An un-named source close to the matter told Reuters the EU is expected to step up legal action against Greece and the Netherlands for restrictions in sports betting services, barring any last-minute changes of mind.
The European Commission recently launched a formal infringement proceeding against Germany, which earlier in January put into effect a new State Treaty on Gambling effectively banning all foreign online gambling operators from the country.
Jens Schumann, founder of German lottery operator Tipp24, which just reported a record profit for 2007, stated: “Nobody benefits from the State Treaty on Gaming. Of the EUR 325.5 million in stakes which we received in Germany on behalf of the state lottery companies in 2007, some 40 percent is used to promote sports, the arts and welfare institutions. This money would be lost if online brokerage were forbidden. However, certain politicians are trying to force us out of the market in an alleged attempt to prevent gambling addiction.”
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