Dutch and Greek authorities have two months to open up their betting markets to foreign competitors or face legal action in front of the European Court of Justice.
Internal Market Commissioner Charlie McCreevy, who said there is a possibility of launching legal proceedings against 5 other EU countries, stated: “If member states wish to ban gambling, well, then I won’t cry at night about it. But they can’t be discriminatory against legally authorized gambling companies from other member states.”
Greek gambling monoploy OPAP immediately said it will use all available means to defend its monopoly rights. Dutch state lottery De Lotto said the Commission’s decision was prompted by pressure from UK bookmakers.
John Whittaker, Managing Director of Stanleybet International, welcomed the European Commission’s decision: “Today’s decision is another blow to Member States who do not wish to play their part. When countries have no willingness to cooperate, what other choice has the Commission other than the infringement procedure?
Whittaker also called for the ECJ to take action against Denmark, Finland and Hungary: “It has been a year for instance since Denmark, Hungary, Finland have been at Reasoned Opinion level. No change has been made in their restrictive legislation but the Commission is yet to take them to the European Court of Justice. We would encourage the Commission to remain vigorous in the fulfillment of its role.”
Calculators
