Ashley Fox, MEP for Gibraltar, feels the territory’s i-gaming economy and regulatory framework should be emulated across the EU, a move which would further harmonise the industry across the EU and pose a threat to state monopolies.
“Gibraltar is host to a highly respected, European-focused online gambling industry, with high consumer safety standards and world-leading online gambling brands,” said Fox, writing for TheParliament.com.
“Licences are restricted to operators of high quality and reputation.”
Highlighting Gibraltar’s contribution to EU online gambling revenues, Fox added: “I believe there is great potential for the sector to contribute to the success of the single market, but the fragmentation that currently exists is putting a brake on its expansion.
“Certain member states operate under different licensing policies, some of which are discriminatory or overly burdensome, making it hard for operators to expand their business across the EU. This has led to a very piecemeal approach to regulating the sector, far from the ideal of a single market.
Citing the cross-border nature of the industry, Fox presses for harmonisation: “My report therefore pushes for convergence of national systems, so that operators, such as those in Gibraltar, can distribute their products across the EU.
“Greater EU co-operation will also improve consumer protection, help prevent money laundering and match fixing, and provide a forum for sharing best practice. I would also like to see the European Commission make progress with infringement cases that have been stalled for a number of years. For an effective single market, national regulatory frameworks must comply with EU law.”
The British MEP looks to a future with a system of common licensing, technical and consumer safety requirements, “so that operators in jurisdictions such as Gibraltar can expand their business across the EU more freely.”
