IMGL 2019 Autumn Conference

Schedule and Events

Download the program booklet from the conference.

Wednesday, September 11

10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Registration
Charles Hotel
Ballroom Foyer
 

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Member Meeting
Charles Hotel
Ballroom
 

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Opening Reception
Charles Hotel
Sophias Bar/Terrace and Marocain

 

Thursday, September 12
MORNING SESSIONS
Ballroom

8:00 am - 4:45 pm
Registration
Ballroom Foyer

 

9:00 am – 9:10 am
Welcome and Conference Overview
Jamie Nettleton, IMGL President

 

9:10 am – 9:30 am
Keynote Speaker
Harald Neumann, CEO, Novomatic AG, Austria

 

9:30 am – 10:30 am
The Regulator’s View on Gambling Regulation – What is the best way of channeling the demand for gambling?

Among regulators it is rare to find anyone not agreeing that illegal gambling is harmful to players and society. But when it comes to regulating gambling diversity kicks in and very different legislative models can be found around the world. Listen in on why so different ways to channelize gambling into a legal framework has been chosen in Spain, Norway, and Africa – and if they indeed has turned out to be successful.

Moderator: Birgitte Sand, Director, Spillemyndigheden, Denmark
Panelists:
Gunn Merete Paulsen, Director General, Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority, Norway
Thulisizwe Johnson, CEO, Botswana Gambling Authority, Botswana
Eugenio Álvarez, Vice-Deputy DG, Regulation and International Relations, Directorate General for Gambling Regulation, Spain

 

10:30 am - 11:00 am
Networking Break
Ballroom Foyer

 

11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Outlook 2021 – The Executive Vision

Technology drives the industry - and technology advances rapidly.  Executives in the market must identify opportunities, trends and new markets from an early stage and position their companies successfully. So what's in store for us in the next two years? Where do we stand today and what are the challenges for decision-makers? We may expect a gaze into the crystal balls of the executive floors and an exciting discussion about personal paths and goals.

Moderator: Dr. Joerg Hofmann, Senior Partner, MELCHERS Law Firm, Germany
Panelists:
Harald Neumann, CEO, Novomatic AG, Austria
Dr. Dirk Quermann, CEO, Merkur Media GmbH, Germany
Ian Ince, Global Head of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance, Playtech, UK
Chad Hoehne, CEO, Casino Trac, USA
Eric Olders, CEO, JVH Gaming, Netherlands

 

12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
IMGL Awards Luncheon: Regulator of the Year Asia/Australasia : Paulo Martins Chan 
Presenter: Changbin Wang - The Changing VIP Business of Gaming in Macao 
Park Café München GmbH
Sophienstraße 7
80333 Munich
**We will walk to lunch at Park Café through the Old Botanical Garden.

Keynote Speaker:
Trude Felde: President of IAGR & Senior Adviser of Norwegian Gaming Authority, Norway

 

Thursday, September 12
AFTERNOON TRACKS
Track 1 (Developments in North America): Salon 3
Track 2 (Global Trends in Gaming Regulation): Ballroom

 

1:30 pm - 2:15 pm
Track 1: Hot Topics in North America

The hot topics panel will discuss the latest issues in gaming confronting regulators and the gaming industry. Topics will range from tribal, Lottery, online and emerging jurisdiction. The format will be free ranging and interactive to address questions and issues of interest the audience.

Moderator: Marc Dunbar, Shareholder, Dean Mead, USA
Panelists:
Kevin Braig, Attorney at Law, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP, USA
Mark Hemmerle, VP, Legal & Compliance, Worldpay Gaming Solutions, USA
John K. Maloney, Owner/Attorney, Law Offices of John K. Maloney, USA
Marc Ellinger, Principal, Ellinger and Associates, LLC, USA

 

Track 2: Gaming on TV – from a pan EU legal and business perspective

TV has been a difficult medium for gaming. The internet offers quicker and cheaper interactivity and less regulation. Can TV better support online gaming through advertising and editorial content that shows gaming in a positive light? This panel looks at the upsides and downsides of mass media TV for the gambling industry.

