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The regulated French online gambling market is continuing to grow, according to figures released earlier this week by ARJEL, the regulatory authority for online casino, poker and sports betting. To find more about online gambling in France, in French, visit Online Casino Reports France.
Yearly gambling growth
The entire market generated stakes of €9.4 billion in 2012, a one percent increase on the previous year. This growth took place despite the fact that customer deposits actually fell 3% last year and that there were 13 fewer gambling firms operating actively in the market.
Sports betting was the main contributor to French online gambling growth. Thanks to major sporting events like Euro 2012 (which France bombed out of in a quarter-final loss to Spain) and the 2012 London Olympics (France placed seventh on the medal tally), online betting stakes grew 19% to €705m.
Current state of play
There is still room for more growth, given that the French government and gambling authority are yet to issue all the licenses that they could. Some of the measures taken by France against online gambling providers operating without licenses are believed to violate European law.
Having said that, France at least took the step at the beginning of 2012 of initiating a series of reform that enable access to online gambling, betting and poker sites that are licensed by the national gambling authority ARJEL. One has to start somewhere, and French gamblers certainly have better access than residents of some neighboring European countries.
French Online Gambling Market Grows - Industry Coverage - Onlinecasinoreports-com
Yearly gambling growth
The entire market generated stakes of €9.4 billion in 2012, a one percent increase on the previous year. This growth took place despite the fact that customer deposits actually fell 3% last year and that there were 13 fewer gambling firms operating actively in the market.
Sports betting was the main contributor to French online gambling growth. Thanks to major sporting events like Euro 2012 (which France bombed out of in a quarter-final loss to Spain) and the 2012 London Olympics (France placed seventh on the medal tally), online betting stakes grew 19% to €705m.
Current state of play
There is still room for more growth, given that the French government and gambling authority are yet to issue all the licenses that they could. Some of the measures taken by France against online gambling providers operating without licenses are believed to violate European law.
Having said that, France at least took the step at the beginning of 2012 of initiating a series of reform that enable access to online gambling, betting and poker sites that are licensed by the national gambling authority ARJEL. One has to start somewhere, and French gamblers certainly have better access than residents of some neighboring European countries.
French Online Gambling Market Grows - Industry Coverage - Onlinecasinoreports-com
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2006/12/07
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29893
Beyonce lip-synced the national anthem during her rousing performance at President Obama's inauguration, according to the U.S. Marine Band. A band spokeswoman told news outlets Tuesday that the band was notified at the last minute before the performance that Beyonce would use a pre-recorded voice track. Band members played their instruments live with no intonation problems in the chilly conditions ahead of the national anthem, the spokeswoman said.
"The entire performance was live except for the national anthem," Master Sgt. Kristin duBois told The New York Times and other outlets. "We don't know why. But that is what we were instructed to do so that is what we did. It's not because Beyonce can't sing. We all know Beyonce can sing. We all know the Marine Band can play."
All inaugural music is pre-recorded in case weather conditions or other circumstances could interrupt the program.
A representative for Beyonce did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Kelly Clarkson's representative said she sang live to perform "My Country, 'Tis of Thee."
Inaugural organizers also did not immediately respond to requests for comment on why the musical plans were changed at the last minute.
The use of a recording is typical in big events. In 2009, cellist Yo-Yo Ma was questioned about "hand-syncing" for Obama's first inauguration. Ma said instruments weren't functioning properly in 19-degree weather.
Even in good conditions, producing good sound can be a challenge in a large space.
Some artists choose to lip-sync. Whitney Houston's memorable performance of the national anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl was sung to a track.
Walters on the mend after tumble at VIP party
NEW YORK — Barbara Walters says she expects to be home from the hospital soon after taking a spill at a Saturday night party at the British ambassador's home in Washington.
The veteran ABC newswoman thanked people who expressed concern in a statement read Monday on "The View."
She says she's running a low-grade fever and doctors don't want to release her until her temperature is normal. Her colleagues at "The View" wished her well on the air, although comic Joy Behar couldn't resist a joke.
Behar urged Walters to get well and to "lay off the Grey Goose" vodka.
Sting's girl to debut in new Lucas comedy
NEW YORK — Sting's daughter Mickey Sumner has signed up to make her off-Broadway debut in Craig Lucas's new comedy "The Lying Lesson."
The Atlantic Theater Company said Tuesday that Sumner, whose credits also include the new Noah Baumbach film "Frances Ha," will star opposite Carol Kane in the comic thriller.
Kane plays a woman who may or may not be legendary screen star Bette Davis, and Sumner will portray a woman who tries to discover her true identity.
Previews begin Feb. 20 with an opening set for March 13. Tony Award-nominated director Pam MacKinnon will replace Anna D. Shapiro as the play's director.
"The entire performance was live except for the national anthem," Master Sgt. Kristin duBois told The New York Times and other outlets. "We don't know why. But that is what we were instructed to do so that is what we did. It's not because Beyonce can't sing. We all know Beyonce can sing. We all know the Marine Band can play."
All inaugural music is pre-recorded in case weather conditions or other circumstances could interrupt the program.
A representative for Beyonce did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Kelly Clarkson's representative said she sang live to perform "My Country, 'Tis of Thee."
Inaugural organizers also did not immediately respond to requests for comment on why the musical plans were changed at the last minute.
The use of a recording is typical in big events. In 2009, cellist Yo-Yo Ma was questioned about "hand-syncing" for Obama's first inauguration. Ma said instruments weren't functioning properly in 19-degree weather.
Even in good conditions, producing good sound can be a challenge in a large space.
Some artists choose to lip-sync. Whitney Houston's memorable performance of the national anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl was sung to a track.
Walters on the mend after tumble at VIP party
NEW YORK — Barbara Walters says she expects to be home from the hospital soon after taking a spill at a Saturday night party at the British ambassador's home in Washington.
The veteran ABC newswoman thanked people who expressed concern in a statement read Monday on "The View."
She says she's running a low-grade fever and doctors don't want to release her until her temperature is normal. Her colleagues at "The View" wished her well on the air, although comic Joy Behar couldn't resist a joke.
Behar urged Walters to get well and to "lay off the Grey Goose" vodka.
Sting's girl to debut in new Lucas comedy
NEW YORK — Sting's daughter Mickey Sumner has signed up to make her off-Broadway debut in Craig Lucas's new comedy "The Lying Lesson."
The Atlantic Theater Company said Tuesday that Sumner, whose credits also include the new Noah Baumbach film "Frances Ha," will star opposite Carol Kane in the comic thriller.
Kane plays a woman who may or may not be legendary screen star Bette Davis, and Sumner will portray a woman who tries to discover her true identity.
Previews begin Feb. 20 with an opening set for March 13. Tony Award-nominated director Pam MacKinnon will replace Anna D. Shapiro as the play's director.
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2006/12/07
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A man with money is no match against a man on a mission <-- I like this quote :o
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Don't miss out on your chance to play your favourite games for FREE as we give away some fantastic cash prizes that will be credited to your account!
Do You Feel Lucky: Casino Games and Online Gambling Guide by ixgames
Do You Feel Lucky: Casino Games and Online Gambling Guide by ixgames
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2006/12/07
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A new regulated online gambling site for Manitobans -- PlayNow.Com -- was launched today.
Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries says the site will give Manitobans a safe and secure way to play roulette or a hand of poker. Other games include live poker, video poker, slots and Blackjack. There will also be live sports betting on a variety of leagues, tournaments and events, according to a news release.
Later this year, live bingo and some lottery products will also be available online.
"We are pleased to offer Manitobans a reputable and safe online gambling option," said Winston Hodgins, president and CEO of Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries. "Players can be confident in the extensive safety and security measures that are in place to protect their personal information, their bets and their deposits."
Carolin Taubensee, executive general manager of eGaming at Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, said the site has several distinctive products such as live poker, which connects players from Manitoba, B.C. and Quebec.
"We are confident that Manitobans will really enjoy playing on this exciting site, which is based on British Columbia Lottery Corporation’s (BCLC) PlayNow.com platform. Manitoba residents who are 18 years or older may register to play on the site.
Revenues from PlayNow.com will be reinvested into Manitoba communities, lotteries officials said. Three per cent of online gambling net income will be provided to the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba and two per cent will be committed to Manitoba Lotteries’ responsible gambling initiatives.
The province will allocate 15 per cent to support expanded provincial programming for Aboriginal sport and recreational activities. The remaining revenue will be directed to the Province of Manitoba to support health care, education, community and social services and economic development.
Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries says the site will give Manitobans a safe and secure way to play roulette or a hand of poker. Other games include live poker, video poker, slots and Blackjack. There will also be live sports betting on a variety of leagues, tournaments and events, according to a news release.
Later this year, live bingo and some lottery products will also be available online.
"We are pleased to offer Manitobans a reputable and safe online gambling option," said Winston Hodgins, president and CEO of Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries. "Players can be confident in the extensive safety and security measures that are in place to protect their personal information, their bets and their deposits."
Carolin Taubensee, executive general manager of eGaming at Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, said the site has several distinctive products such as live poker, which connects players from Manitoba, B.C. and Quebec.
"We are confident that Manitobans will really enjoy playing on this exciting site, which is based on British Columbia Lottery Corporation’s (BCLC) PlayNow.com platform. Manitoba residents who are 18 years or older may register to play on the site.
Revenues from PlayNow.com will be reinvested into Manitoba communities, lotteries officials said. Three per cent of online gambling net income will be provided to the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba and two per cent will be committed to Manitoba Lotteries’ responsible gambling initiatives.
The province will allocate 15 per cent to support expanded provincial programming for Aboriginal sport and recreational activities. The remaining revenue will be directed to the Province of Manitoba to support health care, education, community and social services and economic development.
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2006/12/07
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29893
Watch your online advertising. That's the message the gambling industry's main lobbying group is sending to casinos.
The American Gaming Association has issued a revised code of conduct that expands the responsible advertising section to include social media and Internet promotions.
Among other things, the code demands that casinos refrain from advertising to children and from appearing to guarantee success. It also states that ads should include a toll-free help line and stick to accepted standards of good taste.
The American Gaming Association has issued a revised code of conduct that expands the responsible advertising section to include social media and Internet promotions.
Among other things, the code demands that casinos refrain from advertising to children and from appearing to guarantee success. It also states that ads should include a toll-free help line and stick to accepted standards of good taste.
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2006/12/07
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29893
A Mississippi representative wants to give internet gaming another chance.
Less than a year after iGaming legislation failed, State Rep. Bobby Moak re-introduced a nearly identical bill that would make real-money online poker legal in the Magnolia State.
Mississippi is home to southern gambling hubs like Tunica and Biloxi, and the proposed law would regulate internet casinos and “inhibit underage wagering and otherwise protect vulnerable individuals, ensure that the games offered through the Internet are fair and safe.”
Moak’s proposal also suggests that legalized online gambling in Mississippi would “create jobs and economic development” in Mississippi while preventing taxes and revenue fees from being collected by “illegal operators.”
Regulation would “ensure that only those persons of good character and fitness, who meet strict criteria set forth in law and regulations, are suitable to facilitate and conduct online gaming activities,” the proposed bill states.
Unregulated online gambling “raises significant concerns for the protection of our citizens.”
Like the bill that died last year in committee, Moak’s 2013 proposal would require operators to apply for five-year licenses through the Mississippi Gaming Commission, and players must be at least 21 years old and sign a wagering agreement.
Nevada and Delaware have legalized online poker, while lawmakers in New Jersey, California and Iowa are working toward legalization.
In Nevada, the governor also is pushing for an amendment that would allow for interstate poker in other areas where it is made legal.
Less than a year after iGaming legislation failed, State Rep. Bobby Moak re-introduced a nearly identical bill that would make real-money online poker legal in the Magnolia State.
Mississippi is home to southern gambling hubs like Tunica and Biloxi, and the proposed law would regulate internet casinos and “inhibit underage wagering and otherwise protect vulnerable individuals, ensure that the games offered through the Internet are fair and safe.”
Moak’s proposal also suggests that legalized online gambling in Mississippi would “create jobs and economic development” in Mississippi while preventing taxes and revenue fees from being collected by “illegal operators.”
Regulation would “ensure that only those persons of good character and fitness, who meet strict criteria set forth in law and regulations, are suitable to facilitate and conduct online gaming activities,” the proposed bill states.
Unregulated online gambling “raises significant concerns for the protection of our citizens.”
Like the bill that died last year in committee, Moak’s 2013 proposal would require operators to apply for five-year licenses through the Mississippi Gaming Commission, and players must be at least 21 years old and sign a wagering agreement.
Nevada and Delaware have legalized online poker, while lawmakers in New Jersey, California and Iowa are working toward legalization.
In Nevada, the governor also is pushing for an amendment that would allow for interstate poker in other areas where it is made legal.
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2006/12/07
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29893
According to a Worcester Telegram & Gazette, a bill has been submitted to the Massachusetts state legislature that would allow the state lottery to offer online gambling later this year.
State Senator Jennifer L. Flanagan, D-Leominster has filed a bill that would allow the Lottery Commission to offer a suite of online gambling games on a trial basis later in the year. The initiate is part of State Treasurer Steven Grossman desire for Massachusetts to be capitalize on what he sees as a coming explosion in online gaming.
Mr. Grossman does point out that if the bill is approved, the Lottery Commission would not move forward with any type of online gaming until the state’s 7,400 retail lottery agents had a role in the new system. Part of his plan would see that the agents continue to receive a 5 percent commission on online sales as well as 1 percent of online winnings so that customers will continue to go to live retailers
Grossman is doing what many states have done in the last year, and that is quote the December 2011 ruling by the DOJ saying that the Wire Act only applies to sports betting. He said that “The threat from the Internet is imminent. Doing nothing is not an option. We need to move forward and test appropriately.”
Sen. Flanagan echoes Mr. Grossman’s sentiments regarding the bill. She was quoted as saying that “This is a complex matter. The legislation I filed starts that conversation and in no way, shape or form determines the outcome. We want to make sure the local business owners are not harmed.”
Lottery officials are looking at numerous options for online gaming. Initially, only lottery tickets would be available online. As gaming is expanded, Keno and other games of chances may be added. They are also considering a social gaming component that would not even award a cash prize.
