The European Gaming and Betting Associatio (EGBA) is the industry body representing the leading online casino and sports betting operators established, licensed and regulated within the European Union. EGBA promotes the implementation of a fair, competitive and regulated market for online gambling operators throughout Europe in line with EU law.
The EGBA presumes that this regulated market should be based on a valid public order and consumer protection concerns and be adapted to the cross-border nature of the online market. A successful regulated market would be based on effective European and international collaboration and cooperation. EGBA is composed of Europe’s top online casino games and sports betting operators, some of which are listed on the stock exchanges of London, Vienna and Stockholm.
The target of the organization are definitely in vulnerablity in Belgium as that country has decided to ignore recommendations from the European Commission and approve in principle. The Secretary General of EGBA, Sigrid Ligne, issued a statement, commenting on Belgium's disregard for E.U. treaty laws, “It is baffling that Belgium does not take into account the opinion of the European Commission that crucial elements of the law are in conflict with EC law requirements. And even more so with a view to the upcoming Belgian presidency of the EU; how can Belgium show leadership in the EU, if it blatantly chooses to ignore the EC Treaty?”.
A majority in the Belgian Parliament voted in favour of the law, Regardless of the objections were raised by some elected officials who brought to point the European Commission concerns including:
* The requirement for online operators to be established in Belgium
*The unjustified limitation of the number of available licenses
*The requirement to have a server located in Belgium
*Criminal sanctions on consumers wishing to play with EU licensed operators
Secretary General Sigrid Ligne went on to comment, "The law is not only highly questionable from a legal point of view," adding, "In the digital age, limiting the provision of online services only to those exploiting a betting shop or casino in Belgium doesn’t fit with reality. A high level of consumer protection can be achieved by specific and targeted legislation, not by protecting the operators with a vested interest in the current situation."
The new European Commissioner for internal markets, Michel Barnier, from France may have a difficult challenge ahead as he takes on the position from diligent predecessor, Charlie McCreevy. Legal action could be brought against the Belgium State by the E.C. when the law comes into effect.
The EGBA presumes that this regulated market should be based on a valid public order and consumer protection concerns and be adapted to the cross-border nature of the online market. A successful regulated market would be based on effective European and international collaboration and cooperation. EGBA is composed of Europe’s top online casino games and sports betting operators, some of which are listed on the stock exchanges of London, Vienna and Stockholm.The target of the organization are definitely in vulnerablity in Belgium as that country has decided to ignore recommendations from the European Commission and approve in principle. The Secretary General of EGBA, Sigrid Ligne, issued a statement, commenting on Belgium's disregard for E.U. treaty laws, “It is baffling that Belgium does not take into account the opinion of the European Commission that crucial elements of the law are in conflict with EC law requirements. And even more so with a view to the upcoming Belgian presidency of the EU; how can Belgium show leadership in the EU, if it blatantly chooses to ignore the EC Treaty?”.
A majority in the Belgian Parliament voted in favour of the law, Regardless of the objections were raised by some elected officials who brought to point the European Commission concerns including:
* The requirement for online operators to be established in Belgium
*The unjustified limitation of the number of available licenses
*The requirement to have a server located in Belgium
*Criminal sanctions on consumers wishing to play with EU licensed operators
Secretary General Sigrid Ligne went on to comment, "The law is not only highly questionable from a legal point of view," adding, "In the digital age, limiting the provision of online services only to those exploiting a betting shop or casino in Belgium doesn’t fit with reality. A high level of consumer protection can be achieved by specific and targeted legislation, not by protecting the operators with a vested interest in the current situation."
The new European Commissioner for internal markets, Michel Barnier, from France may have a difficult challenge ahead as he takes on the position from diligent predecessor, Charlie McCreevy. Legal action could be brought against the Belgium State by the E.C. when the law comes into effect.
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