The EU's executive has already taken similar action against other nations. It says governments' arguments that restrictions are needed to protect consumers are only valid if they apply evenly to domestic and foreign gaming companies.
In both Greece and the Netherlands the recent introduction of new addictive games, intensive and increasing advertising, and the absence of concrete measures against gambling addiction together constitute clear evidence of the absence of a consistent and systematic policy aimed at genuinely reducing gambling opportunities, the Commission said in a statement.