The European Commission has issued a detailed opinion against the Greek draft law on online gambling.
The detailed opinion, issued yesterday, confirms that the commission has strong concerns about the compatibility of the draft Greek legislation with EU law.
The European Gaming and Betting Association has identified a number of provisions, which are highly doubtful under EU law. These include: the requirement for EU licensed online gaming companies to be established in Greece; the requirement to have a bank guarantee from a bank established in Greece; limiting the number of available licences; opening the tendering procedure only to capital companies with a minimum paid-up capital; and limiting financial transfers via local banks or local branches of international banks only.
According to Sigrid Ligné, secretary general of EGBA: “We share the Commission’s assessment of the Greek draft regulation. The requirements in the current draft are highly questionable under EU law and this begs the question as to how viable the future market will be for EU licensed operators.” Ligné added: “We call on the Greek authorities to amend their draft legislation and clarify these crucial points.”
Greece, which introduced a draft legislation to regulate online gambling in September 2010, saw the draft notified to the European Commission and Member States on April 5, 2011. Yesterday’s detailed opinions extend the standstill period until August 8, during which Greece cannot adopt its draft regulation. Greece is required to reply to the Commission’s views. If it fails to take into account the Commission’s objections, the Commission could decide to launch infringement proceedings.
