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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:
a. to provide a forum in which European gaming regulators can meet, exchange views and information and discuss policy on gaming matters; and
b. 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 Copenhagen, Denmark, from 4 to 8 June 2008, 88 participants were present from 23 European countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, 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. James Maida, President of Gaming Laboratories International, on technological developments, and Mr. Johan van Kastel, Director Security and Risk Control of Holland Casino, on anti money laundering.
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 (machines, Internet, on line terminals, wireless applications, etc.) 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. Also a special break out session on general policy principles was held. It was decided to establish a fourth working group on this item
VACANCIES IN THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Chairman of GREF, Mr. Tom Kavanagh, would retire soon from the Gambling Commission and he was honoured for his longstanding involvement with GREF, first as (joint) Secretary and later as Chairman. The forum elected Mrs. Signe Birne of the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection of Latvia as the new Chair of GREF. As also Mrs. Andjela Toth Sesar from Croatia would leave the Executive Board, there were 2 vacancies to be fulfilled. The Forum elected Mrs. Sören Meius from Estonia and Mr. Reto Brand from Switzerland as new members to the Executive Board. Mr. Morten Rønde from Denmark was elected as the new Treasurer of GREF.
NEXT MEETING
It was agreed that the next meeting of GREF will take place in Tallinn, Estonia, from 10 to 14 June 2009.
