Brazil’s gambling vote has been long-delayed and it looks like 2017 will not be an exception. A vote to legalise gambling has been delayed again after Brazil’s law makers decided they have more important issues to deal with. Brazilians hoped to arrange a final vote on the two competing gambling bills – the Senate’s 186/2014 […]

Brazil’s gambling vote has been long-delayed and it looks like 2017 will not be an exception. A vote to legalise gambling has been delayed again after Brazil’s law makers decided they have more important issues to deal with.

Brazilians hoped to arrange a final vote on the two competing gambling bills – the Senate’s 186/2014 and the Chamber of Deputies’ 442/1991 – in December however, this plan has been cancelled.

Gambling proponent and senator Fernando Bezerra Coelho appeared on Radio Jornal de Pernambuco’s Super Morning program and informed that the 186/2014 bill had been sent to the Committee on Constitution, Justice and Citizenship (CCJ). Coelho hoped that discussions and research on individual points of the current bill will be done promptly “so that it can finally be deliberated by the Plenary.” However, he expressed his beliefs that it might take until “March, April, (to) gather support necessary for the activity of gambling to be legalised in Brazil.”

The question of legalising gambling became even more controversial when Brazil’s Catholic clergy urged the voters to oppose gambling liberalisation and to pressure politicians to reject the project in order to prevent “irreparable moral, social and family damage.”

Coelho admitted that the religious arguments “will carry a very great weight in the debate on this issue,” but he presented the examples of other religious countries that managed to reach a compromise with gambling interests.

Coelho added that legalised gambling would offer Brazil the opportunity to “generate jobs, generate income, generate taxes, so that the country can live better times.”
Even though supporting lawmakers had promised a boost that would be provided to the struggling economy by legalising gambling, the final vote could still be the longest wait.

Residents of Singapore are receiving unsolicited gambling advertisements. The messages appearing on their phones are offering online gambling, “easy” loans and may be abetting illegal activities, according to the local privacy watchdog. From January until September 8,800 public complaints regarding text message spam promoting unauthorised online gambling services and financial loans were received by Singapore’s […]

Residents of Singapore are receiving unsolicited gambling advertisements. The messages appearing on their phones are offering online gambling, “easy” loans and may be abetting illegal activities, according to the local privacy watchdog.

From January until September 8,800 public complaints regarding text message spam promoting unauthorised online gambling services and financial loans were received by Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Commission.

Even though the percentage of complaints dropped down by 18% comparing to the same period in 2015, the messages account for 80% of all complaints received by the Commission.

It is noted that the actual number of messages received is likely much higher, but many Singaporeans simply did not file a complaint. The watchdog is urging the public to file a report whenever they receive an SMS or call related to loans or online gambling from an unsolicited source.

International online gambling sites started getting blocked in Singapore in February 2015. There was no progress done until October this year, when the local sports lottery provider Singapore Pools was authorised to launch an online site. Shortly after that another site was launched by the Singapore Turf Club.

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is introducing a new fee structure in April 2017 that is said to benefit most of operators. However, a few of them will see their fees rise. The findings of the consultation with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport regarding the new fee structure were announced on UKGC website. […]

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is introducing a new fee structure in April 2017 that is said to benefit most of operators. However, a few of them will see their fees rise.

The findings of the consultation with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport regarding the new fee structure were announced on UKGC website. The responses to the consultation were received from various stakeholders, including licensed gambling operators, trade associations and members of the public.

The new fee structure will “reduce the overall fee burden across the industry by over 10%” says UKGC. Around 1900 operators will have their fees reduced (the number varies from 2% to 75%). 1000 licensees will continue to maintain the current level of the rates. For around 75 operators the new structure will mean increased fees. For these licensees the fees will rise as high as 140% of their current level.

Further, the 20 largest operators might face an additional annual payment of £164k. However, first-time licensees will get a 25% discount on their first-year fees.

The new fee structure was created to ensure that the UKGC’s costs were “recovered on a proportionate basis from different types and sizes of operator.”
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President Rodrigo Duterte announced his plans to close all online gambling firms in the Philippines. He ordered the closure saying that the government is not getting proper taxes from such operations. This has been revealed while presenting a budget for 2017, without specifying the timing of the ban and in this way leaving the country […]

President Rodrigo Duterte announced his plans to close all online gambling firms in the Philippines. He ordered the closure saying that the government is not getting proper taxes from such operations. This has been revealed while presenting a budget for 2017, without specifying the timing of the ban and in this way leaving the country worried about one of its booming industries.

