Retrospective of Regulatory iGaming Updates from Europe and the US- October 2020

The month of October brought numerous changes in the iGaming industry, but unlike the previous months, the US was not the most dynamic market. Europe led the way this time, and the most groundbreaking modifications took place in Germany.

Russia went through some interesting changes as well, as President Vladimir Putin signed a bill requiring casinos to collect detailed information on patrons. This would allow tax authorities to calculate tax on winnings more accurately. It is not clear whether this will be applied to foreign nationals. Also, the Shambala Casino officially opened on 16 October, becoming the second facility to operate in the Primorye gambling zone.

We’ve prepared an insightful recap of the most significant changes from the tenth month of the year. If you want to find out what happened in Europe, and the United States, keep reading!

Regulatory Changes across Europe

Let’s start with Germany, as this market is bound to undergo more changes in the upcoming period. Starting October 15, due to further restrictions imposed by the State Treaty on game play, there will be a limited list of slot releases made available to players from this part of the world. Moreover, they won’t have access to other types of games, and they won’t be able to access the demo mode.

Meanwhile…

…the Regional Council of Darmstadt announced it had granted 15 sports betting licenses to operators including GVC, Bet365, and Tipico. Even though the approval took effect immediately the regulator was still required to submit the final version of licensing conditions. This process is expected to be completed in early 2021.

As for Finland, the Government extended temporary restrictions on the client’s monthly loss limits until 01 January 2021. Introduced on May 1, 2020, these measures were initially supposed to expire on September 30.

Just to remind…

…the max loss limit was reduced from €2k to €500. This decision encompassed interactive gaming machines, table games, bingo, and instant win lottery games.

The National Lottery of Denmark Danske Spil presented its Sikkert Spil ID card scheme. This means that all punters are required to sign up and show the card before being permitted into the operator’s land-based facilities from 31 October 2020.

Also…

…the Gaming Authority of Norway suggested mandatory account registration across all forms of gambling. This means that players will be able to gamble only when their account is fully verified, and it will ensure a higher level of protection.

The Netherlands’ KSA also came up with a set of proposals to reduce impulsive gambling. Among the suggested solutions, there’s a ban on time-limited bonuses, risk assessments of each game, as well as some marketing and advertising restrictions.

• Greece, Ukraine, Lithuania

The Hellenic Gaming Commission launched the application process for the new interactive betting and gaming licenses. As stated, the approvals will be granted for a period of 7 years, and their costs will differ- €3m for betting operators and €2m for gaming operators.

In addition to this, the Commission awarded Inspire Athens, a consortium gathering Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment and Steelman Partners, the operational license for the proposed integrated resort in Hellinikon.

Ukraine got its licensing body- The Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries. This was required by the State Regulation of Gambling Activities Act.

Following the introduction of the Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, the Gambling Supervision Service of Lithuania published new know-your-customer (KYC) guidelines for gambling and lottery companies.

One of the most significant aspects is enhanced customer identification, with the particular focus on customers considered as politically vulnerable, or people residing in high-risk third countries identified by the European Commission.

• What about the UK?

The House of Lords established the Peers for Gambling Reform to review the country’s gambling industry and make recommendations on changes going forward. Made up of 150 members of the House of Lords, this institution should “ensure urgent action is taken by the Government to reform our wholly outdated regulation.”

As part of the continuous efforts to enhance safety, the BGC introduced a new code of conduct for online gambling game designs. Among the modifications to take place before the end of the current month are slower spin speeds, as well as a ban on turbo play and multi-slot play.

On top of that, the Gambling Commission presented new guidance with tightened rules regarding the use use of VIP schemes. From 31 October 2020 operators will be required to meet stricter requirements before making any customer a VIP. Those include affordability, vulnerability, and identity checks.

The United States of America- Highlights

Let’s start with Colorado, where Bronco Billy’s Casino in Cripple Creek launched its retail sportsbook in partnership with BetAmerica on 24 September 2020.

As for Kentucky…

…the Supreme Court ruled that the historical wagering being offered by some racetracks is illegal due to the fact it does not operate on a pari-mutuel/pooled basis.

State Governor of Maryland, Larry Hogan, announced his support for legalized sports wagering in the state ahead of the question being put to a state-wide referendum on the November ballot.

Meanwhile in Virginia, the Lottery Board launched the sports betting license application process on 15 October 2020. The Board is required to approve or deny applications within 90-days of receipt meaning the latest this market could launch is 15 January 2021.

Source:

"H2 Gambling Capital", October 2020