ABB: UK Gambling Firms Face Unfair Competition

Gambling firms in the UK could be up against unfair levels of competition, it has been suggested.

British gambling companies are currently facing unfair levels of competition, an industry official has warned.

Andrew Lyman, senior executive at the Association of British Bookmakers, stated that firms in the UK are currently complying fully with EU regulations.

However, he believes that many European states are operating in defiance of EU competition laws, particularly those governing the free movement of goods and services.



Therefore, private sector operators are being excluded on the grounds of social responsibility.

According to Mr Lyman, this is negatively affecting the British gambling industry.

He commented: "The UK faces unfair competition from EU operators who can advertise into the UK, but who enjoy the protection of their own restrictive regimes."



Mr Lyman cited Sweden as an example of a country which has a restricted gambling market dominated by a state monopoly.



Recent reports have suggested that the Scandinavian nation could be about to relax its rules and allow foreign gaming companies to operate within its towns and cities.