With the implementation of new licence arrangements, particularly for slot machines, Victoria's gambling market is undergoing major regulatory changes this year. The sports betting sector has also recently been subject to a review.
Romania enacted its Gambling Act 2009 aiming to open and regulate its online gambling market among other changes. However, it was not until August 2011 that the required secondary legislation was approved. However, criticisms remain unaddressed and required entities involved in the licensing process are outstanding.
From 2012 Finland's three gambling monopolies will be written into law as the holders of exclusive rights to offer gambling services. These developments will bring to an end a four-year legislative review and reform process which has also tightened advertising restrictions and criminal sanctions.
The opening of the first casino in March 2010 was the result of years of efforts to create a gaming industry with an independent regulator and strong anti-money laundering rules.
Inter-jurisdictional ‘respect and loyalty’ is one way to tackle the gambling grey market and increase regulatory efficiency according to Europe’s lottery representatives who met last week in Finland.
Awaiting feedback from the European Commission, German state leaders have delayed their vote on a new interstate gambling treaty to replace the current version that expires in December.
The much-anticipated bilateral agreement between France’s online gambling regulator ARJEL and Italy’s AAMS will be signed on June 28, according to ARJEL’s president.
While pool betting remains the most dominant form of gambling among Nigerians, the national sports lottery is gaining in popularity and Sun International recently opened a new casino in Lagos.
Western Australia is the only state which does not have slot machines outside of casinos. Australia-wide issues such as slot machine pre-commitment and a race fields levy controversy look set to impact the WA market.
