AUTHOR: Jerry "Jet" Whittaker TITLE: EU Rules Against State Monopolies DATE: 5:06 AM ----- BODY: This sentence comes from a judgement made on the 6th of March by the
European Court of Justice in the case opposing British firm Stanley Leisure
Plc and Italy. The casino had opened a bookmaking shop there and was
criminally charged with not having an Italian gaming license. They argued
that their valid UK gaming licence was giving them the right to operate in
Italy based on the freedom of services clause that prevails within the
European Union. The Court of Justice favoured their stance. The Court's
decision is a milestone and will set a precedent for European countries
running state-controlled gaming monopolies: Even if French authorities keep
pursuing foreign gambling operators, it may now have little effect except
for accentuating the gap between national and European rules. Sooner or
later, harmonization will be needed, and it's Europe who will set the tone.
Nicolas Sarkozy, right-wing candidate running for the upcoming French
presidential race is already acknowledging the fact that France's stance
won't stand for long: "If the European laws prevail, we will have to tax the
foreign betting companies." In the meantime, French authorities are willing
to fire every bullet in the chamber to make sure that their monopoly is
protected, and their anti-gaming law is respected. After meetings with the
police, all the big French poker portals (news websites and communities such
as ClubPoker.net) are currently in the process of removing their advertising
banners and affiliate links. Even broadcasting of poker shows on TV is now
scrutinized, because of the heavy advertising material featured in it. --------