EU Moves Against Netherlands, Greece Gaming LawsEuropean Commission Send Clear Signal to Dutch And Greek Monopolies: "No Future in Monopolies" |
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The European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union, yesterday formally requested the Netherlands and Greece to remove gaming restrictions which were found inconsistent with European law.
The European Gaming & Betting Association, which includes PartyGaming, Unibet, Expekt, and Bwin, welcomed the move. Secretary general Sigrid Ligné said, “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.
“These latest developments make the Commission’s reasoned opinion even more relevant and highlight the need for market protectionist measures to end.”
The move comes as Dutch authorities ready to issue a three year exclusive online gaming license to state-run Holland Casinos, while the Greek monopoly OPAP continues to maximise profits by expanding beyond Greek borders while simultaneously restricting the activity of competitors in Greece.
Ligné was clear on the motivation for the move by the Commission. “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,” he said.
The Commission started infringement procedures against the Dutch and Greek authorities in March 2006 and June 2007, respectively, when it issued a letter of formal notice.
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