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Poland is adapting its legislation, but there are still vital stakeholders in the market in need of relief. Status The good: Poland has revamped its gambling laws to include online slots. The still problematic: there is still no sign of badly needed tax breaks for locally licensed gambling operators. Online Slots Widen Last Monday, the Poland Ministry of Finance indicated its willingness to allow operators to offer online slots, as long as they adhere to responsible gambling provisions which protect customers. Land-based Slots Land-based slots will be authorized by the Ministry of Finance to be administered by an as yet unspecified entity under the auspices of a state monopoly. The Ministry cites the addictiveness of the slots as the basis for confining land-based operations to "dedicated areas under control." Poker Time The Ministry will loosen restrictions on poker as well, with online as well as land-based games no longer relegated to only the country's current land-based casinos. This will allow for home play and in public establishments, practices which have been strictly forbidden until now, according to borderline draconian policies which the government is planning to lift with the new legislation. Protection The Polish market will protect against unlicensed foreign operations serving Polish customers via existing standard IP- and payment-blocking mechanisms, while promising "more severe consequences" for non-compliant operators. Operators Still Confused The Ministry offered no update regarding expected changes to the country's gambling taxes, with betting operators currently subjected to a 12% tax on turnover. Tax Distribution The proposed gaming tax is thought to seek a new 20% levy on betting revenue, with 10% of that revenue distributed to the Polish Olympic Committee (7%) and gambling addiction support organizations (3%). First of the Year Further revisions have been submitted to relevant branches of government for their approval. The Ministry did say they should they expect all changes in their completed form to take effect on January 1, 2017.
Amsterdam is the host city for the iGaming Super Show that runs from 7th - 10th June 2016. Among the many companies on the stands will be World Match, who will be showcasing their range of over 150 titles and introducing some new ones to both existing and potential customers. About World Match World Match have been in business since 2003 and have developed a range of games in Flash which are now being moved over to the HTML5 platform. iOS and Android are increasingly important, so games are also configured for mobile play. With around 120 slots, 30 table games and a broad selection of Video Poker titles, World Match are rapidly expanding their portfolio, and have two new titles to show in June. Arena de Toros HD and SuperHeroes HD are the latest slot machines, both in HTML5, and they join other successful games like Horror Castle, Fruits 4 Jackpot and Banana King. All World Match slot games feature extra rounds and bonuses while the multiple versions of classics like Roulette, Blackjack, Poker and Craps games, plus twelve Video Poker variants have attracted commercial agreements with Stanleybet, Merkur-Win, Microgame Network, Ever Matrix and Eurobet among others. Many games are presented with HD graphics where the resolutions are up to 1280 x 720 pixels, while connectivity with social networks give players the chance to share their gameplay with friends. Already widely known in Southern Europe, World Match are looking to expand customer awareness in the northern part of the continent by attending the Amsterdam show. About The iGaming Super Show The show will be held at the Amsterdam RAI, the biggest exhibition space in the country. Some 4000 delegates are expected to attend as are over 100 speakers, with around 120 stands. Events and seminars include player acquisition strategies, payment solutions and gaming in Holland. World Match can be found at stand B83 throughout the show.
The Czech Republic is closing on opening Internet gaming to international operators after proposed new gambling legislation survived a senate vote. Minimal Opposition A vote of 42-0 in the Czech Senate with 23 abstaining now leaves it to the discretion of President Miloš Zeman to decide within the next 30 days to sign approval that would bring the proposal into effect no earlier than January 1, 2017. Seeking to meet the compliance standards of the European Commission guidelines for free e-commerce, the new legislation would open the door for Czech market entry via the acceptance of licensing applications from international gambling operators based in the European Union and the European Economic Area. This would add to the five currently licensed operators within the Czech Republic market now. Stiff Tax The tax rates appear unappetizing to new competitors, as the new iGaming bill calls for casino games to be taxed at 35% of annual gross gaming revenue and lotteries and sports betting options 23%. These taxes are levied in addition to the standard corporate tax within the country of 19% that all online gambling companies will be charged. Preventing Addiction To protect players from addiction, the legislation calls for the establishment of a national exclusion database where individuals could block themselves from accessing online gambling websites. Said database would further prevent bankrupt Czech nationals as well as individuals receiving financial assistance from the country from gambling online. Unlicensed Measures As for unlicensed operators, the bill would authorize the Czech Ministry of Finance to block unlicensed gambling websites and payments to and from such websites. The comprehensive bill also would regulate unlawful advertising by unlicensed operators. Outlook The rigorousness of the legislation indicates some promising and innovative preventative measures which could be duplicated by other incoming regulation systems in and around Europe. We will see how motivated operators are to join the market despite the healthy tax percentage.
