Greek Gambling Bill Possibly Tucked Into Finance Bill

The financially troubled country Greece reportedly has placed a new set of gambling regulations into a critical financial bill, but the tactic mall fall into conflict with the rest of Europe.

Placing the bill into a must pass bill may make it easier to pass such reforms to online gambling, but the European Commission already objected one to the proposal earlier this year. If Greece tries to pass these laws again, it could see itself ending up in a complicated legal situation much in the same way as Germany with their online gambling law, which is to take effect next year.

If the European Commission finds Greece in violation, it could bring infringement charges against the Mediterranean country. Greece could then find itself in front of the European Court of Justice and be subjected to heavy fines and other forms of punishment.

A Betfair spokesman with knowledge of the bill said, "The (Greek) government is leaving itself exposed to complaints and infringement proceedings afterwards if they decide not to make the much-needed changes."

Clive Hawkswood, Chief Executive of the Remote Gambling Association said, "Greece may well think that (the gambling plans) are part of a wider range of things which Europe is pushing them forward on. Our chances of getting them to slow it down are pretty slim."