The newly appointed Internal Market Commissioner Michel Barnier has promised to address the situation of gaming and betting at EU level.
According to a report filed by TimesofMalta.com, confusion over online gambling in EU member states is set to be ironed out by Barnier. Soon after taking on his responsibilities, Barnier announced he planned to address the matter and instructed the European Commission services to draft a green paper on the issue.
According to the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), while addressing members of the European Parliament last month, Commissioner Barnier confirmed that the analysis of the Commission Legal Service regarding the most recent European Court of Justice ruling (Santa Casa, C-42/09) does not change fundamentally the Commission’s approach towards infringement procedures.
The Commissioner said that the Santa Casa ruling of 8 September 2009 was based on considerations specific to Portugal and to its national monopoly operator. The Commission will therefore continue to examine the compliance of national legislation with EU law on a case-by-case basis.
EGBA also strongly supports the Commissioner’s intention to engage in a broad consultation with stakeholders and to work on a political document, based on reliable figures and a clear diagnosis of the situation in Europe.
The Commissioner raised the prospect of a Green Paper on gambling, a move which EGBA believes could offer a real opportunity to test the interest and support of the European Parliament and Member States for future EU harmonisation in the sector.
