Jul 16 - Government Welcomes European Commission Report On Online Gambling
The Government has said that it welcomes the Recommendation of the European Commission on Common Principles for the protection of consumers using online gambling services and the prevention of underage gambling. Responsible cooperation and regulation is essential, it says, in ensuring real consumer protection across borders.
Speaking yesterday, Gibraltar's Minister for Gaming, Albert Isola, said:
“These principles reflect the existing regulations in Gibraltar for ensuring online gaming services are safe and reliable. For nearly two decades Gibraltar has helped set the standards for online gaming and we will continue to do so. It is pleasing to see amongst the Recommendations so much of what we already do, and that Gibraltar’s own proposal for national self-exclusion registers has been adopted by the Commission.”
It is important to note, says the Government, that Gibraltar only licenses some 30 operators, all with long and established backgrounds and reputations in the remote gambling industry. These companies operate lawfully in the US, Australia and across Europe, reflecting their quality and commitment to maintaining best standards.
In March 2013, the Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, spoke to the European Parliament and proposed ‘a common database for all self-excluded customers’ and endorsed the emerging conclusions of the European Parliament and European Commission for the better protection of remote gambling consumers and underage persons.
Commenting on the EU report Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner Phill Brear said: “We have worked with the European Commission since 2011 to assist in the development of these Recommendations. We are one of few jurisdictions in the EU with substantive experience in the subject. While it would have been welcome if the Commission had gone further and resolved many other aspects of the market for remote gambling, these principles are a step in the right direction. Gibraltar licence holders are the ‘top drawer’ of the remote gambling industry and much of what is recommended is already firmly in place here.”
The Recommendation covers many aspects of consumer protection including registration and identity verification processes, the offer of deposit and time limits for gambling, responsible advertising guidelines, the provision of advice on preventing problem gambling or seeking help and advice for problem gamblers, taking breaks from gambling and having proper regulation and supervision of gambling companies; all established principles of the existing Gibraltar regulatory model.
The Government says that it looks forward to continuing to work with the European Commission, European and other regulatory authorities in this important area.
