SOURCE: Gaming Intelligence Group

The Swedish government has rejected the European Commission’s criticism of the country’s restrictive legislation on sports gambling.

According to the government response to the Commission, the legislation in Sweden "is as it is in order to strengthen social security and counter criminal activity." In the governments view, the legislation is both "fit for purpose and proportionate."

Sweden also rejects as unsubstantiated, the Commissions view that the main goal of regulation is to strengthen the State’s finances.

In June the Commission formally requested France and Sweden to amend their laws following consideration of their replies to letters of formal notice sent in April and October 2006. At the same time the Commission sent an official request to Greece for information on national legislation restricting the supply of sports betting services.

All three countries were originally given a two month deadline in which to conform with EU regulation, however France and Greece have now been given a two month extension in which to respond to the European Commission.

"The deadline for Greece and for France is now 29 October," said Oliver Drewes, a spokesman for the executive's Internal Market Commissioner, Charlie McCreevy.