01-11-2007 Unibet CEO released on bail

Petter Nylander, who was set free on bail of €200,000 after a hearing in Paris, called immediately for an urgent reform of the French gambling market, where state-owned gambling monopolies operate in complete disregard of European laws.

"The fact that there are numerous legal proceedings ongoing against responsible operators such as Unibet doesn't make sense at a time when the French government has publicly referred to the opening of its online gaming market. Such proceedings serve only one purpose - the commercial interests of France's two State-owned monopolies," said Nylander.

"It is Unibet's strong belief that the French consumer should have a choice regarding online betting and gaming, with specific regulation. France has everything to gain from the controlled opening of its market, and La Française des Jeux, the PMU and French casino operators alike have an opportunity to be co-leaders together with private operators in the European online gaming market," he added.