The ministers from each of Germany’s 16 lander have decided to delay a decision on the new State Gambling Treaty. The verdict was expected today and has now been pushed back to October in the hope that every state decides to sign the treaty – something that isn’t terribly likely right now. According to eGaming Review, part of the reason for the delay is so that the decision of the EC on conformity with EU law is incorporated. Their decision is expected on 18 July. Following the meeting, Saxony-Anhalt’s prime minister, Reiner Haseloff, commented, “We [the states] are well on our way”.
One of those vehemently opposed to new legislation is Schleswig-Holstein in the north of the country where they’ve created their own draft proposal. Less restrictions and a more favorable tax rate means many gaming firms are favoring this proposal.
A spokesperson for Betfair said, “The European Commission has already approved an agreeable solution proposed by Schleswig-Holstein and we hope to see this adopted by the other German states.”
Research commissioned by Betfair was also released today. Professor Bernd Grzeszick, a professor in German law at the University of Heidelberg, commented that in its present guide the draft “will fail in any assessment by the ECJ as well as in national courts”.
The Betfair spokesperson added, “We are hopeful that the prime ministers use the remaining time available to them to agree on a legally watertight treaty that provides reputable private companies a fair market opportunity and protects German consumers against an uncontrolled black market.”
Nothing beats a bit of healthy competition, eh guys!
