During the meeting, the biggest emphasis was put on the implications following the decision made by the European Commission to close all pending infringement cases and outstanding complaints against EU Member States, in their respective national provisions regulating online gambling which are deemed to be in breach of the EU acquis. It was ascertained that EOGL will continue encouraging all the European gaming industry subjects to file cases at the European Court of Justice (ECJ).

Furthermore, in spite of the decision made by the EU Commission, which is to bring adverse effects to the Industry as a whole, EOGL will continue to regularly communicate with the EU institutions with the aim of promoting a consolidated approach to regulating the EU gaming market.

As one of the most important activities carried out in recent year, EOGL Executive Committee recognized the promotion of the Responsible Gaming measures to encourage operators and associations to keep complying with the best Industry practices on a global scale

All participants, mostly representatives of operators, confirmed dedication to basic principles of free market of European Union, emphasizing principles about fair competition and reasonable and sustainable taxation:

1. a) National regulations must comply with free provision of services guaranteed by EU Treaty
2. b) Restrictions to the free provision of services must be non-discriminatory, proportionate and consistent with the objectives pursued
3. c) Taxation must comply with EU state-aid rules, i.e. comparable gambling products must be subjected to same fiscal treatment
4. d) Open licensing regime for European operators with all products and a workable tax system based on GGR

EOGL will continue to promote Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) tax versus turnover tax because applying turnover tax licensed operators are less competitive, such taxation encourage customers to play with unregulated operators and defeat the basic purpose of regulation.

Discussing about some intentions to propose taxation of all winnings, EOGL professionals agreed that tax on winnings must look thorough annual income taxation because tax on all winnings has the same undermining effect at regulated market as turnover tax.

EOGL will continue to promote all kind of Responsible Gaming activities and to encourage operators and associations to apply the best practices across the World. Education of employees to recognize first potential signs of gaming addiction was named as one of the most efficient preventive activity. Talking about Responsible Gaming, special attention was pointed to some bad examples of putting betting and other gaming terminals outside specialized spaces, because such a practice cannot protect minors and it is difficult to apply other responsible gaming measures.

The final conclusion of EOGL Executive Committee Meeting 2017 could be summarized in one sentence – the best market is well regulated market with fair and sustainable taxation and with protected environment for consumers.