The problem of the potential creation of addicted online gamblers was also addressed by the bill. Online gamblers would be limited to the number of credits that they could purchase. This move will also be of benefit to local retailers as after a gambler has used up their credits, they could only purchase lottery tickets in a live retailer location.
Mr. Grossman also assured taxpayers that none of their money would be spent on this program until further testing is conducted. He said that, “I don’t want to spend a dime of taxpayers’ money until we are certain we have a new product line that we have tested.”
Should Massachusetts pass the measure, they would join Delaware and Nevada as the only states to fully legalize online gambling. What role that poker will play in this new gaming remains to be seen, but for now the first hurdle is to get the bill through the legislature.
State Senator Jennifer L. Flanagan, D-Leominster has filed a bill that would allow the Lottery Commission to offer a suite of online gambling games on a trial basis later in the year. The initiate is part of State Treasurer Steven Grossman desire for Massachusetts to be capitalize on what he sees as a coming explosion in online gaming.
Mr. Grossman does point out that if the bill is approved, the Lottery Commission would not move forward with any type of online gaming until the state’s 7,400 retail lottery agents had a role in the new system. Part of his plan would see that the agents continue to receive a 5 percent commission on online sales as well as 1 percent of online winnings so that customers will continue to go to live retailers
Grossman is doing what many states have done in the last year, and that is quote the December 2011 ruling by the DOJ saying that the Wire Act only applies to sports betting. He said that “The threat from the Internet is imminent. Doing nothing is not an option. We need to move forward and test appropriately.”
Sen. Flanagan echoes Mr. Grossman’s sentiments regarding the bill. She was quoted as saying that “This is a complex matter. The legislation I filed starts that conversation and in no way, shape or form determines the outcome. We want to make sure the local business owners are not harmed.”
Lottery officials are looking at numerous options for online gaming. Initially, only lottery tickets would be available online. As gaming is expanded, Keno and other games of chances may be added. They are also considering a social gaming component that would not even award a cash prize.
The problem of the potential creation of addicted online gamblers was also addressed by the bill. Online gamblers would be limited to the number of credits that they could purchase. This move will also be of benefit to local retailers as after a gambler has used up their credits, they could only purchase lottery tickets in a live retailer location.
Mr. Grossman also assured taxpayers that none of their money would be spent on this program until further testing is conducted. He said that, “I don’t want to spend a dime of taxpayers’ money until we are certain we have a new product line that we have tested.”
Should Massachusetts pass the measure, they would join Delaware and Nevada as the only states to fully legalize online gambling. What role that poker will play in this new gaming remains to be seen, but for now the first hurdle is to get the bill through the legislature.
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2006/12/07
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29893
marrol wrote:
A man with money is no match against a man on a mission <-- I like this quote :o
Thanks......
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2006/12/07
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Former TV host Pepe Pimentel was found dead inside their house in Quezon City Thursday, police said.
Senior Superintendent Marcelino Pedroso of the Quezon City police said Pimentel, 82, was found dead with a wound to his head inside the bathroom of their house at No. 37 Scout Tuazon, Barangay (village) Laging Handa in Quezon City around 10:30 a.m.
Initial investigation revealed that Pimentel took a bath, but did not come out of the bathroom after some 30 minutes, prompting his wife and house helper to open the door.
“May sugat s’ya sa ulo,” Pedroso said, but investigators have yet to determine whether he simply slipped on the floor as he was taking a bath, or he suffered a heart attack.
The case has been placed for further investigation.
Pimentel’s body was cremated immediately and the ashes will be taken to the Pinaglabanan Church in San Juan City later in the day, radio reports said.
Pimentel was a game show host of “Kwarta o Kahon” that lasted for over three decades on television.
Senior Superintendent Marcelino Pedroso of the Quezon City police said Pimentel, 82, was found dead with a wound to his head inside the bathroom of their house at No. 37 Scout Tuazon, Barangay (village) Laging Handa in Quezon City around 10:30 a.m.
Initial investigation revealed that Pimentel took a bath, but did not come out of the bathroom after some 30 minutes, prompting his wife and house helper to open the door.
“May sugat s’ya sa ulo,” Pedroso said, but investigators have yet to determine whether he simply slipped on the floor as he was taking a bath, or he suffered a heart attack.
The case has been placed for further investigation.
Pimentel’s body was cremated immediately and the ashes will be taken to the Pinaglabanan Church in San Juan City later in the day, radio reports said.
Pimentel was a game show host of “Kwarta o Kahon” that lasted for over three decades on television.
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2006/12/07
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A bill that would legalize online gambling anywhere in New Jersey and not only Atlantic City could save the struggling resort town, a securities analyst said today.
“In our opinion, this is one of the last chances the governor has to provide a lifeline to Atlantic City casinos,” Dennis Farrell Jr., a senior analyst for Wells Fargo, wrote in a report on the bill.
Farrell and a colleague, Alex Schneider, said online wagering could increase casino revenue by $650 million to $850 million in its first year — figures that were more optimistic than past projections.
The legislation, which requires that bets be placed only in New Jersey, received bipartisan approval in the Senate and Assembly last month.
Gov. Chris Christie vetoed an earlier version the bill, saying at the time that “any effort to expand casino gambling outside of Atlantic City must be supported by referendum.”
His office did not respond to a request for comment today.
Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union), the bill’s prime sponsor, said the Wells Fargo report should ease any concerns.
“The experts are weighing in, and the overwhelming majority of opinions is that Internet wagering represents our best shot at resuscitating Atlantic City’s faltering economy,” Lesniak said in a statement.
Atlantic City casinos have been struggling for the last half-dozen years, largely because of competition in Pennsylvania, and also because of the sluggish national economy
Legalized sports betting at the state’s casinos and four horse racing tracks, approved in a 2011 referendum and signed into law last year, could also become a new source of revenue. But the program is being challenged by the nation’s college and professional sports leagues as well as the federal government and remains caught up in a federal court case.
Many had hoped the opening the trendy Revel resort would give the city a much-needed boost. But Revel had a puttering start last spring, and it’s financial situation has deteriorated since then, with the owners warning federal regulators last fall of a potential bankruptcy or foreclosure.
But if online gambling is approved in New Jersey, Farrell writes, casino revenues could increase by as much as 50 percent over the next five years. That would mean an additional $1.5 billion in casino revenue and $150 million in new tax revenue each year.
He rejected the notion that online betting would cost jobs and hurt the casinos by keeping gamblers away. “Opponents of the bill believe online gaming will lead to job losses at brick-and-mortar casinos,” Farrell wrote. “We beg to differ, as we believe online gaming sites operated by state casino operators will lead to job creation and drive visitation to Atlantic City.”
Previous estimates have not been as bright. Proponents have said internet gaming would bring in more than $35 million in tax revenue.
Online gambling could save Atlantic City, analyst says | NJ-com
“In our opinion, this is one of the last chances the governor has to provide a lifeline to Atlantic City casinos,” Dennis Farrell Jr., a senior analyst for Wells Fargo, wrote in a report on the bill.
Farrell and a colleague, Alex Schneider, said online wagering could increase casino revenue by $650 million to $850 million in its first year — figures that were more optimistic than past projections.
The legislation, which requires that bets be placed only in New Jersey, received bipartisan approval in the Senate and Assembly last month.
