iGaming and Land-Based Regulatory Updates For November 2020

We are one month away from 2021. Everyone knows what this year has been like, that is - not easy. In particular, for the gambling land-based sector.

As we await to see what challenges we will face next year, the gambling regulatory officials are preparing to face it openly and with more optimism.

US Regulatory Updates

Colorado: State voters approved a ballot question to remove the $100 stake limit at casinos in the state. It would also allow the expansion of games offered to include baccarat, big six wheel and keno. In the meantime, operator PointsBet launched its online sports betting platform in the state.

Louisiana: 52 parishes approved the legalisation of sports betting in the statewide referendum. All parishes which approved the measure will be allowed to operate sports betting once the state legislature has developed.

Michigan: The bill, SB991, allows licensed operators to open up player and liquidity interstate poker pools with other states who have also regulated the activity. The bill progressed to the House for consideration.

Nebraska: Voters in the statewide referendum approved a ballot proposal to permit casino gaming at the state’s six licensed racetracks.

New Jersey: Senator introduced legislation to permit fixed-odds betting on horseraces held in New Jersey.

Oklahoma: The State Lottery awarded Scientific Games a 10-year central system and instant game management contract.

South Dakota: Voters have approved the ballot to authorise sports betting at casinos in Deadwood. State’s tribal casinos will be permitted to offer sports betting on tribal land.

Tennessee: The state’s regulated online sportsbetting market launched on 01 November 2020 with DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and Tennessee Action 24/7 all going live.

Wyoming: The Northern Arapaho Tribe announced they will operate retail sportsbetting at its three casinos in the state in the coming months.

Asian Regulatory Updates

China: A 45-day campaign was launched to reduce the number of mobile apps accessible in the country that contain illegal gambling content.

Macau: The DICJ stated it was conducting studies into the possibility of introducing interactive gambling. The statement came in response to a question posed by a member of the Legislative Assembly regarding permitting the activity to support economic recovery from COVID19.

Philippines: Local media reported that amongst the proposals being considered by PAGCOR to allow land-based casino operators to offer online gaming platforms, the regulator was considering setting a tax rate of 42.5% on the industry.

European Regulatory Updates

Lithuania: The Gambling Supervision Service published new know-your-customer (KYC) guidelines for gambling and lottery companies, including enhanced customer identification.

Germany: The new Interstate Treaty on Gambling following its ratification by the European Commission was sent to approval. 13 of the 16 state parliaments must approve it so it passes into law before 30 April 2021.

Spain: The country confirmed a ban on gambling companies entering sponsorship agreements with sports teams including from the start of the La Liga season in September 2021.

The Netherlands: Nationale Loterij announced customers will be required to register separate accounts for lottery and sportsbetting products from 01 March 2021 in order to comply with the regulations set out in the Remote Gambling Act.

UK: The Gambling Commission for issued a call for evidence regarding five (5) key areas of consumer protection including affordability and time thresholds and the prevention of marketing to at risk groups including bonusing. The call was issued as part of the Commission’s consultation on Remote Customer Interaction.

Russia: Legislation was introduced to establish a new, unified, gambling regulator. If approved by the State Duma, the bill would establish a new body to develop, implement and enforce regulations to govern the entire gambling industry in the country.

Source:

"H2 Gambling Capital", November, 2020.