SOURCE: Press Release

The Remote Gambling Association, Europe’s largest trade association for the online gambling industry, welcomed the decision taken by the European Commission to proceed with Reasoned Opinions against Greece and the Netherlands.

Both of these EU Member States will now be investigated by the European Commission to determine whether their national gambling laws are in contravention of the European Treaty.

In particular, the Commission will need to be assured that restrictions which are being placed on the freedom of gambling operators in other EU states to provide their services in the Netherlands and Greece are justifiable under EU law and are not there primarily to defend the position of domestic gambling companies or state operators.

Clive Hawkswood, Chief Executive of the RGA, commented that;

“In the face of sometimes very strong opposition, it does the Commission great credit that it continues to fulfil its role as guardian of the Treaty in such a robust and objective way."

"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."

"The Dutch government has even tried to carve out an online gambling monopoly for Holland Casino, but this Opinion should serve notice that such actions are not acceptable.”