Gov. Chris Christie vetoed an earlier version the bill, saying at the time that “any effort to expand casino gambling outside of Atlantic City must be supported by referendum.”
His office did not respond to a request for comment today.
Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union), the bill’s prime sponsor, said the Wells Fargo report should ease any concerns.
“The experts are weighing in, and the overwhelming majority of opinions is that Internet wagering represents our best shot at resuscitating Atlantic City’s faltering economy,” Lesniak said in a statement.
Atlantic City casinos have been struggling for the last half-dozen years, largely because of competition in Pennsylvania, and also because of the sluggish national economy
Legalized sports betting at the state’s casinos and four horse racing tracks, approved in a 2011 referendum and signed into law last year, could also become a new source of revenue. But the program is being challenged by the nation’s college and professional sports leagues as well as the federal government and remains caught up in a federal court case.
Many had hoped the opening the trendy Revel resort would give the city a much-needed boost. But Revel had a puttering start last spring, and it’s financial situation has deteriorated since then, with the owners warning federal regulators last fall of a potential bankruptcy or foreclosure.
But if online gambling is approved in New Jersey, Farrell writes, casino revenues could increase by as much as 50 percent over the next five years. That would mean an additional $1.5 billion in casino revenue and $150 million in new tax revenue each year.
He rejected the notion that online betting would cost jobs and hurt the casinos by keeping gamblers away. “Opponents of the bill believe online gaming will lead to job losses at brick-and-mortar casinos,” Farrell wrote. “We beg to differ, as we believe online gaming sites operated by state casino operators will lead to job creation and drive visitation to Atlantic City.”
Previous estimates have not been as bright. Proponents have said internet gaming would bring in more than $35 million in tax revenue.
Online gambling could save Atlantic City, analyst says | NJ-com
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2006/12/07
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29893
Manitobans who want to try their luck at poker, blackjack or roulette online can now do so on a provincially regulated site.
Just before noon Wednesday, the Manitoba Lotteries Corp. launched its PlayNow.com site in conjunction with the British Columbia Lottery Corp. (BCLC).
The site includes a wide range of games, including live and video poker and slots, as well as live sports betting.
Lotteries executives and the Selinger government billed the new diversion as a safe and reputable online gambling option, while the Opposition Conservatives expressed concern about the social costs of the government's increased reliance on gambling revenues.
Manitobans wishing to gamble will be required to register and have a credit card handy. PlayNow.com was created by the BCLC in 2004. Manitoba is piggybacking on its platform.
The site offers features to protect gamblers against themselves. For instance, they can voluntarily set spending limits on a particular game. When those limits are reached, gamers are cut off. There is also a weekly deposit limit of $9,999 -- essentially the maximum someone can lose in that period.
Proponents say a regulated environment ensures games are fair and winners get paid. They note Manitobans already spend a considerable amount of money on online gambling -- an estimated $37 million in 2011 alone.
"We know that Manitobans are already playing online on grey market (unregulated) sites. What we're hoping to do is have those people play our site because of the fact that we are regulated and legal," said Susan Olynik, vice-president of corporate communications and social responsibility with Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries.
Manitoba is expected to reap $1.5 million in revenue from PlayNow.com in the first operating year. That's expected to grow to $17 million a year by 2018.
Manitoba Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Pallister said he's troubled by government's increased reliance on gambling and would like to see a public dialogue on the issue.
Pallister is not impressed with the argument that Manitobans are already gambling online, so the government might as well regulate it and profit from it. "The question is not just how much money does the government get from gambling revenues, surely. The question is how much does it cost society in general," he said.
Marion Cooper, of the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, said she's pleased the website promotes responsible gambling. But she noted that for the one to three per cent of Manitobans with a gambling problem, there's now one more place to turn. "That segment of our population is the segment that we're concerned about when there's an increased access," she said.
Steve Ashton, Manitoba minister responsible for lotteries, said the BCLC has developed a "very strong security-based system" to prevent underage gambling.
Ashton also said it made sense for Manitoba to partner with an established provincial player rather than develop its own site. "It's also a good business arrangement for Manitoba. We're not paying for upfront capital costs," he said.
Manitoba Lotteries invests two per cent of its net income in problem gambling prevention. An additional three per cent of the net income from PlayNow.com will go to the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.
Just before noon Wednesday, the Manitoba Lotteries Corp. launched its PlayNow.com site in conjunction with the British Columbia Lottery Corp. (BCLC).
The site includes a wide range of games, including live and video poker and slots, as well as live sports betting.
Lotteries executives and the Selinger government billed the new diversion as a safe and reputable online gambling option, while the Opposition Conservatives expressed concern about the social costs of the government's increased reliance on gambling revenues.
Manitobans wishing to gamble will be required to register and have a credit card handy. PlayNow.com was created by the BCLC in 2004. Manitoba is piggybacking on its platform.
The site offers features to protect gamblers against themselves. For instance, they can voluntarily set spending limits on a particular game. When those limits are reached, gamers are cut off. There is also a weekly deposit limit of $9,999 -- essentially the maximum someone can lose in that period.
Proponents say a regulated environment ensures games are fair and winners get paid. They note Manitobans already spend a considerable amount of money on online gambling -- an estimated $37 million in 2011 alone.
"We know that Manitobans are already playing online on grey market (unregulated) sites. What we're hoping to do is have those people play our site because of the fact that we are regulated and legal," said Susan Olynik, vice-president of corporate communications and social responsibility with Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries.
Manitoba is expected to reap $1.5 million in revenue from PlayNow.com in the first operating year. That's expected to grow to $17 million a year by 2018.
Manitoba Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Pallister said he's troubled by government's increased reliance on gambling and would like to see a public dialogue on the issue.
Pallister is not impressed with the argument that Manitobans are already gambling online, so the government might as well regulate it and profit from it. "The question is not just how much money does the government get from gambling revenues, surely. The question is how much does it cost society in general," he said.
Marion Cooper, of the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, said she's pleased the website promotes responsible gambling. But she noted that for the one to three per cent of Manitobans with a gambling problem, there's now one more place to turn. "That segment of our population is the segment that we're concerned about when there's an increased access," she said.
Steve Ashton, Manitoba minister responsible for lotteries, said the BCLC has developed a "very strong security-based system" to prevent underage gambling.
Ashton also said it made sense for Manitoba to partner with an established provincial player rather than develop its own site. "It's also a good business arrangement for Manitoba. We're not paying for upfront capital costs," he said.
Manitoba Lotteries invests two per cent of its net income in problem gambling prevention. An additional three per cent of the net income from PlayNow.com will go to the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.
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2006/12/07
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The gambling monopoly in Greece, owned by OPAP SA, has been ruled illegal by the European Union’s highest court, dealing a blow to Opap’s stock price in the process. Opap’s price fell 10% after the ruling.
European law prevent countries from giving exclusive gambling rights to a single company, unless the authorities are genuinely reducing access to gambling and controlling expansion of the sector to combat criminality. The decision comes on the heals of three similar rulings dealing with monopolies in Italy, Germany, and Austria.
