bwin loses German court case

[The Buzz]

bwin lost a law suit requesting suspension of Germany's ban on Internet gambling on Thursday.

The Cologne court rejected the suspension request, the state lottery in the state of North-Rhine Westfalia, Westlotto, said in a statement. Bwin now faces fines if it does not oblige the ban, the lottery said.

The case in Cologne related to bwin's international offering, not that of its German affiliate bwin e.K., to which bwin's marketing in the country directs German customers.

Bwin confirmed the court decision but said it would continue to offer its betting and gambling services despite the ruling. It reiterated its view that Germany's ban on Internet gambling violated European Union rules and it will continue to challenge it in courts.

Full story here ... http://uk.reuters.com/article/intern...B9696320080911