European Commission quashes return of expert gambling group
Request to reinstate the European Union’s Expert Group on Gambling Services is denied despite impassioned plea from 14 regulators
The European Commission (EC) has declined to re-establish its Expert Group on Gambling Services despite calls from 14 international regulators requesting the group’s return.
Responding to a letter from Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) chairman René Jansen, the EC said it would not reverse a December 2017 decision to fold the expert group, which previously served as a platform to facilitate the exchange of information between regulators.
The Expert Group on Gambling Services was responsible for the EC’s 2014 recommendation on consumer protection in online gambling, something which still serves as a guideline for EU operators today.
However, it was disbanded in 2017 despite its good track record in fostering cooperation between gambling regulators.
As justification, the EC said the European Union Court of Justice (CJEU) made just 20 judgments in respect of gambling cases over the last 30 years.
“At this stage, our Directorate General does not intend to reverse this decision and to reinstate the Expert Group on Gambling Services under its responsibility,” wrote Jean-Yves Muylle of the EC in response.
“However, the letter you sent us addresses many different policy issues which are related to gambling but fall under the responsibility of other Commission services, such as in the areas of anti-money laundering, consumer and youth protection, the prevention of addiction or issues of taxation.
“I therefore encourage you to get in touch with these departments for those matters that fall under their competency,” he added.
In a letter first sent to the EC in February, representatives from 14 European regulators called for the reinstatement of the group, explaining there was a “clear need and benefit” in doing so.
The group highlighted several proposed legislatory changes to EU law on which the group would be able to provide advice to regulators, including the fifth AML directive, digital taxation, proposals for a European online ID system and the increased use of AI technology.
“Participation in the expert group was valuable both for developing and maintaining contacts, as well as creating an atmosphere of trust and cooperation on the basis of which mutually beneficial exchanges of experiences and good practices developed,” the regulators stated.
“The work of the expert group was particularly successful.
“We achieved results which benefited consumers, national authorities and the gambling sector and the active participation in the group also demonstrated that member states are well equipped and willing to achieve positive outcomes together.
“And we still believe this to be the case,” the letter added.
Signatories to the letter included the KSA, the Malta Gaming Authority, Belgium Gaming Commission, France’s ANJ and Spain’s DGOJ.
Representatives from Denmark, Poland, Latvia, Cyprus and Ireland also signed the letter.