Dutch Further Restrict Online Gambling

The Dutch government is increasing restrictions on internet gambling, not freeing them.  In a move that could provoke action from the EU, the Dutch are pressing the banks to exclude certain online gambling companies.  The Dutch are targeting what they call illegal online casinos.

In The Netherlands, it is illegal for a casino to offer gambling services without having a permit. Since very few permits have been issued, the online gambling companies, like Unibet and Oranje Casino, are illegal from the viewpoint of the government.  There are between thirty and fifty online gambling names on the list the government has compiled and the government wants the banks to halt services to these targets.

The only gambling entity that has a permit is De Lotto, the Dutch State Lotto.  This means that De Lotto is the only gaming entity that can legally offer internet gambling services in The Netherlands. 

The Dutch may be following a collision course with the EU, whose policies promote free competition.  A government spokeswoman has said that they feel that this is a Dutch issue and will only ask Dutch banks to participate in the ban.  The Dutch are effectively banning gambling companies from other EU countries from entering the Dutch market and this may result in a case before the European Court of Justice.

Posted: May 11, 2008

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