Moderator: Jason Chess, Partner, Wiggin, UK
Panelists:
Michael Zimmer, Legal Counsel/Head of Legal Department, Sport 1, Germany
Katja Heintschel von Heinegg, Director of European Affairs, German Advertising Counsel, Germany
Michael Leadbeater, Group Legal Director, GVC Group PLC, UK

 

2:15 pm - 3:00 pm
Track 1: Tribal Sports Betting – Compact and Contract Issues

This panel will address federal compact and contract requirements for Indian tribal governments to offer sports betting on Indian lands.  Some of the issues discussed will include the compact process, exclusivity issues and the use of management contracts to offer sports betting. 

Moderator: Joseph Webster, Managing Partner, Hobbs, Straus,Dean & Walker, LLP, USA
Panelists:
C.J. Fisher, Attorney, Fox Rothschild, USA
Kevin Quigley, Attorney / Consultant, Foley & Quigley PLC, USA

 

Track 2: Sunrise in the East – Licensing opportunities in Central Eastern Europe in the spotlight

The gambling regulation in the Central and Eastern Europe region is constantly developing and is offering attractive business opportunities for the gambling industry. However, the political landscape is rather volatile and in some cases even hostile towards the gambling business. This panel will provide you with a regulatory update of key jurisdictions in Central and Eastern Europe, expected regulatory developments and what business opportunities lie in the region.

Moderator: Jaka Repansek, Founder, RePublis, Slovenia
Panelists:
Marek Smrha, Investment Manager, Penta Investments, Czech Republic
Jan Rehola, Lawyer at Petroš Sedláčková Legal, Czech Republic
Marcin Wierzbicki, Partner, Konieczny, Wierzbicki Kancelaria Radców Prawnych Spółka Partnerska, Poland
Maksym Liashko, General Counsel, Pari Match, Ukraine
Dr. Dmitry Dragun, CEO, Ukraine Game, Ukraine 
 

 

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Networking Break
Ballroom Foyer

 

3:30 pm - 4:15 pm
Track 1: Idiosyncrasies with US Licensing

The US gaming licensing process can be intrusive and often offensive to applicants experiencing it for the first time.  The scope of disclosure and the depth of investigation often go well beyond what is the norm in non-US gaming jurisdictions.  This panel will explore how to navigate US licensing requirements through the lens of practitioners, as well as European lawyers and operators, and how to manage cross-border issues such as GDPR, international tax issues, language barriers, and differences in business culture and compliance, during the licensing process.

Moderator: Jeremy Kleiman, Member, Saiber LLC, USA
Panelists:
Mark Clayton, Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, USA
C.J. Fisher, Partner, Fox Rothschild, LLP, USA
Martin Lycka, Director of Regulatory Affairs, GVC Holdings, PLC, UK
Kristin Konschnik, Partner, Butler Snow LLP, UK

 

Track 2: Latin America

Slowly but surely, the Latin American region is in the process of incorporating new gambling regulations. After the approval of the Provisional Measure 846/2018 in order to authorize a future regulation on sports betting, Brazil has recently launched a public consultation in order to receive industry input on how to construct its regulatory system. Meanwhile, the Province of  Buenos Aires, Argentina, shall soon approve the list of the 7 companies that will be entitled to run online gambling operations within the boundaries of said province. What are the latest developments in these and other Latin American jurisdictions? In general terms, are the LatAm jurisdictions attractive for international stakeholders, or these jurisdictions can only be attractive for local companies due to its bureaucratic difficulties?

Moderator: Santiago Asensi, Partner, Asensi Abogados, Spain
Panelists:
Luiz Felipe Maia, Partner, FYMSA Advogados, Brazil
Tomas Garcia Botta, Partner, Masot & Frettes Abogados, Buenos Aires
Francesco Rodano, Chief Policy Officer, Playtech, UK

 

4:15 pm - 5:00 pm
Track 1: International Panel: Marijuana/drug use and gaming licensing

Legalization of Marijuana- new compliance challenges in the gaming industry due in part to the banking restrictions imposed.  The panel will explore the complex compliance challenges on gambling operators, KYC, AML policies, restricting conferences that promote marijuana.  How much is enough?

Moderator: John K. Maloney, Owner/Attorney, Law Offices of John K. Maloney, USA
Panelists:
Andrew Cotton, Director Of Betting and Gaming, Ince Gordon Dadds LLP, UK
Bill Foss, Business Development and Marketing Director, Table Trac, USA
Elaine Alsén-Behr, COO, e-Management, Curacao
Michael Lipton, Senior Partner, Dickinson Wright LLP, Canada

 

Track 2: Tax Responsibility – New trends in the taxation of gambling in Europe and across the pond

Whereas the regulatory environment for gambling is subject to constant national and international change, it appears that tax legislation follows different principles and goals. The panel discusses current tax developments in Europe and across the pond and addresses the question of a reasonable taxation of gambling activities.

