 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
|
|
||
|
|
 |
|
|
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 Rome, Italy, from 14 to 18 June 2006, 86 participants were present from 23 European countries (Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom). Also a representative of the European Union attended the meeting.
MAJOR ITEMS
Under the chairmanship of Mr. Tom Kavanagh (UK), major items on the agenda were gambling addiction and the European Union developments regarding gambling. A presentation on responsible gaming was given by Professor Cesare Guerreschi (Italian Society for Interventions on Compulsive Pathologies). Presentations on the European Union developments regarding gambling were given by Professor Peter Collins (Centre for the study of gambling at the University of Salford UK) and Mr. Jean Bergevin (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).
WORKING GROUPS
The four existing 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. The Working Group on Illegal Gambling, monitors developments and exchanges information related to illegal gambling. Also a combined break out session of the Working Groups on Gambling Addiction and on Technical Issues was held, where technical tools to identify a problem gambler were discussed.
HORSE RACE TRACK VISIT
A visit was made to the horse race track of Tor di Valle.
NEXT MEETING
It was agreed that the next meeting will take place in Dubrovnik, Croatia, from 13 to 17 June 2007
More information on GREF is available at its web site (www.gref.net) and through its chairman Tom Kavanagh (UK Gambling Commission, tel. + 44-207-3066253) or its administrator Eric van Vondelen (Netherlands gaming control board, tel. + 31-70-3614422).
