Leading lawyer attacks Turkish gambling stance

2007-03-07 16:37:45

One of Europe's most respected lawyers has hit out at new legislation from the Turkish government which outlaws online gambling.

Gamblers and operators alike now face the threat of imprisonment or fines under draconian new laws proposed last month, leading to a storm of criticism from observers.

With the European Court of Justice this week ruling that EU nations can not prevent online gambling companies who obtained their licences elsewhere on the continent from providing services in said countries, the new rulings could prove to be another stumbling block in Turkey's attempts to join the EU.

"The bill sets up the most authoritarian gaming regime in the western world. The bill rests primarily on financial considerations and state purse concerns," said Wistrand Law attorney and Stockholm University professor Dr Ola Wiklund.

Under the ruling, only companies approved by the Turkish government will be able to provide online gambling services.

"It is astonishing that this policy also allows the private shareholders of the state controlled undertakings to benefit. This would be wholly unacceptable within the EU," Dr Wiklund added.


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