EU Commissioner Ready to Settle Online Casino Market Disputes
With a number of member countries in varying degrees of defiance of EU regulations regarding online casinos and open markets, the new Internal Markets Commissioner says he will quickly address the issues with a policy defining the EC stance. Michel Barnier has already ordered the drafting of a position paper on Internet gambling.Several member nations, including France, Germany, and Greece, have refused to adjust their online gambling laws to conform to EU requirements, even after advised of the necessity to do so by EC informed opinions. The countries in violation share a common thread, laws that give domestic operators or national monopolies a competitive advantage over operators from other EU members.
Barnier says his green paper will be a product of consultation with EU members, and should be ready for implementation by fall, if approved by the College of Commissioners. Barnier also noted that while some nations took a decision by the Court of Justice in favor of Portugal to mean foreign gaming operators could be restricted, the case was applicable only to special circumstances in Portugal.
Online casino companies are adamant that the guarantee of free trade in services includes gambling. Industry organs such as the Remote Gaming Association are monitoring events to defend the "single market" philosophy behind the European Union.
"Malta is all for more clarification of the rules but these should not be used to introduce restrictive practices," a representative of the Malta gaming establishment told the Times of Malta. Malta is a major base for Internet gambling operators.
Some countries claim they are restricting licensing and entry by foreign online casinos to protect problem gambling victims and adolescents from unregulated gambling. But court review has found that usually those goals can be achieved through other means than monopolization, and reject conditions that only ensure revenue for the host state.
