EU intervention forces member states to consider opening up
The gambling monopolies that have plagued Europe of late appear to be crumbling. Since the European Commission’s intervention in the cases of Denmark, Greece, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Finland and Hungary who are all accused of breaching free trade laws, many countries are considering opening their gambling markets to foreign competitors.
Denmark is looking into this aspect, realizing that they have few other options. The largely government-owned Danske Spil held a gaming monopoly for the last 60 years. The government owns 80% of the company.
In late 2007, a Danish ex-member of parliament raised the issue with the European Court of Justice. He was opposed to Denmark shutting out competitors and the criticized the hypocrisy of the government, who highlight the problem of compulsive gambling while actively marketing Danske Spil, which offers sports betting, bingo, keno, and a range of card and arcade games.
According to the European Commission, a country must prove that its restrictions on gambling are “necessary, proportionate and non-discriminatoryâ€. Since each country in question markets gambling to its citizens under the national monopoly, none come claim a moral opposition to gambling.
Supporters of the monopoly system argue that funds from lotteries and betting are channeled back into society, and used for sport and recreation facilities. However, this is not enough for the EC.
Being forced to reconsider their protectionist policy or face the European Court of Justice, the Danish government – supported by the New Alliance party - is considering selling licences to international gaming companies as an alternative source of income.
50% of EU countries have held a gambling or sports betting monopoly until now and will have to change their ways.
It is clear that restricting players’ choices of online casinos and gambling outlets is old-fashioned, and that the way forward lies in a free, open market – at least within the European Union.
Tags: Online Casino, online casinos
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