Recent release by the highest court in the European Union cites Germany for not complying with the laws when it comes to gambling. According to the verdict passed down by the European Union Court of Justice, the country is not working alongside the restrictions laid down by the European Union laws, citing that the monopoly of sporting bets and lotteries in the said country does not pursue the general objective of fighting the possible dangers of gambling in a “consistent and systematic manner.” The verdict read that German rules when it comes to sports betting show a restriction on the freedom to provide services as well as the freedom of establishment. Ultimately, it boils down to the idea that the country’s intensive advertising steps were basically geared towards maximizing the profits of gambling rather than protecting the public. In such circumstances, the Court ruled that the preventive goal of establishing monopoly in the country is no longer pursued, making the whole setting unreasonable. Reactions by concerned parties Different reactions from different parties come about in light of the recent ruling. Some are convinced that this will advocate the much needed changes in Germany while others are of the opinion that the decision will change nothing. The European Gaming And Betting Association (EGBA) welcomed this decision from the Court, citing that the ruling will start the necessary reforms for Germany. European Gaming And Betting Association is a lobby group that includes PartGaming and Bwin in its group roster. According to Sigrid Ligne, Secretary General for the EGBA, the decision is a “landmark ruling” that would create a decisive impact on the country. He added that other member states have already opened their markets for the reform and as a result, shows just how well consumers can benefit from these changes. He mentioned that through a market that is open for competitors and is well regulated, consumers have the chance to be better protected overall. On the other hand, the European Lotteries Association, a lobby group for national lotteries spanning about 40 nations were of a different opinion than EGBA. The Association commented that the ruling would not necessarily mean a reform in the German gambling industry, no matter how proponents of liberalisation would like to interpret the given ruling. According to the President for the European Lotteries Association Friedrich Stickler, the ruling did in no way start a reform in the gambling market of Germany. He added that the court only reminded Germany of the control it has to exert when it comes to gambling, more specifically to the more addictive forms like casino games and gaming machines. Whether or not changes will be implemented as a result of the Court ruling remains to be seen.
