EU hits back at Germany, Sweden bans
1st February, 2008
The European Union has initiated legal action against Germany and Sweden after they restricted access to online casino gambling services.
Both countries have in recent times stopped their citizens from accessing casino gambling websites based in other EU-member countries in what they claim is a move to protect social welfare.
But the EU has noted that both Germany and Sweden have state-run land-based casino monopolies, exposing them to allegations of hypocrisy and profiteering and leading to the latest round of legal wrangling.
The two countries now have until April to respond to a formal letter notifying them of their international trade obligations under EU law - and if no solution is reached the body has said it will take the matter to the European Court of Justice.
Welcoming the move, the European Gambling and Betting Association commented: "By commencing these broad proceedings only thirty days after the Treaty entered into force, the Commission shows its determination to fight restrictions and in particular prohibitions, which are not backed by genuine consumer protection or public order interests."
Stateside, Democrat Jim McDermott this week submitted a letter to the US congress urging them to repeal that country's ban on online gambling.
