Netherlands, Greece Enter Second Stage of Infringement Proceedings

The European Commission today sent letters of formal notice to the Netherlands and Greece, commencing the second stage of infringement proceedings that were initiated in April 2006 and June 2007, respectively.

Greece has been given two months to adjust its legislation governing cross-border sports betting, games of chance and advertising related to these services, while the Netherlands -- also given a two-month deadline -- has been instructed to loosen legislative restrictions on cross-border sports betting and related advertising.

In Greece today, shares in Athens-listed OPAP were down 1.3 percent to 22.50 euros after earlier hitting a historical low of 22.10 euros.

OPAP Chief Executive Christos Hadjiemmanuil told Reuters that its monopoly is constitutionally protected and that it would use "all available means" to protect its position.

Meanwhile, Tjeerd Veenstra, chief executive of Dutch state lottery De Lotto, told IGN that the news from Brussels came as no surprise.

"We expected it -- the European Commission, especially (Internal Market Commissioner) McCreevy, is very consistent in his approach," he said. "It seems that he has set his sights on one, big, pan-European betting market. From that line, he's very consequent in his actions."

Veenstra forcefully reiterated a long-held opinion that the commission was prompted by commercial European bookmakers to open the investigation -- Ladbrokes, in particular, with whom De Lotto has a colorful history.

The commission stated however that in its decision to issue reasoned opinions, it considered "the recent introduction of new addictive games, intensive and increasing advertising and the absence of concrete measures against gambling addiction" in both countries.

These factors taken together, the commission said, "constitute clear evidence of the absence of a consistent and systematic policy aimed at genuinely reducing gambling opportunities."

Responding to today's news, Ladbrokes PR Director Ciaran O'Brien told IGN that the company was "pleased" its complaint to the commission regarding Dutch gambling law is being acted upon.

"This is further evidence that the EU Commission will act when state laws relating to betting and gaming are protectionist," he added.

Veenstra said that should the proceedings end up before the European Court of Justice, he was confident the court would find that Dutch law was in line with European community law.