The German state of Hesse’s efforts to allow sportsbook operators a way into the country’s sports betting market has been paused by the Administrative Court of Kassel. Since that permanent regulations are not in force, the court decided that the state is not entitled to demand operators secure a Duldung (toleration) to continue offering their […]

The German state of Hesse’s efforts to allow sportsbook operators a way into the country’s sports betting market has been paused by the Administrative Court of Kassel.

Since that permanent regulations are not in force, the court decided that the state is not entitled to demand operators secure a Duldung (toleration) to continue offering their services in Germany, responding to an appeal filed by a Malta-licensed operator.

A number of factors have been cited by The Court such as the application process wasn’t entirely transparent and that Hesse’s scheme was less about opening up its market and more about imposing penalties on unauthorized operators. Τhe Court concluded that online sports betting was a transnational issue, and thus beyond the scope of an individual state to dictate rules to international companies.

When the 16 states adopted a federal state treaty on gambling in 2012, it was considered illegal by many domestic judgments and the European Union as a result the states agreed for a new treaty in March due to enter into force in 2018. This treaty already considered unsustainable by the European Commission and wants from Germany to remove all artificial limits on the number of sports betting licenses and to extend the scope of the Treaty to include other flat Peaks like poker and casino.

The Estonian gambling operator Olympic Entertainment Group (OEG) has announced that it has completed the liquidation of Olympic Casino Bel IP in Belarus which it is now totally removed from. “OEG has completed the liquidation of its Belarusian subsidiary Olympic Casino Bel IP. The aim of the liquidation was the adjustment of the group’s structure. […]

The Estonian gambling operator Olympic Entertainment Group (OEG) has announced that it has completed the liquidation of Olympic Casino Bel IP in Belarus which it is now totally removed from.

“OEG has completed the liquidation of its Belarusian subsidiary Olympic Casino Bel IP. The aim of the liquidation was the adjustment of the group’s structure. The liquidation of this subsidiary has no direct influence on the economic activities of OEG Group. The members of the management and supervisory boards of OEG have no personal interest in the liquidation.” published on a short corporate statement on Monday signed by the CEO Madis Jääger.

Last year the company announced that it would withdraw its market operations from Belarus and Poland because of their unfavourable business and tax conditions but the removal of their business interests there would not impact on their results.
According to a financial statement of year 2016 OEG accounted a €9 million cost for withdrawing from the markets.

This follows the last week’s announcement by OEG that it has been forced to restructure assets within Riga’s ‘historic city center’, as the Riga City Council has banned all gambling parlours and premises from operating. OEG has 54 casinos in Latvia and employees circa +900 staff members.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Saturday that it had confiscated the winnings of several gamblers who won a total amount of R1.25m in online gambling sites. Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies had previously cautioned that online gambling was illegal and that their winnings would be forfeited to the State […]

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Saturday that it had confiscated the winnings of several gamblers who won a total amount of R1.25m in online gambling sites.

Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies had previously cautioned that online gambling was illegal and that their winnings would be forfeited to the State after an application through the High Court. He has also expressed concern that online gambling could be utilised to launder money. “It is on this basis that the banks continue to collaborate with the National Gambling Board to confiscate the unlawful winnings” he said.

The DIT said in a statement on Saturday “The unlawful winnings to the amount of approximately R1 250 000 were derived from illegal gambling activities specifically online gambling”, “The National Gambling Board is the national regulator in the gambling industry in South Africa and in terms of Section 16 of the National Gambling Act, 2004 is obliged to investigate the circumstances of illegal gambling activities including illegal online gambling”, “The public is hereby cautioned to be weary of online gambling offerings, as online gambling is illegal in South Africa, and thus anyone participating in any illegal online gambling activity would be unable to receive any winnings and would expose themselves to criminal prosecution”, “Citizens caught gambling illegally or running an illegal gambling establishment such as internet cafes that provide illegal online gambling will be targeted and they will face criminal charges or a hefty fine to the maximum of R10m or both.”