Moderator: Frieder Backu, Attorney, SSW Schneider Schiffer Weihermuller, Germany
Panelists:
Peter J. Kulick, Member, Dickinson Wright LLC, USA
Ramona Azzopardi, Tax Partner, WH Partners, Malta
Dr. Mónika Molnár, Tax Partner, MME Legal, Switzerland

 

6:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Gala Dinner
Bavarie @ BMW World
Am Olympiapark 1
80809 Munich
**Shuttle buses will pick up attendees beginning at 5:30 pm from The Charles Hotel and will begin taking attendees back between 10:00 pm - 10:45 pm.

 

Friday, September 13
MORNING TRACKS
Track 1 (Self-Regulation): Ballroom
Track 2 (Responsible Regulation): Salon 3

 

8:00 am - 4:45 pm
Registration
Ballroom Foyer

 

9:00 am - 10:00 am
Young Gaming Lawyers' + New Members Networking Event – Bavarian Breakfast
Park Café
Sophienstrasse 7, 80333 Munich, Germany
Join new members of the IMGL and young gaming lawyers for a traditional Bavarian breakfast networking event at the Park Café at approx. 1min walking distance to the conference venue. After the long night of the IMGL Gala Dinner at the BMW world on Thursday, a rich Bavarian breakfast comprising local food such as pretzels, sausage and local cheese will get you ready for the final conference day.

 

9:20 am – 9:30 am
Welcome
Jamie Nettleton, IMGL President
Ballroom

 

9:30 am - 10:15 am
Track 1: Certification and Self-Regulation and Compliance of Gambling Halls

Moderator: Jason Frost, President, EUROMAT, UK
Panelists:
Gene Chayevsky, Executive Vice President, BMM, Europe & South America
Olaf Seiche, Regional Manager “Service Sector”, TÜV Rheinland Cert GmbH, Germany
Jochen Biewer, CEO, Chevron Consulting, Germany
 

 

Track 2: The Role of AI in Gaming in Promoting Responsible Gaming

The role of AI in the gaming industry is by no means limited to just online gaming and betting anymore but extends to every gaming vertical (i.e. casinos, lotteries, betting, bingo) delivered through both the online and offline channels. The use of AI varies widely from predicting more accurately the outcomes of event-based games to better understanding and managing risks associated with sports betting; preventing cheating within casinos; and improving customer services. The big question is whether AI can be used as a reliable tool in detecting and monitoring addictive behavior, an area that is of concern to both gaming regulators and operators. 

Moderator: Pieter Remmers, CEO, Assissa, Netherlands
Panelists:
Simo Dragicevic, CEO, BetBuddy/Playtech, UK
Kim Mouridsen, Professor, Aarhus University, Denmark
 

 

10:15 am - 11:00 am
Track 1: Betting on eSports and Peer-to-Peer Gaming: Are We Reaching a New Era?

In recent years, both eSports and Peer-to-Peer Gaming - skill-based, luck-based and the combination of the two - has gained interest by operators, players and regulators on both of the sides of the Atlantic. What are the current trends in these industries? What are the challenges companies are currently facing and what shall the future hold? 

Moderator: Tal Itzhak Ron, Chairman and CEO, Tal Ron, Drihem & Co., Law Firm, Israel 
Panelists:
Kok Keng Lau, Partner, Rajah & Tann, Singapore
Dr. Holger Jakob, General Counsel, G2 Esports GmbH, Germany
Ariel Weiss, CEO, n00b AG, Israel
Hans Jagnow, President, eSports Federation, Germany

 

Track 2: How to Regulate Land-based and Online Casinos in Compliance with EU Law?

Gambling is one of the business sectors that have not been harmonised at EU level and the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) has granted wide discretion to member states in this area. Yet, the CJEU has also repeatedly made it clear that the EU primary law with its fundamental freedoms nevertheless applies to gambling services, too. For many years now, this clash of supranational and national powers has led to significant, on-going tensions between national gambling laws and EU law as well as to a voluminous, meandering case law. 
Hence, what is the legal status of casino games in the EU? In the midst of a perceived legal insecurity, this is a question of utmost relevance to legislators, regulators, B2Cs, B2Bs and gaming lawyers. This panel seeks to offer meaningful answers to the ongoing question: How to regulate your national land-based and online casino markets to ensure compliance with EU law? What are the regulatory options? Where do member states enjoy much autonomy - and where not?

