The European Court of Justice ruled that any country in the EU can restrict private players from internet slots and gambling if the rationale was to “safeguard the interests of the citizens.”  The parties involved in the dispute were BWin.com and Portuguese gambling monopoly. The debate began over Bwin.com’s sponsorship of the Portuguese soccer club Liga.  The BWin.com logo was placed on the soccer club’s website and the players’ uniforms. The state charity that possessed the rights to online betting and lottery gambling believed this to be a violation of their territorial property. The monopoly in turn fined Liga and BWin.com.

Previously, the European Court of Justice mandated that free trade could be restricted by a state if its purpose was to protect the public.  This rule was applicable in the case of BWin.com and the Portuguese because the Court deemed online gambling to involve a large risk of potential criminal activity or fraud within the society.  The winnings of players was substantial, therefore the likelihood of unscrupulous activities were heightened. 

In a press release BWin.com stated, “It is difficult for us to understand the rationale that crime is more difficult off-line than online.” The company affirmed their position that their consumer protection and fraud prevention programs were one of the best in the industry and held up well to any competitors’ programs. The Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association, or EGBA, stated, “Several jurisdictions in the EU already prove that it is possible to guarantee a high level of consumer protection and have a well regulated and competitive online gaming market at the same time.”

Despite the decision, BWin.com believes that there is no evidence to substantiate the claim that online slots and online gambling are more susceptible to fraud. They issued a statement that read in part, “This judgment denigrates the online gambling industry.” The online slots industry does have some concern that the European Commission’s decision may force them to change their online policies for gambling in Europe. However, Remote Gaming Association CEO Clive Hawkswood stated, that he believes that though the court made “careless and inflammatory comments” in the ruling, nothing in it should stop the EC from dealing with future improprieties in online slots and gambling.

FC Porto, Juventus and PSV Eindhoven are all sports clubs involved in serious litigation recently. Each club took WilliamHill.com, BWin.com and UniBet.com to the courtroom to hash out details of the online gambling companies using their names. Sports organizations were asking for a fee every time the gambling companies used their names or logos for promotion or advertising.  The Belgian Court of Appeals, however, decided it is illegal for the online websites to use the sport organization’s names or events for the purpose, but did not fine them for the use.

It was the Appeals Court in Liége that since online gambling and sports organizers are completely separate entities, sports organizers cannot charge a fee for the use of their names or logos. Each sports club was seeking 2 million Euros in damage from the practice and wanting the courts to update laws concerning name and logo usage. In addition, they wanted the internet websites to pay 50,000 Euros in damages for each violation of their personal rights through using their brand.

Some criticisms came from the high profile case. Some legal experts were citing the sports clubs as wanting nothing more than money for using their trademarks. The gaming websites’ lawyer, Paul VanDerBulk, stated  that the court was correct because there is a “freedom of commerce” law. He stated this is the same issue as a restaurant using a celebrity’s name or an airline during the World Cup using a sports’ club name. There is a promotional benefit, but there should be no licensing obligation for usage of the name or logo.

In France, Konrad Sveceny, manager of BWin.com, stated that he sees no further issue with the usage of a sports organization’s name or logo. He believes it to be a compliment, citing that “BWin is a partner with sports organizations and a contributor to sports.”  He noted that although they used various names and logos, they were never trademarked and therefore have “no legal reason for demanding compensation from anyone.”   This is just another court argument centered on the world of online gambling and there most likely will be many more to come.

Many online gambling companies in Europe are uniting. Larger companies are quickly buying up smaller ones, growing their brand in record time.  BWin.com is one of those companies that is making quick and purposeful moves to acquire smaller companies. It announced recently that it is purchasing Gioco Digitale, an Italian online poker company that is huge in the country. The purchase will cost BWin.com over 115 million Euros. The hefty price is worth it considering the size of Gioco Digitale and its reputation as one of the premier online poker companies in Italy.  Economic pundit Vinnie Brandile stated, “These European gaming companies know that now is the time to but up the smaller companies and go strong with these markets that are opening up. The bigger companies are positioning themselves for the near future.” BWin.com is one of those bigger companies looking to capitalize on the growth in online gambling and its legalization. They are wanting to expand now, when laws are still unwritten.

BWin.com is an Australian-based online gaming company that operates internationally and regionally.  The company offers poker, casino games, and sports betting. The company’s parent is Bwin Interactive Entertainment AG and it’s been listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange since 2000.  Over the years BWin.com has grown to one of the biggest online gaming companies available today. It already has about a 7% market share of Italy and with the acquisition of Gioco Digitale that market share should grow considerably. Gioco Digitale is a huge company on its own in Italy and has an approximate market share of 20%. Together, the two companies should have about a 30% share of the business within the market.  In addition, Italy is another country going through serious restructuring regarding online gambling laws. They are becoming much more liberal in their stance towards internet gambling and that should also contribute to the market share BWin.com has access to. Time will tell how large a share the company will have access to, but considering the experience in attracting customers each company had without each other, they should be an online gambling force to reckon with.

Online betting and gaming provider Bwin Interactive Entertainment AG has announced its extension of a sponsorship deal with the Spanish soccer team Real Madrid. The contract will last throughout 2013 and is a huge benefit to both parties involved. First, the Spanish soccer team Real Madrid is a professional football club based in the country of the same name.  It’s known worldwide as the most successful team in Spanish football and was voted by FIFA as the most successful club of the entire 20^th century.  The club won 31 La Liga titles, 17 Spanish Cups, two UEFA Cups and 9 European Cups.  The club was founded back in 1902 and since then has made record after record with its performance and outstanding play. Politically the club was instrumental in the Spanish and European football happenings during the 50s and took on a new structure after the Spanish Civil War.  Undoubtedly, Real Madrid has been an iconic club that has evolved over the years, but never given way to mediocrity.

Bwin.com is excited about their sponsorship agreement with Real Madrid. As a celebration the online giant is offering a new deal for its online patrons. There is a special wager on Real Madrid winning the 10^th Champions League title before 2013. Customers are allowed to bet by backing Real Madrid in the win.  All customers who back them will be entered into a random drawing where 100 customers will be chosen. Those chosen will have odds of 100/1 on a maximum stake of ten Euros. Manfred Bodner, CEO for BWin stated, “We are proud to sponsor the greatest football club in the world.  Bwin and Real Madrid are linked by much more than just a sponsorship commitment lasting several years. A huge passion for football and for sports in general are just a few of the points that form a basis for the lasting and successful collaboration between us. We are convinced that in the next few years Real Madrid will continue to add to its incomparable history with a tenth Champions League Title.” To join in on the action, check out Bwin.com for this and many more exciting new deals they are offering.