The world last week was a place of excitement and disaster so lets look back at some of the big stories that hit the headlines

Quatar was cleared of allegations of wrong doing surrounding their being awarded the 2022 World Cup by FIFA the body that oversees international soccer. Despite a huge number of allegations the report supposedly gave the rich nation in which it’s actually too hot to feasibly play football a clean bill of health although the report itself is not to be published in full and has already been criticized by one of the authors for being misrepresented. UEFA are already threatening to quit FIFA over the scandal.And a scandal is perhaps what the Rosetta project could become as the 1.4 billion Euro adventure into the depths of space managed to get 300 million miles from Earth, catch up with a speeding comet and then crash into it, bounce a few times and dive into one of the few places its solar panels couldn’t recharge its batteries. Still hailed as a huge success by the scientific community it remains to be seen just how much real information will be gleaned from the results.

Of course real information is hard to come by these days and Vladimir Putin seemed a tad disingenuous when he cited a long journey home and a need for sleep as being the reasons behind his leaving the G20 Summit in Australia quite as early as he did. Of course many observers would point to the fact just about every other leader had lambasted him for his attitude and behavior over Ukraine, and that Russia was rapidly becoming isolated on the world stage.

In sports a very disappointed Roger Federer was forced to pull out of the ATP World Tour final versus long term rival Novak Djokovic due to a back injury. Apologizing in person at the O2 Arena in London he said sorry for not being match fit in what was a massive PR disaster for the ATP, and an unfortunately tainted default win for Djokovic who admitted this wasn’t the way he wanted to win the trophy. Will Federer recover his fitness or have we seen the last of the six time ATP champion? Find out on our daily news pages but in the meantime lets have a look back at our headlines from last week.

1. One company’s trash is another company’s treasure. With Echo Group hunting VIP gamblers, the Townsville casino was becoming too insignificant in the whole picture, so the company sold it for $70 million to someone willing to fix it up and revive it.

2. After remote gambling operators have taken a major financial blow because of the new license fees and taxes imposed in the UK, the Maltese Government is offering to help heal their bleeding wounds.

3. A trained chef and poker player, Martin Jacobson has surely figured out the secret recipe for success, because he just won $10 million and his very first gold bracelet at the World Series of Poker.

4. It took a long time, but Atlantic City is finally waking up and smelling the coffee. Losing five casinos and leaving thousands of workers unemployed has finally hurt enough to convince officials that it’s time for a change.

5. One of the largest Asian gambling groups, Genting, is resilient to the general decline on the gambling market.

6. The state of Illinois allowed video gaming machines in bars and restaurants and so far the experience has been positive.

7. New information has been made available in connection to Paul Phua illegal betting ring, which might lead to case dismissal.

Meanwhile Boko Haran we accused of being behind the suicide bombing that struck a Nigerian school assembly killing 46 and injuring 79 students, an event that made a mockery of government claims to have signed a ceasefire with the Islamic terrorist group, and elsewhere the Dutch have discovered a new outbreak of an even more contagious, and thus dangerous, strain of bird flu that can be transmitted to humans. Will we all end up tarred and feathered? You’ll have to keep up to date with our daily news pages to find out.

The world last week was a place of excitement and disaster so lets look back at some of the big stories that hit the headlines

Quatar was cleared of allegations of wrong doing surrounding their being awarded the 2022 World Cup by FIFA the body that oversees international soccer. Despite a huge number of allegations the report supposedly gave the rich nation in which it’s actually too hot to feasibly play football a clean bill of health although the report itself is not to be published in full and has already been criticized by one of the authors for being misrepresented. UEFA are already threatening to quit FIFA over the scandal.And a scandal is perhaps what the Rosetta project could become as the 1.4 billion Euro adventure into the depths of space managed to get 300 million miles from Earth, catch up with a speeding comet and then crash into it, bounce a few times and dive into one of the few places its solar panels couldn’t recharge its batteries. Still hailed as a huge success by the scientific community it remains to be seen just how much real information will be gleaned from the results.

Of course real information is hard to come by these days and Vladimir Putin seemed a tad disingenuous when he cited a long journey home and a need for sleep as being the reasons behind his leaving the G20 Summit in Australia quite as early as he did. Of course many observers would point to the fact just about every other leader had lambasted him for his attitude and behavior over Ukraine, and that Russia was rapidly becoming isolated on the world stage.

In sports a very disappointed Roger Federer was forced to pull out of the ATP World Tour final versus long term rival Novak Djokovic due to a back injury. Apologizing in person at the O2 Arena in London he said sorry for not being match fit in what was a massive PR disaster for the ATP, and an unfortunately tainted default win for Djokovic who admitted this wasn’t the way he wanted to win the trophy. Will Federer recover his fitness or have we seen the last of the six time ATP champion? Find out on our daily news pages but in the meantime lets have a look back at our headlines from last week.

1. One company’s trash is another company’s treasure. With Echo Group hunting VIP gamblers, the Townsville casino was becoming too insignificant in the whole picture, so the company sold it for $70 million to someone willing to fix it up and revive it.

