Global gambling legislation news – Week ending February 17

BettingPlanet.com is in its second week with this new column which looks at gambling legislation changes all around the world. We strive to provide up to date and factual legislation news that could affect both online and land-based gamblers. If you have anything you feel we should discuss in this column reach us at [email protected].

This week we look at the impending Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016 which is yet to be discussed by the Senate. Proposals have been made which will largely impact online gamblers around the nation. This comes as Pennsylvania is a step closer to legalising online gambling with a joint hearing between the House of Representatives and the Senate, while Vietnam’s land-based casinos are benefiting from the lift of the local casino ban.

Australian AFL players are concerned by gambling advertisements

The amendment to reduce gambling advertisements during live sporting events failed during the debate by the House of Representatives over the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016. But AFL captains, including Easton Wood, and players are demanding a reduction. The bill is to be debated again in the Senate where the Xenophon team will be introducing similar amendments.

Another amendment submitted on behalf of the Liberal Democratic Party to the Senate wants to change the definition of Interactive Gambling to include ‘casino-style poker or blackjack gambling service.’

International poker players to be taxed in America

Although UK players have not had to pay any tax when winning at events in America, they may now have 30% of profits withheld. A tax specialist has alleged a legislation change will now disallow casinos from issuing Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN), so to void the 30% tax you will have to turn up a TIN already.

Pennsylvania is one step closer to legalising online gambling as parliament prepares a joint hearing with the House of Representatives and the Senate to discuss legislation to regulate the industry. The hearing will reportedly address the obstacles which have previously prevented legislation from passing.

In Nevada, the idea of reducing the gambling age from 21 to 18 has been met with strong resistance. The state has also set up the Nevada eSports Alliance (NVEA), which will regulate the eSports industry as it enters the Las Vegas market.

Russia clamps down on offshore online gambling

The Russian government is considering legislation which will force major financial institutions to block all gambling transactions made to offshore gambling websites, similar to the legislation in the US. On the land-based front the country is considering legalising its sixth casino zone.

Philippines clarifies illegal gambling

Philippines President signed an order to clarify illegal gambling, which has seen 13 people arrested since it was enforced at the end of last week. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has also warned he will do whatever it takes to get rid of politicians involved in protecting illegal gambling operators.

Lawmakers have also looked to implement more stringent anti-money laundering rules at land-based casinos. This follows last year’s alleged laundering of money stolen from Bangladesh Bank account holders.

Kenya government copies gambling revamp

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has proposed legislation which would require all online gambling firms in the African nation to be fully owned by Kenyan citizens. It also outlines severe restrictions on marketing, tax on winnings to be enforced, a limit on the amount which can be gambled, and an increase of the gambling age to 25. It is known as the Midiwo’s Betting, Lotteries And Gaming (Amendment) Bill. But the Kenyan government has initiated similar legislation, which has angered ODM representative Jakoyo Midiwo.

Chilean state toughens up on gambling legislation

Following nationwide guidelines detailed for Chile on gambling machines, the Chilean state of Valparaiso has already started to plan for the changes. The state reportedly announced its plans to be the first to carry out an official count of such equipment with official reports.

Scotland to implement new betting shop controls

Scotland has now enforced new controls which requires any change in use of premises to a bookmakers or a pay day loan shop must be reported to the planning permission. The new legislation has been enacted after the Scottish Government’s consultation in August 2014. Reforms to the planning system were proposed in order to reduce the numbers of pay day lenders and betting offices in towns and cities.

Vietnam casino ban lift benefiting struggling casinos

Vietnamese casinos were reportedly struggling before the casino ban on locals was lifted. New figures from some of the casinos has revealed the lift could not have come sooner for the local industry.

French politicians propose national gambling overhaul

Two French National Assembly members have released recommendations to restructure the country’s gambling regulations. It is the second report within months which calls for an overhaul of the French gambling market.

The recommendations suggest a new a new taxation framework, where operators work on a gross gaming revenue basis instead of a percentage of their turnover.