European Commission Investigation
5th March, 2008
At present online bingo and online casino operators from many EU countries are restricted in what they can do in both Holland and Greece. As well as this ten of the twenty seven nations in the EU are currently facing potential legal action from the EC (European Commission) over policies that are considered monopolistic or protectionist and that 'stop freedom of choice being offered to customers who play online bingo'.
A high percentage of Europe's major gambling enterprises, including some online bingo operators, are represented by the trade association, The Remote Gaming Association (RGA). The RGA has recently given its 'stamp of approval' over the EC's latest warning to Holland and Greece over their continued 'protectionalist' policies in the online gaming sector.
The EC's CEO, Clive Hawkswood said "In the face of sometimes very strong opposition, it does the [European] Commission great credit that it continues to fulfill its role as guardian of the [EU] Treaty in such a robust and objective way."
The EC are now conducting an investigation into whether the national gambling laws in both Holland and Greece comply with European Treaty principles regarding the freedom of trade and services between member states.
