Global gambling legislation news – Week ending February 24

We are in our third week of the worldwide gaming news column which keeps an eye on the fast-moving landscape of the gambling industry. We obtain our information from factual sources to detail legislative changes from one side of the world to the other. You can leave a comment at the bottom of this page, or if you noticed a legislation change which may affect players around the globe, email us at [email protected].

This week looks at the US state Nevada looking for new ways to raise money for problem gambling. The state relied on the $2 fee from slots but since these are declining, a new source needs to be found. On the other side of the world an Australian politician has drafted a secondary amendment to the Interactive Gambling Amendment 2016 which is designed to protect online poker and blackjack. The Senator has released an interesting video on his Facebook page supporting his beliefs.

Australian politician joins fight to save online poker

Australian Liberal Democrat Senator David Leyonhjelm has announced a secondary amendment which will be introduced to the Senate next month. As revealed on his Facebook page, the amendment will save online poker and Internet blackjack. You can view the full video here, but the Senator has advised players to get a VPN if his amendment doesn’t work.

American state ignites hopes for online poker

California is making another effort to make online poker legal in the state, following a decade of attempts. Assemblyman Reginald Jones-Sawyer introduced the Internet Poker Consumer Protection Act and since New York and many other US states are considering legalising online poker this attempt could progress.

In Idaho, proposed legislation banning tribal casinos from allowing video gaming machines has been reviewed. It concluded the legislation has many holes which could lead to a number of legality issues.

Senator Sonny Borrelli has also introduced legislation to legalise gambling in bars and clubs in Arizona. It was opposed by Indian tribes citing the tribal/state gaming compact. As a result, Borrelli has changed the bill to offer electronic keno games instead of bingo, on the basis it doesn’t violate the compact.

Meanwhile in Nevada, a bill to raise funds for problem gambling has been proposed, without any opposition so far. The current revenue comes from a $2 fee on slots, but the new bill proposes to garner revenue from licensing fees.

No chance of new gambling laws in Mexico by 2018

The president of Mexico’s gambling association has revealed new laws aren’t likely to be approved before 2018. The lower house approved the law in 2014, which would see both online and offline gambling regulated, with the latter in shambles at the time of writing. But the Senate hasn’t been as eager to approve the new legislation and it is unlikely we will see regulation any time soon.

Kenya worried for gambling industry

Kenya’s Betting Control and Licensing Board regulator has criticised parliamentarian Jakoyo Midiwo’s legislation which aims to double tax levies on gambling activities. This coincides with the backlash from betting operators and the public who believe the bill will ruin the industry.

Italy faces gambling industry tax squeeze

Italy’s gambling industry is preparing for a potential €280m tax squeeze. Reports suggest the government is considering raising taxes on slots and video lotteries. While this hasn’t been confirmed, Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni needs to locate new tax revenues to bring in an additional €3.4bn. If he doesn’t, the European Commission could commence an infringement procedure.

America wants a big piece of the Japanese casino pie

Japan is set to become one of the biggest gambling powerhouses in the world once the regulation outlined by lawmakers is complete. American casino companies are already eyeing off a share despite a casino not opening until at least 2023. Hard Rock Café is reportedly looking at a 60 percent stake in a casino resort, while Las Vegas Sands is showing interest in building a casino in the country.

India could end floating casinos

If the Indian National Congress political party wins the ongoing election, it won’t renew the liquor licenses of the six offshore casinos in Goa. The party has switched sides, announcing it will close the casinos as part of its campaign, despite being the party to legalise slots in 1992 and licensing the first floating casino.

Russia to increase fines for ISPs who don’t block gambling sites

Russian President Vladimir Putin has enforced a new amendment which will see higher fines imposed for internet Service Providers which don’t block unauthorised Internet gambling domains. The domains have been flagged by the country’s telecommunications watchdog Roskomnadzor.

Germany pushes new State Treaty on gambling

A new bill has been published by by Berlin’s House of Representatives which will bring Germany’s State Treaty on Gambling into compliance with European law. It looks to amend the 2012 State Treaty which didn’t pass due to lack of clarity and non-compliance issues. If this second State Treaty is approved, it will be enforced in 2018.