European Union Cites Members For Gambling Restraints

The Union has made it clear that, while gambling bans are not a violation, attempts by members to limit gambling are

Gambling is at the forefront of squabbles amongst nations which have free-trade agreements, and that situation became more pronounced Thursday as the European Union tooks steps against Greece and the Netherlands. Both countries were put on two months' notice, at which point each needs to have lifted restrictions preventing foreign competitors from open access to markets, or face charges before the European Court of Justice.

Greece has placed restrictions on both gambling and the advertising of gambling, as it has entered into an agreement with Opap to allow the company to be Greece's exclusive gambling provider until 2020. The Netherlands is also looking to grant exclusive license, in this case to Holland Casino as the only online gambling licensee.

Several other countries are also at risk with the European Commission, including Denmark, Hungary, and Finland. The Union has made it clear that, while gambling bans are not a violation, attempts by members to limit gambling are. Any measures that are made to benefit the state in payment that also put curbs on potential competition will be cited. 

While arguments are made that gambling limitations in both Greece and the Netherlands are enacted to prevent problem gambling and to protect the public, the Commission found that the introduction of "new addictive games, intensive and increasing advertising and absence of concrete measures against gambling addiction contradicted that argument."

The European Gaming and Betting Association said national gambling legislation that does not serve "any genuine consumer protection or public order interest has no future."