One of the highlights of the iGaming Super Show 2016 edition will be the Player Acquisition Strategies conference which will take place Thursday, the 9th of June in Amsterdam and will include among other speakers Marcus Tandler, one of the authorities of SEO and internet search strategies. Marcus Tandler Will Certainly Impress with His Unique View Marcus Tandler hosted one of the most memorable TEDx session during their Munich event where he managed to simplify the very complicated future of web searches and SEO, showcasing how regular users as well as numerous industries will have to change and adapt to future development in the field. His session will be called “The Future of Search and SEO” and will take place on the 9th of June at 12:00 in conference room 3 at the RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre in Amsterdam. The session will explain Tandler’s uniquely concise and updated view on web searches and SEO for the iGaming industry. The Event Promises an Increase in High-quality Content iGaming Business Managing Director Alex Pratt declared that Marcus Tandler’s session will be as unforgettable as his Munich TEDx conference. He also added that his presence in this year’s edition perfectly showcases the increase in quality content that the iGaming event has registered in its numerous years of activity. Attendance to the “Player Acquisition Strategies Conference" is ticket based with a ticket costing £499. The iGaming Super Show is a staple of the market being the biggest event in the iGaming industry. This year’s event will include networking opportunities as well as the latest information on business perspectives and education in the iGaming field. The event is attended by representatives from the biggest companies in the field with over 4,500 delegates being expected to this year’s edition.
Economically challenged Greece is moving ahead with implementing an iGaming model to address the island nation's and EU member's well-publicized woes. Taxing for Relief The imposition of a 35% flat tax on all online gambling revenue that the legislation calls for is designed to meet criteria to qualify for the cash-strapped country's next EU sanctioned loan tranche. The flat tax comes off as a desperate measure which could scare off new operators. Meeting Bailout Requirements The Greek Parliament addressed this issue in a Sunday vote on the omnibus financial bill, approving the bill in order to secure the latest round of EU bailout funds from international lenders. The Tax Retroactive to January 21, 2016, the flat tax replaces the current 30% to 35% variable online gambling tax. The governing Syriza party has placed revenue goals for the specific measure at $54m in tax revenue. The Environment In the Greek market there are at this moment 24 online providers operating under temporary licenses issued in 2011. The latest legislation calls for new permanent licenses to be issued to operators for an upfront charge of $3m for five years. OPAP Support Discouraging foreign competitors is not necessarily a bad thing to some market stakeholders in Greece. Former state-owned betting monopoly OPAP, to whom the 35% tax rate has already applied, was seen as a main proponent of adapting the rate across the board in order bid to discourage market entry from new international competition. Progress? OPAP nonetheless has recently shown signs of equitable privatisation, having hired former Ladbrokes Managing Director Damian Cope as its new CEO, with former CEO and chairman Ziegler continuing on as chairman as of July 1. Task at Hand Greece is currently legislating under loan sanctions imposed by the EU requiring Greece to meet a surplus of 3.5% of its national budget. Greece at this point is trying to cover a remaining deficit of $1.5 billion in taxes by increasing taxes on a variety of items, not just gambling.
