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Lesniak to again propose his egaming bill for NJ in 2012, and a possible referendum for public support to occur this time next year. On the shortlist of other states that might make steps towards egaming in 2012 are Massachusetts, California and New York. Given the election year, and the amount of topics to discuss and stakeholders such as tribes, lotteries and state governors whose interests need to be negotiated, internet wagering regulation via a federal approach seems unlikely to be passed until 2013 at the earliest for poker and/ or other casino games. One question to ponder if federalised gaming does not become a reality in the coming years, is will states eventually take matters into their own hands and merge player pools with a “powerball” styled model as some industry experts have proposed? I’m afraid it’s still a matter of watch this space.
Federal failure paves way for intrastate
> By Scarlet Robinson > Independent US egaming consultant
It’s a work in progress. Now we have a complete set of regulations the government will gain experience and keep changing as is necessary
Spanish lawyer Santiago Asensi on the Spanish regulatory model. See News Analysis, p32
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If online gambling cannot achieve any further traction in Congress this session, what can be expected for 2012 and beyond? Expect two things: a handful of states pursuing intrastate licensure, regulation and technical implementation more aggressively, and a continued dialogue at federal level about what internet gambling regulation means for the United States. Nevada and New Jersey will clearly want to continue to take steps in 2012 to pursue “first-in-flight” status for
internet gambling prior to federal regulation after having actively worked on regulation this past summer. Mark Lipparelli, chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, recently said that his agency would begin accepting applications to license companies to operate internet poker sites starting in February 2012, and that “once licensed, companies would be able to offer online poker play within the state’s boundaries in closed-loop settings similar to the way some offer sports betting online or by telephone”, alluding to the sports betting mobile application that has already been licensed in Nevada. In New Jersey, focus was placed on a referendum for support to overturn a federal prohibition on sports betting, which passed by a landslide, deferring the referendum needed for egaming to progress in the state. Expect Senator
IN Peter Marcus
UK director
Formerly the chief strategy officer with Betclic Everest, Marcus was appointed in September after the departure of former incumbent Lee Cowles. In his new role, the one-time William Hill Online COO will be responsible for 50% of the group’s revenues.
IN Ian Chuter
Group operations director
Chuter, who spent two years as William Hill’s group operations director and close to a decade in total with the London-listed bookmaker, took up an identical role with Betfair in June. Other previous roles for the industry veteran include sales and marketing director with Rank Group.
OUT David Yu
CEO
After six years as CEO of the firm, Yu’s enjoyment of the role is believed to have dropped significantly after Betfair floated in late 2010. CFO Stephen Morana took over as temporary CEO at the end of December, a position he will hold until Corcoran officially takes over in August.
OUT Ed Wray
Chairman
One of the members of the group that founded the betting exchange, Wray revealed in September this year that he intends to step down after finding and training his successor. Former CEO of Railtrack Gerald Corbett will take over later this year.
OUT Niall Wass
Chief commercial officer
One of the candidates to put himself forward for the CEO post, Wass decided to leave the company after missing out to Corcoran. After eight years with Betfair, his next role will see him become COO at short-term loans company Wonga.
www.egrmagazine.com
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