City and Rochdale respectively meaning the scale of the cheating could be even further than just the fields involving Preston and Barnsley.
The tabloids also report that the previous six players have also been rearrested for further questioning into alleged bribery and money laundering matters.
The madness started when undercover reporters video taped the former Portsmouth star Sam Sodje admitting to getting deliberately sent off in return for a £70,000 bribe.
Sodje’s brothers Steve and Akpo who play for Tranmere, Blackburn striker DJ Campbell, Oldham winger Cristian Montano and Tranmere defender Ian Goodison have all been rearrested after the NCA stated ‘new evidence’ had surfaced in the proceedings.
Preston released a statement in reaction to the arrests.
“In response to media inquiries received, Preston North End Football Club can confirm that today, April 3 2014, the club has been contacted by the National Crime Agency in relation to a wide-ranging investigation into ‘spot fixing’ in football.
“There are no suggestions that any offences that might have occurred involved match-fixing.
“None of our employees have been charged with any offence at this time and until or unless this position changes we will be taking no further action nor making any further comment.
“All of our contracted employees are available for selection by the manager.”
The case continues.
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