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Increased Pressure on Norway to end Gambling Ban - 07-09-09 |
July 9 - As the August deadline countdown begins for the Norwegian government to start implementing a payments ban to online gambling services, the country has been warned that such measures could be seen as a direct disregard for Europe's freedom of trade policies.
The EFTA Surveillance Authority reminded Norway this week that their proposed legislation which demands banks to ban the processing of payments to gambling operators via credit cards, transfers and all other forms, is totally incompatible with the rules of the internal gambling market.
Commenting on the government's intended moves, the Chief Executive of the Remote Gaming Association (RGA), Clive Hawkswood, said: "It is difficult to believe that the aim of the proposed measures is to protect consumers and restrict gambling given the Norwegian monopoly's appetite for recruiting new players and the extent of its marketing campaigns."
"The Norwegian authorities appear to be more motivated by the need to protect revenues from gambling, but this is not a justification to restrict the internal market rules," continued Hawkswood. "Norwegian consumers should have a right to choose from responsible gambling operators licensed in the EEA States, which are at present subject to discriminatory measures."
While the current government seems set on getting the legislation passed by August, much hope is being pinned on the general elections to be held on September 15th, that the law - if it goes through - will be overturned by a new ruling party.
"We hope the implementation of the regulations is delayed and that the new Norwegian government in September are prudent enough to revisit this issue as so many other European states have in creating access to markets," said Hawkswood.
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