The European Commission, which is the executive branch of the EU, has decided to pursue infringement proceedings against the Netherlands and Greece and to formally request them to remove gaming restrictions which were found inconsistent with EU law, according to a story with the European Gaming & Betting Association.
It is a move that is already being applauded by the EGBA.
"Totay's reasoned opinions send a clear signal that national gaming legislation, which does not serve any genuine consumer protection or public order interest, has no futures," said Sigrid Ligné, secretary general of the EGBA. "Leading European online operators are now calling on Greece and the Netherlands to implement sustainable reforms that will guarantee a fair, open and regulated market access."
Earlier this year the Dutch government announced plans to issue a three-year exclusive online gaming license to state operator Holland Casino and to force financial institutions to refuse payment transactions to/from EU licenses online gaming and betting operators. The end result would be somewhat similar to the U.S.' Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act, albeit with a state-run monopoly.
"These latest developments make the Commission's reasoned opinion even more relevant and highlight the need for market protectionist measures to end," Ligné said.
Meanwhile the EU's problem with Greece relates to the gaming monopoly granted to OPAP, a publicaly listed company which has over the years continued to maximize its profits and expanded beyond Greek borders while denying EU operators from having access to their market.
"These particular features of the Greek gaming monopoly and the clear discriminations against EU regulated competitors, left the Commission with no choice but to ensure the respect of basic EU market principles," said Ligné.
Related Articles:
- EU Moving on German Online Gambling Ban
- EGBA Challenges German Net Gambling Ban
- German Net Gambling Ban Begins Jan. 1
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Poker Stars and Full Tilt launch WSOP promotions
The two largest online poker rooms chose the same day to launch dueling promotions for the richest tournament series in poker - The 2008 World Series of Poker. Both Full Tilt Poker and Poker Stars revealed their extensive satellite schedules for a broad range ��...full article
The two largest online poker rooms chose the same day to launch dueling promotions for the richest tournament series in poker - The 2008 World Series of Poker. Both Full Tilt Poker and Poker Stars revealed their extensive satellite schedules for a broad range of WSOP events today.
For a full list of Full Tilt promotions, click here.
For a full list of Poker Stars promotions, click here.
Both rooms have developed a satellite schedule that caters to just about every conceivable bankroll level.
It remains to be seen whether or not the aggressive promotion of the WSOP by these two rooms can reverse the declining attendance trend witnessed last year.
Poker Room Review: Sky City Casino, Acoma, NM
I visited the Sky City Casino in Acoma, New Mexico after a playing session down the road at Route 66 Casino. Sky City is about 15 minutes further west, a little less than an hour west of Albuquerque on I-40 on the way to Gallup...
Betfair providing Irish Poker Open VIP packages
The renowned online poker room and sports betting site is currently hosting qualifiers for the Irish Open with 10 guaranteed VIP packages worth almost €6k each.
The impressive packages include the €4,500 buy-in to the 2008 Irish Poker Open, spending money to cover flights, accommodations and expenses, VIP trip to the Irish Grand National 2008 along with entry into Betfair Poker's exclusive WSOPE freeroll with one seat guaranteed to the WSOPE Main Event 2008.
Last year Betfair's newly signed pro Sorel Mizzi made it all the way to fourth place in the prestigious Irish tournament. Mizzi, or Imper1um as he's known online, made €400,000 in a four-way chop and is looking forward to representing Betfair this year.
Betfair Poker is one of the world's fastest growing online poker rooms. It is an independent site and not a part of any poker networks. It is owned and operated by the world's largest sports exchange. Betfair was the headline sponsor of the inaugural World Series of Poker Europe where Annette Obrestad was crowned queen and became the youngest WSOP bracelet in history. Obrestad, and now Mizzi, is a key part of the Betfair team which seems to be growing by the day.
To check out a PokerListings.com review of Betfair click here.
Related Articles:
- Betfair Signs Sorel Mizzi
- QWEASDZXC wins Betfair loyalty freeroll
- Betfair Player Freerolls to $100k Guaranteed Win
- Betfair Launches $100K Weekly Guaranteed
- Betfair Poker Sees $600k Cash Game
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2008 NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship, Round Three: Hershiser Makes Quarterfinals
The story of Round Three of the 2008 NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship was the continuing success of former LA Dodgers great Orel Hershiser. The drama that usually surrounds the road to the finals kicked into a fever...
National Heads Up Poker Championship down to quarterfinals
The NHUPC is currently in Day Three, with the original field of 64 now whittled down to 8. The big surprise of the field is former Major League pitcher Orel Hershiser, who is taking on Andy Bloch. The remainder of the matches are ��...full article
The NHUPC is currently in Day Three, with the original field of 64 now whittled down to 8. The big surprise of the field is former Major League pitcher Orel Hershiser, who is taking on Andy Bloch. The remainder of the matches are posted below.
Phil Ivey is also still alive, marking a nice run on the heels of his WPT win only days ago. For live reporting on HUPC, check out coverage here.
Match ups:
Jonathan Little vs. Chris Ferguson
Gus Hansen vs. Phil Ivey
Andy Bloch vs. Orel Hershiser
Huck Seed vs. David Benyamine
Official 2+2 thread for day three here.
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