The court made three key rulings in this case:
1. Articles 43 EC and 49 EC must be interpreted as precluding national legislation, such as that at issue in the main proceedings, which grants the exclusive right to run, manage, organise and operate games of chance to a single entity, where, firstly, that legislation does not genuinely meet the concern to reduce opportunities for gambling and to limit activities in that domain in a consistent and systematic manner and, secondly, where strict control by the public authorities of the expansion of the sector of games of chance, solely in so far as is necessary to combat criminality linked to those games, is not ensured. It is for the national court to ascertain whether this is the case.
2. In the event that the national legislation governing the organisation of games of chance is incompatible with the Treaty provisions on the freedom to provide services and the freedom of establishment, the national authorities may not refrain from considering applications, such as those at issue in the main proceedings, for permission to operate in the sector of games of chance, during a transitional period.
3. In circumstances such as those of the main proceedings, the competent national authorities may examine applications for permission to organise games of chance submitted to them according to the level of consumer protection and the preservation of order in society that they intend to uphold solely on the basis of objective, non-discriminatory criteria.
European law prevent countries from giving exclusive gambling rights to a single company, unless the authorities are genuinely reducing access to gambling and controlling expansion of the sector to combat criminality. The decision comes on the heals of three similar rulings dealing with monopolies in Italy, Germany, and Austria.
The court made three key rulings in this case:
1. Articles 43 EC and 49 EC must be interpreted as precluding national legislation, such as that at issue in the main proceedings, which grants the exclusive right to run, manage, organise and operate games of chance to a single entity, where, firstly, that legislation does not genuinely meet the concern to reduce opportunities for gambling and to limit activities in that domain in a consistent and systematic manner and, secondly, where strict control by the public authorities of the expansion of the sector of games of chance, solely in so far as is necessary to combat criminality linked to those games, is not ensured. It is for the national court to ascertain whether this is the case.
2. In the event that the national legislation governing the organisation of games of chance is incompatible with the Treaty provisions on the freedom to provide services and the freedom of establishment, the national authorities may not refrain from considering applications, such as those at issue in the main proceedings, for permission to operate in the sector of games of chance, during a transitional period.
3. In circumstances such as those of the main proceedings, the competent national authorities may examine applications for permission to organise games of chance submitted to them according to the level of consumer protection and the preservation of order in society that they intend to uphold solely on the basis of objective, non-discriminatory criteria.
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The Canadian prairie province of Manitoba which is basically in the middle of that vast country has decided to offer an online gambling web location to its residents. The site called PlayNow-com is more or less a mirror site of the another Canadian province that has launched a full online gambling web site British Columbia. The first attempt at launching the British Columbian site was delayed with hacking issues that caused everyone to take notice of the problems associated with launching an extensive and complicated online gambling location.
Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries launched the site with little hype saying that the punters of the province now have a safe and secure place to put their bets. Games available include live poker, video poker, slots and blackjack. Expanding the line up the press release indicated there will be live sports betting on a variety of leagues, tournaments and events. Later live bingo and lottery products will also be online.
President and CEO of Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, Winston Hodgins, commented on the launch, "We are pleased to offer Manitobans a reputable and safe online gambling option," Hodgins added, "Players can be confident in the extensive safety and security measures that are in place to protect their personal information, their bets and their deposits."
"We are confident that Manitobans will really enjoy playing on this exciting site, which is based on British Columbia Lottery Corporation’s (BCLC) PlayNow-com platform. Manitoba residents who are 18 years or older may register to play on the site.” said, Carolin Taubensee, Executive General Manager of eGaming at Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries.
Efforts to stave off possible problem gambling issues will be funded by some of the revenues generated by the web site with three per cent of online gambling net income going to Addictions Foundation of Manitoba. Another two percent will go to the corporation’s responsible gaming efforts. Other revenues will go to support health care, education, community and social services in the province as well as Aboriginal sport and recreational opportunities.
Another Canadian Province Launches Online Gambling
Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries launched the site with little hype saying that the punters of the province now have a safe and secure place to put their bets. Games available include live poker, video poker, slots and blackjack. Expanding the line up the press release indicated there will be live sports betting on a variety of leagues, tournaments and events. Later live bingo and lottery products will also be online.
President and CEO of Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, Winston Hodgins, commented on the launch, "We are pleased to offer Manitobans a reputable and safe online gambling option," Hodgins added, "Players can be confident in the extensive safety and security measures that are in place to protect their personal information, their bets and their deposits."
"We are confident that Manitobans will really enjoy playing on this exciting site, which is based on British Columbia Lottery Corporation’s (BCLC) PlayNow-com platform. Manitoba residents who are 18 years or older may register to play on the site.” said, Carolin Taubensee, Executive General Manager of eGaming at Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries.
Efforts to stave off possible problem gambling issues will be funded by some of the revenues generated by the web site with three per cent of online gambling net income going to Addictions Foundation of Manitoba. Another two percent will go to the corporation’s responsible gaming efforts. Other revenues will go to support health care, education, community and social services in the province as well as Aboriginal sport and recreational opportunities.
Another Canadian Province Launches Online Gambling
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Figures released by ARJEL, the regulatory authority for online gambling in France, have shown that the market is still growing. Last year the entire market generated stakes of €9.4 billion, a 1% increase on 2011.
The growth occurred even though customer deposits fell by 3% during the year and there were 13 fewer gambling firms operating in the market.
The main contributor to growth was sports betting, thanks to major events such as the Euro 2012 (which saw France suffer a quarter-finals defeat to Spain) and the London Olympics, online sports betting grew by 19% to €705 million.
It looks as though the market could continue to grow especially since the French government and gambling authority still have a number of licenses that they can issue.
Furthermore, it is thought that some of the steps taken by France against online gambling providers without a license are in violation of European law.
The regulated online gambling industry in France is relatively young and will hopefully continue to expand over the coming years. However, it is already doing a better job than some of France’s neighbouring European countries.
French Online Gambling Continues to Grow - Online Casino Archives
The growth occurred even though customer deposits fell by 3% during the year and there were 13 fewer gambling firms operating in the market.
The main contributor to growth was sports betting, thanks to major events such as the Euro 2012 (which saw France suffer a quarter-finals defeat to Spain) and the London Olympics, online sports betting grew by 19% to €705 million.
It looks as though the market could continue to grow especially since the French government and gambling authority still have a number of licenses that they can issue.
Furthermore, it is thought that some of the steps taken by France against online gambling providers without a license are in violation of European law.
The regulated online gambling industry in France is relatively young and will hopefully continue to expand over the coming years. However, it is already doing a better job than some of France’s neighbouring European countries.
French Online Gambling Continues to Grow - Online Casino Archives
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In retaliation for the United States repeatedly blocking Antigua from hosting online gambling, the country now plans to launch a website that will sell music, movies, and software from U.S. content-makers without paying royalties to the content’s U.S. copyright holders. It’s not surprising that the Antinguan government denies that the site qualifies as “piracy,” and it’s even less surprising that the U.S. isn’t happy about the site and will try to stop it.
The U.S. has kept Antigua from operating online gambling sites despite a 2005 World Trade Organization ruling that told America to knock it off. The WTO also ruled that to make up for the revenue Antigua was losing from the U.S. keeping their gambling sites out of the American market, Antigua may suspend U.S. copyright laws.
