Betsson pushes EU Commission to take action against Netherlands

Betsson has announced that it has written to the European Commission outlining what it calls the continued breach by the Dutch authorities of EU law.

The action follows five years of waiting for Holland to pass laws to bring its gambling regulatory framework in line with the EU and follows new stricter rules regarding unlicensed operators serving Dutch players that came into effect in June. 

The operator has argued that a compliant legal framework would remove the confusion and instability that it says the actions of the Dutch gaming authority, KSA, are currently creating for Dutch consumers.

Ulrik Bengtsson, chief executive and president of Betsson AB said: “Betsson view the ongoing confusion in the Dutch market as unacceptable; we have therefore submitted an official complaint to the European Commission.

“The current law in the Netherlands is not in line with EU law and we have therefore asked the Commission to re-open the infringement proceedings that were initiated against the Netherlands in 2006.”

Meanwhile Betsson’s competitor LeoVegas, which is also operational in the Netherlands, has announced it is expanding with the launch of its LeoVegas Sport platform in Denmark.

Denmark which regulated its gambling market in 2012, recently saw the European Commission clear the way for it to end Danske Spil’s monopoly on online bingo and horse race betting in the country.

“The launch of LeoVegas’ casino has been very successful and LeoVegas has established itself as a brand in Denmark.

“We see a clear growth potential for sports and strengthening, with today's launch, our offer in the Danish market. Our goal is to offer Denmark's fastest and most engaging sports gaming experience,” said Gustaf Hagman, Leovegas Group chief executive.

Related article: iGB Market Monitor April 2017: UK and Denmark (paywall)
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