Germany’s Federal Court of Justice recently upheld the country’s ban on online gambling, but the existing state treaty expires at the end of this year. What exactly will replace that treaty remains a mystery, with 15 of the states backing a heavily taxed online sportsbetting-only option, and those renegades in Schleswig-Holstein backing a less punitive tax across all channels (which is heavily favored by those notorious Pwin pirates). But there may be a compromise in the works.
Martin Stadelmaier, chief of staff to Rhineland-Palatinate premier Kurt Beck, told the Financial Times that the 15 states were discussing “a more differentiated tax system,” modeled on France’s 8% sports betting levy. While Stadelmaier previously stated that the states were prepared to go ahead without Schleswig-Holstein, he now claims they’re “aiming to agree to a treaty involving all 16 states. I think we’re on a pretty good track to reach that goal” by Oct. 27-28, when the state premiers convene. Stadelmaier also expected there would be “more than seven” sports betting licenses issued under whatever system is introduced.
A German high roller would like to introduce Wynn Las Vegas to a new lawsuit. Konstantin Zoggolis is accusing Wynn of disregarding a Nov. 2008 deal he believed they’d reached to limit his credit line to $250k. Instead, Zoggolis was issued $1.3m worth of casino markers by Wynn in September and October 2010. The markers have gone unpaid, prompting Wynn to sic the Clark County District Attorney on Zoggolis. (Because that worked so well with Joe Francis.) Zoggolis’ suit maintains that $1.05m of the debt is “invalid” and he’ll “suffer irreparable harm” if Wynn pesters him for the full amount. You know, in the old days, “irreparable harm” meant they’d break Zoggolis’ legs…
Sky Bet have launched a new TV ad campaign built around the tag line that “Nothing’s certain. That’s why it’s exciting.” It’s actually not half bad. Not a single shot of a Murdoch family member, for one. The campaign was cooked up by the mad men at London-based WCRS, whose Executive Creative Director Leon Jaume issued a thoroughly cheesy statement regarding his company’s efforts. We’ll spare you the eye rolling and let you judge his work for yourself…
