Grass Roots Online Casino Freedom Movement Spreads in Europe
A populist campaign to exploit a provision in new European Union rules to demand online casino freedom for consumers is growing, albeit a far way from the size needed. Right2Bet, an organization looking for a million signatures in the EU on a petition to remove national restrictions on trading in Internet gambling, has acquired its first 10,000 signees.
Right2Bet is using a clause in the new EU agreement which lets public opinion across the EU influence lawmaking for the union, as long as least one million signatures back the desired action. The EU treaty received Irish approval earlier this month, leaving only the Czech Republic to ratify the deal.
While the general public in Europe consistently tests in polls for wanting a consumer's freedom to choose gaming suppliers and online casinos, several European nations are still operating under gaming monopolies or severe Internet gambling restrictions on foreign operators. The result is often a less friendly wager for the consumer, as high taxes take a chuck of money in play.
Right2Bet is running an eponymous website educating the public on its campaign and collecting new signatures. Right2Bet is also employing aggressive street marketing, including using models to get residents to stop and discuss signing the petition.
While current EU law also forbids interruption of the open market, including trade on services like online casinos, the threat of infringement proceedings hasn't moved at all swiftly, while Right2Bet spokesmen say their expression of public will may move legislators into action faster.