The suspension is not without restrictions, and Antigua has to cap their earnings at $21 million per year. That’s only a fraction of what they were making from online gambling sites before the U.S. blocked them, which an Antiguan representative said was “a multi-billion dollar industry.” The gambling industry also employed five percent of the Antiguan population before the industry plummeted because of the American restrictions.
Antigua already has permission to ignore U.S. copyright laws, but they’re waiting to be able to give the WTO the specifics on the site before it launches. Last month, the U.S. prevented Antigua from giving these details in a WTO meeting. TorrentFreak is reporting that one possible structure for the site will be to charge users a $5 monthly fee for unlimited content, essentially making Antigua a bootleg Hulu.
Wouldn’t it just be better for everyone if America lifted the stupid ban on Internet gambling?
The U.S. has kept Antigua from operating online gambling sites despite a 2005 World Trade Organization ruling that told America to knock it off. The WTO also ruled that to make up for the revenue Antigua was losing from the U.S. keeping their gambling sites out of the American market, Antigua may suspend U.S. copyright laws.
The suspension is not without restrictions, and Antigua has to cap their earnings at $21 million per year. That’s only a fraction of what they were making from online gambling sites before the U.S. blocked them, which an Antiguan representative said was “a multi-billion dollar industry.” The gambling industry also employed five percent of the Antiguan population before the industry plummeted because of the American restrictions.
Antigua already has permission to ignore U.S. copyright laws, but they’re waiting to be able to give the WTO the specifics on the site before it launches. Last month, the U.S. prevented Antigua from giving these details in a WTO meeting. TorrentFreak is reporting that one possible structure for the site will be to charge users a $5 monthly fee for unlimited content, essentially making Antigua a bootleg Hulu.
Wouldn’t it just be better for everyone if America lifted the stupid ban on Internet gambling?
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Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak questioned the accuracy of a long-awaited film about Steve Jobs as the movie opened with a red carpet premiere Friday, while its makers stressed it was not a documentary.
Wozniak said the movie “jOBS — which opened at the Sundance Film Festival — erred in its depiction of the characters as well as the relationships between them — especially the one between him and computer icon Jobs.
“We never had such interaction and roles,” Wozniak, who quit Apple in 1987 after 12 years, told the tech blog Gizmodo, after a clip from the movie was posted online ahead of the evening premier at the Sundance Film Festival.
“I’m not even sure what it’s getting at,” he said, adding that the “personalities are very wrong — although mine is closer.”
“The ideas of computers affecting society did not come from Jobs. They inspired me and were widely spoken at the Homebrew Computer Club,” he said, referring to a hobby group to which they belonged.
The film, one of two about the Apple founder who died in 2011, opens in the United States in April. The second, which has no release date yet, is based on the biography published by Walter Isaacson shortly after his death.
Directed by Joshua Michael Stern and with “Two and a Half Men” star Ashton Kutcher in the title role, “jOBS” tells the story of his ascension from college dropout to one of the most revered creative entrepreneurs of the 20th century.
“Steve came back from Oregon and came to a club meeting and didn’t start talking about this great social impact,” said Wozniak, referring to the period in the 1970s before Silicon Valley took off.
“His idea was to make a $20 PC board and sell it for $40 to help people at the club build the computer I’d given away. Steve came from selling surplus parts at HalTed — he always saw a way to make a quick buck off my designs,” said the famously geek-casual-looking Wozniak.
“The lofty talk came much further down the line… I never looked like a professional. We were both kids,” he said.
The film’s producers responded to Wozniak’s comments in a statement cited by Entertainment Weekly. “The film is not a documentary, nor is it meant to be a blow-by-blow, word-for-word account of all conversations and events,” it said.
“The filmmakers have tremendous admiration and respect for Wozniak and all those that are portrayed in the film, and did extensive research in an effort to make an entertaining accurate film that captures the essence and story of Steve Jobs and those that built Apple with him,” the statement said.
But they acknowledged “that not every single thing in the film is a precise representation of what took place.”
The movie “is feature film entertainment about one of the most important, creative and impactful people (in) our culture’s history taking place over three decades compressed into a two hour film,” their statement added.
Wozniak, who made his criticism after seeing just one short movie clip before the evening premier at the closing weekend of Sundance in the snowy Utah mountains, said inaccuracy did not necessarily mean the film was bad.
“The movie should be very popular and I hope it’s entertaining. It may be very correct, as well. This is only one clip,” he said.
He added: “Our relationship was so different than what was portrayed. I’m embarrassed. but if the movie is fun and entertaining, all the better. Anyone who reads my book ‘iWoz’ can get a clearer picture.”
Wozniak said the movie “jOBS — which opened at the Sundance Film Festival — erred in its depiction of the characters as well as the relationships between them — especially the one between him and computer icon Jobs.
“We never had such interaction and roles,” Wozniak, who quit Apple in 1987 after 12 years, told the tech blog Gizmodo, after a clip from the movie was posted online ahead of the evening premier at the Sundance Film Festival.
“I’m not even sure what it’s getting at,” he said, adding that the “personalities are very wrong — although mine is closer.”
“The ideas of computers affecting society did not come from Jobs. They inspired me and were widely spoken at the Homebrew Computer Club,” he said, referring to a hobby group to which they belonged.
The film, one of two about the Apple founder who died in 2011, opens in the United States in April. The second, which has no release date yet, is based on the biography published by Walter Isaacson shortly after his death.
Directed by Joshua Michael Stern and with “Two and a Half Men” star Ashton Kutcher in the title role, “jOBS” tells the story of his ascension from college dropout to one of the most revered creative entrepreneurs of the 20th century.
“Steve came back from Oregon and came to a club meeting and didn’t start talking about this great social impact,” said Wozniak, referring to the period in the 1970s before Silicon Valley took off.
“His idea was to make a $20 PC board and sell it for $40 to help people at the club build the computer I’d given away. Steve came from selling surplus parts at HalTed — he always saw a way to make a quick buck off my designs,” said the famously geek-casual-looking Wozniak.
“The lofty talk came much further down the line… I never looked like a professional. We were both kids,” he said.
The film’s producers responded to Wozniak’s comments in a statement cited by Entertainment Weekly. “The film is not a documentary, nor is it meant to be a blow-by-blow, word-for-word account of all conversations and events,” it said.
“The filmmakers have tremendous admiration and respect for Wozniak and all those that are portrayed in the film, and did extensive research in an effort to make an entertaining accurate film that captures the essence and story of Steve Jobs and those that built Apple with him,” the statement said.
But they acknowledged “that not every single thing in the film is a precise representation of what took place.”
The movie “is feature film entertainment about one of the most important, creative and impactful people (in) our culture’s history taking place over three decades compressed into a two hour film,” their statement added.
Wozniak, who made his criticism after seeing just one short movie clip before the evening premier at the closing weekend of Sundance in the snowy Utah mountains, said inaccuracy did not necessarily mean the film was bad.
“The movie should be very popular and I hope it’s entertaining. It may be very correct, as well. This is only one clip,” he said.
He added: “Our relationship was so different than what was portrayed. I’m embarrassed. but if the movie is fun and entertaining, all the better. Anyone who reads my book ‘iWoz’ can get a clearer picture.”
