Differing EU Court Opinions over Online Gambling - 02-25-10

February 25 - Countries belonging to the European Union cannot be blamed for the confusion that reigns when it comes to gambling laws in the region.

Two different EU court advisors gave opposite opinions recently in two cases involving internet gambling companies who disputed the restrictions placed on their services by European governments.

The first case involved Austria, which restricts the granting of online casino licenses to only those companies situated within the country's borders.

A legal opinion prepared by Advocate General Jan Mazak said that the law was not compatible with European Union laws which clearly state that companies can enjoy the free flow of goods and services across borders.

The second opinion was delivered by Advocate General Yves Bot, who commented on the Sweden's gambling laws.

Bot's opinion, however, was in exact contrast to his colleague, and said that the Swedish law that restricts the offering of gambling licenses to non-profit, Swedish based operations that spend their revenues on social causes, was in line with EU laws.

The two cases are just the latest in a long line of problematic opinions, making it difficult for gambling operators to know where they stand when trying to enter new markets.

Last week it was reported that the new European Commissioner, Michel Barnier would make it a priority to iron out these matters and draft a green paper on the issue.

Barnier called for a "new approach" to online gambling regulations and promised responses by the end of the year.

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