German Internet Casino Ban Meets Domestic Political Resistance
The German gambling monopoly is already beset by problems with the European Commission and domestic courts, who agree the laws banning online casinos are a violation of EU regulations. Now, one of the 16 states that comprise Germany is calling for an end to the online gambling ban.
According to a report by EGamingReview, Schleswig-Holstein, the nothernmost German state, has demanded the repeal of the German Interstate Treaty on Gambling. If the national online casino block is not lifted, state leaders say they will seek intrastate online gambling licensing.
Germany has defended itself before EC investigators by using the currently popular line that monopolies are the best protection for consumers, children, and problem gambling victims. However, evidence is that the entity that truly receives protection by monopoly is the state revenue system, which profits by the illegal restraint of trade.
Currently, only horse racing is permitted in Germany to online gambling operations.
Even if the national legislature refuses to respond to the gathering forces demanding economic freedom for online casinos, the present treaty expires at the start of 2012, leaving the monopoly unprotected after that date.
Recent Comments
| Posted by: Stefan K | When: 11/13/2009 09:07:47 AM EST |
| Good on them, although it was only a matter of time. There are still many other gambling monopolies operating in Europe, however, such as those in Norway, Finland, Holland, Portugal and Greece. Conitnued support is needed to pressure these countries into forming a regulated, commercially friendly market - please sign the petition at www.right2bet.net | |
