Text tabled : A7-0342/2011

  Juozas Imbrasas (EFD), in writing. – (LT) The online gambling sector is growing constantly. Currently, about 10% of all gambling in Europe takes place on the Internet or via comparable distribution channels. As a result of ever increasing supply and the increasing number of gamblers, the current market fragmentation in this area in Europe is also becoming ever more obvious. In many Member States, there are total bans or bans with the possibility of authorisation, while others have a completely open and liberalised market. However, due to huge differences in traditions, the subsidiarity principle plays a particularly powerful role in this area. To a large extent, the Member States themselves determine how they want to regulate their gambling sectors. As regards the Internet, however, such considerable regulatory divergence also results in market distortions. Gambling service providers from Member States with open markets and low tax rates are also accessible in countries in which online gambling is banned, or are in competition with licensed online providers. It is virtually impossible for those providers, and for providers of physical, location-based gambling services from those countries, to compete. Furthermore, there is a large unregulated black market on the Internet. I agree that an open and regulated market for online gambling presupposes an independent and powerful national regulatory body. It must determine, and also be able to enforce, the environment for gambling. National regulators must therefore be given the necessary powers to penalise infringements and act against illegal providers.