European Casino Association exec calls for stronger action against illegal online gambling

European Casino Association vice-chair Prof Dietmar Hoscher addressed a conference hosted in Malta by think tank European Association for the Study of Gambling this week, calling for stronger national governmental enforcement measures against illegal operators, and claiming that the incidence of illegal online gambling is rising.

Hoscher acknowledged that illegal gambling has been effectively countered in some countries, but said that much remains to be done at national government levels throughout Europe.

The lack of effective enforcement leads to an undermining of consumer protection measures and regulatory efforts at national level, and puts tax contributions and funding for good causes at risk, he said, adding that unregulated and illegal activity also invites criminal participation and money laundering.

“Policy-makers, regulators and all stakeholders involved need to join forces and stop the provision of illegal online gambling,” Hoscher suggested.

“This requires strengthened enforcement of national gambling legislation through blacklists, IP blocking and payment blocking, as well as cooperation with online platforms and intermediaries. There is clearly a need and willingness to cooperate between regulators, the licensed gambling industry and other stakeholders to effectively tackle the issue.”

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