Recently, the European Union Commissioner Michele Barnier published an article called “Make Online Gambling Safe” in the Times of Malta newspaper. The entire European Union commission and gambling industry is seeing this as the EC’s new action report. However, this article does not contain anything that its players and legislature does not already know, which undercuts the enthusiasm for this new action plan. It began by showing that Europe is the biggest as well as the fastest growing global market for Internet gaming. Currently, there are nearly 7,000,000 users in Europe alone, and those revenues are expected to surpass €13 billion by 2015. With online gaming available on all types of computers and mobile devices, there are currently about 15,000 different sites available for online gaming. The problem is, more than 85% of those 15,000 websites are not licensed, which can lead to catastrophic consequences, including money-laundering, fraudulent activity and gambling addictions.
The EC discussion concerning online gaming last year stated that European governments still face the same issues when it comes to protecting players as well as preventing fraudulent activity. However, because the nature of this beast does not have orders, it makes it increasingly difficult to regulate online gaming individually. There is an overall distaste for the lack of cooperation with a number of regulators for national gambling, which prevented legislation for European gambling regulations. Currently, Barnier presented a new preview of this action plan, with a European framework in place, with a variety of principles, actions and options for protections, bold for players and websites. The problem is, he backed away from the idea of creating a law that will regulate online gambling throughout Europe. This is an extreme disappointment to the entire gambling industry, because they have been waiting for this action plan to be put in place.
When it comes to consumer protection, it is claimed the children are the most vulnerable, because 75% of all citizens in the European Union that are under the age of 17 currently use the Internet. This will lead to software developments of age verification, filters for content, responsible advertising and much more. It is also a platform to assist and prevent problem gambling, because those individuals and families need to be protected from unscrupulous gambling websites. There will also be legislation for application of finding cures and treatments as well as understanding problem gambling, to ensure that they can develop a limited and stay within it. He is also stating that when it comes to regular gamers, they need to avoid fraudulent activities, which may single settlement amount and take advantage of them. Often, this is based upon individuals who enjoy fair play and competition in the world of online gaming, and may have higher than average balances. Although it has yet to take effect, the action plan is anticipated to crack down on websites that are currently unregulated, are illegal as well as developing alternatives that are legal within the online gambling market. They want to ensure a safe and supervised experience for every player, ensuring their entertainment and their bank accounts are protected.