According to various reports, a vote that would have potentially given the Netherlands' national gambling monopoly the right to initiate online gambling operations was postponed at the behest of Dutch Justice Minister, Hirsch Ballin.

Holland Casino, the Dutch government's licensed casino operator, signed a licensing deal with CryptoLogic for poker and casino software last year and was set to introduce online gambling services to Dutch citizens.

Gaming Intelligence Group reported that the Netherlands Justice Ministry was also set to introduce legislation similar to the United States' UIGEA that would make it illegal for banks and credit card companies to finance online gambling payments to foreign online companies.

"If such legislation is introduced, it would be seen in the industry as a blatant attempt to stifle competition before a possible Holland Casino online launch," reported GIG, which the European Union would view as a violation of EU treaties.

The EU has already put nations such as Germany and Sweden on notice for practices it views restrictive and monopolistic.

Ballin reportedly requested to postpone the vote because many Dutch Senators were set to reject Holland Casino's plans and he wanted to personally present the Dutch Senate with more information on the deal.