 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
|
|
||
|
|
 |
|
|
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 Brussels, Belgium, from 11 to 15 May 2005, 80 participants were present from 23 European countries (Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom).
MAJOR ITEMS
Under the chairmanship of Lars Lundholm (Sweden), major items on the agenda were gambling addiction and the European Union developments regarding gambling. A presentation on gambling addiction was given by Serge Minet (Rodin Foundation). Presentations on the European Union developments regarding gambling were given by Bertil Cottier (Swiss Institute of Comparative Law), Philippe Vlaemminck (Vlaemminck Lawyers), Thibault Verbiest (ULYS Lawyers) and Tim Cullimore (Casinos Austria International, Brussels).
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
At last year’s meeting it was agreed to establish three working groups. 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. All three working groups held meetings by way of break out group discussions. At the plenary session it was decided to establish a fourth Working Group on Illegal Gambling, to monitor developments and to exchange information related to illegal gambling.
ELECTION OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
This year, the bi-annual election of the Executive Board of GREF also took place. The Forum elected Tom Kavanagh (United Kingdom) as the new Chairman of GREF. Other members of the Executive Board (re-)elected were, Marc Callu (Belgium), Anniken Støylen (Norway), Signe Birne (Latvia), Eric van Vondelen (Netherlands), Gabriella Alemanno (Italy), Morten Rønde (Denmark) and Andjela Toth Sesar (Croatia).
CASINO VISITS
Visits were made to the Holland Casino Breda (Netherlands) and to the casino in Knokke.
NEXT MEETING
It was agreed that the next meeting will take place in Rome, Italy, from 14 to 18 June 2006.
More information on GREF is available at its web site (www.gref.net) and through its chairman Tom Kavanagh (Gaming Board for Great Britain, tel. + 44-207-3066253) or its administrator Eric van Vondelen (Netherlands gaming control board, tel. + 31-70-3614422).
