Benefit of EU Control
Some online casinos and gambling companies are quick to reject the idea that the
European government should control and regulate internet sportsbetting
throughout the EU in efforts to provide more protections to internet gamblers
and punters. And even though some of the objections are perfectly valid, there
is also a strong and persuasive argument for the control of the European online
sportsbetting market at a European government level. The issue is gaining
prominence right now because the European Parliament is set to debate the topic
at the next session and make a firm decision one way or the other – and each
side wants to ensure that their side of the argument has been voiced.
A huge concern that could very well turn the tide of the debate in the favor of
European control over the online casino sportsbetting industry are arguments
that involve match-fixing concerns and statistics. Arlene McCarthy, the
Committee Chair, noted decisively that “match fixing is as old as sporting
matches, but new technology opens up new risks for fraud alongside the positive
opportunities it presents.” Because of the constant release of new technologies
and developments, some argue that only one central control unite, operated by
the European government, could effectively ensure that all of the online casinos
and sportsbetting sites are using fair odds, and operating with the bounds of
the law in terms of fixing odds on sporting matches.
Additionally, identity fraud is a big concern for the gamblers at online casinos
and internet sportsbetting sites. Some support European control over the
internet gambling industry for the very fact that one main source could also
effectively ensure that betting companies are meeting age restrictions on
gambling as well as maintaining standards in the handling of personal and
private data such as credit card details, addresses, and phone numbers. There is
no denying that those supporters of a European controlled market have a point:
the online betting industry could stand to have a set of minimum standards put
in place as a way to protect gamblers. |