[Blondie]

Online sportsbook news update: international operators ordered to block Dutch players

International gaming operators have been ordered by the Netherlands Supreme court to cease servicing Dutch players.

The ruling is the latest development in a legal battle between De Lotto—the only company licensed within the Netherlands to offer lotteries & traditional games of chance—and British operator Ladbrokes (SBR rating A). De Lotto contends that Ladbrokes' website and telephone betting services are unfair competition.

The high court also ruled that De Lotto's monopoly position does not violate European free trade agreements. The ruling includes provisions on penalties for operators in violation of the order whilst the legal battle wages on.

(CREDIT Radio Netherlands Worldwide)

[Hareeba!]

"unfair competition"

[Dark Horse]

The Netherlands offers the Lotto (six balls with numbers) and the Toto, which I believe is organized by the same Lotto syndicate. The 'unfair competition' would relate to the Toto. This is a weekly form with 13 soccer games, where players pick either team to win or a draw. Amazing that the Netherlands would go this far to protect that outdated form of gambling. And equally amazing that the European Union, whose rulings have totally f*cked up the once high quality of the Dutch national soccer league, would rule in favor of this monopoly. Not to mention that it's absurd to see a country where soft drugs and prostitution are legal block online gambling. I suppose online gambling companies need to learn to fine art of greasing politicians.

[Hareeba!]

So simply because it is a superior product from the consumer's viewpoint it is considered to be "unfair"?

Unfair to whom?

Is competition discouraged in all walks of business in Holland and/or the European Union?

No wonder they're in deep economic shit.

[Optional]

Old fashioned politicians who are out of touch, greased by old fashioned businessmen.

Same issue all over the world.