Possible prosecution for governments who restrict gaming competition

2008-02-28 10:35:39

EU countries which prevent fair competition in the union's gambling market are in danger of being prosecuted, an expert has said.

Charlie McCreevy, a European commission representative, told Bloomberg ten countries are currently facing legal proceedings, while a further five could also be taken to court.

Card Player quoted him as saying: "This seems to be an issue across the [EU].

"They can't be discriminatory against legally authorised gambling companies from other member states."

Among the countries at risk is the Netherlands, where Holland Casino has had a monopoly on all of the gaming venues for several decades. No other company is licensed to operate in the country.

Other states in danger of prosecution include France, Italy and Germany.

The UK, which has a relatively open market in which companies from Malaysia and the US have interests, was not on the list.