Worldwide Gambling Industry Regulatory Updates For August 2020

The August is over and done with and as we approach the blessed fall season, it’s time to take a look at previous month’s doings in of regulatory updates in gambling industry, all around the globe.

The legislators and operators were busy, as all continents had certain countries/jurisdictions that introduced some changes.

US Gambling Updates

Illinois – Grand Victoria Casino operated by Caesars Entertainment got the William Hill retail sports book while DraftKings launched its online sports book in partnership with Casino Queen.

Michigan – Retail sports book in partnership with Scientific Games was launched in The Fire Keepers Casino.

Nebraska – Three ballot proposals intended for the November ballot which might permit casino gambling at licensed racetracks were all rejected by the Secretary of State.

New Hampshire – DraftKings has launched New Hampshire’s first retail sportsbook, in partnership with the state lottery and The Brook casino.

Pennsylvania – GAN has launched the online casino platform PlayLive! In partnership with Cordish Gaming Group on 12 August 2020. Also, Rep Dan Frankel introduced Hb2298 to the House to impose a blanket smoking ban on all casinos in the state. State legislators have introduced a bill to amend the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to allow organizations to offer game of chance online.

Tennessee – The online sports betting launch will be delayed until November 1st, the Tennessee Lottery Board announced. Four operators have so far submitted license applications.

European Gambling Updates

Greece – iGaming framework got the new regulations, inclusion severe restrictions on RNG games. Online slots will have a EUR 2 maximum stake limit, a wait time between spins of three seconds and maximum slot winnings of EUR 5,000 per session.

– The European Commission has extended the standstill period for member states to submit comments on the State Treaty on Gambling following a detailed submission by Malta. Unless any further comments are received the EC will rule on the compatibility of the new regulations in September 2020.

Romania – Gambling Regulator ONJN has blacklisted 20 gambling websites by unauthorized online operators which internet service providers in this country will block.

Sweden – Svenska Spel has announced the total closure of Sundsvall Casino Cosmopol property due to profit decline. Spelinspektionen has highlighted that any would require sensitive information from customers and operators that had the potential to breach online freedom laws.

Ukraine – President of the country has signed the Gambling Act into law, which makes online gambling, bookmaking, slot halls and land-based casinos legal.

UK – The new advertising code requires operators to make sure all social media advertising must be targeted at over 25s unless an over 18 audience can be guaranteed whilst ments on YouTube will be age restricted to over 18s.bra

South American Gambling Updates

Brazil – The President Jair Bolsonaro has approved the formation of commercial sports betting market. The Ministry of the Economy and BNDES will develop the necessary regulatory framework and begin the licensing procedure.

Argentina – Government of capital Buenos Aires will allow Casino de Puerto madero to offer online sports betting under new regulations that were proposed in February.

Asian Gambling Updates

China – Country’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced it has established a blacklist system for cross-border gambling tourist destinations in conjunction with relevant departments and will take relevant travel restrictions on Chinese citizens going to overseas cities and scenic spots on the blacklist.

Japan – Horseracing will continue to take place behind closed doors, Japanese Racing Association has announced. The off-track betting facilities have begun to reopen, but with restricted hours of business.

Macau – Residents of all provinces will be approved visas to Macau, but not for tourist purposes.

Source:

“H2 Gambling”, August 2020