An Austrian gambling and baccarat company that intended to operate Europe-wide got its banning reversed in the state of Hessen, Germany. The Court of Appeal argued that “it is impossible to enforce a ban on Internet gambling and so such a ban is ‘null and void’”.
In only a few weeks, German states are expected to ban Internet sports betting across the country. This is complicated since some European countries seek to control online gambling while the European Union institutions try to promote free trade across borders.
The Austrian company, BWIN Interactive, also had troubled in France: the company’s two CEO were arrested after making a formal complaint on France’s gambling monopoly. They were later released.
Germany and France are the ones that are stronger on keeping state monopolies on gambling. Still, their monopolies have been undermined by EU pressure. In France, the Cour de Cassation –highest court in the nation- ended up ruling that Zeturf, a Maltese company, could operate in France.
An Austrian gambling and baccarat company that intended to operate Europe-wide got its banning reversed in the state of Hessen, Germany. The Court of Appeal argued that “it is impossible to enforce a ban on Internet gambling and so such a ban is ‘null and void’”.