The Remote Gambling Association (RGA) has aired its concerns over the current Greek online gambling regime and called for the introduction of an “open, regulated and fairly taxed market” in the country.
The criticism comes just days after the country’s betting monopoly was declared legal by a ruling of the Greek Council of State.
In response to the ruling, the RGA said that a market that is open to multiple licensees would not only help protect customers under a national licensing system but also allow the Greek government to benefit from taxation paid by licensed operators.
Greek authorities partially opened up the online gambling market in 2012 by allowing 24 European Union-licensed operators to provide legal internet sports betting in the country, a decision that is estimated to generate €50 million ($66 million) in gross gambling revenue for the state this year.
However, national authorities now intend to close down the operators and create an online sports betting monopoly for national gambling firm OPAP, which was recently awarded the country’s sole horserace betting licence by the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund.
The RGA said this decision poses a number of issues that the European Commission should take into account.
These concerns include OPAP being inexperienced in the internet gambling sector, as well as the Greek government having failed to implement its own laws for the online gambling market and that the government has not followed the correct EU procedure for implanting legislation.
Sue Rossiter, RGA director of projects and policy, said: “The current situation for online gambling in Greece is damaging to the reputation of the Greek regulator and government.
“It puts customers at risk by encouraging them to use unlicensed operators if they do not want to be restricted to the limited offer of OPAP.
“That will inevitably deny the Greek Government millions of Euros in gambling and associated taxes.
“Holders of the 24 temporary licences have demonstrated that a well-regulated regime has benefits for all concerned.
“An extension of this limited freedom to a fully regulated and taxed market can only widen those benefits.
“In the absence of constructive progress to introduce an open, transparent and fair online gambling regime in Greece, the RGA will be relying on all legitimate options at its disposal, including legal challenges to the EU and the Greek courts, in order to get to a legal, clear, workable and fair resolution.”
source : www.igamingbusiness.com
