Croatia warned by EUROMAT to suspend controversial gambling legislation due to potential EU law violation
Hey there! This article dives into the latest stir caused by EUROMAT over Croatia's new gambling legislation. Buckle up, buddy!
The Skinny
- EUROMAT voices discontent over Croatia's new gambling act changes
- New regulations involve ID verification, increased fees, and advertising restrictions
- Failure to comply with EU law could lead to law suspension
Lucas Dunn, a seasoned copywriter hailing from New Jersey, dishes out casino, software provider, and game reviews, news, and blogs. With a writing career spanning over six years, Lucas works with clients worldwide, from the US to South Africa and Canada. Before diving headfirst into the gambling scene, Lucas earned a psychology degree from Rutgers University. Looking for a change of pace, he took up painting, following in his ol' man's footsteps. Nowadays, Lucas writes full-time, while occasionally picking up his brush.
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Now, let's dig deeper into the EUROMAT debacle.
The What and Why Behind EUROMAT's Concerns
- Missed Notification: EUROMAT argues that Croatia skipped the required notification procedure under Directive (EU) 2015/1535, which entails using the Technical Regulation Information System (TRIS) to inform the European Commission about planned reforms potentially impacting the internal market.
- Regulation Overhaul: The planned amendments enforce strict regulations like player ID checks, self-exclusion lists, limitation on gambling venue locations and operating hours, advertising restrictions (across online, audiovisual, and radio platforms), and increased license fees and taxes.
The Implications for EU Law Compliance
- Market Access and Competition: EUROMAT frets that these measures might restrict market access and hinder the free movement of services within the EU, potentially violating internal market principles.
- Legal Certainty: Insufficient notification weakens legal certainty, compromising businesses' ability to invest and operate in Europe. EUROMAT underscores that unilateral disregard for notification procedures sets a questionable precedent.
- Potential Legal Consequences: Non-compliance with EU procedures can result in legal ramifications, such as potential legal challenges or even the suspension of the reforms. History reveals similar gambling laws were challenged in 2014, leading to their withdrawal.
The EUROMAT and Other Stakeholders' Response
- Formal Objection: EUROMAT has filed a formal objection to the European Commission over Croatia's reforms.
- Support from Other Groups: The Croatian Association of Gambling Operators (HUBPS) has also raised concerns, emphasizing potential job losses due to the reforms.
In conclusion, EUROMAT's concerns shed light on the significance of adhering to EU procedures to maintain a fair and competitive internal market. The predicament underscores the need for EU member states to follow notification requirements to steer clear of legal hurdles and ensure market accessibility.
- Lucas Dunn, the experienced copywriter, covers casino, software provider, and game reviews, news, and blogs, and has a background in psychology from Rutgers University.
- EUROMAT wants to address the missed notification by Croatia under Directive (EU) 2015/1535, which requires the use of the Technical Regulation Information System (TRIS) to inform the European Commission about planned reforms impacting the internal market.
- The gambling operator is concerned that Croatia's proposed amendments could violate internal market principles by restricting market access and hinder free movement of services, such as through ID checks, self-exclusion lists, location and operating hour limitations, advertising restrictions, and increased fees.
- Non-compliance with EU procedures might lead to legal repercussions for Croatia, including potential legal challenges or the suspension of the reforms, as evidenced by similar gambling laws in 2014 being withdrawn due to legal challenges.
