Brussels to prise open EU gambling markets
The European Commission on Tuesday (5 April) started legal action against seven member states for restricting foreign firms from entering their domestic gambling markets.
Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden are being accused of preventing competition in EU cross-border betting.
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Internal market commissioner Charlie McCreevy acknowledged that the gambling sector is sensitive.
"I don't underestimate the sensitivities that exist in many member states on the question of gambling," said Mr McCreevy.
But he insisted that member states comply with EU law.
"The commission has an obligation under the treaties to ensure that member states’ legislation is fully compatible with EU law," he said.
The commission decided to look into the issue after receiving several complaints by betting service providers.
The complaints mainly concern restrictions on the provision of sports betting services.
For example, some countries ask sports betting providers to acquire a state concession or license even though the same provider is lawfully licensed in another member state.
These countries are now expected to reply to the commission letter and if the commission is not satisfied with their answer it can decide to proceed with legal action before the European Court of Justice.
But the commission is hoping to avoid the court.
"I hope that the replies we receive will offer us sufficient reassurance. In that case, it will be the end of the matter," said Mr McCreevy.