The online gambling industry in Europe appreciated EU (European Union) Parliament’s adoption of the report prepared by Creutzmann. Statements regarding this matter have been released by RGA (Remote Gambling Association), which represents several internet gambling companies in the UK and EGBA (European Gaming and Betting Association). RGA stated that EU modified its policies pertaining to the licensed internet gambling sector of Europe.

One of the most significant clauses in the Creutzmann report is that infringement cases filed against Member States violating rules of EU’s licensing framework and internet gambling regulation have to be dealt with immediately.

Hawkswood States that the Licensed Private Internet Gambling Sector is Ready with Consumer Protection Standards

The CEO of RGA, Clive Hawkswood, stated that the licensed private internet gambling sector of European nations is all set to implement uniform consumer protection standards. After consulting with the European Committee for Standardization, uniform consumer protection standards were formulated through the Responsible Remote Gambling Measures. Hawkswood also pointed to a clause in the Creutzmann report which states that the policies to be introduced in the UK for applying licenses have to be non-discriminatory and transparent. Duplication of licensing requirements by Member States also will have to be stopped.

RGA said that the industry should not be very optimistic about online gambling’s future. There is no guarantee that by introducing a regulated licensing framework, things will go smooth in the online gambling scenario. The steps to be taken by the EU are still unclear. Online gambling operators have to wait until the green paper from EC is finalized. RGA said that the vote (EU Parliament) is not a legislative process.

EU Parliament Vote Appreciated by EGBA

The approval for the Creutzmann report by the EU Parliament has been highly appreciated by EGBA. The statement, which the association released, had similar opinions like those of RGA. EGBA’s general secretary, Sigrid Ligne said that it is crucial to proceed with the infringement cases as Member States are formulating their online gambling regimes without paying heed to EU rules. The more the Member States enforce changes, the more difficult it will be to bring about a change.

Ligne also stated that the Commission must make efforts to stop Internal Markets from getting fragmented. It should declare clearly that the EU law doesn’t allow protectionist regimes by separate nations.

Eyes Set on Michel Barnier Proceeding with Infringement Cases

EC is in the process of finalizing the Green Paper. Sigrid Ligne stated that the Green Paper has been formulated on the basis of what the EU parliament recommended after adopting the resolution. Michel Barnier is expected to deal with the infringement cases against Member States as soon as possible. EU Parliament’s vote serves as a clear message for Barnier that there should not be further delay in the proceedings of the long pending cases against certain Member Sates.

EU’s adoption of Creutzmann report holds tremendous significance for European online gambling operators offering products like online roulette through their casino sites.