06-03-2007 European state gambling monopolies in contravention of EU legislation

The European Court of Justice issued a long-awaited ruling in the "Placanica" case stating that the attempts by the Italian authorities to charge Massimiliano Placanica and two other intermediairies with criminal penanlties for collecting bets on behalf of Stanleybet was contrary to community law. The judgement reiterated the ECJ findings in the 2003 "Gambelli" case.

The UK bookmaker at the centre of the case said the ruling will have a huge impact on the sports betting and gambling environment in the EU. Stanleybet also said it expected Italy and Germany to be the first to take action to eliminate barriers to cross-border betting.

"It's a landmark verdict, but we have to be realistic. It's another step forward,but not a staircase," said Adrian Morris, MD of Stanleybet. "Now we will be looking for the European Commission, which has issued infringement notices against several countries, the courts and member states that are involved in cases to take notice of the ECJ judgement."