National Gambling Board accounting authority Caroline Kongwa said: “The NGB is encouraged by the judiciary system in considering gambling related matters and in a related matter, the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, granted a court judgement in favour of a licensed gambling operator prohibiting an illegal gambling operator from offering illegal online gambling.” “The public is hereby cautioned to be weary of online gambling offerings, as online gambling is illegal in South Africa, and thus anyone participating in any illegal online gambling activity would be unable to receive any winnings”.

A public appeal has been made by the board that anyone can report websites which advertise online gambling and establishments in South Africa which offer online and illegal gambling activities to the public.

Philippine casinos and online gaming operators will face new AML (Anti-Money Laundering) rules as the legislators try to limit the industry’s freewheeling reputation. The Philippine Senate is about to approve amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) after a pressure by Senator Chiz Escudero who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Banks, Financial […]

Philippine casinos and online gaming operators will face new AML (Anti-Money Laundering) rules as the legislators try to limit the industry’s freewheeling reputation.

The Philippine Senate is about to approve amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) after a pressure by Senator Chiz Escudero who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies.

On Wednesday, the Senate approved the second reading of SB 1468, which will bring casino operators under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) for the first time. The third and final reading will be on next week, in order to comply with a deadline imposed by the Asia-Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG).

As Escudero said on Thursday, the Senate should pass Senate Bill No. 1468 before the June 2017 deadline given by the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG). “Failure to enact the required legislation within the given time frame would put the Philippines under monitoring of the International Review Group of the FATF, which could eventually result in the possible blacklisting of the Philippines,” Escudero said.

Casinos would report to the Anti-Money Laundering Council if the accumulated bets within a 24-hour period reached P3 million ($60,000), as per the proposed amendment.

Last year’s cyber-theft of $81 million from the Bangladesh Bank account in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is the reason of reviewing the Law. The stolen money was diverted to four fake bank accounts in the Philippines. To date, only a small amount of that money has been recovered. US security officials have suggested that North Korea was behind it.

The online gaming operator GVC Holdings has withdrawn its application for a licence from the Czech Ministry of Finance, as it has said the country’s new licensing regime is unworkable. Last week GVC informed its players living in the Czech Republic through the gaming sites of Bwin and PartyPoker that it has withdrawn its licence […]

The online gaming operator GVC Holdings has withdrawn its application for a licence from the Czech Ministry of Finance, as it has said the country’s new licensing regime is unworkable.

Last week GVC informed its players living in the Czech Republic through the gaming sites of Bwin and PartyPoker that it has withdrawn its licence application as the new Czech gaming law it is not compliant with the European Union principles.

That was the message in Bwin’s site, translated in English, according to Poker Arena which is the local poker news outlet:

“Our goal is always to offer our customers a reliable and secure gaming experience and ensure that we offer our gaming products only if we are sure that everything is in full compliance with the law. As stated above, we have asked for the release of several Licences that will allow us to provide our gambling services within the Czech Republic. However, during the process of these applications, it has been shown that the recent changes in the legislation of the Czech Republic, together with the application in practice by the Czech authorities, are incompatible with the principles of the European Union and can not therefore be applied. We fully support the development of a regulated and well-functioning online gaming market in the Czech Republic and we hope that the Czech authorities will consider the emerging issues and will work with operators to successfully achieve this goal.”

According the new Czech gaming law, the taxes of the online operators are from 23% of sports betting revenue to as high as 35% for online slots play, on gross revenue.

With this decision of lawmakers to impose such a high tax, it will result in the country’s negative attractiveness to foreign entrepreneurs.

Bitcoin hits a new price record as it has reached the amount of $2,185.89 per coin in the early hours of Monday morning. Bitcoin was trading for about $1,300 per coin at the end of April and now, three weeks later it jumped to $2,000 per coin. The cryptocurrency’s market capitalization has climbed to $33 […]

Bitcoin hits a new price record as it has reached the amount of $2,185.89 per coin in the early hours of Monday morning. Bitcoin was trading for about $1,300 per coin at the end of April and now, three weeks later it jumped to $2,000 per coin. The cryptocurrency’s market capitalization has climbed to $33 billion, for the first time in history.

For many months, the value of Bitcoin was rising. Four years ago, the cryptocurrency system first broke the $1,000 valuation threshold, however after this period it dropped in price. As per some analysts, they claimed that the dip relates to the Mt. Gox hack.

