Bwin Lawyer Responds to Arrests

PARIS, France –- (PRESS RELEASE) -- In the bwin case, France is acting in a "disproportionate and illegitimate manner", says Frederic Manin, the French lawyer of bwin Co-CEOs Manfred Bodner and Norbert Teufelberger who are still being held in France.

"In essence, all of this is more than objectionable", the lawyer explained, "as French law is incompatible with European Community law."

"To assert itself against the activities of a company such as bwin in France, the French State must apply a consistent gaming policy and prove that the monopoly is the only way to protect the purposes of public order", Mr. Manin specifies.

bwin is alleged to have violated the lottery and betting monopoly held by La Francaise des Jeux (FDJ) and PMU in France.

"If FDJ had a low profile, it might be acceptable", the bwin advisor underscores. "But FDJ has launched a full-fledge diversification campaign, boasts a two-digit annual growth rate and, through its Euro Million game, is reaching out to countries other than France."

"The interest of FDJ is solely financial", Mr. Manin asserts. "If you let FDJ grow, then other gaming companies should also be allowed into France."

The order to appear before the examining magistrate of Nanterre at the beginning of the week was issued to the two bwin Co-CEOs on Saturday.