Offshore web-betting blacklist row erupts

UK online betting companies are urging the European Commission to stop the Italian government blocking access to offshore internet gambling businesses.

The Remote Gambling Association (RGA), whose members include 888, Betfair and William Hill, is seeking legal advice after the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance approved a law to fine ISPs when people access offshore gambling sites.

Under the Italian Finance Act 2006, which came in to force on 1 January, Italian internet service providers could be fined up to £120,000 each time they allow someone to bet with a 'blacklisted' company.

To make the law effective, a number of decrees were passed earlier this month in Rome, which said from 24 February ISPs must block access to around 500 sites.

But three years ago, a European court ruled that member states are not allowed to block cross-border gambling services other than on grounds of moral objections.

And according to the RGA, those decrees should have been approved by the EC prior to the law coming into effect.

A spokesman for the RGA told silicon.com: "We were pretty horrified. We've been surprised at how quickly they moved to implement it. But the decrees should have gone through the European Commission.

"They have charged on without doing that so they are sure to come to blows with the EC. The question is whether we can get some interjection before Friday."

The RGA has asked the EC to prevent the restrictions as it argues Italian consumers will suffer from reduced competition.

The Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance did not respond to a request for comment.