Monday 22th is also celebrated by Bitcoiners as the Bitcoin Pizza Day. On this day in 2010 Bitcoin Talk member Laszlo spend 10,000 bitcoin for two Papa John’s pizzas – the most expensive pizzas in history. Not only is the transaction deemed the first bitcoin exchange for real-world value, the trade is now appraised at $20 million at today’s exchange rates.

“I’ll pay 10,000 bitcoins for a couple of pizzas.. like maybe two large ones, so I have some leftover for the next day — I like having leftover pizza to nibble on later,” explained Hanyecz. At the time, Hanyecz believed that the coins he had “mined” on his computer were worth around 0.003 cents each.

Some pundits believe that Bitcoin has the potential to reach the price of $10,000 per coin, but to achieve this the community would likely have to sort out the scaling issue, which would give confidence to investors that bitcoin’s infrastructure be able to support it as it grows.

The Cyprus Government grants casino licence to the consortium between Macau’s Melco and Hard Rock on Thursday 18th, to construct and operate a €500-million integrated resort in Limassol and set up satellite casinos in the other towns of the island, Nicosia, Larnaca, Famagusta, and Paphos. It is believed that the casino resort isn’t expected to […]

The Cyprus Government grants casino licence to the consortium between Macau’s Melco and Hard Rock on Thursday 18th, to construct and operate a €500-million integrated resort in Limassol and set up satellite casinos in the other towns of the island, Nicosia, Larnaca, Famagusta, and Paphos.

It is believed that the casino resort isn’t expected to open its doors to the public before 2020 thus a temporary casino will be running soon in Limassol and a satellite casino in Nicosia until the resort is ready. The licence allows Melco-Hard Rock to exclusively operate the resort for 15 years before the possibility of another casino resort being allowed. Melco-Hard Rock will be able to operate a gambling facility for 30 years.

The announcement was made by the Commerce and Energy Minister, Yiorgos Lakkotrypis. He said “With today’s decision, the council of ministers has completed an ambitious endeavour that started about three years ago” , “This is a huge project that will enrich our tourist product and create new jobs”. As per the government, the casinos will be an attraction for 300,000 tourists per year.

This project will be generate new jobs and 4 000 people will work on the construction as it is estimated. A Coordinating Committee will oversee construction work. According to a previous article, the developer will have to make sure that the casino has at least 100 gambling tables, more than 1000 slot machines and a 500-rooms hotel.

According to reports, the location will be close to MY MALL in Limassol as it seems it is the ideal place for such a resort.

The Gibraltar-based firm 888 Holdings Plc, has announced on Monday that its UK licence is under investigation by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). 888’s shares fall by 8% as the annoyed shareholders tried to collect the winnings they had won before the investigations began. In a statement on its website, 888 said that the review […]

The Gibraltar-based firm 888 Holdings Plc, has announced on Monday that its UK licence is under investigation by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).

888’s shares fall by 8% as the annoyed shareholders tried to collect the winnings they had won before the investigations began.

In a statement on its website, 888 said that the review relates to the “manner in which a subsidiary of the company has carried on its licensed activities to ensure compliance with the UKGC operating licence held by the licensee”. “The company is dedicated to providing players with a responsible as well as enjoyable gaming experience and the licensee will be proactively engaged in a cooperative and collaborative manner with the UKGC throughout this review.”

This announcement followed the BGO case which was fined by the UKGC for ad failings.

Further announcement will be made by the company in the following days.

In view of recent events that have highlighted the persistent risk of the threat posed by cyber-attacks (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-39899646) we strongly advise our customers to apply the following security update, released by Microsoft on March 14th, 2017: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms17-010.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396, if not having done so already. Microsoft have announced a vulnerability in Microsoft Server Message Block 1.0 (SMBv1) […]

In view of recent events that have highlighted the persistent risk of the threat posed by cyber-attacks (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-39899646) we strongly advise our customers to apply the following security update, released by Microsoft on March 14th, 2017: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms17-010.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396, if not having done so already.

