lotto bremen sparks EC's legal action against malta
EU Commission Initiates Legal Action Against Malta in the Context of 'Bill 55' Controversy, as DLTB Embraces the Ensuing Proceedings
A sizzling Situation
- DLTB Press Release_ EU Law Violation.pdf (145 kB)
DLTB Praises EU Commission's Initiation of Legal Proceedings Against Malta Over "Bill 55"
The German Lottery and Betting Cartel (DLTB) cheers the European Commission's kickoff of a legal battle against Malta, centering on the Maltese "Bill 55." This controversial law change, enforced in 2023's summer, aims to bar enforcement actions against licensed gambling service providers across EU member states. The DLTB denounces this move as a flagrant breach of EU law and an encroachment on other member states' gaming regulations.
"Today's action by the European Commission is a powerful statement for upholding European legal standards and protecting our nation's gambling framework," states Michael Barth, Managing Director of Bremer Toto and Lotto GmbH and DLTB spokesperson. "We eagerly anticipate a timely resolution favoring respect for individual national measures in gambling regulation."
The DLTB had previously flagged the legal and practical risks associated with Bill 55, praising the EC's decisive action.
About the German Lottery and Betting Cartel (DLTB):
The German Lottery and Betting Cartel, headed by the 16 independent lottery organizations in the states, operates under the banner of "luck based on responsibility." Their core objective is to maintain the thrill of gambling while minimizing gambling addiction risks. Acting in the public interest, they prioritize vital welfare goals. Substantial player stakes primarily fund projects in areas such as welfare, sports, art, culture, heritage preservation, and environmental protection.
All DLTB updates can be found at www.lottoindeutschland.de/presse.
General Information:
Governed by the white list, participation in gaming is restricted to those aged 18 and above. Gambling can be addictive. Find more info at www.check-dein-spiel.de or call the free hotline: 0800 1 37 27 00.
All references to gender are neutral, with masculine terms used for clarity's sake.
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Gist: The German Lottery and Betting Cartel (DLTB) and Malta are locked in a dispute over Malta's "Bill 55," officially Article 56A of Malta's Gaming Act, enacted in 2023. Bill 55 aims to shield Maltese licensed online gaming operators from enforcement of judgments from foreign courts, particularly German and Austrian courts[1].
The DLTB, alongside the EC, contends that Bill 55 constitutes an EU law violation because:
- It defies EU Regulation 1215/2012 by allowing Malta to reject foreign rulings without sufficient grounds[1][4].
- It undermines mutual trust among EU member states' legal systems, essential for the EU's internal market and judicial cooperation[1].
- It impairs cross-border access to justice for foreign litigants against Maltese online gaming operators[2].
The EC charged Malta with violating EU law and initiated an infringement procedure, giving it two months to respond and address the issues. If Malta fails to rectify the issues, the case may proceed to a formal reasoned opinion followed by a ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ)[1][2][3].
- The German Lottery and Betting Cartel (DLTB) acknowledges the European Commission's initiative to tackle policy-and-legislation issues, as they view Malta's "Bill 55" as a violation of EU law and a potential threat to the business sector.
- Controversy surrounding Malta's "Bill 55" has become a focal point of interest in general-news circles, as it raises questions about the EU's internal market, enforcement of judgments, and the role of politics in financial matters.
- As the German Lottery and Betting Cartel (DLTB) continues to advocate for the protection of national gambling regulations, business observers emphasize the importance of maintaining EU policy-and-legislation harmony for the smooth functioning of transnational business entities.
