Unibet has welcomed the European Commission's decision to launch an investigation into the Swedish poker monopoly, Svenska Spel.
As one of Sweden’s largest privately owned gambling operators, Unibet has argued during the last 10 years for a regulated web-gaming industry with "equal opportunities" for private and state-owned operators.
In 2006, the Swedish government granted Svenska Spel a poker licence, which expanded its monopoly while simultaneously prevented EU-licensed operators from offering their online poker services in the north European country.
This is the second proceeding opened against Sweden’s protectionist gaming legislation. A first procedure focusing on sports betting restrictions was launched in 2006.
The next step in this infringement proceeding would be the referral to the
European Court of Justice.
"We welcome this important action from the European Commission," commented Petter Nylander, Unibet CEO. "It is a big step forward for…the whole gambling sector towards a modern, regulated gambling market."
