In typical "cause and effect" fashion, every time European Union member states have issued restrictive online gambling practices, the European Commission has responded in kind with legal action.

Already involved in legal action against 10 of 27 members of the EU, the EC could see the number grow to 12 with possible action against the Netherlands or Greece.

"They [the EC] are expected to pursue the cases against Greece and the Netherlands for restrictions in sports betting services, barring any last-minute change of mind," an unnamed source told Reuters.

The latest legal action could be the final warning for the Greek and Dutch monopolies before the EC takes the two to the European Court of Justice.

Plans to introduce online gambling, via the Netherlands' national gambling monopoly Holland Casino, were halted after Dutch Justice Minister, Hirsch Ballin requested a delay in order to give Dutch Senate more information on the plan.

UIGEA-like legislation was also set to be initiated alongside the Netherlands' online gambling introduction plan, a clear violation of EU rules.

William Hill made a bid to open up shop in Greece, challenging Greek gaming company OPAP, which essentially holds monopoly in the area last April.

EU Internal Market Commissioner Charlie McCreevy's spokespeople would only reveal that legal issues would be discussed at a Wednesday meeting with a possible official announcement on Thursday.