Euro Casino

They say that patience is a virtue, and some people have learned that it may be true as they continue to wait for the next word on Europe’s regulatory changes governing the online casino gambling industry. So far, the discussion in the European Union has not encountered a semblance of consistency. This shows how difficult the European Commission’s task is – trying to harmonize the rules so that it comes out as fair to the parties involved, the operators of European online casinos as well as the gaming public. The internet gambling industry has yet to decide whether to wait until specific and clear-cut rules and policies are in place in the European Union or move forward and proceed with business as usual.

If a legal framework is not yet established in the soonest time possible, the real threat is losing much-valued gamblers to unregulated and unlicensed online casinos that are usually located offshore and can often offer better rates. This is according to Sigrid Ligne, the Secretary General of the European Betting and Gaming Association. Furthermore, the EGBA commented that European Parliament members should be made aware of the urgency of the situation and that there really is a need to tackle the issue and move forward. With defined and specific policies still blurry, the online casino industry is on a wait and see basis.

The European Parliament’s meeting, held last June 27, was chaired by Michael Barnier, Internal Market commissioner and focused on mapping out a course of action involving the online casino gambling industry, and ensuring that the internet gambling public is protected based on the consumer protection act, and that licensing requirements are clear-cut and feasible. Ascertaining what is legal and what is not is the first step toward ensuring that laws are followed and that no violations are taking place.

Tags: European Union