The Regulatory Scene in Europe

The regulatory scene in Europe seems to be improving for the online casino and gambling industry, according to a report by eCOGRA. eCOGRA stand for the e-Commerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance and it is an independent entity for player protection and business standards for the online gaming industry.

eCOGRA Chief Executive Andrew Beveridge feels that the European governments are loosening their position on online gaming and competition. They are beginning to acknowledge the high standards adhered to by the online casino operators.

The European nations are beginning to soften their positions due to the willingness of the betting companies to litigate. The state gambling monopolies are in violation of the EU standards regarding competition and they know it.

eCOGRA has worked for years to develop adherence to its high standards. Beveridge says they have developed standards that will meet the requirements of most any jurisdiction and that they have been highly effective. He also admits that there are problems in some nations, like Germany, The Netherlands, Norway and Finland, but goes on to point out that the situations are improving in Italy, Spain, France, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, and Greece where state controls are being loosened.

Bwin is the gambling company that has challenged many of the anticompetitive policies of the state monopolies and many nations have loosened some of their controls rather than face the European Court of Justice.

Beveridge also notes that South Africa has agreed to allow online gambling and goes on to say that the situation is the United States is still confusing. It is still hopeful that they will end UIGEA and move to regulation of online gambling. He feels that online casinos that merit the eCOGRA seal will meet the requirements of most jurisdictions.

Posted: May 24, 2008

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