Issue N36, 2007
September 20, 2007
France Mulls Entry into Online Gambling Market
Recently it was reported in the media that the European Court of Justice had granted France an extension to the August deadline that it had previously set for the country to change its local gambling laws. Originally, the ECJ had ordered France to stick to Article 49 of the European Treaty, which calls for free trade between countries on the Continent. France only allows two local companies (Francaise des Jeux and PMU) to offer gambling services within the country.
This week, France – who was given until October 29th as an extension – began initiating talks in the Belgian capital and it is reported that this time around, the country is seriously considering opening its borders to foreign online casino and gaming operators. While many casino managers are encouraged that dialogue is indeed going on, most are saying that they will not be satisfied until France stops its flagrant use of monopolies within the industry and grant equal rights to anybody wishing to enter its gambling markets and offer their services – as set out in the European Treaty. In any event, all eyes are directed at Brussels to see where the talks will eventually lead.
Top Affiliate Program to Sponsor Barcelona CAP Event
The online gambling industry is abuzz with excitement only weeks before one of the top events in the market is due to take place – the Casino Affiliate Program’s European event, scheduled to run from October 4th to 7th in Barcelona, Spain. It was announced this week that one of the main sponsors of the Euro CAP event would be Refer Back – a popular internet affiliate program with some of the most lucrative commission structures in the business.
Refer Back was one of the main sponsors of the CAP event in London, where its stand was amongst the busiest at the event, with many showing interest in what this program has to offer. Refer Back, with plenty of years experience in the business since its creation in 1999, offers affiliates the chance to earn up 35% revenue for their efforts – for their entire lifetime! In addition, the program offers its members excellent marketing tools and round the clock support. Following its popularity in the industry and at recent conferences, Refer Back will therefore act as a Platinum Sponsor at CAP Euro, Barcelona.
Pro-Gambling US Bill Proposal “Not Very Active”
US politician, Frank Barney, who made waves in recent months following the creation of a draft proposal as a contra to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, has said that gamblers and interested parties should not expect anything to happen with the proposal in the near future, and certainly not by the end of this year. Barney admitted that his Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act was “not dead”, although it was “not very active”. He stated that although there was not enough support for it yet, it was early days still. “It’s growing,” he said of the support offered to his proposal. At present, 36 congressmen support Barney’s IGREA bill proposal, although this is certainly not enough to offer any clout.
Barney said in an interview this week that he hoped international pressure would cause Washington to rethink its new policy on online gambling, which was essentially banned last year. The politician was no doubt referring to the recent ruling by the World Trade Organization, which upheld Antigua and Barbuda’s claims that the United States was acting against the WTO Treaty by not allowing foreign companies to offer their services in the country’s remote gambling industry. Since this ruling, many countries, including the European Union, have joined Antigua’s claims for compensation from the United States, due to their policy. Claims could reportedly reach into the billions of dollars.
New Online Wagering Company Enlists Ex-Casino Heads
A new online gambling company in the United Kingdom, called Lazer Wager, has called on the services of no less than five ex-chiefs of online casinos companies to act as a management team for their new venture. Executives from companies such as Bet on Sports and Nine.com will become part of the new administration team of Lazer Wager, which hopes to become one of the industry’s leading companies.
Lazer Wager intends offering Live Dealer casino services whereby players are connected to live dealers during exciting games of blackjack, baccarat and roulette, to name just a few. This is in response to the growing demand of gambling services with a more intimate touch by online players in recent years. The UK company has said that gamblers respond well to the Live Dealer Casino application where they can see the dealer actually spinning the wheel or rolling the dice. Live Dealer also allows players to chat to the dealer, allowing a more personal gambling experience. In addition, Lazer Wager will offer betting services on major sporting events around the globe and will also take wagers on non-sport related events such as politics and entertainment.