Denmark Could be in Court over Internet Gambling
The European Commission has come under fire from the European Gaming and Betting Association over their delay in taking the Denmark government to the court. Denmark has been blocking all access to foreign online poker and gambling operators. The Denmark government has been running a monopoly in gambling and the European Gaming a Betting Association want them to be taken to the European Court of Justice.
The blocking of foreign operators is against European Union laws. According to the laws in the EU, any company licensed anywhere in the European Union has the right to move goods and services across state borders. The Danish government currently has a Danish Pools and Lottery Act. It only gives license to Danske Spil to lawfully offer any gambling service. They are also the only group allowed to arrange participation to any other games by another group or company.
Member of the European Gaming and Betting Association include Unibet, Party Gaming, Expekt, and Interwetten Gaming. In a recent newsletter the group called for action by the European Union instead of just talk. Earlier this year the European Court issued Denmark a Reasoned Opinions. This is the last step taken before going to court. The country was warned that the monopoly of online gambling violates the EU laws.
In the newsletter the group states: "EGBA therefore urges the Commission to back up their own words with actions and take the next step: initiate an ECJ-trial against Denmark. "We believe that any anti-online gambling legislation which is proposed or upheld by individual member states is likely to be breaking EU law. The EGBA is fighting against this discriminatory legislation as we believe that it is being introduced primarily to protect state-run monopolies. Opening up markets to competition also gives consumers the benefits of lower prices and a wider choice of products and suppliers. A competitive environment, especially in the online world where technology reigns and trust in a brand is paramount, also helps promote consumer security and game fairness."