Casino News

UK gaming operators "face unfair competition"

2008-09-17 12:04:51

Gaming operators based in the UK are at a disadvantage when compared to a number of their European counterparts, many of which are protected by their country's government.

At least this is what has been suggested by senior executive Andrew Lyman of the Association of British Bookmakers, who was discussing recent reports that Sweden is to open up its gambling market to foreign operators.

The spokesman said that the UK obeys European Union (EU) competition regulations, while several other states do not.

"At present the UK … faces unfair competition from EU operators who can advertise into the UK, but who enjoy the protection of their own restrictive regimes," Mr Lyman remarked.

Svenska Svel currently dominates the Swedish gaming sector and has a 55 per cent share of the market place.

Mr Lyman implied this is due to "restrictive" gambling regulations within the country, which is typical of many other nations within the EU.