Recap of Gambling Regulatory Updates For October 2019

October saw the continuation of regulatory changes and gaming market development all across the globe. US states continue to be oriented towards sports betting liberalization and expanded gambling while the rest of the world deals with casino resort licenses, lottery and other facets of mainly retail gambling.

Below is the comprehensive overview of the most vital regulatory updates, via region, as they happened during the tenth month of 2019.

USA Never Rests

In the District of Colombia, the sports betting market is due to begin at last after the Office of Lottery and Gaming adopted the very final regulations. Licensing is not due to begin as planned and, as was known from before, DC Lottery will be teaming up with Greek tech solutions provider, Intralot, as the sole operator of sports betting in DC.

For the time being, DC Lottery’s Intralot contract was halted by The Superior Court due to complaints that the standard procurement process was bypassed. However, in mid-October, it was ruled that Lottery could continue working with Intralot as they work on launching the mobile sports betting platform.

Indiana launched its sports betting market in early September – paving the way for Rush Street Interactive and Draft Kings to launch their own online sportsbooks on October 3rd 2019. They went live with French Lick and Ameristar.

Illinois held public consultation on sports betting suggested process of pre-registration, a period of complying with regulations of 270 days, allowing online sportsbooks to be branded by casinos and racetracks. It also permits in-stadium registration. Mobile sports betting roll-out was delayed, which concerned the general public in this state, because operators will have to wait another 18 months.

In Iowa, retail sportsbook was launched by Wild Rose Entertainment in three land-based casinos. Their partner was DraftKings.

In New Jersey, Parx Casino joined the online casino scene, powered by GAN and Kambi.

Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Annex also launched sports betting with IGT on 1st of October. This temporary venue will be replaced by Saracen Casino Resort which will open at the end of 2020.

Asian Affairs

In China, AGTech got a contract according to which they will be suppliers of sports lottery terminals in Hainan province.

Japan, which is on its way to its integrated casino resort market, rose the general consumption tax rate to 10% (from 8%). Also, a brand-new regulatory body, called Casino Management Committee, will be established by the Japanese government on January 7th. It will consist of five board members who will be in charge of overseeing the entire expanded gambling market for the country. Ultimately, the body would employ 100 people and they would hand out licenses to operators who win permits for building one of three integrated casino resorts in Japan.

Philippines’ Department of Justice will revoke the license given to Landing International Development, as per orders by president Rodrigo Duterte. This body also revoked all licenses for casinos on Boracay island, as well as the planned integrated casino resort by Galaxy Entertainment.

South America is Busy

Argentina has cancelled plans to fund welfare projects and initiatives from gambling winnings after the Government decided it needs to come up with a system for ways to better calculate the levy.

In Brazil, sports betting is taking hold and sports leaders from Latin America’s biggest nation proposed the formation of a body that will look over all sports competition and keep their integrity.

Colombia’s regulatory body allowed virtual events betting, with immediate effect. Also, Google included Colombia among countries where gambling advertising would be allowed on their platforms and apps.

Source:

“H2 Gambling Capital”, October 2019