European Union officials met recently to discuss regulated online gambling and the so-called “black market.” Today they released a green paper with their findings and recommendations. It has been praised by some in the industry and criticized by others.
In the report, the EU officials say that of the nearly 15,000 online gambling websites in Europe, less than 15% of them are fully licensed. They said that a significant portion of them are operating in a black market, either operating with no license or possessing a license for some countries but conducting in business in countries where they are not permitted.
The green paper proposes few solutions and instead asks a lot of questions. It is intended to re-open the debate on regulating online gambling operators in the European Union. Whether the EU should do the regulation or if it should be done at a per-state level has been and will continue to be a hot topic.
Michael Barnier, the EU internal market commissioner, said that they have “launched an ambitious consultation with no predetermined views on its possible follow-up.” He also stressed that the purpose of their meeting was not “about liberalization of the market. It is about ensuring that the market for online gambling within the EU is well-regulated for all.”
The report was criticized from all sides. The European Gaming and Betting Association, which wants a sweeping EU approach to regulation, said that they are “concerned that the focus appears to be on a national rather than an EU approach.” Others worry that EU regulation would take power way from the member states.
