Unibet welcomes the long-awaited decision taken by the European Commission to launch a large-scale investigation into the sports betting market in 7 Member States. Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy and The Netherlands will be investigated over national legislation preventing private-owned sports betting operators to supply or to advertise their services in the light of the Gambelli jurisprudence of the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
The Commission has serious doubts whether restrictions in these markets are aimed at reducing gambling opportunities rather than protecting revenues for the State budget. “We are welcoming this important action from the European Commission. It is a big step forward for Unibet and the whole gambling sector towards a demonopolised, regulated gambling market in Europe. This vindicates Unibet’s decision to sue the Swedish State in 2003.” “This is really good news for us and for everyone in these countries who is interested in betting. They will now benefit from better prices and better products”, says Unibet’s CEO Petter Nylander.