France is preparing to bow to pressure from Brussels and agree to a partial liberalisation of its state-run betting monopolies. In a sign that it is backing away from a confrontation with the European Commission, Paris has said that it is willing to legalise internet gambling on horse racing and football. The move would give companies such as Sportingbet, the London-listed online bookmaker, a toehold in the EUR 25 billion (GBP 17.4 billion) annual Gallic gambling market.
The European Commission will set itself on collision course with France, Sweden and Greece today when it orders them to end lucrative state-run sports betting monopolies. Paris and Stockholm will be given a final chance to change their legislation or face court action, while Athens will receive an initial warning. Sweden has hinted at a willingness to compromise with Brussels, but the French say that they will defend state gambling operators against competition from the internet.
William Hill yesterday launched a fresh challenge against gambling monopolies in Europe by requesting a licence to open betting shops in Greece. The application was lodged with the Greek Government despite the fact that gaming company OPAP has a monopoly in what is seen as a hugely attractive market by Britain's bookies. However, if the licence is rejected - as expected - the company is prepared to go to the European courts in an attempt to challenge OPAP's monopoly.
Germany's top constitutional court upheld a state-run casino monopoly in Bavaria, ruling the law is properly designed to protect the public. The law restricting casino licenses is intended to combat addiction and doesn't violate the German Constitution, the Karlsruhe-based Federal Constitutional Court said in a faxed statement. Protecting consumers from crime related to gambling is a compelling state interest that justifies limiting the freedom of private businesses, the court said.
Maputo – The Polana Casino, the only gaming and gambling venue in the Mozambican capital of Maputo, wants to keep his monopoly in the Mozambican capital, the chairman of the casino’s board, Jacinto Veloso said Tuesday in Maputo. On Tuesday, the members of the commission on Economic Activities and Services of the Mozambican parliament, visited the casino in order to get suggestions for changes to revise the 1994 law.
