State lotteries welcome the EC’s policy change

“We are delighted of the European Commission’s change at heart to enter into a real political dialogue with EU law-makers – the Member States and the European Parliament - rather than continuing to seek legal confrontation. This political process initiated by the Green Paper is by no means aimed at the deregulation (“liberalisation”) of online gambling, as Commissioner Barnier has publicly stated many times,” said Friedrich Stickler, President of the European Lotteries.

“We are fully supportive of the European Commission’s approach: recognise subsidiarity and accept the Member States' wide margin of political discretion in gambling policy; recognise that gambling is not an ordinary economic activity; support proper regulation and its enforcement, rather than deregulation in such a sensitive and specific area; take into account public interest objectives – consumer protection, crime prevention and the funding of sport and good causes, amongst others – rather than support the purely commercial interests of hundreds of online gambling companies operating from Malta, Gibraltar and non-EU low-regulation and low-tax gambling hubs.”

“State lotteries are very aware of the importance of this Green Paper and we will put all our efforts into handing in a comprehensive submission to the European Commission’s public consultation on it, responding to Commissioner Barnier’s request to get the „best possible diagnosis’ of the situation regarding online gambling.”

The "European Lotteries and Toto Association" is an independent European association composed of State Lottery and Toto companies established in Europe.