E.U. Orders Germany To Do Away With Betting Monopoly

Germany and the European Union disagree over whether or not Germany’s state run gambling operations are a violation of the E.U.’s laws on the matter. Gambling is a very lucrative industry for the country and subsequently, the powers that be re very hesitant about allowing in competition. It looks like that may soon change. Germany may be forced to let private gambling companies into the once protected industry.

Sports wagering and lotteries are currently under the sole control of Germany. The thought behind keeping these industries closed was that doing so would make things safer for the consumers. There would be less chance for fraudulent activity. However, Offshore companies have begun to threaten Germany’s tight grip. Online gambling websites can operate freely on islands such as Gibraltar where they would gain access to German citizens.

The E.U. judges shot down Germany’s claims of consumer protection for the gambling industry by noting that  a great deal of advertising is allowed, enticing individuals to gamble and that the games offered are very addictive.  One judge wrote, “In such circumstances, the preventive objective of that monopoly can no longer be pursued, so that the monopoly ceases to be justifiable,” the court said. Many people believe that this will spell the demise of the state dominated gambling industry. Of course, only time will tell. 

Source: www.nytimes.com

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