Brief Retrospective of Gambling Regulations Worldwide for August 2021

Once again, the tremendous market of the United States brings multiple bits of news, as the large number territories have greenlighted various forms of online gambling. Sports betting seems to be the focus, but other types of entertainment are gradually finding their way to consumers.

As for the other corners of the world, the situation has been slightly less dynamic than in the previous period. One of Germany’s states is working on enlarging its offering with table game products, while Finland is enhancing its player protection measures.

Would you like to find out more? Stay tuned for the full report! 

Recap of Regulatory Updates from the USA

To start with North Carolina, where the Senate passed the retail and online sports wagering bill, SB688, and it progressed to the House for consideration. As for Colorado, Tipico introduced its online sports betting platform on August 18.

Meanwhile in Connecticut…

…revised gaming compacts between the State and the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot Tribes were submitted to the Department of the Interior. September 10 is scheduled as a deadline to approve or reject the compacts.

Also, Rush Street Interactive and Sportech were selected by the Lottery to operate their sports wagering offerings. As far as the deal says, Rush Street gets to operate the Lottery’s online sports wagering platform as well as a number of retail sportsbooks, while Sportech was approved for 10 retail sportsbooks.

Furthermore…

…West Virginia welcomed PointsBet, which launched its online sportsbook in partnership with the Hollywood Casino on August 13. Meanwhile, the Gaming Board of Illinois launched the application process for three additional online-only sports betting licenses on August 5, with the process set to close on December 3.

New York’s Gaming Commission introduced the technical regulations to govern the state’s online sports betting market. These regulations focus on the key sectors, such as requirements for the betting system, data recording, sports integrity, and anti-money laundering.

 As for Florida…

…the Department of the Interior approved the State - Seminole Gaming Compact granting the tribe an exclusive right to offer craps and roulette, as well as the permission to open three new facilities on the tribal land. Also, this 5-year agreement allows them to offer mobile and retail sports wagering in cooperation with pari-mutuel betting operators in the state.

Finally, in New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation into law to permit fixed-odds betting on horseraces held in New Jersey. As per the requirements, operators need to enter into revenue-sharing agreements with the racing permit holder.

Regulatory Modifications Europe-Wide

In Germany, the state of Nordrhein-Westfalen launched the licensing process for the operation of online table games. As far as the new Interstate Treaty on Gambling defines, table game operators need to have separate permission to offer non-poker table games including both live dealer and RNG games in states which chose to permit this. This state chose to grant five licenses for a period of 10 years.

In Finland…

…Veikkaus has announced that the loss limits currently applied to fast-paced online games is extended to include physical slot machines in stores/restaurants and Veikkaus gaming arcades. These limitations are to be implemented starting September 1.

Finally, in the UK, the Gambling Commission extended the tender process for the National Lottery license by four weeks. Following this postponement, the successful bidder will be announced in February 2022.

Any Changes in Ontario and Canada?

Let’s start with Canada, where the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act became effective on August 27, giving provinces green light to offer single-event wagering starting this date.

On the very same day…

…August 27, 2021, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) launched its new online sports betting platform, Proline+, which coincides with the legalization of single-event sports wagering in Canada.

Moreover, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) came up with its draft regulatory standards for the new commercial sports betting market in the province. Among all, the regulations clearly define that advertising and marketing restrictions must match those imposed on online gaming, and encompasses the rules which aim to protect the integrity of the sports.

Also, Ontario has announced that if current offshore operators cease all the offshore operations, they will become eligible to receive a license.

Source:

H2 Gambling Capital, August 2021