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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 Berne, Switzerland, from 2 to 6 June 2010, 67 participants were present from 22 European countries, representing 26 jurisdictions: Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina (Republika Srpska), Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain (Basque country), Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom (Alderney, Gibraltar, Great Britain, Isle of Man and Jersey).
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 Martin Sychold of the Swiss Institute of Comparative Law, Carsten Koerl, Chief Executive Officer, Sportradar AG and Detlev Zenglein, Head of Competition Analyses, Early Warning System, FIFA.
WORKING GROUPS
The four 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. The Working Group on E-Gambling Issues monitors developments with regard to interactive gaming and may propose common standards and best practices with regard to interactive gaming.
BLUFF!
The Belgian delegation presented and showed a short movie called Bluf! This movie has been commissioned by the Belgian Gaming Commission for educational purposes. The movie targets youngsters at school, and faces them with the risks connected to gambling.
NEXT MEETING
It was agreed that the next meeting of GREF will take place in Jersey, Channel Islands, from 8 to 12 June 2011.
