European Commission Slams German Online Gambling Proposals

Although it welcomes certain changes, the European Commission said it requires more information on planned restrictions.

Reuters reports that revised proposals concerning a new internet gambling treaty in 15 German states has been criticized by the European Commission.

The EC reportedly said it was not furnished with enough information to justify a ban on online casino and poker games. The German states in question claim that these games are addictive, could be rigged and could be used for money laundering.

The EC warns it could take an infringement action against the states if the proposed law proves to excessively curb competition and restrict the freedom of European operators.

However, the EC did praise certain changes that the states have made regarding stake sizes and the number of licences required to avoid a saturation of the market.

A state monopoly on online gambling is currently held by Germany's 16 states. This latest law, backed by 15 states, would grant 20 nationwide licenses to sports betting companies. The remaining state, Schleswig-Holstein, passed its own gambling legislation in 2011.