Brussels, 15/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), which represents 7 of the major European on-line operators, including PartyGaming and Unibet, has lodged a complaint at the European Commission against the German Interstate Treaty on gaming. This treaty has been applied since 1 January 2008 and places a ban on on-line gaming and betting, except for horse racing. It also bans companies based in other member states providing their services to German consumers. The EGBA believes that this document breaches Community law. Sigrid Ligné, the Secretary General of EGB affirmed in a press release that, “The German Interstate Treaty is incompatible with EU law, and its adoption has left us with no other choice but to make a formal complaint to the EU”. He also calls on the Commission to, “launch infringement proceedings against Germany”.
Asked about this case on 15 January, the spokesperson for Commissioner McCreevy (internal market), pointed out that an infringement procedure against the German authorities was launched last spring (EUROPE 9170). He indicated that at the time of the formal letter of notice, proceedings involved “a series of specific complaints” and the “Staatvertrage” signed by the German regions. He added that the Commission still had to decide whether it would pursue the matter or conclude its approach. (M.B.)