European Union Debates Online Gambling Restrictions

“Can and must be regulated” is the title of the Facebook debate page on online gambling. This social networking venue does provide valuable interaction and opinions on this very difficult subject, but does it come to any hard and fast conclusions, no. That's the job of politicians and lawmakers who are struggling with the facts and figures. On one hand there is proof that regulation and licensing works to the benefit of the consumer and the public purse as in the United Kingdom. On the other hand proof is evident in the opposite example in the USA where prohibition has created an underground online gambling economy where the money leaves for parts unknown and the government looses out on taxing the funds. In Europe the debate rages on as to how to make it fair for all members in the European Union. British Conservative, Malcolm Harbour, who is Chair of the Internal Market Committee, said recently in a response to questions from members of the E.U.'s parliament, “it is absolutely the right time for the Commission to be coming out with a clear strategy”. adding that online gambling. “can be regulated and must be regulated.” Harbour pointed out the importance of giving the people the right to a choice, “We must also respect our citizens and the fact that many of them want to access online gambling” “it can’t be right to ban online gambling with a company from outside your own country.” Conversely, German Socialist, Evelyne Gebhardt, stated, “member states should not be forced to open market up if their controls are strong and effective and we want the Commission to finally understand this.” Michel Barnier the new internal markets commissioner was quick to respond, “make no mistake; I have come to talk about a new approach.” Barnier went on to say, “these are not services just like any other. Fighting cross-border crime without a European approach is impossible. We have to have strict limits so that minors can’t play and on this we need E.U. coordination.”