EGBA files complaint against Norway Gaming Authority’s payment blocking scheme
Association says the system breaches data and human rights laws by using personal banking information
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has filed a formal complaint against the Norwegian Gaming Authority’s payment blocking process, alleging it has breached local data laws.
The EGBA, which represents firms including bet365, Betsson and GVC, claims the NGA breached both the European Convention on Human Rights and Norwegian data protection laws by obtaining banking details of seven companies deemed to be facilitating gambling transactions and subsequently trying to block them.
The affected companies included global payment providers like Worldpay.
EGBA secretary general Maarten Haijer said: “In this case we believe the NGA has made a clear breach of data protection rules which the Norwegian Data Protection Inspectorate (DPI) should investigate and take appropriate action if necessary.
“The data protection rules for online gambling companies are very stringent, and these companies are rightly expected and forced to comply with those rules – but the law requires the same from public authorities like the NGA,” he added.
The trade body has filed its complaint with the Norwegian DPI and has requested the regulatory body investigates the payment blocking scheme.
Kindred and ComeOn previously told EGR the block had had no impact on their Norwegian customers and they were still able to provide services to the country.