Top EU court deals blow to online gaming

State-owned lotteries across the EU have claimed 'a great victory' against competition from internet gaming sites as the European Court of Justice gave its first ruling in a sports betting case, September 2009.

The judgment represents a significant setback for online gaming companies, who have been battling for years to break down barriers preventing them doing business in many EU countries.

EurActiv, 9.9.09: EU Court strikes blow to gambling industry http://www.euractiv.com/en/infosociety/eu-court-strikes-blow-gambling-industry/article-185245

Website: European Lotteries and Toto Association https://www.european-lotteries.org/

Website: Remote Gambling Association http://www.rga.eu.com/

RGA: Press Release, 8.9.09 http://www.rga.eu.com/shopping/images/RGA%20Santa%20casa%20ECJ%20press%20release%20-.pdf

Deutsche Welle, 9.9.09: Court ruling allows European countries to ban online betting sites http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4659330,00.html

European Betting Association: Homepage http://www.eu-ba.org/

EGBA: Press Release, 8.9.09 http://www.eu-ba.org/en/press/488

ECJ: Press Release, No.70, 2009: Judgment of the Court of Justice in Case C-42/07 Liga Portuguesa de Futebol Profissional (CA/LPFP) and Bwin International Limited v Departamento de Jogos da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa http://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2009-09/cp090070en.pdf

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