“I am ordering the closure of all online gaming (firms). All of them. They have no use,“ Duterte said according to Inquirer.

In August Duterte cancelled one firm‘s 13-year monopoly on gambling in licensed cafes. He based it on disability to properly collect taxes from internet gambling as well as the risen youth participation in it.

“I was mad because even the youth are gambling and there was no way of collecting the proper taxes,” Duterte explained at the time.

“I will restore online (gambling) provided taxes are correctly collected, and they are situated or placed in districts where gambling is allowed, which means to say, not close to churches or schools,” he said.

The gaming industry in the Philippines has been attracting many foreign tourists as well as millions of dollars in investment up to date. It is estimated that the possible loss in annual revenues if the decision to shut down or not renew the licenses is taken is around $215 million.

Polish lawmakers have approved amendments to the country’s gambling legislation. Once signed by the president Andrzej Duda, the new changes will take effect on April 1, 2017. The changes to the Polish Gambling Act have already been accepted by both legislative chambers of Poland. Many of the changes purposed are already known to the public. […]

Polish lawmakers have approved amendments to the country’s gambling legislation. Once signed by the president Andrzej Duda, the new changes will take effect on April 1, 2017. The changes to the Polish Gambling Act have already been accepted by both legislative chambers of Poland.

Many of the changes purposed are already known to the public. The official reason for amending the law is to protect the players against the risk to excessive gambling and to deal with the unlicensed part of the market. However, that is not it. Adding online casino, bingo and poker games to the current online sports betting products extends the number of the permitted games significantly. Further, the new legal options will be solely dependable on the Totalizator Sportowy state gambling monopoly, which will leave international operators out of the game.

The attempts of internationally licensed operators to serve Polish users will be prevented by IP- and payment-blocking mechanisms. That is planned to be done no later than July 1, 2017.

In the meantime, Polish-licensed betting operators will be allowed to have some advertising however, the ads of banking services on their websites will be prohibited.

The amendment will not change the rules of the highly controversial 12% turnover tax which has already significantly limited the interest of operators willing to participate in Polish gaming market. However, a separate amendment regarding this matter is planned in the future.

A push to ban advertisements promoting “free” and “bonus” bets to online gamblers in Australia is backed by a newly formed body representing giant betting agencies. Responsible Wagering Australia was launched only a few weeks ago. The main goal of the association is to promote stronger regulation in the industry. The group that was founded […]

A push to ban advertisements promoting “free” and “bonus” bets to online gamblers in Australia is backed by a newly formed body representing giant betting agencies.

Responsible Wagering Australia was launched only a few weeks ago. The main goal of the association is to promote stronger regulation in the industry. The group that was founded by online companies like Unibet, Bet365, Betfair, CrownBet, Sportsbet wants a code of conduct installed. That should include responsible gambling and protocols of harm-minimisation. The group was formed to support initiatives of government in order to reduce the potential “adverse influence” of gambling.

The group is wasting no time and has already proposed actions to end so called “free bets” at online gambling sites.

At the moment every other state in Australia has its own regulation towards the issue of inducement advertising, however RWA proposes to approach it nationally.

RWA executive director Stephen Conroy told the The Sunday Mail:

“A national ban is in the long-term interests of consumers, operators and regulators, and would further strengthen harm-minimization efforts in the sector.”

“A ban that applies right across Australia is the only way to ensure that an appropriate level of consumer protection is offered, regardless of where an individual lives” Conroy added.

As the Swiss government is considering introducing limits on certain gambling sites, the Swiss Association For Information, Communications And Organisation Technology publicly expressed it disagreement with such plans. The Committee for Legal Affairs of the Swiss National Council is currently debating on a new legislation that would require ISPs to block foreign gambling sites operating […]

As the Swiss government is considering introducing limits on certain gambling sites, the Swiss Association For Information, Communications And Organisation Technology publicly expressed it disagreement with such plans.