Moderator: Guido Schlütz, CEO, Casino Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
Panelists:
Kevin O'Neal, Director Business Development, The StarsGroup, Austria
Dr. Simon Planzer, Founding Partner, PLANZER LAW, Switzerland
Dr. Alexander Legat, GeneralCounsel, Novomatic, Austria

 

11:00 am - 11:15 am
Networking Break
Ballroom Foyer

 

11:15 am - 12:00 pm
EU New Online Gambling - Do's and don'ts for advertising campaigns
Ballroom

In the wake of the blanket gambling advertising ban implemented by the Italian government little more than one year ago, a contagious domino effect was spurred across Europe with other jurisdictions since following suit introducing ever stricter rules and very rigid limitations for gaming operators to promote their business.  This panel will discuss the current situation as well as the likely developments in some of the most important European gaming markets offering also a view on how the industry should best cope with the advertising restrictions.

Moderator: Quirino Mancini, Partner, Tonucci & Partners, Italy
Panelists:
Justin Franssen, Partner, Kaff, Katz & Franssen, Netherlands
Alla Serebrianskaia, Partner, Asensi Abogados, Spain
Dr. Wulf Hambach, Founding Partner, Hambach & Hambach, Germany
Joe Kelly, Partner, A&L Goodbody, Ireland
Tatjana Klaeser, Partner, Klaeser Avocat, Belgium

 

12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
Regulatory Best Practices - Guidance of former gaming regulators finding themselves now on 'the other side'
Ballroom

This panel will discuss  former and current regulatory practices with the benefit of hindsight, which as they say, is a most wonderful thing! The panel, made up of former gaming regulators, now find themselves in different spheres of the gaming and betting industry, and are therefore in the ideal position to comment on current and former regulatory practices, especially, considering what they have learned whilst being ‘on the other side’. It is hoped that this discussion will be of value to both gaming advisors and regulators in considering best practices in building and developing a regulatory regime which is in the best interest of all stakeholders i.e. consumers, government and industry. 

Moderator: Andre Wilsenach, SVP Government Relations, BMM Testlabs, UK
Panelists:
Francesco Rodano, Chief Policy Officer, Playtech, UK
Morten Ronde, Founding Partner, Nordic Gambling, Denmark
Rolf Francis Sims, Manager of Public Affairs, Kindred Group, Norway
Joseph F. Borg, Senior Advisor, WH Partners, Malta
Guido Schlütz, CEO, SpielbankSH GmbH, Germany

 

12:45 pm - 2:00 pm
IMGL Luncheon
Ballroom Foyer

 

Friday, September 13
AFTERNOON DISCUSSION GROUPS
Track 1: Ballroom
Track 2: Ballroom
Track 3: Salon 3

 

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Round table session: Regulator and Lawyer Speed Dating
Ballroom

Discussing current trends in regulation; observation of increasing issues of the industry with its public perception and brand awareness, and best practices to work on it.

Table 1            UK       Stephen Kettleley, Partner, Wiggin LLP, UK

Table 2            Sweden Henrik Hoffmann, Partner, Nordic Gambling, Denmark

Table 3            Spain   Eugenio Álvarez, Vice-Deputy DG, Regulation and International Relations, Directorate General for Gambling Regulation, Spain

Table 4            Norway Gunn Merete Paulsen, Director General, Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority, Norway

Table 5            Brazil   Luiz Felipe Maia, Partner, FYMSA Advogados, Brazil

Table 6            USA     Michael Pollock, Managing Director, Spectrum Gaming, USA

Table 7            Africa   Thulisizwe Johnson, CEO, Botswana Gambling Authority, Botswana

 

ROUND 1 DISCUSSION GROUPS
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

 

Track 1: The Gambling Industry’s Commitment to Diversity: Is it real or hot air?

Global Gaming Women brings together women from all segments of gaming in an effort to enrich their professional and personal lives.  It was established by the American Gaming Association to create a wide network that allows peers to connect with their colleagues.  The goal is for female gaming professionals to learn from one another, create lasting connections and nurture emerging women leaders.  In 2016, GGW launched as an independent charitable organization to deliver high impact programs and events on a global scale that support, inspire, and influence the development of women in the gaming and lottery industry.

