EC issues reasoned opinions against Greek and Dutch 29/02/2008

Jake Pollard and Sarah Treanor

The European Commission has issued a final warning to Greece and Netherlands over the provision of gambling services to citizens in those countries. Commissioner for internal markets Charlie McCreevy said the commission had “taken action to remove the obstacles that stand in the way of free movement on gambling services” in Greece and the Netherlands.

The Commission’s reasoned opinions against the two countries are the result of complaints from EU member states and operators, and represent the final warning before court proceedings will be instigated.

The news was welcomed by the Remote Gambling Association (RGA). Clive Hawkswood, chief executive of the RGA, said: “In the face of sometimes very strong opposition, it does the Commission great credit that it continues to fulfill its role as guardian of the Treaty in such a robust and objective way.”

The case against the Netherlands arose from a complaint made by UK bookmaker Ladbrokes some six years ago against DeLotto. Ladbrokes head of egaming John O’Reilly said: “Ladbrokes doesn’t even offer a Dutch language site. Dutch punters actually visited our English language site to use our products and the Dutch authorities responded by banning anyone in the Netherlands from using Ladbrokes. So even if you are not a Dutch national but are passing through the country and wanted to access your Ladbrokes account, you would not be allowed to.”  

The Commission said the complaints against Greece “concern the fact that providers lawfully licensed in another member state are not allowed to provide sports betting serviced and other games of chance.”

Its statement added: “Restrictions also extend to the promotion or advertising of the services and to whether Greek nationals can participate in the games.”

Added Hawkswood: “Coming on the heels of its decision in January to take similar action against Germany and Sweden, this should send a strong signal across Europe that protectionism in the gambling sector will not be tolerated.”

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Posted: 29/02/2008