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2014 was a good year for online gambling in Europe as the trend of lawmakers working to regulate online casinos and online poker swept across the continent. As in a sort of domino effect, news from more and more countries announced of bills set to adapt domestic laws with the thriving world of online gambling. Portugal's Online Gambling Bill Back in summer 2014, the Portuguese government approved a bill which regulated online casinos, online poker and sports betting. At the time, lawmakers believed that the bill should come into effect by the end of 2014 but domestic and all-European developments stalled the progress. Differentiating Tax Rates A September judgment passed by the European Union General Court (EGC) on the issue of Denmark's gambling laws was influential for Portugal. The big issue at stake was the tax differentiation practiced by the Danish government in the levies it collected from brick and mortar and online gambling operators; the EGC ruled in favor of this differentiation. The judgment reaffirmed Portugal's plans for regulation as well as those of other countries which are working on iGaming regulation like the Netherlands. The taxation rates under the new bill would see 15% levied from operators whose cumulative gross income does not surpass €5 million, while bigger operators with income surpassing €10 million would pay a 30% tax. Tax Rate Still High In the eyes of operators, Portugal's expected tax rate is still too high and unproportional; the taxes are expected to swallow profits as well as the high operating costs for overseas operators. The effect of this could very possibly exclude any small operators from setting up in the Portuguese market at all. Stay Tuned for 2015 One thing's for sure: 2015 is going to be very interesting with Portugal's online gambling regulation. Lawmakers in the country are currently estimating a mid-2015 timetable for when regulation will finally kick-off. We'll keep you posted as more news come from Portugal.
A shocking removal from Apple's App Store last Friday of apps belonging to prominent operators such as William Hill and Ladbrokes has been corrected and is now over. Admin Error The pulling of a host of prominent real money gambling apps from the Apple App Store was attributed to an “admin error” and has now been fully rectified, according to eGaming Review. The reason for the removal was due to confusion arising from Apple's request for gaming operators to provide proof of their UK gambling licenses. Sportsbook Apps Were Removed The error was specifically attributed to an “admin error” affecting a number of operators, including Coral, Paddy Power and Betfred in addition to Ladbrokes and William Hill, whose sportsbook apps were all subject to the temporary removal, and now expected to be restored within 24 hours. A change in the UK regulatory framework issue November 1 requiring all UK serving operators to possess a licence from the Gambling Commission in order to accept stakes precipitated the app omissions: after a meeting with the UK Gambling Commission, Apple gave operators a three-week window in which to provide details of their licences. The deadline expired Friday morning, with all operators featuring gaming apps in the Apple store fully compliant. The so-called “admin error” arose from Apple's misapplication of licensing language requirements to individual apps instead of the operators' entire portfolios. Said portfolios of course include an array of online games and products at the operator websites as well, with app offerings representing a relatively small portion of the entire array of each company's product portfolio. Revenues over Preemptive Corporate Protection This is not the first time Apple has omitted offerings in deference to App Store policies over regulatory interpretation. With the reinstatement set to be completed ahead of weekend football fixtures, Apple corporate policy and compliance measures have clearly been sublimated to the sustenance of the huge revenues being garnered from the public whom prominent gaming operators featuring products within Apple App stores serve.
Each week brings with it screeds of news from the global online gambling industry. However, finding the gems from such a large volume of information can be tough. And this is precisely why we are delighted to have JTodd back making his informative weekly news videos for the Association of Players, Casinos, and Webmasters (APCW). JTodd had been sick for an extended period, so we would like to take this opportunity to welcome him back on the scene! Perspectives Weekly is the name of JTodd’s weekly video show that is shared on YouTube. Coincidentally, JTodd was able to make it back for the first week of 2015 to mark his new start after having to miss a month of work. Now, thankfully, we have him back to share his insights on the industry’s most important gambling issues. US Legislation: Renewed Federal Ban? The first issue addressed by JTodd in his inaugural video for 2015 was the potential threat for to adjust the Federal Wire Act that could see online gambling outlawed on a federal level. At present, states like Nevada, New Jersey (NJ), and Delaware have all circumvented the act by implementing their own legislation to legalise online gambling for their residents. However, the United States Congress decided against taking prohibitive measures at the tail end of 2014. That said, there will be an on-going threat during 2015, with the Republican Party expected to further strengthen its political grasp. Nevertheless, JTodd does not believe that a US ban will majorly impact the online casino industry. Instead, he is more concerned about the tax and regulatory changes recently made in Europe and the UK. California and NJ Issues California assemblyman Mike Gatto proposed a bill back on 1 December to legalise online poker in the state. As ever, though, there was no mention of online casino prospects. In his latest video update, JTodd appeared unconvinced of any imminent breakthrough for online gambling legalisation in California. Meanwhile, there is change afoot in NJ, where affiliate news sites have thus far been able to partner with online gambling operators by way of a simple service agreement. However, there is a chance that this could change, with affiliate partners potentially subject to stringent verification checks and licensing. In offering his perspective on the matter, JTodd felt that such a change would be prohibitive and that affiliates would ultimately be deterred from working in what is currently a limited market in NJ. We look forward to next week's updates about the comings and goings of online gambling. Welcome back JTodd!
