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INTRODUCTION
The Gaming Regulators European Forum, or GREF in its abbreviated form, was founded in 1989 and consists of representatives from gaming regulatory organisations throughout Europe. Its two main objects as stated in its constitution are:
- to provide a forum in which European gaming regulators can meet, exchange views and information and discuss policy on gaming matters; and
- on special occasions and with the agreement of participants represent the different views of European gaming regulators and also provide a central point of contact for enquiries directed at them from authorities or related organisations in Europe and elsewhere.
REPRESENTATIVES ATTENDING
At its meeting in Tallinn, Estonia, from 10 to 14 June 2009, 68 participants were present from 21 European countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom).
COUNTRY UPDATE REPORTS
Reports were delivered by all delegations on significant developments during the last year in their countries, such as major changes in general policies or regulations regarding gaming (including developments on Internet gambling), developments in specific areas (problem gambling, money laundering, illegal gambling, cross border trading) and significant developments in the gambling industries (lotteries, betting, casinos, bingo, slot machines)
GUEST SPEAKERS
Guest speakers were Mr. Andri Avila, CEO of the Olympic Entertainment Group, Mr. Mor Weizer, CEO of Playtech, and Mr. Ian Plumley, President & CEO of BlackEdge Technologies Inc.
WORKING GROUPS
The three GREF working groups held meetings by way of break out group discussions. The Working Group on Technical Issues monitors technological developments in the gaming business and may propose common standards on technical issues. The Working Group on Information and Statistics develops and maintains a common reference framework for information sharing and statistics. The Working Group on Gambling Addiction monitors and reports on prevalence studies, preventive measures and treatment programmes with regard to compulsive gambling. It was decided to establish a new Working Group on E-Gambling Issues and to (re-)elect the co-chairs of the working groups./p>
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
As the present Constitution of GREF had been amended for the last time in 1999, it was decided to review the Constitution and to update the Constitution on some provisions.
ELECTION OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
The forum re-elected Mrs. Signe Birne of the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection of Latvia as the Chair of GREF. Other members (re-)elected were Mr. Morten Rønde from Denmark (Secretary), Mr. Reto Brand from Switzerland (Treasurer), Mr. Eric Van Vondelen from the Netherlands (Administrator), Mr. Antólnio Alegria (Portugal), Mr. Jason Lane (States of Jersey), Mrs. Sören Meius (Estonia) and Mrs. Vanya Voynova (Bulgaria).
NEXT MEETING
It was agreed that the next meeting of GREF will take place in Berne, Switzerland, from 2 to 6 June 2010.
