Russia’s New Bookmaker and France’s ANJ to Control Gambling: News Digest

At what stage is the Shambala complex located in Primorye gambling zone? What betting shop has obtained a Russian gambling license? These and other gambling news are described in our digest.

Shambala is preparing for the opening

The first stage of Shambala gambling and entertainment complex will start in May. It is situated in Primorye gambling zone.

It has transpired that the bearing and enclosing structures of 1-4 floors are ready for service. Currently, constructors are assembling equipment as well as on-site and off-site utilities. A gas fuel boiler station, substations and water treatment facilities are ready-to-run; roofing is completed.

Builders are focusing on interior finishing and room furnishing, installing kitchen appliances, winterizing walls, assembling decorative fixtures and concluding complex glazing.

This object has raised 8 billion RUB of investments.

New Sportradar betting shop gets a license

The company is ranked 33rd in the list of venues backed by the Russian license.

Sportradar LLC obtained the betting permit on February 13. The license validity period is unlimited. The company was registered in Vladivostok in October 2018. According to the Unified State Register of Legal Entities, the bookmaker’s authorized capital is 125 million RUB and core activity is betting organization.

The company is founded by Cyprus-based Magandini Holdings Ltd.

New gambling regulator in France

The French decree formalizing the transition of power to a new gambling regulator came into effect on March 4. It is referred to a national gambling authority – L’Autorité nationale des Jeux (ANJ). The regulatory body will control online gambling, horse races, lotteries and land-based casinos.

Earlier, it was responsible only for sports betting, poker and horse races while the French Ministry of Interior was in charge of land-based casinos.

Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, who was the state councilor for France’s National Commission for Data Protections, became the president of ANJ.

The government announced its plans to introduce a new regulator in autumn 2019 before the privatization of a lottery monopoly – La Francaise des Jeux (FDJ).

IBIA takes measures to prevent sports violations

The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) has agreed on cooperation with the eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA) and the Independent Betting Adjudication Service (IBAS). Thus, the organization is going to improve the efficiency of detecting fixed match violations.

It resulted in a new system for fixed match notifications. It will help people failing to receive their winning because of sports event outcome disputes. The innovation goal is to speed up the decision-making process in conflicts between customers and betting shops as much as possible. One also expects a better quality of exchanging information about temporarily frozen accounts.

These measures are aimed at preventing financial betting and fixed match fraud.

Kyrgyzstan can establish a casino for foreigners

Considering the law on gambling ban, Kubanychbek Nurmatov (parliamentary deputy from Kyrgyzstan party) offered to establish a casino for foreign citizens. Besides, he stressed the necessity to impose a fine amounting to $50,000-$100,000 on venues allowing local inhabitants to join games of chance.

The deputy suggested placing gambling houses for foreigners in Issyk Kul and Batken regions. A specialized committee has not yet reached a common ground regarding the reasonability of this measure.