The European Commission has decided to send official requests for information on national legislation restricting the supply of sport betting services to seven Member States (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden).
The Commission wishes to verify whether the measures in question are compatible with Article 49 of the EC Treaty which guarantees the free movement of services. This decision relates only to the compatibility of the national measures in question with existing EU law, and only to the field of sports betting.
“The Commission has an obligation under the Treaties to ensure that Member States’ legislation is fully compatible with EU law. This is an important responsibility which it takes seriously. It has received a number of complaints from operators in the area of sports betting, and it feels obliged to respond. It has, therefore, decided to seek information on the matter from the Member States concerned,” said Charlie McCreevy, Internal Market and Services Commissioner.
“I don’t underestimate the sensitivities that exist in many Member States on the question of gambling. In sending these letters, we are not seeking to liberalise the market in any way. Rather, we are seeking reassurance that whatever measures Member States have in place are fully compatible with existing EU law, or have been brought fully into line. I hope that the replies we receive will offer us sufficient reassurance. In that case, it will be the end of the matter. I will certainly do what I can to facilitate an early resolution, and I encourage all concerned to play their part too,” he added.
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