2. After remote gambling operators have taken a major financial blow because of the new license fees and taxes imposed in the UK, the Maltese Government is offering to help heal their bleeding wounds.

3. A trained chef and poker player, Martin Jacobson has surely figured out the secret recipe for success, because he just won $10 million and his very first gold bracelet at the World Series of Poker.

4. It took a long time, but Atlantic City is finally waking up and smelling the coffee. Losing five casinos and leaving thousands of workers unemployed has finally hurt enough to convince officials that it’s time for a change.

5. One of the largest Asian gambling groups, Genting, is resilient to the general decline on the gambling market.

6. The state of Illinois allowed video gaming machines in bars and restaurants and so far the experience has been positive.

7. New information has been made available in connection to Paul Phua illegal betting ring, which might lead to case dismissal.

Meanwhile Boko Haran we accused of being behind the suicide bombing that struck a Nigerian school assembly killing 46 and injuring 79 students, an event that made a mockery of government claims to have signed a ceasefire with the Islamic terrorist group, and elsewhere the Dutch have discovered a new outbreak of an even more contagious, and thus dangerous, strain of bird flu that can be transmitted to humans. Will we all end up tarred and feathered? You’ll have to keep up to date with our daily news pages to find out.

Authorities will work together with online gambling companies licensed in Malta, to reduce the impact of Britain’s latest policies.

Now that the new British gambling laws have come into force, imposing an additional license fee and – starting December 1 – a 15% point of consumption tax on overseas operators, authorities in Malta have promised to help reduce the financial blow for locally-licensed gambling companies.

During a seminar organized in preparation for the Malta iGaming Summit, Parliamentary Secretary José Herrera promised that the government will work together with the local internet gaming industry to overcome the challenges that lie ahead.

The British Government has recently introduced new laws for the gambling sector. Overseas companies are now required to obtain a UK licensed if they want to cater to British players. In addition, starting December 1 companies will have to pay more taxes to the UK Government.

Malta Independent: Government ready to help online gaming sector face overseas threats

In his speech, Herrera noted that the Lotteries and Gaming Authority in Malta has improved its ties with its British counterpart, but he added that he was disappointed to hear about the measures imposed by the UK Government.

“In our opinion, such steps may not only go against the principal guarantees of the EU treaties but could also lead to a further fragmentation of the sector, to the detriment of consumers,” he told those present at the seminar.

Nevertheless, the new laws have come into force, so the parliamentary secretary announced that the Government in Malta would strive to protect its gambling industry, even on an international level.

“We are ready to work hand in hand with operators to reduce, as much as we can, the impact that such legislation can have. Malta is proud of the regulations it provides to the sector, through which consumers are protected,” he added.

MaltaChamber.org: Parliamentary Secretary Hon Dr José Herrera assures the Malta Chamber’s Remote Gaming Business Section that Malta will “implement attractive measures to consolidate the industry” to make Malta “the number one jurisdiction in the world”

At a business breakfast hosted by the Remote Gaming Business Section (RGBS) within The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry this July, Parliamentary Secretary José Herrera presented a few projects and initiatives of the Remote Gaming Executive Committee.

According to Herrera, 52% of all gaming income in 2013 was generated by the remote betting industry. Online gambling news also reported that the industry accounts for 12% of Malta’s GDP, employing more than 8,000 people. The Parliamentary Secretary said authorities would review the current regulations and introduce changes to make Malta a centre of excellence within the industry.

RGBS Chairman George Debrincat said: “I am delighted that we have been able to create a forum which enables us to have a positive dialogue with all the stakeholders and we are grateful to the Chamber and to Malta Chamber President Mr David Curmi for their support.”

“Our industry is part of the business mainstream in the Maltese Islands, important for jobs and economic contribution as well as for the world-class skills and infrastructures that are naturally attendant with it. For Malta to remain ahead of its counterparts, we all need to pull together, and that is part of what the RGBS is working on.”

Malta Today: Malta staunchly opposed to ‘unnecessary’ regulation of gaming industry

Malta has taken a stand against the new regulations announced by the British Government. In a speech at the EY Gaming Tax Seminar, Parliamentary secretary for competitiveness and economic growth Jose Herrera suggested that the UK’s restrictions on overseas gambling operators are “beyond what is necessary”.

For the past years, British players were free to access any number of licensed gambling sites, whether they were operated from within UK borders or from abroad. But as of November 1, companies that want to cater to local players must obtain an additional licensed from the UK Gambling Commission, pay a new license fee and – from December 1 – pay additional taxes too.

“Malta’s regulation is a strong one, based on years of experience,” Herrera said at the seminar. “We will continue to maintain that restrictions, imposed beyond what is necessary, are contrary to the principles guaranteed by the Treaties of the European Union.

“Malta has always been of the view that such a national approach to an international industry leads to fragmentation of the market, which is ultimately detrimental to the industry itself as well as consumers.

