Remote gaming : an analytical appraisal of changes brought about by jurisdiction, practices and case law

Abstract

The Remote Gaming regulations of 2004 define Remote Gaming 'as any form of gaming by means of distance communications'. This dissertation will analyse the current situation of the global gaming market, focusing mainly on the situation in the European and American markets. By delving into the past, developments and decisions taken by the ECJ and also reviewing past and current legislative standpoints, an effort will be made to try and reach conclusions on developments that might occur in the near future and in the years to come. Initially an analysis of past case law will be made and those decisions, that were and are still seen, as being the most influential in shaping the industry, will be analysed. This will give us a time line of how the market came to be, as it is today. A comparative study will then be made where a number of leading jurisdictions will be analysed, taking also into account any changes they might be planning in the near future. Furthermore, the study will try to determine the position of stakeholders, which have only recently become active in this field. The dissertation will then try to determine what the future holds for remote gambling as an industry, what future steps the European Union and the US might take and the developments that will result thereafter. This dissertation is limited to developments arising until the 30th April 2011, and the information is correct as of this date.