Inside Asian Gaming

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS the central location and operate branches in two other regions fairly close to the main one. Commerce Minister George Lakkotrypis said the government is consulting with foreign experts on crafting regulations and is entertaining expressions of interest from major operators. Agovernment spokesmanadded that the licensingprocess isbeing pursued on a“fast-track”basis and will be completed in 12 months. Slots Targeted in Mexican Crackdown Mexico’s President Enrique Peña Nieto has issued a decree aimed at reining in the proliferation of slot machines in the country. Slots have been at the center of licensing abuses nationwide that have generated a spate of scandals in recent years as their numbers have spread to the extent that they now crowd the sidewalks in front of shops. The blame has centered on license holders, who have been renting or ceding operating rights to third parties, a practice that is prohibited under the new decree, which also bans the machines from the fronts of licensed establishments and outlaws all so-called skills-based games. The decree also shortens the duration of operating permits from 40 years to 25. Coin-operated video and charity games at fairs are exempted from the new rules. Las Vegas-based investment analysts Union Gaming Research, which covers the stocks of several major equipment manufacturers supplying the Mexican market, says the decree is not expected to affect suppliers as they have been pulling games out in recent years in response to the murky regulatory environment and declining play levels. They are continuing to sell or lease a limited numbers of games, however. “While the current legal situation is a bit confusing we don’t think the crackdown is a major risk from an EPS perspective,”the firm said in a note to investors. Liverpool Urges Ban on e-Tables Liverpool’s Council has called on the government either to introduce legislation to outlaw casino-style electronic table games in betting shops or give local authorities the powers to limit the proliferation of the controversial devices. The city is the largest in the UK to date to weigh into the contentious issue. Councillor Nick Small, who introduced the resolution, claimed “self-regulation” is not working and that the council needed “new powers to stop” the spread of the machines, which now generate the lion’s share of bookmakers’ revenues nationwide, despite being limited to four terminals per shop. The machines can accept bets of up to £100 and are considered by opponents to be a major source of problem gambling. One of those opponents, Adrian Parkinson of the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, a grassroots group critical of the fixed-odds betting terminals, as they’re known, says they have transformed betting shops into “High Street digital casinos” and the group has called on the government to follow Ireland’s example by banning them. Bookmakers contend there is no hard evidence to support opponents’ claims but have promised a new code of conduct to allow players to limit their bets. The issue has made its way into Parliament, where a number of MPs have voiced concerns about the proliferation of betting shops in their constituencies, particularly in poorer areas. The Liberal Democrats have included it in their party platform, backing calls to give local councils the power to limit licenses. An investigation into the potential harms is under way by the industry-backed Responsible Gambling Trust, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has promised to review the results of that study. However, Culture Secretary Maria Miller so far has ruled out calls by opponents to reduce stakes and prizes. Prime Minister David Cameron, who says he’s being lobbied on both sides of the debate, has promised only that he will consider whether to support restrictive legislation. Responding at a recent Prime Minister’s Questions, he said, “I do think it is worth having a proper look at this issue to see what we can do to make sure that we have bookmakers that are not over-regulated, but, on the other hand, a fair approach and a decent approach that prevents problem gambling.” Sun Rises in Panama Sun International has been approved by the government of Panama to operate a casino at the new Trump Ocean Club International Hotel and Tower. The approval allows the South African gaming giant to purchase three floors of the 70-story mixed-use complex for US$45.5 million, including space on the ground floor for a 5,800-square-meter casino and a number of apartments on the 65th floor and a penthouse on the 66th. Ocean Club Casino, as it’s called, is slated to open next September at a cost of $60 million. The building, which is managed by the Trump Hotel Collection‚ includes a hotel. Sun’s portion will include entertainment and food and beverage offerings. The casino is the company’s second in Latin America. It also has part ownership of one of Chile’s largest casinos and is planning to open a casino in Cartagena in Colombia pending licensing and negotiation of a land lease. The project will include a 284- room InterContinental hotel‚ convention center‚ retail shopping‚ apartments and offices. Trump Ocean Club International Hotel and Tower December 2013 | INSIDE ASIAN GAMING 45