EU Commission acts to remove sports betting obstacles in Denmark, Finland and Hungary

The European Commission has requested that Denmark, Finland and Hungary change their laws to allow open competition in the sports betting market.

The restrictions these nations have placed on betting within their borders are contrary to existing EU law, according to the Commission. The nations also failed to demonstrate that the restrictions are "necessary, proportionate and non-discriminatory."

The Commission does not consider the existing, legal national operators in these countries to be non-profit operators, since they are required to meet revenue objectives and they advertise gambling products.

The European Court of Justice has stated that nations may only seek restrictions that are "consistent and systematic."

"A Member State cannot invoke the need to restrict its citizens' access to betting services if at the same time it incites and encourages them to participate in state lotteries, games of chance or betting which benefits the state's finances."

If Denmark, Finland or Hungary do not reply to the Commission's request within two months, the Commission may refer the case to the European Court of Justice.