Online Casino Style: News - Romania Proposal a Bad One

10/15/2010		Online Casino Style - News: Romania Proposal a Bad One
Home History Games News Dictionary		Though the European Commission is rare to publish statements of opinion to the online gambling industry, they did see fit to step up and formally oppose proposals taking the stage in Romania this week, officially objecting to the most recent moves in the Romanian government as they plan to establish a discriminatory program for their ‘liberalized’ new internet casino market. The first draft of a bill presented to lawmakers has become available to the internet gambling press this week, causing an uproar not only in the Commission, but among industry analysts and players, as well. Though Romania’s reconsideration of their monopolistic laws had been inititated by complaints by the Commission and threats of the issue to escalate to court, their ‘solution’ has been deemed far from acceptable. The details of the proposal were so far from the mark that the Commission, in fact, has officially opposed the bill, issuing to the public a detailed opinion and suggested mandates for change before it should be voted on my the representatives of the government. As a member of the European Union, the existing changes would do little to bring Romania into compliance with trade laws, which dictate open trade of services and goods between member nations. Technically speaking, even if a majority were to vote in its favor, the law in its current form would not be able to be ratified. Speaking up is not only the Commission themselves, but also other interested European bodies, such as the European Gaming and Betting Association, long known to be an ally of the internet gambling community. “EGBA welcomes the Romanian government's willingness to reform its online gaming and betting market,” read a statement from the Association this week. The secretary general for the body, Sigrid Ligne said, “However, EGBA notes that Romania is the third country in the last 12 months to receive a detailed opinion from the European Commission and will have, as in the case of Denmark and Poland, to re-notify and adjust its draft legislation." The law would be built to be discriminatory, mandating that all online gambling companies be based in Romania (and therefore eliminating any need for open trade between nations.) Marketing and advertising alike would be prohibited for any groups not explicitly authorized. Online pool betting was also to be excluded from licensing, though all other types of betting were permissible in the bill.

10/15/2010

Online Casino Style - News:
Romania Proposal a Bad One

Though the European Commission is rare to publish statements of opinion to the online gambling industry, they did see fit to step up and formally oppose proposals taking the stage in Romania this week, officially objecting to the most recent moves in the Romanian government as they plan to establish a discriminatory program for their ‘liberalized’ new internet casino market.

The first draft of a bill presented to lawmakers has become available to the internet gambling press this week, causing an uproar not only in the Commission, but among industry analysts and players, as well. Though Romania’s reconsideration of their monopolistic laws had been inititated by complaints by the Commission and threats of the issue to escalate to court, their ‘solution’ has been deemed far from acceptable.

The details of the proposal were so far from the mark that the Commission, in fact, has officially opposed the bill, issuing to the public a detailed opinion and suggested mandates for change before it should be voted on my the representatives of the government. As a member of the European Union, the existing changes would do little to bring Romania into compliance with trade laws, which dictate open trade of services and goods between member nations.

Technically speaking, even if a majority were to vote in its favor, the law in its current form would not be able to be ratified. Speaking up is not only the Commission themselves, but also other interested European bodies, such as the European Gaming and Betting Association, long known to be an ally of the internet gambling community.

“EGBA welcomes the Romanian government's willingness to reform its online gaming and betting market,” read a statement from the Association this week. The secretary general for the body, Sigrid Ligne said, “However, EGBA notes that Romania is the third country in the last 12 months to receive a detailed opinion from the European Commission and will have, as in the case of Denmark and Poland, to re-notify and adjust its draft legislation."

The law would be built to be discriminatory, mandating that all online gambling companies be based in Romania (and therefore eliminating any need for open trade between nations.) Marketing and advertising alike would be prohibited for any groups not explicitly authorized. Online pool betting was also to be excluded from licensing, though all other types of betting were permissible in the bill.