Real Madrid rarely find themselves in the situation they have got themselves into tonight. After losing the first leg of the Copa Del Rey Round of 16 to Atletico 2-0 at Vicente Calderon, Real must now not only win, but cover the goal deficit at the same time. The true test and their future in the Copa Del Rey gets underway tonight. Will History Repeat Itself? In the first leg it was Raul Garcia and Jose Gimenez that were crowned heroes of the night after each found the back of the net. Atletico seem to drain the energy from Real in every game they have played in various leagues, as over four games, Real Madrid has lost three and drawn once. Both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are still in Champions League play but the question is who can secure the win in the clutch. Even in La Liga action, Real is still leading the table but Barcelona beat Atletico 3-1 on January 11th and are now only one point off the lead. Making things even more terrifying for Real, they face Atletico on February 8th and if they lose it will have been just one team to destroy their season in multiple leagues. Copa Del Rey Live In-Play The Copa Del Rey is featured by bet365 sportsbook for their live in-play betting markets tonight and have posted a long list of pre-match odds as well. Things look especially attractive for punters rolling with Atletico tonight, as bet365 has them as the severe underdogs at 6.50, while Real are the favorites at 1.50. Correct Score is also a popular market with big potential payouts if one can guess correctly. Live In-Play lines will be available throughout the game, making it an interactive experience not quite like anything else. While the game is watched, bet365 posts fast and furious lines on the site offering multiple chances to win.
Mega Moolah has already established itself as a millionaire maker slot with all its huge jackpots. After seeing several seven-figure prizes won over the years from this progressive online slot game, it now looks like the first Mega Moolah jackpot of 2015 will be awarded soon enough as the amount exceeds €3 million, or $3.6 million. 4-Tiered Jackpot The Microgaming developed progressive slot Mega Moolah features a 4-tiered jackpot that can be won through the Jackpot Wheel. The four key prizes range from a small Mini Jackpot that starts at only $10 and goes up to the Mega Jackpot that starts at a cool million dollars, growing with every bet placed by the players across a network of top online casinos. Given the large number of players placing bets on the game, it doesn’t take long for the main jackpot to reach some highly impressive figures and the prize resets when one lucky player wins it all. While there is no accurate way of predicting when the jackpot will hit, the graphic on the official website shows that the majority of Mega Jackpots were worth around $3.5 million when they were won and this would mean that the current prize will soon find its winner. The biggest jackpot awarded by Mega Moolah was worth $9.49 million and this happened in December 2012. Colorful Theme and Playful Style While Mega Moolah has the potential to change the life of most slots players, it is not all that serious when it comes to the theme. The main symbols are African animals and they are just smiling and having a good time on the reels. There are also five card symbols that can be found in the game and the bonus feature can award up to 15 free spins with a 3x multiplier that is sure to make for some nice wins, even if they don’t come close to the multi-million jackpot. Where to Play You can find this high-paying jackpot at top casinos like bet365 Casino, All Slots Casino, and Platinum Play Casino.
