Daily News: German betting companies challenge restrictions and more

German bookmakers challenge restrictions on accepting sports betting

Thirty-three German licensed bookmakers are challenging restrictions on sports betting.

Germany's sports betting legislation has been criticized repeatedly for putting licensed bookmakers at a disadvantage compared to offshore operators.

In particular, their lines are limited to bets on match winners and total goals. In addition, customers have a monthly limit to spend of 1,000 euros, and companies must pay a tax of 5.3%.

Recall that the Fourth German Interstate Gambling Agreement, which entered into force on July 1, 2020, opened the market for online casinos, online poker and online bookmakers. Within its framework, the country allowed the issuance of separate nationwide licenses for online slots and other online gambling activities. The turnover of online slots and online poker is also subject to taxing of 5.3%.

There is a number of restrictions on accepting online bets. In particular, the maximum amount that can be wagered during one spin is 2 euros. The duration of the spin must be at least five seconds. Jackpots are prohibited.

Gambling advertising through traditional broadcast and digital channels is not allowed between 6:00 am and 9:00 pm. The country has also launched the OASIS gambler self-exclusion system.

Influential Thai politician speaks out in support of casino legalization

Former Thai Finance Minister Korn Chatikavaniy who currently heads the Kla Party supported the authorities' plans to legalize casinos.

Speaking at a congress at the Centara Government Complex in Bangkok, the politician expressed the hope that the country's gambling laws would be reformed, and this will stimulate the economy and take a toll on illegal gambling.

“No one wants to develop gambling. But what we really need to admit is that doing business in the gray area benefits those who break the law and those powerful individuals who involved in organized crime. So, it's time to change that,” said the former minister.

Recall that the Emergency Committee of the National Assembly of Thailand will present its report with conclusions on the possibility of opening a casino in the country in May 2022, at a meeting of the House of Representatives.

The National Assembly of Thailand which included 15 cabinet ministers and 45 representatives of political parties voted to establish an emergency committee on the opening of an resort with a casino in early December 2021. The committee was headed by Transport Minister Atirat Ratanasate.

After discussions, the members of the committee leaned towards the fact that the capital city of Bangkok is the preferred location for opening the first casino due to its more developed infrastructure, including airports and expressways.

The committee is also developing restrictions on the ability of local residents to visit the casino. In particular, they will have to present identification cards, documentary confirmed resource of income and a certificate of permanent employment.

The issue of the age limit for visitors of the gambling hall and the cost of the entrance ticket are also being discussed.

After the opening of a casino in Bangkok, it is proposed to open gambling clubs in other provinces of the country. According to members of the emergency committee, the tourist areas of Pattaya and Phuket are also considered to be attractive for this purpose.

In the Balearic Islands, the number of gambling establishments will be reduced to half

The authorities of the Balearic Islands which include Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera announced that they would not issue new licenses to open gambling establishments until the number of operating gambling halls and bookmakers decreases by 50%.

According to local news agencies, this was recently announced at a meeting of the regional government by Vice President of the Government of the Balearic Islands Juan Pedro Illanes.

To introduce a moratorium on the opening of new gambling establishments, it is necessary to adopt an appropriate legislative act.

Recall that a similar moratorium has already been in effect in the Balearic Islands since 2020, which was announced for a period of two years. At the same time, the country's government announced the development of a bill, according to which a new gambling operator license could be issued only after the expiration of three similar ones. But finally, it was decided to regulate the number of gambling halls by extending the moratorium.