 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
|
|
||
|
|
 |
|
|
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 Dubrovnik, Croatia, from 13 to 17 June 2007, 85 participants were present from 25 European countries (Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom).
EUROPEAN TRADE ASSOCIATIONS PANEL
Under the chairmanship of Tom Kavanagh (UK), major item on the agenda was a European trade associations panel, discussing the European Union developments regarding gambling. Guest speakers were: Eduardo Antoja (Euromat), Rupert Hornig (European Lotteries) and Sigrid Ligné (European Gaming and Betting Association – EGBA).
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 special break out session on media games was held.
ELECTION OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
This year, the bi-annual election of the Executive Board of GREF also took place. The Forum re-elected Tom Kavanagh (United Kingdom) as the Chairman of GREF. Also the other members of the Executive Board were re-elected, Marc Callu (Belgium), Anniken Rygg (Norway), Signe Birne (Latvia), Eric van Vondelen (Netherlands), Gabriella Alemanno (Italy), Morten Rønde (Denmark) and Andjela Toth Sesar (Croatia).
NEXT MEETING
It was agreed that the next meeting of GREF will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 4 to 8 June 2008.
More information on GREF is available at its web site (www.gref.net) and through its chairman Tom Kavanagh (UK Gambling Commission, tel. + 44-121-2331096) or its administrator Eric van Vondelen (Netherlands gaming control board, tel. + 31-70-3614422).