All online live dealer tables must be domestically based in Belgium from now on. The Belgian Gaming Commission (BGC) has banned foreign live dealers and stated that all live dealer licensees declare operations by Friday, January 16. Ban Implementation The ban of remote live dealer operations is set to be enforced actively and rigorously in the coming weeks as a result of the mandate. Since there are many domestic providers who rely on foreign gaming support services to supply their tables, all currently licensed operators now must change suppliers or stop offering the live dealer feature altogether, no matter how significant live dealer tables are to their revenues and/or clientele. All licensed operators in Belgium offering live dealer games now have been formally requested to declare their new set-up by Friday, with all necessary changes to take place in the following two weeks, or else “Operators who cannot ensure operations in Belgium will not be able to continue their activity,” according to the BGC regulator. Foreign Live Operators Still Available...For Now In all fairness, the next regulator committee meeting in early February is scheduled to discuss a grace period to determine the extent to which existing dealer platforms can be used, and by whom, to ease the transitional period. The BGC has been consistent in affirming that one of its key ongoing concerns of regulatory policy in Belgium is the body's inability to ensure consumer protection on foreign tables. The solution was to expand domestic casino licenses from 9 to 11, and in so doing expand its domain of protection. More Taxable Revenues on the Horizon Of course, increasing the percentage of Belgian gamblers using domestically supplied live dealer products and general iGaming products also proportionally increases the taxable gambling revenues that the BGC and Belgian government have jurisdiction over.
We've been following US online gambling legislation closely, and here's a roundup for the week. New Online Poker Bill in Washington A new online poker bill was introduced to Washington State, pushed forward by Curtis Woodward of the Washington Internet Poker Initiative and supported by Rep. Sherry Appleton. The bill is somewhat surprising given Washington’s history of opposition to internet gambling, but Woodward hopes that Appleton will be able to push it forward, since she has supported online gambling since 2006. The bill only covers the legalization of online poker, does not contain “bad actor” clauses like that of Nevada and leaves room for the actual regulations and amount of taxes to be set up by the Washington state Gambling Commission. New Bill to Legalize Sports Betting in Indiana On January 9, Indiana State Representative Alan Morrison introduced a draft of a new sports betting bill that would legalize live sports betting and the offering of daily fantasy sports (DFS) by licensed racinos in the state. While Morrison knows that the passing of the bill is a long-shot, he has still been urging Indiana lawmakers to act quickly in order to secure that the state gets a cut from sports betting wagers, which are currently being served by illegal bookmakers. Morrison believes that legalized sports betting could generate between $12 to $70 million of revenue for Indiana, if it’s done right. And Indiana desperately needs the money, as the state has recently seen a decline in sanctioned gaming revenues. Despite the potential of high revenue, it is difficult to imagine that the bill will actually be passed. For one thing, the bill could only work if the federal-level Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which has prevented most American states from legalizing sports betting, is overturned or rewritten. Additionally, Indiana’s capital city, Indianapolis, is home to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), one of the strongest opponents to online gambling in the United States. Mississippi Introduces iGaming Legislation Mississippi has become the third state to introduce iGaming legislation in 2015. As soon as the state legislature came back into session, Representative Bobby Moak(D-Bogue Chitto) reintroduced his bill, The Mississippi Lawful Internet Gaming Act Of 2015, which would legalize online gambling. Moak has been pushing for legalized online gaming for years, but so far, none of his bills have made it past the initial committee. One thing that he did manage to achieve was the creation of an eight member task force to study online gambling. The task force was created by Mississippi House Gaming Committee Chairman Richard Bennett, but the results have not yet been submitted to the legislature. In the past, Mississippi has benefited greatly from land-based gambling; in the 1990s, the expansion of land-based gaming was the answer to longstanding unemployment and budget deficits. In the mid-2000’s, following the desolation of Hurricane Katrina, lawmakers allowed for further expansion of gaming, which helped revitalize the waterfront. But despite the help that land-based gambling has provided to the state, online gambling is still going to be a hard ticket to sell. This is due partially to New Jersey’s poor showing of iGaming revenue; had New Jersey's efforts fared better, Indiana might be more inclined to push for it. New Jersey Explores Interstate and International Partnerships New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement chief David Rebuck stated last week that the Division has been exploring both interstate partnerships with Nevada and Delaware, and also an international compact with the United Kingdom. This initiative has the support of Senator Raymond Lesniak, who has been pushing for New Jersey to become an international “hub” of online gambling for years. However, before this venture begins, New Jersey will need to deal with logistical and technical issues, which are likely to take quite a while.
