Dutch Attempt To Curtail Online Gambling Banking

Published: Thursday, August 20, 2009 Online-Casinos.com

Rumours have been circulating in the world of online gambling that Dutch political leaders are pulling some strings and demanding yet again that British banks refuse to process the transactions of Dutch online wagering customers.

Ernst Hirsch Ballin, the Dutch Minister of Justice, wrote earlier in 2009 to British banks suggesting that the Dutch government might try legal measures if requests to reject online gambling transactions of Dutch residents were not heeded.

There is uncertainty over whether the Dutch demand is backed by any existing Dutch legislation. Justin Franssen, a Dutch gaming law expert, stated then, "The minister literally said that if he finds out that the letter to the banks is having no effect then he intends to put legislation in place. He is admitting that there is no legislation or no legal basis for this. "

The European Commission is less than positive about any attempt to control and in this case ban companies from doing business who are also members of the European Union.

The Royal Bank of Scotland caved into the demand and complied, possibly because it reportedly has substantial Dutch interests. The Dutch government had selected the Royal Bank of Scotland as its primary bank, giving RBS responsibility for around 66 million transactions per year. Now it is rumoured by the Dutch press that Barclays Bank may be prepared to comply with the Dutch governments suggestions. Barclays appears to be giving no real information on the question, reporting that it would ensure its clients were aware of the provisions of the Dutch Gaming Act. The Dutch government is already under legal attack from the U.K. betting exchange firm Betfair. It is becoming very clear that the wishes of politicans in many countries in the world are doing what ever they can to influence the rules of internet wagering with empty threats and little more.