The European Gaming and Betting Association has welcomed the European Commission's decision to take action following proposed changes to the Finnish Lotteries Act.
The new proposals include greater restrictions on indirect marketing of gambling services for operators without a Finnish licence. However, these will restrictions are not being applied to the Finnish government’s own gambling activities.
In response to the plans, the European Commission has issued formal comments against the changes.
"This shows all too clearly that the Finnish authorities have for the past two years - during which the Commission has been delaying Finland’s referral to the European Court of Justice - enhanced their protectionist legislation rather than removed it," commented Sigrid Ligne, secretary general of the EGBA.
"The rights of EU licensed gaming and betting operators as well as those of Finnish newspapers and media have been ignored for too long and the situation is only deteriorating. The Commission’s patience has clearly not paid off. We now call on the Guardian of the Treaty to defend our rights and bring Finland to the ECJ."
