Brussels, 28/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 27 June, Internal Market Commissioner Michel Barnier revealed the broad thrust of his action plan on online gambling and betting - protection for consumers and the most vulnerable gamblers (minors), tackling the illegal provision of gambling, preventing fraud and sports bet fixing, and enforcement by member states of European law on access by gaming operators to the various markets of the EU.
The commissioner pledged to bring forward effective regulation and supervision, providing detailed responses and addressing the challenges identified in the consultation process (the Commission Green Paper dates from 24 March 2011) and proposing a clear “methodology for action”. Three main elements should be included in all future action: protecting consumers and citizens, preventing fraud and the integrity of sport. To protect citizens, a first requirement “is to develop a set of basic guarantees applicable throughout the whole Europe” and “develop a common European base of principles and measures of protection”. Children must be provided with even stronger protection, and gambling sites' age verification instruments and filter technology must be constantly kept under review. Responsible advertising, with clear signs that sites are not for minors, and a policy to address addiction and its social and health impact are avenues that have to be explored. The 4th money-laundering directive, due to be presented in the autumn and expected to focus more on online gambling and betting, should be applied to prevent fraud, the commissioner said. In terms of the integrity of sport, he felt that it was perhaps too early to think about a European definition of sports fraud and European criminal sanctions, which would be difficult to implement. He nonetheless promised action. On the “methodology”, administrative cooperation must first be developed among the member states, with the necessary framework being put in place and an expert group set up. He said, too, that the development of an attractive range of legal gambling opportunities had to be encouraged. And finally, European rules had to be observed. The Commission will continue to investigate “situations of non-compliance with the Treaty or the case law of the Court of Justice”, Barnier said. (SP/transl.rt)