Remote Gambling Association
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Url: http://argo.org.uk | 
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ARGO / RGA
Past
2004 2005 2006
2004
ARGO - The Association of Remote Gambling Operators.
ARGO was only established in 2004 and not unlike online gaming itself continues to develop at a rapid rate. Our membership currently includes most of the larger British bookmaking companies but membership is not restricted to licensed bookmakers and any remote gambling operator who carries on business in the European Economic Area is eligible to join.
The implications of the Gambling Bill have meant that we have had to hit the ground running and have provided our members with a much needed voice during this key period in the industry's development.
ARGO's primary aims are to:
1) To work with governments and regulators to ensure that sensible, practical regulatory regimes are introduced.
2) To lobby for realistic tax regimes for remote gambling.
3) To work to break down unwarranted trade barriers that act as a deterrent to the growth of a responsible cross-border gambling market. 
General Secretary: Clive Hawkswood (Still there in 2009)
Business Manager: Brian Wright
Business based in
Regency House
1-4 Warwick Street
London
W1B 5LT
(Wes Himes, European Adviser and
Manuel Esparrago, RGA Brussels join post 2007/8)
RGA Membership (2004) (2008)
First RGA Press Release (16th December 2004)
2005
29th March 2005
Fair, Honest and Safe: Cross border remote gambling within the European Union.
22nd March 2005
Europe Economics' Report highlights tax threat to the Remote Industry
15th November 2005
RGA Social Responsibility Code
15th November 2005
5th December 2005
Europe Economics' Report highlights the UK's uphill struggle to attract Remote Gaming Companies
2005 News
5th December 2005
Europe Economics' Report highlights the UK's uphill struggle to attract Remote Gaming Companies
The RGA welcomes HM Treasury's Pre-Budget Report ( PBR) which has given the remote gambling industry more time to identify a viable tax regime for online gaming in the UK.
In response to a request from the Treasury the RGA commissioned Europe Economics, to produce an independent analysis of the key options. A full report and analysis can be downloaded by clicking here
15th November 2005
RGA MOVES TO PROTECT THE YOUNG AND VULNERABLE
The above press release relates to the publication of the RGA codes of practice on social responsibility and age verification. They are designed to be read together to produce a robust framework that addresses the key issues associated with problem and underage gambling.
Both reports can be downloaded from the RGA reports page.
From 1st November 2005 the Independent Betting Arbitration Service (IBAS) service will be extended to the online gaming operations of members of the RGA for a six month pilot scheme.
IBAS has successfully provided an arbitration service to the British betting industry for several years and much of the expertise that it has developed can be used in the online gaming sector too. However, it has not so far had any official role in arbitrating on gaming disputes nor in working with companies that are based outside of the UK.
The pilot project will show whether this raises any difficulties that IBAS has not previously encountered and it will also give RGA members the chance to get used to using IBAS
For more information on IBAS please click on their logo.
2006
4th April 2006
Commission investigates Internal Market violations in the sports betting sector in 7 Member States – The European remote gambling industry welcomes the decision taken by the European Commission
Click here for RGA press release
22nd March 2006
So Far So Good - Government has decided to defer announcements on the taxation of remote gaming until the tax regime is implemented in the Budget of 2007, so the tax system can reflect the detailed regulations for the sector being developed by the Gambling Commission.
Click here for RGA Response or on the Treasury symbol for the full 2006 Budget Report.
13th March 2006
RGA ANNOUCES NEW EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF TEN
16th February 2006
EXCLUSION OF GAMBLING FROM THE SERVICES DIRECTIVE: IT IS NOW TIME FOR THE COMMISSION TO ACT
6th February 2006
RGA CALLS UPON THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT TO MAINTAIN GAMBLING IN THE SERVICES DIRECTORATE
The RGA and European Betting Association ( EBA) reiterate the need for gambling to remain within the scope of the Services Directive ahead of the vote in Plenary on 16th February 2006.
For information post 2006 please visit the RGA
For more information about the RGA