3 6 June 2004

News:

The US Justice Department seizure of $3.2 million from US media company Discovery Communications in early April is the latest example of the aggressive tactics being used to block advertising by online gambling sites.

An interlocutory judgement in the District Court of Arnhem, Holland, has the potential to force open the European gambling market. Gambling industry experts agree that the judgement against gaming operator, De Lotto, could in theory give rise to legal challenges against other national monopolies such as Camelot, which has a legal monopoly to operate the UK’s National Lottery.

The UK Gambling Bill looks set to progress rapidly to the Statute Book as more Parliamentary time has been found to speed its passage. Lord McIntosh, UK Minister for Media and Heritage, with responsibility for seeing the gambling bill through Parliament, speaking at the World Online Gambling Law Report Summer Retreat 2004 emphasised the government’s commitment to rapid progress. “I am sure that we are on the brink of something exciting for the remote gambling industry and we should make no apology for Britain being in the vanguard”, he said.

Features:

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport has made its extensive response to the Joint Scrutiny Committee. This article analyses the government’s response and its implications for the industry.

The Dutch Courts have become a testing ground for the interpretation of European law as it affects online gambling. This article considers the significance of the recent judgment in the De Lotto v Ladbrokes case.

This article explains the revised regulations for software testing that have been introduced in Malta.

Gibraltar has attracted blue chip sports books and a number of online casinos to the Rock. This article looks at Gibraltar’s plans for the future.

The interactive Gaming, Gambling and Betting Association recently surveyed members on their attitudes to key issues facing the industry. This article examines the results.

Gambling has been a diversion of mankind since our early beginnings; it is considered harmless entertainment by some, a dastardly vice to be outlawed rigorously by others. Gaming has come a long way, from using shells or stones or beans to today’s sophisticated electronics. Based on considerable experience in valuing online enterprises, Corporate Valuation Services Limited of Toronto, Canada, has developed valuation techniques for all types of businesses. This article looks at how to value online gambling enterprises.