Greece And Netherlands Receive Final Warning on Gambling From EU

The European Commission has been busy as of late with gambling issues. They have now sent a final warning to two countries, the Netherlands, and Greece, over their gambling restrictions.

The two countries are being warned on different issues by the European Union. The Netherlands restraint on sports betting in regards to foreign competitors has drawn the attention of the EU.

Greece has a slightly different problem. They are being warned about their restrictions on gambling and advertising. Both Greece and the Netherlands now have two months to reply. If not, they will both be facing the European Court of Justice.

"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," said the EU Internal Market Commissioner, Charlie McCreevy.

The Dutch government is seeking an exclusive deal with with Holland Casino for an online gambling license. They would then force financial institutions to not accept payment from other online gaming companies.

The problem is some of those companies are licensed with the EU. That has put the Union at odds with the Netherlands. The issue could very well end up being settled in court.



2008-02-29