The European Gaming & Betting Association (EGBA) welcomes today’s decision by the European Commission to pursue infringement proceedings against the Netherlands and Greece and to formally request them to remove gaming restrictions which were found inconsistent with EU law. The Commission took the first step in the infringement procedure against the Netherlands and Greece in March 2006 and June 2007 respectively by issuing a letter of formal notice.
Today’s decisions confirm both countries’ failure to justify the compatibility of their legislation with EC law. Sigrid Ligné, Secretary General of the EGBA commented: “Today’s reasoned opinions send a clear signal that national gaming legislation, which does not serve any genuine consumer protection or public order interest, has no future. Leading European online operators are now calling on Greece and the Netherlands to implement sustainable reforms that will guarantee a fair, open and regulated market access”.
The Netherland’s reasoned opinion coincides with the Dutch government’s plans to issue a three-year exclusive online gaming license to state operator Holland Casino and to force financial institutions to refuse payment transactions to/from EU licensed online gaming and betting operators. “These latest developments make the Commission’s reasoned opinion even more relevant and highlight the need for market protectionist measures to end”, added Sigrid Ligné.
The reasoned opinion against Greece relates to the gaming monopoly granted to OPAP, a publicly listed company which has over the years continued to maximise its profits, expanding its activities beyond the Greek borders while preventing EU operators from gaining fair access to its market. “These particular features of the Greek gaming monopoly and the clear discriminations against EU regulated competitors, left the Commission with no choice but to ensure the respect of basic EU market principles” says Sigrid Ligné.
EGBA, press release of 28 February 2008
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