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 The European Union (EU) published a Green Paper on online gambling yesterday. The document which serves an invitation for public consultation on online gambling services in the EU's internal market was greeted enthusiastically by the online gambling industry. The consultation seeks to address "all relevant public policy challenges and possible internal market issues resulting from the rapid development of both licit and unlawful online gambling offers directed at citizens located in the EU," according to a draft copy of the Green Paper. While these issues are all well and good many still have concerns that the paper does not address concerns about the national vs. cross-border issues involved.
Sigrid Ligné, secretary general of the European Gaming and Betting Association, commented on the paper saying, "We welcome the Commission coming forward with a Green Paper and a factual discussion on all aspects of online gambling. We are deeply concerned though that the focus of the paper seems to be on a national rather than an EU approach despite the clear cross-border nature of this sector."
The online gambling is expected to be worth an estimated €12 billion across the union by 2013.
Malcom Harbour, UK MEP and chairman of the European Parliament's internal market and consumer protection committee, noted that, "Online gambling is a cross-border issue and it needs a clear EU framework in order to fulfil its potential.
"At the moment there is a patchwork of licensing regimes or state monopolies across the EU and a lack of clear legislation is leaving important decisions to be made by the courts."
The EU will be accepting responses to the Green Paper from now until July 31st. Once all the information is thoroughly assessed by the Commission it will determine follow-up action. If you are a member of the online gambling industry we strongly suggest that you let the EU know that cross-border issues need to be addressed at some point in the near future.
As always, stay tuned to Casinofan for more news and updates.
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