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Herman Van Rompuy becomes President of the Council of the European Union and Catherine Ashton becomes High Representative for Foreign Affairs, while new Commissioners and portfolios are matched.
Advocate General Bot delivers his opinion on the case involving Dutch monopoly De Lotto and UK gambling firms Ladbrokes and Betfair.
Belgium introduces an online gambling law, reserving licences for those operators already established in the country, despite EC objections.
European Parliament’s proposed gambling intergroup lacks political support and so the project has been abandoned.
The Swedish Presidency submits a disappointing and inaccurate draft progress report on gambling and betting to the Competitiveness Council.
Bingo tax is reduced in Italy, to relieve the pressure on the industry following the economic crisis
Bingo tax in Catalonia, which has the highest tax in the whole of Spain, is reduced by 3 percent.
UK Chancellor announces cut in bingo tax but industry vows to fight on
Italy continues the initiative to liberalise its gambling laws and introduces video lottery terminals
The much-delayed anti-money laundering bill is finally introduced in the Irish Parliament after a four year delay.
EUBINGO held its Annual General Meeting on September the 17th, at the office of the Secretariat in Brussels.
In September, the Council Working Party on Gambling and Betting had a meeting, under the direction of the Swedish Presidency, to discuss matters related to responsible gambling behaviour.
In July, the United States Trade Representative and the European Trade Commissioner met to discuss bilateral agreements and online gambling issues
In July, the European Court of Justice criticised the lottery taxation in Spain and called on the Spanish government to make amendments.
In a landmark European Court of Justice case, the ECJ ruled that gambling monopolies do not necessarily breach free trade laws.
The European Parliament resumed business after the summer recess. The draft Consumer Rights Directive is discussed by the IMCO Committee.
On 14 April, following consideration of the current law and proposed reforms to the Portuguese gambling taxation system, the European Commission decided to refer the case to the European Court of Justice.
On 10 June 2009, the European Commission published its 94-page report on the remote gambling case against the US, justifying bringing the case before the WTO, but favouring an “amicable solution”.
In a landmark case in the EU, UK gaming operator, Rank, won a case against HM Revenue & Customs, claiming that double taxation on certain types of bingo and not others went against EU law.
From 4 – 7 June throughout the European Union, the elections to the European Parliament took place, under the rules of the Nice Treaty, which reduced the number of MEPs from 785 to 736.
The priorities of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union (from 1 July 2009) were outlined by Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, in Brussels on 9 June. Gambling will regain its place on the agenda, as begun by the French Presidency (July-December 2008).
Bingo halls in the autonomous region of Madrid may experience some relief from the difficulties of the looming economic recession, which is reflected in rapidly declining consumer spending throughout Spain.
The Maltese Finance Minister, Tonio Fenech, is under pressure to introduce official regulations to deal with the widespread problem of illegal land-based gambling in the country.
eCOGRA, the eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance organisation, has extended its player protection, independent testing, standards and monitoring services to all the main sectors in the online gambling industry, now including online bingo, sportsbetting and live gambling.
As part of its fact-finding trip to Finland, the EUBINGO delegation was welcome by YLE, the Finnish National Broadcasting Company, whose charity, YLE Helps Foundation, has begun cooperating with the Finnish Bingo Group, SBH, to create the first ever charity TV-Bingo.
A debate in the House of Lords on Wednesday 28 January resulted in the formal approval of amendments to the 2005 Gambling Act, announced in June 2008 by the Minister for Sport and Tourism, Gerry Sutcliffe.
Attempts by OPAP, the Greek state gambling body, to avoid infringement investigations and to retain its monopoly have been unsuccessful, drawing the attention of both the European Commission and the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
European Commission releases opinion on Finnish Lotteries Reform Act
On 10 March 2009, the European Parliament plenary voted on the own-initiative report on "Integrity of Online Gambling", by Rapporteur Christel Schaldemose (PSE, Denmark).
EUBINGO delegation travels to Finland to meet with Finnish Bingo Association
The Northern Ireland Bingo and Gaming Association is the newest member of EUBINGO
Responses to OPAP's attempts to stop competition from Stanleybet in Greece
IMCO Committee considers the 149 amendments, prior to a vote on 11 February
The Estonian Parliament gave the go-ahead to the country's proposed new gambling legislation, expected to be implemented in January 2009.
The bingo industry of the autonomous community of Andalusia has clearly called for a wider range of bingo games to be developed and introduced in the largest region of Spain.
Further to negotiations between the regional bingo association and the Justice Councillor, electronic bingo (eBingo) and electronic bingo cards are now a reality in bingo halls across the autonomous community of Castile and León in Spain.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has proclaimed its support for the land-based bingo industry in the UK, by denouncing the current double taxation law faced by bingo halls throughout the country.
