EGBA welcomes CJEU ruling on consumer protections

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has come out in support of a European Court of Justice (CJEU) ruling that found the European Commission (EC) acted within its rights when it issued guidelines to member states on how to protect consumers using online gambling services.

An objection by the Belgian Government, which claimed the EC had gone beyond its Treaty-based competences by issuing the guidelines, was rejected by the CJEU who determined the guidelines did not interfere with the right of Member States to regulate online gambling services.

“The guidelines, published in 2014, contain a number of practical recommendations aimed at fostering a high degree of consumer protection in Member States and prevent minors from online gambling,” the EGBA said.

While the guidelines are not legally binding, the EGBA said it supports the implementation of the guidelines as an important tool to encourage Member States to apply a high and consistent level of consumer protection for online gambling activity in the EU.

Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, said:

“We welcome the decision by the Court and strongly support the Commission’s guidelines for online gambling services which aim to protect consumers and minors across all EU Member States.”

“We now call upon the Commission to evaluate the implementation of its guidelines by Member States and identify any gaps and corrective action needed to encourage Member States to achieve a high level of consumer protection.”

The EC guidelines can be read here

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