Monday, Dec. 18, 2006

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Italy poised to allow online gambling companies

By Erin Warner

Italy is expected to begin awarding gaming licenses to national and international Internet gambling companies within a matter of days.

The move comes as the European Commission is struggling to harmonize the online gambling policy of member nations. The organization is still facing resistance from countries that are trying to protect existing gambling and lottery monopolies.

Not a year ago, the Italian Ministry of Economics and Finance introduced a new law that would fine any local Internet service provider that allowed access to offshore gambling sites.

Gaming firms claimed the legislation was passed without due process and violated European law and sought to have the move reversed.

But now not only has Italy adopted a new stance on the issue, Spain is expected to follow suit shortly and Germany is also scheduled to make a critical decision on offshore Internet gambling licenses soon.

Paying close attention to Italy's shift are European nations such as Greece and Ireland.

According to European law, member states can restrict private gambling operators, but can't do so on a discriminatory basis to protect national revenue. The European Commission's stance is that many member states don't follow these guidelines.

Related Articles:

Italian Gov't Embroiled in Legal Dispute
Germany Considers Online Gambling Ban

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