Gambling firms focusing on Europe

2007-04-30 17:02:48

A number of gambling firms are continuing to focus on Europe for the foreseeable future despite the growing opposition to the US Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act [UIGEA] currently being mobilised across the Atlantic, it has been revealed.

British group the Remote Gaming Association (RGA) reportedly refused to back a move against the UIGEA by congressman Barney Frank last week, E-Gaming Review reports.

The organisation believed that putting its weight behind the move may do more harm than good.

"Do we think our involvement could tip the scales? No. Look at it from the opposite angle. Did US involvement in the lobbying effort for the UK supercasino help at all? Or was it rather a hindrance?" said RGA chief executive Clive Hawkswood, the Review notes.

"It's a question of priorities and resources. There is movement in Europe at the moment, with the EU behind us, so that is what we are concentrating on," added a Ladbrokes spokesperson.

Recent developments in the European market have included Poland legalising online poker and gambling and the EU ruling that firms operating in one member state have the right to provide online gambling services in another.


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