Belgian Online Casino Laws Rejected by European Commission
The European Commission reviewed the new online gambling laws passed in Belgium and found them unsatisfactory at meeting EC requirements. The Belgian proposal was found wanting in a number of areas, particularly in the clause requiring all online casino operators to be established within the country.
Other problems found during the analysis by EC regulators include imposing criminal sanctions against patrons of foreign Internet casinos licensed in the EU, a restriction on services, and an unjustified cap on licenses. The bill had been approved by Belgian authorities and advanced to the EC in March.
The review was conducted at the request of the European Gaming and Betting Association, who blasted the Belgian legislation.
"The requirement for operators to be established in Belgium is one of the clearest violations of EC Treaty provisions," said Maarten Haijer, director of regulatory affairs for the EGBA.
Belgium was also prepared to enforce its nationalistic policy by requiring Internet service providers to block foreign online gambling sites, a procedure already rejected by the EC in its decision against France's proposed online gaming laws.
Belgium and France must both submit replies to the EC regarding the disputed regulations before enacting the proposed laws. If the EC concerns are not addressed, the EC has the right to begin the process seeking infringement penalties.