Popularity of online gambling, in particular online bingo have been observed in Nordic countries
The founder of EU-based online gambling company PartyGaming was fined by US Department of Justice for violating online gaming laws
There were clear divisions between EU industry ministers on the issue of gambling policy at the Competitiveness Council
Austria has informed the European Commission of the proposed amendments to its Gaming Act
The French EU Presidency progress report has been finalised prior to the Competitiveness Council meeting on 1-2 December
Uncertainty for the future of gambling as a point on the agenda of the EU Presidency
The response by Greek gambling monopoly, OPAP, to the competitive challenge by Stanleybet, could lead to infringement investigations from the European Commission
Betting company Stanleybet has called upon the European Commission to ensure "fair, open and equal access" to all EU gambling markets
EGBA report threatens strengthen of EU Member State gambling monopolies
An orientation paper has been released by the French EU Presidency as a forerunner to the publication of its progress report on gambling in the EU Member States
Poland has notified the European Commission of their proposed amendments to gambling regulations
The progress report will be presented to the Council Working Group on 14 November, prior to its final presenation at the Competitiveness Council in December
The European Parliament website publishes the first draft of the report by Christel Schaldemose MEP on "Integrity of Online Gambling"
European Court of Justice Advocate General Yves Bot has released his opinion on Portuguese lottery case
The European Commission's TRIS has been notified of Hungarian intentions to amend current gambling laws
The French EU Presidency set up a Working Group, which will discuss gambling and produce conclusions on gambling regulations in the EU by the end of the year
European Commission receives notification of amemdments to the UK Gambling Commission's Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP)
Sweden's advertising legislation may face scrutiny from European Court of Justice
The diminished popularity of bingo halls in the UK is emphasised by the growing interest in online bingo throughout Europe.
However bingo in Spain declined, compared with other more successful sectors
Fears of online gambling competitors and European Commission criticism have led the Dutch government to make changes to protect the state gambling monopoly
The former head of the AAMS pointed out that in spite of his extensive work, further reforms are required for Italy's gaming industry
The results of an official study on amending gambling laws coincide with a related survey by the Czech minister for human rights and minorities
Portuguese gaming legislation may result in referral to the European Court of Justice
European Commissioner for Trade, Peter Mandelson, replies to MEP Christofer Fjellner's question on US compensation to the EU
In spite of preventative actions, the Greek gambling monopoly, OPAP, may face European Commission investigations
2011 is the earliest estimated date for the introduction of the euro in Poland
Draft amendments to Belgium's 1999 Gambling Law have been sent to the European Commission for approval
The Polish government is caught between the economic benefits of online gambling and the requirements of EU law
Dead end meeting between European Commission delegation and Office of US Trade Representative
Christofer Fjellner MEP receives answer to his question to the Commission
Further delays ahead for Italy's already postponed betting tenders
Commission receives updated Austrian Gambling Act
Growing interest from the EU institutions (Commission, Council and Parliament) in gambling issues
France takes over EU presidency and puts gambling on the Council agenda.
Members of the European Parliament want gambling related infringement cases referred to teh European Court of Justice
European Commission referres Spain to the European Court of Justice due to tax system.
Trade Commissioner Mandelson issued a formal question to US trade representative Schwab.
The implementing decree
On 9 May, a deadline for the Finnish Ministry of Internal Affairs was ignored in regard to the decision to grant state-owned gaming operator Veikkaus a license to operate a national online bingo site.
According to Reuters, the
According to a UK online bingo website, British players spend over £600 million (€760 million) per year on bingo tickets.
The General Assembly appointed Javier Franch Cardona of Spain, President of the Spanish Association of Bingo Entrepreneurs CEJ, as President of the Federation for a two-year term.
On 7 May 2008 gambling policy was on the agenda for discussion at a COREPER I meeting based on a proposal from the Netherlands, backed by Belgium, Germany, Finland, and a few other countries.
Commissioner McCreevy is close to submit infringement cases to the European Court of Justice
EP added gambling to the Commissions White Paper on Sport
After ECJ decision Italy opens new bid-process for betting shops.
The fourth European Gambling Briefing took place in Amsterdam on 13 and 14 May 2008.
The 2006 UIGE Act may impose new responsibilities even greater than those of the Bank Secrecy Act and may still not prove to be effective, according to witnesses. Louise Roseman, head of the Federal Reserve's bank operations division, said during the hearing that the Act does not spell out which gambling activities are lawful and which are unlawful and that most foreign banks would not agree to modify their contracts with U.S. banks, particularly if Internet gambling is legal in a foreign institution’s home country.
The very first responsible gambling campaign in Italy was officially launched on 14 March 2008 at the ENADA Spring Gaming Exhibition in Rimini in the north of Italy. The initiative was promoted by the OPLA bingo group and the Italian bingo association, Federbingo, with the support of Italian regulator, State Monopolies Authorities, AAMS.
The draft gaming machine regulation of the autonomous community of Madrid, expected to be published in May 2008, provides for the marketing of a new gaming machine, known as a B3-type machine, to be placed in bingo halls, gaming halls and casinos.
The Bingo Association in the UK sees the closure of more bingo halls as it continues its effort to exempt bingo from VAT charges. Following the publication of the 2008 budget by Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling on 12 March 2008,bingo will still be subject to both VAT and tax on gross revenue.
On 17 April 2008, a full-day conference on responsible gaming took place in the European Parliament. The “Responsible Gaming Day” aims to initiate the first broadly based EU political discussion on responsible gambling.
