Bookmaker News

The European Communities Court of Justice (ECCJ) has given its verdict and found Italy guilty of a breach of the general principle of transparency and of the renewal of licences for betting on horse racing, in spite of the liberalisation of its market.

En fact, Italy has only granted 1,000 licences to allow companies to offer bets on horse races while renewing 300 existing licences that had been granted for around ten years, without any invitations to tender.

Italy has justified its decision by raising arguments such as public order imperatives, consumer protection issues, the prohibition of illegal betting and the financial stability of betting companies.