Jul
9th

RGA and EGBA Challenge Belgian Legislation

The Remote Gambling Association (RGA) which represents some of Europe’s most prestigious remote gambling firms and the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) have combined to fight a proposed new Belgian law by lodging a complaint to the European Commission against this new gambling legislation which they feel is not compliant with European Union law.

RGA and EGBA filed the complaint two weeks ago as they are of the opinion that there are a number of elements in the new gambling legislation which are designed to protect Belgium’s domestic operators from any legitimate competition. Their opinion is based on the fact that all new entrants seeking to offer online gambling are being subjected to unacceptable barriers as the new law insists that applicants seeking an online license need to first obtain an offline license and participate actively in the offline market. This demand is being made despite the fact that almost all of the European remote gambling operators do not conduct land-based businesses.

Another requirement is for new online applicants to duplicate their infrastructure by locating servers and relevant personnel in permanent establishments in Belgium even though foreign operators are subject to obligations and safeguards in their member state of establishment.

It is felt that the Belgium authorities are asserting their capacity to judge the integrity of private operators while denying the ability of other countries to do so.

The complaints lodged will provide the Commission with solid legal arguments to challenge the Belgian legislation and it is hoped that the Commission will fulfill its duty as guardian of EU law by taking action to remedy this abuse as soon as possible.

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