Facilitators:
Veronique dos Reis, Legal, Compliance and Regulatory affairs Manager, Pinnacle, Netherlands Antilles
Cosmina Simion, Partner, Simion & Baciu, Romania
Tina Kilmer, Board Member, Global Gaming Women, USA

 

Track 2: Enforcement Action in the EU vs US

This discussion group will focus on the unique challenges presented by disciplinary investigations and enforcement proceedings, in particular in helping clients balance the need to preserve important working relationships with regulators while protecting the client’s legal rights and business interests.  Each stage of the disciplinary process presents different challenges which, in turn, differ across jurisdictions.  Facilitators will lead the discussion group participants through the various stages of the disciplinary process, with a focus on comparing the differences among jurisdictions: informal or formal notice to the licensee, the investigation process, formal complaints or orders, settlements, appeal and judicial review.  Through shared real-world examples, participants will be better positioned to help clients navigate enforcement actions.

Facilitators:
Alan Littler, Lawyer, Kalff Katz & Franssen, Netherlands
Stephanie Bell, Partner Ellinger and Associates LLC, USA
Tamsin Blow, Partner, CMS Law, UK

 

Track 3: Gazing Into the Crystal Ball: What commercial and regulatory challenges will the sports betting industry be facing in 2020?

The discussion group will address new challenges facing the industry and the trends in regulated vs unregulated markets, including Brexit and product restrictions.

Facilitators:
David Zeffman, Partner/Head of Gambling and Sport, CMS Law, UK
Dr. Matthias Spitz, Partner, MELCHERS Law Firm, Germany
Chris Elliott, Associate, Wiggin, UK

 

ROUND 2 DISCUSSION GROUPS
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

 

Track 1: The Gambling Industry’s Commitment to Diversity: Is it real or hot air?

Global Gaming Women brings together women from all segments of gaming in an effort to enrich their professional and personal lives.  It was established by the American Gaming Association to create a wide network that allows peers to connect with their colleagues.  The goal is for female gaming professionals to learn from one another, create lasting connections and nurture emerging women leaders.  In 2016, GGW launched as an independent charitable organization to deliver high impact programs and events on a global scale that support, inspire, and influence the development of women in the gaming and lottery industry.

Facilitators:
Veronique dos Reis, Legal, Compliance and Regulatory affairs Manager, Pinnacle, Netherlands Antilles
Cosmina Simion, Partner, Simion & Baciu, Romania
Tina Kilmer, Board Member, Global Gaming Women, USA

 

Track 2: Enforcement Action in the EU vs US

This discussion group will focus on the unique challenges presented by disciplinary investigations and enforcement proceedings, in particular in helping clients balance the need to preserve important working relationships with regulators while protecting the client’s legal rights and business interests.  Each stage of the disciplinary process presents different challenges which, in turn, differ across jurisdictions.  Facilitators will lead the discussion group participants through the various stages of the disciplinary process, with a focus on comparing the differences among jurisdictions: informal or formal notice to the licensee, the investigation process, formal complaints or orders, settlements, appeal and judicial review.  Through shared real-world examples, participants will be better positioned to help clients navigate enforcement actions.

Facilitators:
Alan Littler, Lawyer, Kalff Katz & Franssen, Netherlands
Stephanie Bell, Partner Ellinger and Associates LLC, USA
Tamsin Blow, Partner, CMS Law, UK

 

Track 3: Gazing Into the Crystal Ball: What commercial and regulatory challenges will the sports betting industry be facing in 2020?

The discussion group will address new challenges facing the industry and the trends in regulated vs unregulated markets, including Brexit and product restrictions.

Facilitators:
David Zeffman, Partner/Head of Gambling and Sport, CMS Law, UK
Dr. Matthias Spitz, Partner, MELCHERS Law Firm, Germany
Chris Elliott, Associate, Wiggin, UK

 

5:00 pm – 5:15 pm
Closing Remarks
Jamie Nettleton, IMGL President  
Ballroom Foyer

 

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Closing Reception
Rooftop Garden at Hotel Bayerishcher Hof
Promenadeplatz 2-6
80333 Munich
**Hotel Bayerischer is 1.0 km and within walking distance from The Charles Hotel. It is approximately a 10 minute walk. You may walk, Uber, or ask for a taxi ride to this event.