EU tells German states to rethink online gambling ban

Following news that the European Commission had come down on Denmark, Finland and Hungary for the online gambling restrictions, German states are now being targeted by the commission for their online gambling ban plans.

A European Union official confirmed to Reuters on Friday that certain German states are being asked to reconsider their plans to ban online gambling or face possible legal action.

The notice gives those state governments a month to change a draft treaty on the issue.

This is the latest clash between the EU and member countries who are restricting online gambling to only state-owned monopolies, which violates EU law.

In Germany's case, the states in question had banned all online lotteries and sports betting, but still allowed horse race betting online. It was this inconsistency that helped lead to the commission's decision.

According to the commission official, the EU thinks Germany's proposed total ban is disproportionate, and there are less restrictive measures such as mandatory prior registration and strict guarantees on identification.

courtesy of Sarah Polson

News Added: 25 March, 2007

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