EC Petitioned to Bring Greece to Online Casino Compliance

A petition begun by online casino operators and customers protesting the Greek gambling monopoly has received attention by members of the European Parliament, who demand the EC act quickly to enforce EU rules on competitive markets.

With squabbles between EU nations and the online casino industry occurring seemingly daily, the European Parliament Petitions Committee has promoted the failure of Greece to comply with EU standards for gambling regulation as worthy of attention by the EC. The petition was circulated by Stanleybet customers and employees who were arrested by Greek police for violating the national gaming monopoly of state owned operator OPAP.

The committee found reason for the EC to investigate Greek law, which prevents licensed EU gambling operators from competing in Greece with OPAP. Stanleybet had deliberately established a location to test the law, and was shut down in a matter of days.

One member of the European Parliament, Sir Robert Atkins of the UK, stated it was time for the EC to enforce EU internal market rules in Greece, while another, Simon Busuttil of Malta, said the Greek example is “a clear case of breach of EU law."

“This inaction is not even to protect a Greek government monopoly, it is to protect a company listed in the Athens Stock Exchange," said a third member, Roger Helmer of the UK. Helmer led a call to quick action by the EC, noting "justice delayed is justice denied.”

Stanleybet officials say they have been repeatedly denied and delayed in attempts to obtain a Greek wagering license. They accuse Greek authorities of using harsh and disproportionate measure to enforce the profitability of the OPAP monopoly.