History is coming up at the inaugural Juegos Miami. Best of Miami From May 31 to June 3, 55 internationally renowned speakers and 40 of gaming's most respected innovating companies will come together amid the elegant splendor of Miami´s world-renowned Biltmore Hotel to launch iGaming´s historic first foray into the Latin American market, via the vital regional network that is LatAm and Caribbean gaming industry. Unique Event Kate Chambers, gaming division Managing Director for Juegos` co-organisers Clarion Events, asserted the distinctiveness of LatAm, emphasizing that “Juegos Miami has not set out to be an ICE or a G2E Las Vegas…not a trade show, not a conference, not a networking opportunity – but all of these things wrapped in a single package.” Attendees The invitation-only event is slated to provide unique networking opportunities for the emerging LatAm and Caribbean market via what Chambers distinguished as a “refreshing mix of product, learning, training and socialising” with attendance limited to senior decision makers. At Juegos, many of the most influential business people, decision makers and regulators in the region will be introduced to exhibitors for the first time. Speakers Some speakers include Waldir Marques Junior, General Coordinator of the Ministry of Finance-Economic Policy SPE Brazil, Tom Mungham COO, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, and Tiburcio Perdomo Commerical Director of the Loteria Nacional Dominican Republic. Milieu Unique themed programming will include the JCM Global LATAM Golf Classic and the Totally Gaming Academy courses, with 1000 room nights at the Biltmore already booked by invitees. Representatives from 42 total nations are expected to attend this all-inclusive series of learning, networking and social events indoor and al fresco on the positively stunning Biltmore grounds. Implications for iGamers Latin America is a vast untapped economic market, while the Caribbean represents some of the most attractive venues and economies in the world for operators. For newer iGaming professionals not invited this year, the post event coverage is not to be missed, as the fresh insights about the Latin and Caribbean markets to be revealed at LatAm resonate into the greater iGaming community for the first time.
Every time that Richard Gasquet and Andy Murray meet on the court, no matter if its clay, grass or hard court, fans are given an action-packed match. The tale of the tape between these two is in favor of the UK's Andy Murray with seven wins, while the Frenchman Gasquet has beaten Murray thrice. Murray is ranked second in the ATP rankings and Gasquet twelfth, but when they meet they look like two of the best matched players in the world. Gasquet is depending on his home Parisian crowd to help take him to the Semi-Finals. He is looking for the same energy that took him past his last-16 opponent, Kei Nishikori on the sold-out Philippe Chartrier Court. “The crowd is always important. Like a Davis Cup match for me. It’s always important to have the crowd cheering for you... and I admit it made a big difference for me at the Davis Cup." Murray is ready for the Frenchman and actually holds a perfect 4-0 record against Gasquet in all Grand Slam evets. Murray has breezed past the competition in this year's Roland Garros, but knows that beginning I the Quarter-Finals the actions starts to get more intense and the condition of each player begins to show. Murray is in great shape, but so is Gasquet. It will be quite an interesting eleventh meeting between the two. Prediction Murray will out-last Gasquet but he will need to go five sets to get the win. It's going to be a tight and super intriguing match. Roland Garros Betting Bet365 Sports is on top of the French Open and they are providing excellent betting options for tennis punters with competitive odds. The second-seed is outright favorite to win the match at 1.33, while Gasquet is not too far behind at 3.50. bet365 will be offering live in-play odds for punters seeking an interactive betting experience. They also offer their special Accumulator Tennis offer in which punters can get up to 50% more on Accumulator Bets.
