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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 Oslo, Norway, from 10 to 13 June 2004, 74 participants
were present from 23 European countries (Albania, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark,
Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom). Also a representative of the European
Union attended the meeting.
MAJOR ITEMS
Under the chairmanship of Lars Lundholm (Sweden), major items on the agenda
were the European Union developments regarding gambling. A presentation on
this subject was given by Jean Bergevin, Deputy Head of Unit, Internal
Market Directorate General of the European Commission.
COUNTRY UPDATE REPORTS
Reports were given 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).
BREAK OUT GROUP DISCUSSIONS
In small break out groups and during the plenary session, delegates
discussed European Union developments regarding gambling. Central theme was:
What should or should not be legislated by the European Union? In the light
of technological developments, what is the European gambling market going to
look like in 2010? What are your country’s strategies for a changing market?
What should be legislated by the European Union and what should be
legislated by the member states? These questions were debated lively.
ESTABLISHMENT OF WORKING GROUPS
It was agreed that three working groups will be established. A Working Group
on Technical Issues will monitor technological developments in the gaming
business (machines, Internet, on line terminals, wireless applications,
etc.) and may propose common standards on technical issues. This working
group is co-chaired by Graham White (Gaming Board for Great Britain) and
Peter Geertsen (Netherlands Gaming Control Board). A Working Group on
Information and Statistics will develop and maintain a common reference
framework for information sharing and statistics. This working group is
co-chaired by Per Eriksson (National Gaming Board of Sweden) and Signe Birne
(Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection of Latvia). A Working Group
on Gambling Addiction will monitor and report on prevalence studies,
preventive measures and treatment programmes. This working group is
co-chaired by Anniken Støylen (National Gaming Authority Norway) and Marc
Callu (Gaming Commission Belgium).
VACANCY IN THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Gabriella Alemanno from the Italian Ministry of Finance (Autonomous
Administration of State Monopolies) was elected as a new member in the
Executive Board of GREF.
NEXT MEETING
It was agreed that next year’s meeting will take place in Brussels, Belgium,
from 11 to 15 May.