The Committee for Legal Affairs of the Swiss National Council is currently debating on a new legislation that would require ISPs to block foreign gambling sites operating in the Swiss territory. However, the Association expressed the worries that such steps could jeopardise online security and digital economy.

They also argue that the censorship on foreign websites planned by the national Council would be easily violated. As the modern users are aware on how to simply avoid internet limitations and locks, the legislation would encourage illegal behaviour.

In such way the Swiss government would have less data on clients’ activity, therefore cyber criminals would gain more opportunities for their actions.

The Swiss Association For Information, Communications And Organisation Technology has also warned the government regarding the possible financial loss from the revenues generated by authorised companies.

Japanese parliament passed a new law to legalise land-based casinos in the country. The approval of the ‘integrated resorts’ bill ends a political argument that has been ongoing for 15 years. International Casino operators are celebrating this decision as the way for multi-billion dollar projects is now clear. The legislation was pushed through by the […]

Japanese parliament passed a new law to legalise land-based casinos in the country.

The approval of the ‘integrated resorts’ bill ends a political argument that has been ongoing for 15 years. International Casino operators are celebrating this decision as the way for multi-billion dollar projects is now clear.

The legislation was pushed through by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The idea proposed in the bill is to have large-scale integrated resorts (IRs) that would combine casinos with hotels and shopping facilities.

According to the Daiwa Research Institute, it is estimated that the casinos could generate nearly $10 billion in net profit per year.

Despite the possible money flow, the objections from the Democratic Party were fierce. The main concerns that were shared were regarding gambling addiction and money laundering.

NHK reported that 44% of Japanese opposed casinos, with only 12% supporting the bill and 34% of respondents being undecided.

Pro-casino lawmakers promised to implement the right measures in order to prevent the possible negative aspects of the decision: “We need to develop an environment where treatment such as training for specialised treatment and consultation can be received when necessary,” said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga.

Despite the fact that the decision has already been taken, casinos are not expected to be open until 2022 at the earliest. Further legislation is required for regulation, tax rates and other matters.

Even though casinos were previously outlawed in Japan, bets on horse, boat and bicycle races through government-backed bookmakers were legal.

Polish government is preparing a new gambling bill that would allow sports betting and online poker in the country. Gambling was outlawed in Poland seven years ago. In an interview with Polish radio Deputy Prime Minister Jaroslaw Gowin said that “Poland suffered enormous, multibillion losses” when a Gambling act banning gambling outside casinos and online […]

Polish government is preparing a new gambling bill that would allow sports betting and online poker in the country. Gambling was outlawed in Poland seven years ago.

In an interview with Polish radio Deputy Prime Minister Jaroslaw Gowin said that “Poland suffered enormous, multibillion losses” when a Gambling act banning gambling outside casinos and online was introduced by the previous Polish government in 2009.

“That is why a few months ago we decided to change the law so that money flowed back into the budget,” Gowin explained.

Further, he assured that Poland has consulted with the European Commission and the green light to move ahead with the project was received.

Based on the latest draft, slot machines would be nationalised, operating solely under national lottery services.

Gowin said that bookmakers, however, would still operate in the fringe economy. The standard IP and payment – blocking mechanisms are planned to be used as enforcement methods against international operators providing services to the Polish market. The ministry informed that “more severe consequences” will be used for operators who continue to disregard the law.

“Over the next several months gambling will remain in [a shady area of the economy], and Poles will continue to lose PLN 100-300 million a month,” the deputy prime minister said.

Previously it was said that the new law was supposed to take effect on January 1 next year. However, at the moment revisions are waiting for approval from the various branches of government.

A second bill will be planned once the first law goes through, Gowin explained. This would “liberalise” the system to make it “safe to use bookmaker services, and play poker online”.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) asserted its authority over the right to regulate offshore online gaming. PAGCOR issued a statement saying that its move to grant a new type of license called Philippine Online Gaming Operation (POGO) was “within the bounds of its charter” which allowed it to “operate, authorise and license games […]

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) asserted its authority over the right to regulate offshore online gaming.

PAGCOR issued a statement saying that its move to grant a new type of license called Philippine Online Gaming Operation (POGO) was “within the bounds of its charter” which allowed it to “operate, authorise and license games of chance, games of cards and games of numbers” in the Philippines.

