Gambling regulations in the EU under investigation
Germany, Holland, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Italy and Hungary
European authorities are investigating whether these seven countries restrict free circulation of services in the gambling field and demand an explanation about the extent of their policies observance of community legislation. In case they do not respond, the punishment procedure will move forward to economical penalties.
As a result of the sports betting revolution caused by the Net, these have moved from the lottery shops to every European home. Countries where gambling is regulated by the government represent a huge obstacle to this expansion, preventing a multimillionaire industry from fully penetrating the European market. Gambling operators claim freedom to start, promote and manage their services just like any other state or national enterprise.
Total freedom of services implies that, regarding the gambling market, restrictions such as underage bets prohibition and game abuse control would be completely abolished. This matter has generated resistance in community institutions and has deepened the breach between protectionists and liberals concerning the recently approved Bolkestein directive. This directive regulates the freedom of services in Europe, but leaves gambling aside.
European authorities are investigating whether these seven countries restrict free circulation of services in the gambling field and demand an explanation about the extent of their policies observance of community legislation. In case they do not respond, the punishment procedure will move forward to economical penalties.