Microsoft have announced a vulnerability in Microsoft Server Message Block 1.0 (SMBv1) server. This service (SMB) is utilised to present shares, printers and more on a Microsoft Domain network.

This vulnerability exposes core Active directory components to Remote Code Execution from unauthenticated attackers. They would be able to execute any code they wished to potentially gain access to the entire network.

The patches Microsoft have provided should be tested installed as a matter of urgency.

Specific Security reports of the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) are below:

Windows SMB Remote Code Execution Vulnerability : CVE-2017-0143
Windows SMB Remote Code Execution Vulnerability : CVE-2017-0144
Windows SMB Remote Code Execution Vulnerability : CVE-2017-0145
Windows SMB Remote Code Execution Vulnerability : CVE-2017-0146
Windows SMB Remote Code Execution Vulnerability : CVE-2017-0148

The released patches target the SMBv1 service and the way it handles the particular requests that can be used to exploit it.

Please be assured that NetShop ISP continues to take the necessary measures to ensure that our IT environment remains secure, in order that our customers, who depend on the resilience of our infrastructure for continuous service, remain secure also.

For any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact our 24/7 Support team via e-mail (support@netshop-isp.com.cy) or Skype (noc.netshop).

The Gambling Commission has announced on the 10th of May the the appointment of David Pemberton as Chief Operating Office (COO). A role with tasks for regulator’s corporate services such as HR, finance, IT, planning and risk. He will join the Commission at the end of June. Sarah Harrison, the Chief Executive of GC welcomed […]

The Gambling Commission has announced on the 10th of May the the appointment of David Pemberton as Chief Operating Office (COO).

A role with tasks for regulator’s corporate services such as HR, finance, IT, planning and risk. He will join the Commission at the end of June.

Sarah Harrison, the Chief Executive of GC welcomed David with these words: “I’m delighted to welcome David to the Commission’s executive team. He brings a wealth of expertise in leading change and developing corporate functions that are high performing and that deliver value for money.
“This work is key to ensuring we have an organisation that is both effective and efficient as we deliver on our objectives to keep gambling fair, safe and free from crime.”

David Pemberton said: “I’m very pleased to be joining the Gambling Commission. I am looking forward to contributing my experience to help shape the organisation’s skills, capabilities, structure and ways of working.
“This is an exciting time to join the Commission as it increasingly focuses on putting the consumer at the heart of its work and I welcome the opportunity to play my part in that important work.’’

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) announced the issuance of a new offshore gaming licence for sports betting on regulated wagering events. The new sports betting class is for any offshore gaming operator “that accepts and/or facilitates wagers on regulated gaming events, such as but not limited to, horse or dog races, and provides to […]

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) announced the issuance of a new offshore gaming licence for sports betting on regulated wagering events.

The new sports betting class is for any offshore gaming operator “that accepts and/or facilitates wagers on regulated gaming events, such as but not limited to, horse or dog races, and provides to its customers, live event audio and/or visual feeds of such regulated gaming events, and such events are regulated by a foreign governing body.”

This particular licence is limited to offshore gaming operators who pay taxes or who will pay a percentage of their income.
Also, there are some criteria to be permitted by the Applicant which can be found in the Announcement.

All licensees must pay the 1.5% of their income to Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on monthly basis.

The Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Taiwan has announced on Friday 5th, that an illegal online sports betting operation has been busted. CIB said that they raid four locations in Taichung and 33 suspects have been arrested while seizing computers, cell phones, China UnionPay cards and more than NT$500K in cash. According to the Bureau, […]

The Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Taiwan has announced on Friday 5th, that an illegal online sports betting operation has been busted.

CIB said that they raid four locations in Taichung and 33 suspects have been arrested while seizing computers, cell phones, China UnionPay cards and more than NT$500K in cash.

According to the Bureau, the leader of the operation, identified as Tseng (surname) , launched the site last December and the illegal operations was more relevant to European football matches. It is been reported that Tseng had more than 12 people as employees working in three shifts per day.

As per the police, they were providing bank accounts in China or through Alipay to users. If Chinese users won a bet the transfers were made through Bank or Alipay.

Since December, gamblers had placed bets totaling around NT$340 million to date, which means an an average of NT$2.25m per day.