Gambling trade body challenges Norwegian ban

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), comprising most of the major European gambling groups, has filed a submission in an Oslo court, challenging the Norwegian government’s decision to ban banks from processing of international financial transactions with gambling operators.

EGBA claims that any interference with such transactions is a contravention of European Union principles regarding the free movement of goods and services between member states.

Maarten Haijer, the managing director of the trade body, told local media that the ban was additionally a violation of Norwegian law, and in a Twitter post urged the Norwegian authorities to “design a policy for online gaming which is modern, protects consumers and reflects the reality of the digital age.”

The EGBA filing points out that under Norwegian law online gamblers do not commit an offence in using international gambling websites, but the government claims that the payment processing ban was a logical consequence imposed in conjunction with existing prohibitions on unlicensed gambling in Norway.

Source: reviewed-casinos.com