Austrian Gvmnt Denies Gambling Monopoly
Published: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 Online-Casinos.com
AUSTRIAN GOVERNMENT DENIES IT HAS A GAMBLING MONOPOLY
And the finance minister uses online gaming availability as a counter-argument
In a Europe where online gambling companies are frequently in conflict with governments protecting lucrative state gambling monopolies, it made a change this week to see the industry portrayed as an alternative service proving that no monopoly existed!
It happened in Austria when the European Commission investigating restrictive cross border trade practices (those state monopolies) suggested that Austria was among those states which could be in conflict with EU practice.
Reuters reported this week that Austria's finance minister downplayed suggestions by the European Commission that a betting monopoly operated in the country, as Vienna faces a possible court case for refusing to open its gambling market.
"'Many European and worldwide providers offer gambling and betting in Austria via the Internet, so the question presents itself - what makes a monopoly in this sector, a sector where there is worldwide competition on the Internet," finance minister Karl-Heinz Grasser told reporters.
The Commission's internal market chief said many states were likely to face court action over gambling monopolies that make it difficult for others to compete. "It will be Austria, Italy and France on Thursday if everything goes according to plan," Charlie McCreevy told reporters.
The 25-nation EU's executive arm started legal action against Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Hungary in April and those proceedings will continue, McCreevy revealed. More countries could be joining the list.
An old favorite brought back under a new software brand, U.S. friendly.
Use just one account to access poker, sports book and casino gaming.
Excellent number of high-quality games and great support.
Nice sign-up and on-going bonuses with fast cash withdrawal processing.
Good selection of fun games including some new, innovative games on offer.
Huge sign-up bonus with reasonable wagering requirements and an excellent look and feel.
New players receive an insane 200% bonus up to $1000 free on both their first and second deposit.
New players offered up to $888 free in sign up bonuses, a special bonus available for blackjack players as well.
