European Parliament hears online gambling debate legal

The European Commission is being urged to take measures against nations within the Union who don’t comply with the e-commerce free trade agreement that is generally considered EU policy.

Recent discussions in the European parliament have revealed there are very different points of view in regards to the implementation of a standard set of rules governing online gambling services. A draft report authored by Ashley Fox, (ECR, UK) has asked for more co-operation among nations to create a more attractive and secure EU market.

The report submitted by the Member of the European Parliament from Gibraltar, is slanted primarily to the advantage of private betting operators rather than the government monopolies. Recently the Committee on the Internal Market looked at the differing points of view regarding the report.

Sirpa Pietikäinen EPP, for Finland stated, “The starting point of the report needs to be reviewed,” adding, “There should be more of a focus on respecting the subsidiary principle and the various [European] traditions. We need to be very clear about the fact that betting games are not an economic activity like any other activity – and that this is a reality, which justifies more consumer protection.” Denmark`s Christel Schaldemose and Jürgen Creutzmann from Germany concurred with the member from Finland`s point of view and called for more consumer protection.

Sakari Aeras of the Finnish ministry in charge of gambling also said that “online gaming is not a normal service and it calls for stricter player identification measures to avoid abuses. Finland would like to see the establishment of a monopoly of three operators. The debate among E.U. nations is focused on the rights of individual nations to keep or establish an exclusive system while others want a harmonized platform with free trade for all.