1. European Economic and Social Committee Preliminary Draft Opinion on the Green Paper on online gambling in the Internal Market Stefano Mallia EESC Rapporteur 6 September 2011

2. Main considerations influencing the Opinion
Multi-billion industry
Services used by millions of EU consumers over the web
Growing segment
Characterised by:
Illegal and unauthorised offerings
Different national legislation and numerous ECJ rulings
Lack of EU-wide data
Exposure of consumers and minors

3. Objectives
EU wide framework that will offer consumers a minimum (not low) level of protection
More legal certainty is developed & balance is found between public interest objectives and internal market principles
Avoid duplication of conditions when operators apply for licences in the different Member States
Engage in an effective EU-wide fight against the illegal operators

4. Proposals
Creation of an EU framework in the form of EU consumer protection legislation
Setting up of a unique ‘EU Secure Gambling’ mark
Formalised structure of cooperation at EU level between Member States
Establishing a white list of licensed operators
Extension of the Money Laundering Directive
Streamlining of effort to monitor sport betting

5. Proposals
Development of a common framework of conditions set in national licenses to avoid duplication
Study to identify the impact of cross-border offers on sport funding
Set EU wide common data collection requirements
More-in depth analysis to develop more effective enforcement measures

6. Timeframes 1st preliminary draft discussed 26th July
Submission of 2nd draft 17th August
2nd draft to be discussed 6th September
Discussion & vote at INT section 3rd October
Discussion & vote at Plenary 26th October

7. Thank you for your attention Stefano Mallia European Economic and Social Committee Rue Belliard Brussels Belgium