"The concerns expressed in the European Parliament Resolution are unfounded and it is disappointing that it does not more closely reflect the findings of the Europe Economics study that it commissioned to produce an independent report on these issues. In fact, the experience of Member States that regulate private sector remote gambling operators clearly disproves these negative remarks," the RGA claimed in a release.

"Gambling is recognized by the European Court of Justice as a legitimate economic service to which EU internal market rules apply. In particular this includes the right of service providers legitimately established in the EU to enjoy non-discriminatory access to the markets of other Member States The Parliament Opinion does not place enough emphasis on this issue," the release continued.

Clive Hawkswood, the RGA's Chief Executive noted that "from the beginning, the industry welcomed the initiative by the European Parliament to examine the integrity of the online gaming industry. We have a good story to tell if people are willing to hear it, but unfortunately many people have deeply ingrained anti-gambling prejudices and, of course, there are powerful vested interests that are opposed to the opening up of markets in the EU.

"The serious claims in this Resolution are highly detrimental to European-licensed operators, which already comply with stringent legislation and high standards of consumer protection and social responsibility. Moreover, it blindly ignores the findings of the Parliament's own study, prepared by Europe Economics# which demonstrates the lack of evidence to support many of these arguments."

 For this reason, the RGA welcomed the thrust of the alternative Resolution that was tabled by a minority opposition within the Parliament which calls for co-operation on online gambling standards in this sector, and for the European Commission to bring to a rapid conclusion the infringement proceedings that are outstanding against 10 Member States.

" We supported the main points of the alternative motion for the very reason that it did what the Opinion itself failed to do - it attempted to set the stage for an EU discussion on standards for both private and state gambling operators. The adopted resolution is more about the funding of sports and effectively protecting existing national gambling markets rather than the integrity of online gambling, which was meant to be its real purpose." stated Mr. Hawkswood.

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