In certain EU countries there is no clear legal framework relating to Online Betting. These countries may inhibit or limit access to the online market for private companies in order to protect state monopolies regardless of the complete legality of their activities. This runs contrary to the Principles of the European Union and has led the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to reach a number of significant legal decisions in relationship to online betting. In two particular cases ("Gambelli" and "Placanica") the ECJ, in its role of safeguarding the interests of consumers within the EU, decided that a member state cannot restrict public access to a web site offering games of chance if at the same time it encourages its citizens to take part in state-run lotteries, games of chance or bets to the benefit of the public purse. The ECJ has therefore fully legitimized the Europe-wide operations of such companies that comply with the requisite regulations in their respective jurisdictions and have been granted with a license by the state in which they reside. Clients of such companies are consequently not contravening any law by using a European bookmaker which operates with a regulated license. |