EU Internal Markets Commissioner Responds to Betfair
The Telegraph has revealed that the market commissioner for Europe, Mr Charlie McCreevy has backed Betfair's claims that the Dutch Government's banning of their site contravenes EU internal market legislation.
In a move that will no doubt be favoured by both Betfair and other online gambling companies wishing to operate in the Netherlands, Mr McCreevy suggested "we believe the Dutch are in direct contravention of the rules of the internal markets" and furthermore that "the state has adopted a very protectionist approach to all forms of gambling."
Betfair have alleged that the Dutch Government's "protectionist" move is an act of desperation in order to protect their state monopoly on De Lotto, the state's lottery. McCreevy, who has past experience of EU countries protectionist attitudes towards online gambling, will be investigating the matter further, a move which again, no doubt provides some solace for Betfair.
Email this page
