SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Swedish online gambling laws will face the scrutiny of the European Court of Justice (ECJ), after European Commission (EC) stated that Sweden did not comply with European business practices and legislation.
At present state owned gambling operator Svenska Spel, has exclusive rights to offer online gambling services in Sweden. The EC stated that Sweden had breached European business regulation concerning restrictive monopoly and the free movement of goods and services within the European Union.
The EC stated that the Swedish government and gambling authorities should look to clarify their position with regards to regulating an online gambling industry.
Sweden’s Minister of Public Administration Ardalan Shekarabi responded to the EC claims last Friday by stating that the government intended to speed its implementation of an online gambling framework and new licensing system.
The European Commission’s move was lauded as a “breakthrough decision” by the European Gaming & Betting Association, which represents leading privately-owned online betting and gaming operators.
“This is a breakthrough that shows a strong commitment to upholding fundamental European freedoms,” Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, said in a statement
The EC had stated in November 2013 that it would look to investigate online gambling licensing procedures in Belgium, Poland, Romania and Czech Republic in order for national frameworks to meet European business market and regulatory conditions.
