Casino News: The 2011 Mixed Bag of European Online Gaming

The online gaming industry continues to change rapidly across Europe as 2011 draws to a close. As of New Year's Day, 2012, Denmark will become a brand-new online gaming jurisdiction, adding to an elite list of countries.

Denmark has joined forces with the Isle of Man, and signed a cooperation agreement. This fruitful partnership will help shape Denmark into a successful licensing jurisdiction. This agreement becomes formal on January 1, 2012. Denmark has also forged a similar union with the Alderney Gambling Control Commission.

In Greece, a number of laws were passed, which looked like they could be challenged by the Remote Gambling Association. The challenge will take place in early 2012. Will the online-gaming fate of Greece fair better than their economy? In Cyprus, the gaming-landscape is also evolving quickly. This popular destination for British retirees is also a haven for the remote gambling industry, but could clouds on the horizon be forming for this sunshine paradise?

A media firestorm broke out in the Czech Republic, after the accidental passing of a piece of legislation. The parliament's lower house let legislation slip through, which stated that video lottery terminal operators would be offered a €78 million tax break. A 20% tax on video-lottery games revenue was cited to be split between three groups -- charities, education, and local municipalities. However, only two groups should have profited -- municipalities and education. It has since become apparent that controversial wording meant that charities were included too.

A turbulent and uncertain year for the gaming industry in some countries, whereas others are certainly on the up. Watch this space for the latest online casino news.