Final preparations are underway for the 8th International Gaming Awards (IGA), an event that allows for gaming professionals to network and also celebrate the industry’s finest achievements. The upcoming event will be hosted on Monday, February 2, at the Savoy Hotel, London, where the likes of Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Sir Winston Churchill have all stayed as guests. The prestigious hotel is situated on the banks of the River Thames and is ranked as a five-star venue by the Forbes Travel Guide. Guests will be won over by the opulent glamour of the Savoy, which has successfully transcended generations. To follow, there are still more updates to share ahead of IGA 2015. Supporting Ebola Crisis The Ebola crisis has tragically claimed the lives of many impoverish people living in West Africa. And while some have responded by providing aid, not enough has been done to help. Thankfully, a key element of the upcoming awards is to raise money to support the Ebola work of CARE International, a global aid agency. At present, IGA is operating a Just Giving page via which people can make donations to support CARE International and the Ebola crisis. As of Monday 12 January, has raised more than £230,000 of the £500,000 target that has been set. The aim is to surpass that target by the day of the awards. Auction of Cartier Jewellery Entertainment is vital for any successful awards ceremony, which is why IGA 2015 will feature a lavish auction sponsored by online gambling operator Mr Green. During the auction, attendees will bid for a glittering selection of Cartier jewellery. Along with Mr Green, there are many more star-studded names featuring as sponsors for IGA 2015, such as global poker operator PokerStars. Meanwhile, Playtech leads the software developers, with other important names including Yggdrasil, Bet Construct, and BetSoft.
The Scottish Championship league heats up today as two table leaders Heart of Midlothian and Glasgow Rangers meet for an important match at Glasgow's Ibrox Stadium (19:45 UK time). Rangers Favorites Rangers seem to be the only match to the Hearts this season. They won 13 games, lost 5 and drawn 2, currently sitting on 41 points. While Hearts are 13 points clear from the team right now, a win today could change the picture while at the same time a loss would probably seal the title race. Rangers won their last two games against Dumbarton and Alloa respectively. The team trails Hearts' goal difference by 20 goals, but they have talent up in the front with goalscorers Nicky Law and Calum Gallagher who are good bets. Home advantage considered, this game could go anywhere and Rangers are considered to have a better squad for the encounter. Hearts up High With 54 points composed of 17 wins, 3 draws and zero losses, Hearts proudly stand atop the Championship table with 54 points. Hearts are simply breaking all other hearts in the league this season, having scored 52 goals in 20 matches, the team is showing that it is ready to return to the Premiership after last season's slip which got it relegated. Hearts' winning streak was cut by a 1-1 draw against the strong Hibernian earlier this month, but they came back with an away 1-5 thrashing of Dumbarton last week. It's hard if not impossible to see Hearts losing their tight grip on the league and a win today could very well end the title race. Look for Osman Sow and James Keatings to deliver goals, although many of the team's players have contributed to its impressive goal statistic. In-play Bets Winner Sports is offering pre-match and in-play betting markets on this important match. Full time odds had Rangers at 7/5 and Hearts at 17/10 with 49/20 for a draw. Log-in Winner this Friday evening for a full range of markets.
Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands and situated off the coast of Normandy, France, has given out its first online gaming license to lottery software provider Twelve40. Twelve40 focuses on small and medium-sized lotteries around the world, and is designed to add an online element to lottery operators that currently offer only physical ticket sales. The online element is usually in the form of virtual tickets or online scratchcards. Twelve40 was granted its license by the Jersey Gambling Commission, and was granted its remote gambling operator’s license under the terms of Part 2, Article 12 of the Jersey Gambling Law 2012. The Jersey Gambling Commission (JGC) is the body in charge of all gambling on the island of Jersey, including both land-based and online. Their primary function is to ensure that gambling runs fairly, and that consumers are protected. Jersey Regulations The Jersey Gambling Commission requires operators to guarantee a reliable and fair service to their customers, to have methods of dealing with problem gambling and to set strict age verification controls. Steve Hickson, the director of Twelve40, stated that the company proudly complied with all of the Jersey Gambling Commission’s requirements, and was thus able to obtain the license. Hickson also commented on the helpfulness of the regulator in Jersey, and said that he was able to receive support throughout the whole application process. Will Jersey be the New Malta? Jersey Gambling Commission chief executive Jason Lane said that the recent changes made to the United Kingdom’s online gambling licensing system have made many companies turn to Jersey as an alternative, which could end up making the Island into an iGaming hub much like Malta. Jersey has had intentions to begin granting online gambling licenses, and in 2012 signed a memorandum of understanding with Malta’s Lotteries and Gaming Authority. As the year goes on, the Jersey Gambling Commission would not be surprised to receive many more applications.
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