Sport betting monopolies threatened

The European Commission released an order for Greece, Sweden and France in which they've been asked to end their monopolies in lucrative state-run sports betting. Greece received for now only an initial warning, while France and Sweden are given a final chance to change their legislation regarding sports betting monopolies.

In case Paris and Stockholm refuse to change their legislation and open their online sport betting market, at least partially, the European Commission announced that they are ready to take action with the European Court of Justice. This of course does not concern the national lottery, with it's unchallenged monopoly.

Until now, Sweden implied they are considering a compromise with Brussels. However, Paris declared that they intend to continue to protect state gambling operators against competition from the internet.