Home / Poker News May 2009 / The Future of online poker and gambling in Europe
The Future of online poker and gambling in Europe
Posted by: James Carter - Sat, 2009-05-16 03:14
Inspired by the UIGEA and despite the generally clear EU directives defining the status of online gambling and
online poker in the EU, several member states have attempted and keep on trying to push through legislation which would either subject online gambling and poker to state monopoly or would make them illegal altogether.
The
Netherlands is one of the countries which are confronted with increasing adversity on the part of the European Commission in regards to the UIGEA-like stance it has taken towards online poker and gambling. The problems started with the letter that Justice Minister Ernst Hirsch Ballin sent to a number of financial institutions demanding that they prevent funds-transfer between Dutch citizens and foreign online gambling and poker operations. The move came as poorly disguised shot at protecting state-run gambling interests and it almost immediately stirred trouble. British betting exchange giant Betfair was the first respond to the Dutch Government’s legal moves. The sports betting company promptly sued the Dutch government and filed a complaint with the EC. The EC has clearly pointed out that threatening banks with legal action in regards to the blocking of transactions between Dutch citizens and foreign gambling companies is a direct and flagrant breach of the EU trade laws.
Finland is another country keen on protecting its state-run gambling. Since the EU has made it clear that no direct prohibition of foreign-based live or online gambling will be accepted in any shape or form, the Finns are now exploring alternative ways to limit the reach of such companies in the country. The Finnish Parliament is set to adopt a law later this year, which will ban all advertising related to gambling and poker. The ban will include live and online gambling as well as foreign and domestic companies.
Russia, where poker is legally classified as a ‘sport’, has designated special areas where casinos and other luck-based gambling operations are legally allowed. Chance-based games will be illegal in other parts of Russia starting July 1st, if President Dmitry Medvedev gets his way. The ban does not include poker operations. These will have to be licensed to function nonetheless.
