The online gambling news regarding regulations and proposals set forth by the EU are two fold:  Member countries that presently restrict access to their gambling markets will have court proceedings brought against them and consumer protection regulations will be set forth for all members to adhere to.

With regard to the blocking of free access to its gambling markets on the part of some European nations, the abstinence is based on the governments’ inabilities to cease and desist from its monopolistic policies.  These policies are put in place under the guise of protecting its citizens.  However, in reality, this could not be further from the true reason for the stance.  The latest online gambling news indicates that online gambling provides huge revenues for these countries, and they would suffer financially if the monopoly that they hold on gambling in these respective countries was broken and free access to the gambling markets was permitted.   It is EU law that free market policies are followed, so it will be interesting to watch over the next few months as the EU takes countries, such as Italy, to court over its blatant violations of the laws of the Union.

The second recommendation that has come to light on the part of the EU is the adoption of a common set of rules in the area of consumer protection in the arena of online gambling.  This is a 180 degree stance switch from its previously held opinions.  Prior online gambling news articles reported that the EU had always supported the fact that online gambling decisions should be decided at national levels.

By altering its stance, the European Union has taken a hard line on levelling the online gambling law throughout Europe. With Italy and France regulating their own online gambling markets and Denmark, Spain and Germany looking to do the same, the European Union has set down its directives.  This online gambling news should prove to be provocative as we move into the New Year.