Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001371/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Peter Agius (PPE)
Since the Commission’s step back from infringement proceedings on gambling in 2017, Member States have imposed domestic barriers that hinder free movement, which is now leading to a surreal state of conflicting court rulings in different jurisdictions, with little recourse to references for preliminary rulings.
This is painfully demonstrated in judgments recently handed down by Maltese and Austrian courts regarding losing bidders’ actions for reimbursement.
This legal jungle solely benefits illegal operators, who now enjoy the biggest market share in online gambling.
This clearly exposes players to greater risks, since rogue traders are unfettered by player protection rules.
Third-party litigation funding (TPLF) bids are flourishing, exploiting fragmentation and consumer vulnerability, which further destabilise the market.
Given the significant risks to consumers, EU jobs and EU competitiveness, can the Commission:
- 1.express itself on the situation described, as well as on the urgent need for the rule of EU law in gaming through active enforcement of single market rules, thus ensuring regulatory consistency, safeguarding free movement and protecting consumers within the single market?
- 2.express itself on the need to act on Parliament’s formal calls to regulate TPLF practices?
Supporter[1]
Submitted: 1.4.2025
- [1] This question is supported by a Member other than the author: Michalis Hadjipantela (PPE)