Germany Bans Online Gambling!

Bad news for fans of German online gambling. The 16 German states have voted unanimously to approve a gambling treaty which bans online gambling in the country. Even worse, the new law went into effect on January 1st, 2008.

THE NEW LAW

The new law is designed to prevent online gambling companies from taking bets from German citizens. Banks and Internet service providers will be required to block payments, and online gambling is now prohibited in Germany.

Of course, this will no doubt be challenged by the online gambling industry. On top of that, the European Union will be steamed, as this is in direct opposition to their stance on online gambling and their desire to maintain a free flow of goods and services within the EU borders.

In fact, several constitutional lawyers have already stated that the new law goes against both the EU and the German constitution. Frankly, considering all the trouble that this has caused for the U.S., it’s something of a surprise that Germany would follow suit.

If the case is brought before the European Court of Justice (and it most certainly will be), it’s almost a certainty that the court will rule against the law. The only hope Germany has is to prove that the treaty is not protectionist . Good luck with that.

ULTERIOR MOTIVES

Is the German government really trying to help its citizens, or does it have an ulterior motive? Some have voiced their concern that this is simply a ploy to eliminate the competition for state lotteries.

According to Jens Schumann, Tipp24 AG Chairman, “Successful companies in the sphere of state lotteries are to be eliminated through the argument that this will protect the population from gambling addiction. Everyday you can see how seriously the state is really taking the issue by looking at betting outlets, casinos and amusement arcades, which continue to face no advertising restrictions.”

Things that make you go, “Hmmmmmm.”

JUST MY OPINION

Germany may find it hard to keep this new law afloat. While the United States can sit over in North America and thumb its nose at the rest of the globe, Germany is smack dab in the middle of Europe and will have to deal with the opposition every single day.

I have a feeling that the European Union is getting tired of dealing with all the crap which stems from gambling.

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Germany Bans Online Gambling!