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2006/12/07
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A huge increase in gambling addicts will make Britain's obsession with online betting a £2bn business. New evidence reveals that the number of people in danger of becoming problem gamblers has reached nearly a million, while hardcore addicts have doubled in six years to almost 500,000. MPs are considering legislation to try to reverse the trend, as online companies vie for bigger shares of the market with blanket advertising and introductory offers.
Key to the strategy which has led to some of the companies enjoying massive growth since online gambling was freed up by Tony Blair's government in 2005 is recruiting new consumers from middle-class professions and among women. Last Friday at Gloucester Crown Court, Jack Keylock, 22, from Cheltenham was jailed for 18 months. He resorted to burglary to pay debts run up while gambling online.
Dr Henrietta Bowden-Jones, founder and director of the National Problem Gambling Clinic, said more women are gambling than ever before. "The proliferation of online gambling has brought into the home an activity that was historically male-dominated."
Betting firms have not given up on their traditional working-class betting shop users but want to maximise profits with the proliferation of fixed-odds gaming machines. This claim is disputed by the Association of British Bookmakers Ltd.
The Labour MP Kelvin Hopkins said problem gambling was now as serious an issue as alcoholism. "I have been very concerned about alcoholism for a long time, but problem gambling is just as bad. I have two close friends – , university-educated people – who are compulsive gamblers and now every penny they have has to be controlled by their wives.
"I have said in Parliament that the fixed-odds machines that you get in betting shops are like crack cocaine, but so is this [online gambling]. At least with other forms of gambling you have to go out of the house to do it. You can't lose your life savings playing bingo, but on the internet you can go on and on."
About nine million Britons will gamble online this year. Campaigners are worried that proposed legislation is too late to reverse the situation. The industry has ballooned in the 20 years since Microgaming Software Systems Ltd, based in the Isle of Man, created the world's first online casino. The company now has a turnover of hundreds of millions of pounds a year with a website that boasts of being "the world's largest provider" of online gaming software. Ladbrokes and 32Red are among the 120 online casino operators it provides with software.
But the roots of the explosive growth can be traced back to 2005, when the Blair government, in a spirit of liberalisation similar to giving the go-ahead for 24-hour drinking, passed the Gambling Act, which allowed companies to advertise in the UK. It extended the permissions to the EU and a number of other "white-listed" countries, specified by the Culture Secretary, including the Isle of Man, Alderney and Tasmania.
As with 24-hour drinking, few predicted the consequences. Almost anything can be gambled online 24 hours a day: from lottery tickets, bingo, slot machine-style games, poker and football pools to almost every sport in the world. The UK online gambling industry's value is expected to burst through the £2bn barrier for the first time in 2013, and over the next four years the European industry will grow by 34 per cent. Even in an age of austerity, business is booming.
Ironically, the Government misses out on increased tax revenues that should come from this growth as the vast majority of big-name bookies are based overseas. George Osborne announced last year that the online industry would be taxed on a point-of-consumption rather than a point-of-supply basis, a change set to come into force by December 2014. In the meantime, health and social services have to deal with the bulk of problems resulting from compulsive gambling.
The Gambling Commission, set up under the Act to regulate gambling, carried out its most recent national survey in 2010. In addition to the 450,000 problem gamblers in the UK – up more than 200,000 since 2007, with an average debt of £17,500 each – the British Gambling Prevalence Survey (BGPS) found that another 900,000 people were at "moderate risk" of becoming problem gamblers, while 2.7 million more displayed "some risk factors".
Campaigners and support groups find it increasingly difficult to cope. Visitors to GamCare's website rose by more than 100,000 in 2012 compared with 2011. The charity predicts it will answer more than 44,000 calls this year – a 22 per cent rise on 2012. Of people needing GamCare's help last year, 34 per cent of all callers had problems with the internet, second only to betting shops (46 per cent). While 18 per cent used the internet as their primary location in 2011, this rose to 23 per cent last year. More than 20 per cent of the callers were under 18.
At last year's quarterly interim management statement updates, Ladbrokes chief executive Richard Glynn boasted that his company offered up to 800 football matches per week for "'bet in play", leading the market with more games to gamble on than any rival. He said companies like his "use advertising now in a very sophisticated way".
Charities have been critical of celebrities glamorising gambling through endorsements. The Australian cricketer Shane Warne promotes gambling to his one million Twitter followers through his @Warne888 handle – he signed a lucrative deal in 2008 with the 888 Poker group to represent the company at events around the world. Ray Winstone became the face of bet365 and regularly features at half-time during games urging people to "bet in play, now".
Last month, the Government published the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Bill, amending the 2005 Act. As representatives from the RGA, Care and the Sports Betting Group prepare to give evidence before MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee on Tuesday, when
Key to the strategy which has led to some of the companies enjoying massive growth since online gambling was freed up by Tony Blair's government in 2005 is recruiting new consumers from middle-class professions and among women. Last Friday at Gloucester Crown Court, Jack Keylock, 22, from Cheltenham was jailed for 18 months. He resorted to burglary to pay debts run up while gambling online.
Dr Henrietta Bowden-Jones, founder and director of the National Problem Gambling Clinic, said more women are gambling than ever before. "The proliferation of online gambling has brought into the home an activity that was historically male-dominated."
Betting firms have not given up on their traditional working-class betting shop users but want to maximise profits with the proliferation of fixed-odds gaming machines. This claim is disputed by the Association of British Bookmakers Ltd.
The Labour MP Kelvin Hopkins said problem gambling was now as serious an issue as alcoholism. "I have been very concerned about alcoholism for a long time, but problem gambling is just as bad. I have two close friends – , university-educated people – who are compulsive gamblers and now every penny they have has to be controlled by their wives.
"I have said in Parliament that the fixed-odds machines that you get in betting shops are like crack cocaine, but so is this [online gambling]. At least with other forms of gambling you have to go out of the house to do it. You can't lose your life savings playing bingo, but on the internet you can go on and on."
About nine million Britons will gamble online this year. Campaigners are worried that proposed legislation is too late to reverse the situation. The industry has ballooned in the 20 years since Microgaming Software Systems Ltd, based in the Isle of Man, created the world's first online casino. The company now has a turnover of hundreds of millions of pounds a year with a website that boasts of being "the world's largest provider" of online gaming software. Ladbrokes and 32Red are among the 120 online casino operators it provides with software.
But the roots of the explosive growth can be traced back to 2005, when the Blair government, in a spirit of liberalisation similar to giving the go-ahead for 24-hour drinking, passed the Gambling Act, which allowed companies to advertise in the UK. It extended the permissions to the EU and a number of other "white-listed" countries, specified by the Culture Secretary, including the Isle of Man, Alderney and Tasmania.
As with 24-hour drinking, few predicted the consequences. Almost anything can be gambled online 24 hours a day: from lottery tickets, bingo, slot machine-style games, poker and football pools to almost every sport in the world. The UK online gambling industry's value is expected to burst through the £2bn barrier for the first time in 2013, and over the next four years the European industry will grow by 34 per cent. Even in an age of austerity, business is booming.
Ironically, the Government misses out on increased tax revenues that should come from this growth as the vast majority of big-name bookies are based overseas. George Osborne announced last year that the online industry would be taxed on a point-of-consumption rather than a point-of-supply basis, a change set to come into force by December 2014. In the meantime, health and social services have to deal with the bulk of problems resulting from compulsive gambling.
