Friday, April 7, 2006

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Ladbrokes applies for Swedish poker license

By Lianne Elias

Ladbrokes is set to challenge the Swedish government's monopoly on poker when it applies for a license to run its online poker room, Ladbrokes Poker, in Sweden. The British Internet gaming firm this week announced its intention to apply for a license following the launch of an online poker room by state-run company, Svenska Spel, which was authorized to create its site without any competitive process.

In a Financial Times article, Ladbrokes said it has undertaken "to abide by all social commitments required under Svenska Spel's license," and will consider legal action if the Swedish government rejects its application.

European Union (EU) law requires member states to uphold an atmosphere of free and fair competition for all EU firms unless there are legitimate social concerns.

"We hope the Swedish government refers to European law when considering our application…If our application is rejected, we will consider legal action," Ladbrokes eGaming managing director John O'Reilly said.

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