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No-Deal Brexit’s Spoke in the iGaming Wheel
By Shane Addinall Oct 14, 2019 IndustryA No-Deal Brexit would result in a shift in the realms of staff movement and casino operations between UK casino operators and their remote operations in the EU. The UK government presents some insight into how to proceed.In a matter of days from now, the fate of the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union will be sealed. British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson is ever set on a hard exit from the Union, without any negotiations regarding trade and the free movement of people between the soon to be two states.
The lack of policy in this regard could throw a few curveballs the way of the igaming industry, where European partnerships have been vital to the success of the European Gambling industry. Fortunately, the government is attempting to smooth the transitions by advising casinos and gambling staff to look into the implications imposed as a result of the exit on 31 October.
Be no Prisoner to Parameters
UK citizens working abroad have been urged by the government to make necessary arrangements for suitable Visas and Work Permits in EU countries, so that the Brexit move does not leave them isolated/stranded or breaking international boundary laws in gambling prominent zones, such as Malta, or Gibraltar. Once the UK has pulled out of the EU, laws will change around the movements of its citizens.
Likewise, all employees working in the UK without Visas and paperwork because of their EU affiliation will need to make proper arrangements. For a better understanding of the laws surrounding the transition, staff members should familiarise themselves with the ‘EU Settlement Scheme’.
Smooth Operators?
UK casinos with remote locations in Europe may need to make a few changes in the management of their businesses. The government has suggested that casinos appoint representatives in each remote nation to ensure that online regulation and protocols are up to scratch with the required standards of those countries. This should not be an immediate issue though, as the UKGC regulations on casinos have kept local operators on par with international standards embraced throughout Europe for some time now. Future changes would need to be focused on in this regard.
The immediate attention should rather be focused on how the operators will manage to maintain licenses to operate in ‘out of country’ jurisdictions and member states of the EU. Data laws will have to be revisited to ensure that UK operators comply to EU and European Economic Area criteria. The government has encouraged that very little change will take place in the framework of Small to Medium Enterprises, from a UK perspective.
Precautions should be considered though, should the UK not be able to import supplies and hardware from other European countries as freely as before. In this case, casino operators ought to ensure that they become familiar with import and export protocols and legislation.
No Big Deal
The possibility of a ‘No Deal Brexit’ is enough to send a shiver up many a casino’s spine, however, should the operators seek to be proactive, any possible forced transition that comes to bare, should be a mild one. No business should be caught unawares.
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