The European Commission has given Denmark one month to amend draft legislation regulating online gambling in the nation and bring it into line with European Union law.

The Danish draft law was submitted to the European Commission in July and the body ruled that the nation has until November 9 to respond to its detailed opinion against the proposals.

The European Commission found that the new law would, if implemented, create barriers to trade, services or establishment within the European Union and Denmark is now forbidden from adopting the draft legislation under the threat of infringement proceedings being launched.

The detailed opinion from the European Commission found that the licensing regime proposed under the draft legislation failed to take into account securities and controls already offered by other jurisdictions, which is in conflict with the jurisprudence of the European Court Of Justice. In addition, the body ruled against a prohibition on non-residents participating in Danish licensed games in addition to the introduction of ISP and financial transactions blocking alongside a marketing ban. Finnaly, the European Commission ruled against the continued Danish State monopoly on inter alia pool betting for horse racing.

“We support the Danish government's intention to move towards a regulated opening of the online gaming market but this has to be done in compliance with European Commission law requirements,” said Sigrid Ligne, Secretary General for the European Gambling And Betting Association lobby group.

“We welcome the European Commission´s continued resolve to ensure that all gaming and betting legislation in the European Union complies with the core principles of the European Commission Treaty.

“We would welcome an opportunity to share our expertise and knowledge of other licensing regimes in the European Union to ensure an effective regime can be introduced at the earliest opportunity.”


Source: iGamingBusiness.com