Dutch ruling against foreign operators stirs up angry mob

The EU court’s ruling that Holland could bar foreign online gambling firms from offering their services to Dutch citizens has had the effect of kicking online gambling’s anthill. Grassroots organizations like Right2Bet have voiced their displeasure with both the EU court and the Dutch authorities. Former plaintiff Betfair has (for the moment) adopted a ‘if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em’ strategy, announcing that it will now apply for a legal license to operate in the Netherlands. Representatives from the European Gaming and Betting Association have gone on record as saying “The internet raises new questions and challenges that cannot be resolved through the judicial process.” Even Dutch voices are calling the situation unrealistic. What’s next? A global tulip boycott?