On 10 March 2008, the EU announced that it would open an investigation into US Internet gambling laws under Trade Barriers Regulation (TBR) framework after a complaint filed by the Remote Gambling Association (RGA). The challenge made by the RGA concerns the fact that the United States measures violate Articles of the GATS(General Agreement on Trade in Services). The European Commission will now examine whether these actions are in breach of international trade rules and discuss the matter with the US authorities.
On 27 February 2008, the European Commission has sent the governments of Greece and the Netherlands “reasoned opinions” regarding their sports betting law, supposedly restricting free provision of services I the Internal Market. The two countries have now two months in which to respond before the matter is referred to the European Court of Justice. Additionally on 31 January 2008 the European Commission had already launched infringement proceedings against Germany and Sweden because of certain provisions of their gambling legislation.
The European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) Committee chaired by Arlene McCarthy (PES,UK) hosted a hearing on Internal Market aspects of online gambling and online sports betting on 14 February 2008. In three sessions the IMCO Committee and key players discussed: the EU and International legal framework of online gambling and online sports betting, market liberalisation vs. social responsibility and fraud in online gambling and online sports betting.
A new Harvard University study challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding gambling addiction and shows that recovery for compulsive players is not only possible but easily achievable.
Bingo tax reduced in the autonomous communities of Madrid and Andalusia.
The European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) Committee adopted the draft own-initiative report by MEP Jacques Toubon (EPP-ED, France) on the review of the Single Market at Plenary on 4 September 2007. The report seeks to revise the Single Market to renew citizens’ confidence in the benefits they can obtain from completion of the Single Market. Particular emphasis is placed on the removal of existing ‘ambiguities’.
The Commission published a report that showed most Europeans were in favour of anti-smoking policies, with the greatest support in Ireland, Sweden and Italy where such policies are already in place. The consultation period on the ‘Smoke-free Europe’ Green Paper is due to come to an end next month.
The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) court ruled on 30 May 2007 that Member States may reject gambling licenses of foreign operators. The EFTA court denied commercial gambling operator Ladbrokes the right to access the Norwegian gambling market, emphasising the freedom of Member States to "determine the level of protection for their citizens, such as preventing problem gambling and fighting crime, in a systematic and consistent manner".
On 24 May 2007, the Council adopted a Common Position on the draft Audiovisual Media Services Directive. The European Parliament is expected to vote in Plenary on 18 June 2007 in an expedite second reading.
New gambling regulations in Spanish regions set to allow a wider range of games in bingo halls.
Federbingo sends report on the Italian bingo sector to the Italian Chamber of Deputies
Rapporteur Ruth Hieronymi (EPP-ED, Germany), has welcomed a Commission revised proposal on Audiovisual Media Services that continues to exclude gambling services from its scope of application.
On 21 March 2007, the European Commission took action to remove obstacles to the free provision of sports betting services in Denmark, Finland and Hungary.
In May 2006, European Court of Justice Advocate General, Mr. Damaso Ruiz-Jarabo gave his preliminary opinion on the Placanica case.
On 27 December 2006, the Framework Services Directive was published in the Official Journal of the EU. Member States have now three years to transpose the Directive into national legislation. Gambling services do not fall under the scope of this Directive.
The Council adopted the draft Framework Services Directive on 11 December 2006 without discussion during a Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council meeting.
The study on gambling in the EU Internal Market carried out by the Swiss Institute of Comparative Law at the request of the European Commission was made public on 12 October 2006.
The study on gambling in the EU Internal Market carried out by the Swiss Institute of Comparative Law at the request of the European Commission was made public on 12 October 2006.
The 11 amendments proposed by the Rapporteur MEP Evelyn Gebhardt (PSE, Germany) to the IMCO, did not include any mention of the exclusion of gambling, nor the wording of the exclusion.
The draft Framework Services Directive has returned to the European Parliament for second reading.
EU Ministers met in Brussels for the Competitiveness Council and adopted a Common Position on the draft Framework Services Directive on 24 July 2006, further to a political agreement reached under the Austrian Presidency.
European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services, Charlie McCreevy, has answered on behalf of the Commission a Written Question from MEP Jacques Toubon (EPP, France) on gambling.
The Austrian Presidency pushed through a political agreement on the draft Framework Services Directive (FSD), when EU Ministers met in Brussels for a meeting of the Competitiveness Council.
The study carried out by the Swiss Institute for Comparative Law (SICL) on Gambling Services in the EU Internal Market was made public on 24 April and presents the status quo of the legislation and jurisprudence of each of the Member States.
The Commission presented on 4 April its provisional amended proposal for a Framework Service Directive.
At the Plenary Session in Strasbourg on 16 February 2006, the European Parliament voted in favour of the report amending the Commission proposal for a Framework Services Directive, excluding gambling from the scope of the draft Directive.
The new European association EUBINGO was officially launched on 31 January 2006 on the occasion of a luncheon in the European Parliament hosted by Bill Newton Dunn MEP.
The draft Framework Services Directive including an amendment which will exclude gambling from its scope will be voted on in the European Parliament Plenary Session on 16 January.
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