The Gambling Commission, set up under the Act to regulate gambling, carried out its most recent national survey in 2010. In addition to the 450,000 problem gamblers in the UK – up more than 200,000 since 2007, with an average debt of £17,500 each – the British Gambling Prevalence Survey (BGPS) found that another 900,000 people were at "moderate risk" of becoming problem gamblers, while 2.7 million more displayed "some risk factors".
Campaigners and support groups find it increasingly difficult to cope. Visitors to GamCare's website rose by more than 100,000 in 2012 compared with 2011. The charity predicts it will answer more than 44,000 calls this year – a 22 per cent rise on 2012. Of people needing GamCare's help last year, 34 per cent of all callers had problems with the internet, second only to betting shops (46 per cent). While 18 per cent used the internet as their primary location in 2011, this rose to 23 per cent last year. More than 20 per cent of the callers were under 18.
At last year's quarterly interim management statement updates, Ladbrokes chief executive Richard Glynn boasted that his company offered up to 800 football matches per week for "'bet in play", leading the market with more games to gamble on than any rival. He said companies like his "use advertising now in a very sophisticated way".
Charities have been critical of celebrities glamorising gambling through endorsements. The Australian cricketer Shane Warne promotes gambling to his one million Twitter followers through his @Warne888 handle – he signed a lucrative deal in 2008 with the 888 Poker group to represent the company at events around the world. Ray Winstone became the face of bet365 and regularly features at half-time during games urging people to "bet in play, now".
Last month, the Government published the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Bill, amending the 2005 Act. As representatives from the RGA, Care and the Sports Betting Group prepare to give evidence before MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee on Tuesday, when
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The Governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie has until February 7th to make his move regarding a pending online gambling bill. Yet the governor seems intent on drawing out the agony for pro-gamblers as he continues to mull the bill, all the while dropping hints in the media about the general direction of his decision.
In a recent radio interview, where New Jersey citizens were invited to call in and ask the Governor questions of their choice, Christie was asked outright by the listener whether or not he intended voting in favor of the online gambling and poker bill. Christie would not give a direct answer to the question, however his words did manage to add a layer of worry to gambling proponents. The Governor said that there were two things that worried him about the proposed bill – the fact that it may create more problem gamblers, and the impact it may have on New Jersey’s economy.
Proponents are now afraid of a deja-vu situation, when Governor Christie vetoed a similar bill in 2011. Following the governor’s decision back then, changes were made to the bill in the hope that it would pass this time around. However, Christie’s recent comments on the WKXW 101.5 FM station call in show have managed to send rumblings of pessimism through pro-gambling camps.
The recent declaration by Poker Stars online poker room that it is on the verge of closing a deal to purchase the Atlantic Club Casino in Atlantic City may have swayed the Governor’s decision away from voting in favor of the bill. Gambling opponents are undoubtedly showing the Governor what he will have to contend with once he allows legalized online poker in the state.
NJ Governor Still Mulling Online Gambling Bill
In a recent radio interview, where New Jersey citizens were invited to call in and ask the Governor questions of their choice, Christie was asked outright by the listener whether or not he intended voting in favor of the online gambling and poker bill. Christie would not give a direct answer to the question, however his words did manage to add a layer of worry to gambling proponents. The Governor said that there were two things that worried him about the proposed bill – the fact that it may create more problem gamblers, and the impact it may have on New Jersey’s economy.
Proponents are now afraid of a deja-vu situation, when Governor Christie vetoed a similar bill in 2011. Following the governor’s decision back then, changes were made to the bill in the hope that it would pass this time around. However, Christie’s recent comments on the WKXW 101.5 FM station call in show have managed to send rumblings of pessimism through pro-gambling camps.
The recent declaration by Poker Stars online poker room that it is on the verge of closing a deal to purchase the Atlantic Club Casino in Atlantic City may have swayed the Governor’s decision away from voting in favor of the bill. Gambling opponents are undoubtedly showing the Governor what he will have to contend with once he allows legalized online poker in the state.
NJ Governor Still Mulling Online Gambling Bill
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Of particular note, at this point in time, the Commission has deemed it inappropriate to propose EU-wide legislation. Rather, the Commission has proposed a number of initiatives which cover five priority areas. These are:
enforcing compliance of national regulatory frameworks with EU law;
enhancing supervision, administrative cooperation among member states and efficient enforcement;
protecting consumers and citizens, minors and vulnerable persons;
preventing fraud and money laundering; and
safeguarding the integrity of sports and preventing match-fixing.
The above initiatives will be introduced throughout the next two years, following which the Commission intends to fully evaluate how the initiatives have progressed. In conjunction with these initiatives, the Commission intends to set up an expert group on gambling before the end of 2012 and to convene a stakeholder conference in 2013. Importantly, if the initiatives are found to be less than adequate, the Commission has indicated it will consider whether the introduction of additional legislative measures at EU level are appropriate.
Online gambling is a fast growing business within the EU. With revenues rising by about 15% annually in recent years, it is estimated that annual revenues by 2015 will be in the region of €13 billion. This figure is about 40% higher than in 2011. It is no surprise, therefore, that the treatment of this service activity is on the Commission's radar. Bucking the downturn, which has adversely affected much of the EU, the fast pace of online technologies would appear to be the key to the industry's success, allowing gambling services to be provided via the Internet, mobile phones and even digital TV.
The regulation of online gambling is also very much on the UK government's agenda. Whilst Member States are free in principle to set their own policies and regulations regarding games of chance, they must of course comply with EU law and internal market principles and rules. The UK government will have no doubt placed the recent Communication under the microscope, to ensure that its own legislative proposals are in keeping with the Commission's very current strategy which, depending on how things progress over the next couple of years, could yet result in legislative measures being introduced at EU level.
Most recently, in December 2012, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport ("DCMS") published the Draft Gambling (Licensing & Advertising) Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny by the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee. The intention is for the Bill to amend the Gambling Act 2005, principally so that remote gambling in the UK will be regulated at the point of consumption (i.e. the UK) rather than the point of supply. This means that all operators who wish to supply online gambling services to customers who are accessing those services in the UK will need to hold a Gambling Commission licence. This, of course, would mean such operators would have to pay operating licence fees. Also, it is proposed that such operators would pay a UK gambling tax. However, it is expected that that this latter proposal will be challenged by the gambling industry on the basis that it would be an unjustified restriction on the free provision of services in the EU. Some of the Bill's other proposals have perhaps been influenced by the Commission's work. For example, overseas based operators will, for the first time, be required to report any suspicious betting patterns (involving UK customers) to the Gambling Commission. Also, they will be required to contribute towards research, education and treatment regarding UK problem gambling.
Separately, the Offshore Gambling Bill is due for its second reading in the House of Commons on 25 January 2013. This was introduced to Parliament last year as a Private Member's Bill and also seeks to amend the Gambling Act to regulate remote gambling on a point of consumption basis. It remains to be seen whether this particular Bill will be withdrawn from Parliament in the light of the Draft Gambling (Licensing & Advertising) Bill.
New European Plan For Online Gambling - Media, Telecoms, IT and Entertainment - United Kingdom