In line with its political commitment to be more strategic in enforcing EU law, the European Commission has today decided to close its infringement procedures and the treatment of complaints in the area of online gambling.
The Court of Justice of the European Union has repeatedly recognised member states' rights to restrict gambling services where necessary to protect public interest objectives such as the protection of minors, the fight against gambling addiction and the combat of irregularities and fraud.
The Commission acknowledges the broader political legitimacy of the public interest objectives that member states are pursuing when regulating gambling services. The Commission also notes member states' efforts to modernise their online gambling legal frameworks, channel citizens' demand for gambling from unregulated offers to authorised and supervised websites and ensure that operators pay taxes. With that in mind, it is not a priority for the Commission to use its infringement powers to promote an EU Single Market in the area of online gambling services.
The Commission will continue to support member states in their efforts to modernise their national online gambling legal frameworks and to facilitate cooperation between national gambling regulators.