Gaming in Holland is coming, June 7-8, and all iGaming professionals should be sure to mark the date for the full range of legal perspectives on incoming legislation. Part of RAI Supershow The Gaming in Holland Conference is taking place as part of the iGaming Super Show convention in Amsterdam´s RAI Exhibition and Convention Center in Amsterdam. Gaming Holland Congress is a force in its own right. A full slate of industry insiders and regulators will provide first-hand legal and legislative updates to essential industry verticals such as remote gaming, land-based operations, and lotteries. New Information New information is discussed in the context to the incoming Dutch remote gaming bill, which is subject to Parliamentary vote not one week before this year´s GHC begins. The Gaming Congress will empower attendees with the voting results as well as implications for secondary legislation, legal developments in the online lottery sector, and the impending privatization of Holland Casino (currently scheduled for 2017). Speakers Speakers include digital and gaming market specialist Robert Anderson, CEO of Swedish supermarketing group Catana Media, Netherlands Gaming Authority Marja Appelman, and Justin Franssen, co-partner at the law firm of iGaming co-sponsor Kalff Katz and Franssen. Networking The networking opportunities will be considerable as well, as GHC 2016 will offer local, national, and global market expertise. CEO´s from iGaming organizations of all sizes will share their views on and ideas for the emerging and highly attractive Dutch gaming market at ingenious venues such as a wondrous Amsterdam canal cruise and an elegant mixer amid the splendor of the Jamie Oliver Restaurant FIFTEEN. Local Info As far as the Dutch market is concerned, specific content will be offered in the form of GHC sessions on data validation, marketing, affiliates, and speaker presentations on super hot eSports and Daily Fantasy. Master the Dutch Market A Dutch regulation vote is on the way. Let the legal experts sort everything out for you at Holland Gaming Congress as soon as it happens.
Pennsylvania is walking a strangely delicate tightrope regarding the legalization of online gambling within its borders. Last week, two separate amendments that would have legalized online gambling in Pennsylvania were voted against by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. However, a motion for reconsideration of the amendments was immediately agreed upon, which means that all hope is not yet lost. Confusion in the House Back in November, State Rep. John Payne’s original bill, HB 649, passed a full house vote, which gave the lawmaker hope that it could go all the way. However, along the way, his bill was turned from an independent entity into an amendment, to be tacked onto the state’s general budget. This amendment, along with another gambling-related one, was voted on last week in the House of Representatives. Payne thinks there was a lot of confusion regarding the two bills, and what was actually included in both of them. His bill, A7619, would allow online gambling, along with video gaming terminals (VGTs) at airport terminals and off-track betting sites. The second amendment, A7622, would allow VGTs at taverns, bars, social clubs and volunteer fire houses. Both amendments were voted down, but immediately after the vote on the second amendment, the floor leadership asked for the amendments to be reintroduced, which means that the bills are not dead. They will likely be discussed again at the next House session, scheduled for June 6. Payne commented that he hopes there “won't be similar confusion" when lawmakers gather again. Time is of the Essence The deadline for Pennsylvania’s budget, including this amendment, is June 30th. If Payne wants his amendment to be tacked on, it needs to be done by then. It’s certainly not out of the question, especially if lawmakers can gain better understandings of both bills in time for their June 6 session.
The Amsterdam Affiliate Conference, the four-day conference that is part of the iGaming Super Show begins on the 7th of June until the 10th. Considered as one of the best events for affiliates and industry professionals, this year's conference is supposed to be a huge success with over 4,000 expected in attendance. The iGaming Super Show includes a total of eight events that are co-located in the conference with 120 stands altogether. The conference will include numerous exhibition and networking events for some 2,000 affiliates expected to come. The events will be a fun alternative to other conferences, as the host city is well-known to be a perfect setting for business and pleasure. The venue is the biggest exhibition space in the entire Netherlands at the Amsterdam RAI in Hall 8. Just a short trip from the city center, it is very easy to get there and see the city. What's Going On The Amsterdam Affiliate Conference will kick-off with a special networking party venue on the 7th to break the ice amongst attendees and provide an ideal platform to talk and make new connections for the coming days. The exhibition floor runs the length of the conference and guests will be able to visit the area when they wish. There will also be sessions regarding payment options, sports betting, iGaming marketing, online gaming, new software and much more. Keynote speakers from all sectors of the industry will be on hand and offering insights while discussing their trade. Expected to speak will be leaders from companies like Football Index, 90Digital, Easy Payment Gateway, NeoSurf, Gambling Compliance, Google, Microgaming and dozens more. It will definitely be a jam-packed conference so be sure to check out the entire itinerary. This year, Online Casino Reports will be sending representatives to the conference and would like to invite anyone that wants to connect can be in touch and are welcomed to contact. The conference will be the biggest in its history and will undoubtedly be an excellent environment for work and an even better place to play.
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