Opinion: EC needs actions rather than words

Consumers vote with their feet, and on the internet that is even more evident. Instant access, transparency and the lack of geographical limits of the Internet have empowered consumers to constantly pursue the best on offer. In the highly competitive international market of online gambling, providers have to supply the finest product portfolio to keep customers interested.

This may sound obvious, but the importance of the European Commission concluding that without an attractive legal offer, consumers will turn to unregulated and thus unprotected websites is paramount. It shows that there is an understanding of how the market functions at EU level and that simply piling on the regulatory and taxation burden on operators with each new national regulation is not sustainable.

For the European Gaming and Betting Association, representing EU licensed and regulated online gambling operators, this is music to our ears. We very much welcome the decision, also shared by the European Parliament, that EU action is required for this inherently cross border market. This decision was by far the biggest hurdle in addressing the current regulatory fragmentation across the EU, translating into a multiplication of requirements, unnecessary costs and administrative burdens that bring nothing added in terms of consumer protection.

But disappointingly, the Commission has not followed through with a proper regulatory approach, rather limiting itself to proposing a series of non-legislative initiatives. Even if they address some concerns, non-legislative actions cannot overcome the core challenges of fragmentation of the market that the industry faces today. Nevertheless, EGBA considers that the proposed recommendations on consumer protection, advertising and match fixing are constructive first steps, and is actively sharing the experience of the industry to make sure that these instruments will be effective. They will also provide solid foundations for the new Commission coming into office after the summer of 2014.

EGBA will redouble its efforts as watchdog, reminding the Commission to execute its duties as Guardian of the Treaties and restore legal certainty for the online gambling sector in Europe. Compliance with EU law is the cornerstone of the EU and a prerequisite for any successful gambling policy. Last year the Commission announced it will undertake appropriate measures against any of the 20 Member States subject to an infringement case or new complaint if they persist in breaching EU law with their gambling legislation. Taking Member States to the Court of Justice of the European Union can no longer be avoided.

These and other actions will be on the EGBA priority list for the next year. In recent years the perception of the online gambling industry has changed significantly in Brussels. This year the first small but important steps towards EU action are being set. EGBA will continue to promote more steps towards a single set of rules for the gambling industry in the EU, where critical consumers can enjoy access to a save and attractive offer of EU licensed operators.