“Gaming or gambling, as defined, is a game of scheme, whether upon chance or skills wherein wagers consisting of money or articles of value or representative of value are made,” said PAGCOR and added that the location of the player (whether in the Philippines or overseas) was irrelevant.

„As long as the game is produced and its operation managed within the Philippine territory, it falls within PAGCOR’s jurisdiction,” claims PAGCOR in the statement. “The POGO rules were issued to regulate online gaming being produced in the Philippines despite being streamed abroad.”

The statement was issued as a reaction to the challenge filed by the local anti-corruption advocates at the Union for National Development and Good Governance-Philippines (UNLAD). The petition before the Supreme Court aimed to nullify the regulation that allowed PAGCOR to issue offshore gaming licences. The first 35 licences were already awarded last week.

UNLAD claimed that PAGCOR does not have the authority to regulate online operators offering services to gamblers outside the Philippines. PAGCOR contradicted the statement and also challenged UNLAD to provide information on who should be responsible for this sector.

“If we are to agree with their proposition that PAGCOR is bereft of regulatory authority over these online gaming operators, then who has the authority to regulate online games in the Philippines?” PAGCOR asked in the statement.

The National Law Commission of India is discussing the feasibility of legalising sports betting in the country. In July, India’s Supreme Court accepted the recommendations to make betting in sports legal through an enacted legislation. It was also advised to include the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in the Right to Information […]

The National Law Commission of India is discussing the feasibility of legalising sports betting in the country.

In July, India’s Supreme Court accepted the recommendations to make betting in sports legal through an enacted legislation. It was also advised to include the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in the Right to Information (RTI), which would assure that citizens have the right to request information regarding national activities from the public authority.

However, the decision to make sports betting legal in India was left to the Parliament. The Supreme Court stated that “the recommendation made by the Committee that betting should be legalised by law involves the enactment of a law which is a matter that may be examined by the Law Commission and the Government for such action as it may consider necessary in the facts and circumstances of the case.”

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Justice (retired) Balbir Singh Chauhan, chairman of the Law Commission of India confirmed that every aspect of the sector worldwide will be considered before any proposal is made.

“In many countries betting in sports is legal but situations are different there. We will study all the aspects.”

“Once we make up our mind and prepare a skeleton in what direction we should proceed and what legal problems may arise, we will write to all the stakeholders,” Chauhan assured that when the decision is made, Indian stakeholders would be informed to develop the market.

In 2012 report international audit and professional services organisation KPMG valued the Indian sports betting market at INR3 trillion (USD44.27 billion). And if made legal, the government may receive 20 percent tax on profit. Currently, only horse racing betting is legal in India.

UK online gambling operators are about to face some changes as the tax authority is amending the rules regarding freeplays, free bets and discounted betting. The new regulation is due to come into effect on August 1, 2017. The changes will apply to remote gambling operators liable to account for Remote Gaming Duty, such as […]

UK online gambling operators are about to face some changes as the tax authority is amending the rules regarding freeplays, free bets and discounted betting.

The new regulation is due to come into effect on August 1, 2017. The changes will apply to remote gambling operators liable to account for Remote Gaming Duty, such as gaming over the internet, telephone, by television, radio or any other electronic communications.

Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) explained that when a customer places a bet for free, or at a reduced rate, the operator will then, in certain circumstances, be required to account for duty on the amount that the consumer would have paid had the offer not been in place.

The other change will affect the „prizes“ as gambling operators will not be able to use the value of freeplays provided as prizes to reduce their dutiable profit.
According to the HMRC, the new changes would help to generate an additional £45 million in tax revenue during the 2017-2018 financial year.

HMRC released a statement confirming the changes: “This measure is intended to bring the tax treatment of freeplays for remote gaming more into line with the treatment for free bets under GBD.

“This will contribute to sustainable government finances by broadening the Gambling Tax base.

“This measure was announced at Budget 2016 and was the subject of a technical consultation which ran between August 9 and October 17, 2016.

“The costing includes a behavioural effect to account for a change in the marketing strategy of affected operators as well as the potential for firms finding ways to mitigate the impacts of the measure.

“The impact on individuals and households in the UK is expected to be negligible as this measure is not expected to have a significant impact on the availability, price and payouts of remote gambling.”