Netherlands to clamp down on internet gambling
13th May, 2008
Authorities in the Netherlands are gearing up to launch a new campaign against illegal casino gambling websites.
Swedish online gamer Unibet and Dutch firm Oranje Casino are believed to be among the targets, with Dutch authorities accusing both of running illegitimate websites in the country.
"It is illegal to offer gambling services in the Netherlands without a permit," Reuters quoted a Justice Ministry spokeswoman as saying. "These companies know they break the law."
State-run sweepstake De Lotto is the only company that is permitted to offer internet-based gambling services but according to analysts a growing number of online casinos are emerging in the country.
The Dutch upper house last month defeated a bill that would have permitted Holland Casino to trial a commercial gambling website - a move which the EU condemned as stifling competition.
In February, the economic community gave Greece and the Netherlands what it described as a final legal warning about the regulation of their casino gaming markets.
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By Chris M
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