“Malta is doing everything in its power to protect this industry at an international level. We are here to listen to the industry. There must be compliance with established principles and law, but we constantly work to resist moves detrimental to business,” he added.

The Lotteries and Gaming Authority has issued 401 licenses this year, a 25% increase from last year’s 321 permits. The number of registered companies has also increased by 17%, from 220 last year to 258 at present.

The regulator has taken steps to make the licensing process faster. Processing time has been reduced by 50%. A company can now obtain a remote gambling license in about two and a half months.

“Malta is a major player in the global remote gaming industry. Our solid reputation has been instrumental in bringing about growth. And we will continue to be responsive to the needs of the industry,” Herrera maintained.

Authorities will work together with online gambling companies licensed in Malta, to reduce the impact of Britain’s latest policies.

Now that the new British gambling laws have come into force, imposing an additional license fee and – starting December 1 – a 15% point of consumption tax on overseas operators, authorities in Malta have promised to help reduce the financial blow for locally-licensed gambling companies.

During a seminar organized in preparation for the Malta iGaming Summit, Parliamentary Secretary José Herrera promised that the government will work together with the local internet gaming industry to overcome the challenges that lie ahead.

The British Government has recently introduced new laws for the gambling sector. Overseas companies are now required to obtain a UK licensed if they want to cater to British players. In addition, starting December 1 companies will have to pay more taxes to the UK Government.

Malta Independent: Government ready to help online gaming sector face overseas threats

In his speech, Herrera noted that the Lotteries and Gaming Authority in Malta has improved its ties with its British counterpart, but he added that he was disappointed to hear about the measures imposed by the UK Government.

“In our opinion, such steps may not only go against the principal guarantees of the EU treaties but could also lead to a further fragmentation of the sector, to the detriment of consumers,” he told those present at the seminar.

Nevertheless, the new laws have come into force, so the parliamentary secretary announced that the Government in Malta would strive to protect its gambling industry, even on an international level.

“We are ready to work hand in hand with operators to reduce, as much as we can, the impact that such legislation can have. Malta is proud of the regulations it provides to the sector, through which consumers are protected,” he added.

MaltaChamber.org: Parliamentary Secretary Hon Dr José Herrera assures the Malta Chamber’s Remote Gaming Business Section that Malta will “implement attractive measures to consolidate the industry” to make Malta “the number one jurisdiction in the world”

At a business breakfast hosted by the Remote Gaming Business Section (RGBS) within The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry this July, Parliamentary Secretary José Herrera presented a few projects and initiatives of the Remote Gaming Executive Committee.

According to Herrera, 52% of all gaming income in 2013 was generated by the remote betting industry. Online gambling news also reported that the industry accounts for 12% of Malta’s GDP, employing more than 8,000 people. The Parliamentary Secretary said authorities would review the current regulations and introduce changes to make Malta a centre of excellence within the industry.

RGBS Chairman George Debrincat said: “I am delighted that we have been able to create a forum which enables us to have a positive dialogue with all the stakeholders and we are grateful to the Chamber and to Malta Chamber President Mr David Curmi for their support.”

“Our industry is part of the business mainstream in the Maltese Islands, important for jobs and economic contribution as well as for the world-class skills and infrastructures that are naturally attendant with it. For Malta to remain ahead of its counterparts, we all need to pull together, and that is part of what the RGBS is working on.”

Malta Today: Malta staunchly opposed to ‘unnecessary’ regulation of gaming industry

Malta has taken a stand against the new regulations announced by the British Government. In a speech at the EY Gaming Tax Seminar, Parliamentary secretary for competitiveness and economic growth Jose Herrera suggested that the UK’s restrictions on overseas gambling operators are “beyond what is necessary”.

For the past years, British players were free to access any number of licensed gambling sites, whether they were operated from within UK borders or from abroad. But as of November 1, companies that want to cater to local players must obtain an additional licensed from the UK Gambling Commission, pay a new license fee and – from December 1 – pay additional taxes too.

“Malta’s regulation is a strong one, based on years of experience,” Herrera said at the seminar. “We will continue to maintain that restrictions, imposed beyond what is necessary, are contrary to the principles guaranteed by the Treaties of the European Union.

“Malta has always been of the view that such a national approach to an international industry leads to fragmentation of the market, which is ultimately detrimental to the industry itself as well as consumers.

“Malta is doing everything in its power to protect this industry at an international level. We are here to listen to the industry. There must be compliance with established principles and law, but we constantly work to resist moves detrimental to business,” he added.

The Lotteries and Gaming Authority has issued 401 licenses this year, a 25% increase from last year’s 321 permits. The number of registered companies has also increased by 17%, from 220 last year to 258 at present.

The regulator has taken steps to make the licensing process faster. Processing time has been reduced by 50%. A company can now obtain a remote gambling license in about two and a half months.

“Malta is a major player in the global remote gaming industry. Our solid reputation has been instrumental in bringing about growth. And we will continue to be responsive to the needs of the industry,” Herrera maintained.