SOURCE: igamingbusiness.com

Shares in Irish bookmaker Paddy Power saw an increase in the aftermath of the EU’s warnings to the governments of Sweden, France and Greece for limiting competition in their betting and gambling markets.

The EU’s actions inspired confidence in Paddy Power, and a host of other UK and Irish gambling firms, that they will eventually be able roll out their gambling operations across the EU.

Paddy Power has already led the way in the EU market with the launch of a German-language betting site and is rumored to be staging an identical move on the Spanish market.

The EU news was also met with interest by Bookmaker Ladbrokes, which has pressed for the EU Commission to campaign for free and fair competition in the betting and gaming sector.

Ladbrokes eGaming managing director John O'Reilly said: "The EU Commission is showing strong resolve on this issue and we urge them to continue to enforce the EU Treaty. It is quite wrong that Ladbrokes must compete against the French monopoly-run Euro Millions lottery in the UK, when we are banned from operating betting and gaming services in France."

"We are also keen to compete in other markets in the EU, particularly Sweden and Greece where the betting markets are established," O’Reilly added.