Confusion surrounds Germany gambling plans

2007-03-16 16:20:51

Earlier reports that Germany's proposed monopoly on betting would be upheld by the European Union have been denied by a senior official, prompting speculation regarding future events to continue.

The Sueddeutsche Zeitung paper had reported that a state monopoly on gambling was set to be approved, citing head of Rhineland-Palatinate state government office Martin Stadelmaier.

However, the paper also carried an opinion from EU internal market commissioner Charlie McCreevy, who said that no decision has yet been made, reports AFX.

Proposals to give German authorities control over all betting for the next three years are at the centre of the debate. Private companies would have to seek special arrangements with states in order to promote their products.

The state monopoly has already been in place within the country for some time, but is currently being probed by the EU.

However, a recent decision ruling that Italy's ban on foreign gambling firms was overruled by the EU would not affect Germany, it has been claimed.

"The situation in Italy is a completely different one. They have a partially open market, here in Germany we have a clear state monopoly, whose central goal it is to prevent gambling addiction," said a spokesman for the German lottery, speaking to Bloomberg.


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