RGA and EGBA issue joint Greek complaint
Concerns surround non-notification regarding extension of OPAP monopoly.
Major egaming lobby groups the Remote Gambling Association (RGA) and European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) have filed a joint complaint to the European Commission in the light of the lack of transparency concerning the extension of OPAP’s monopoly.
In a joint release sent this morning the groups express their concerns about the “non-notification” of measures expected to result in the extension of OPAP’s monopoly in the EU country until 2030, while again questioning the compliance of Greek regulations with EU law.
A joint statement argues: “This process has shown a disdain for EU law and has been wholly non-transparent. The failure to notify the Commission…reflects that.”
OPAP’s monopoly covers 13 games of chance, and plans to extend it for a further 10 years were approved by the European Commission last month. OPAP’s licence to operate 35,000 video lottery terminals has also received an extension, until 2022.
In September, CJEU advocate general Jan Mazak slammed OPAP’s “Expansionist commercial policy,” saying: “In my view … the activities of OPAP are neither subject to strict control by the public authorities nor effectively limited by the legislative framework applicable to it.”
His stance was backed by lobbyists, and today EGBA secretary general Sigrid Ligné said: “We trust [EC Commissioner Michel Barnier] will urgently investigate our complaint and take action accordingly against Greece as well as on several other pending complaints.
Ligné referenced the fact that “Commissioner Barnier recently confirmed that the he would take his responsibilities seriously in ensuring the compliance of Member States’ gambling legislation with EU law,” alluding to last month’s EC action plan on online gambling.
Earlier today, Betfair became the first listed operator to announce plans to withdraw from the Greek market, calling for “greater clarity” regarding the existing legislative framework and explaining that it continues to work with the RGA “To achieve legislation that allows fair competition in the market.”
RGA chief executive Clive Hawkswood said today: “When the Greek Government said it was going to license and regulate the domestic online gambling market we welcomed this as a positive step. However, instead of encouraging the development of a competitive and well-regulated market, the Greek Government and Gaming Commission are blocking major European private operators from it.
“We therefore look to the Commission, as guardian of the Treaties, to ensure that Greece follows the correct procedures and that the laws that it is seeking to introduce are fully compliant with EU law,” added Hawkswood.