Betsson asks the EC to re-open infringement proceedings against the Netherlands

[Triple7]

Betsson asks the European Commission to re-open infringement proceedings against the Netherlands As an EU licenced and serious operator, Betsson have now written to the European Commission outlining the continued and flagrant breach by the Dutch authorities of EU law. The complaint details the ongoing infringements of the fundamental principles upon which the EU has been founded. “Betsson view the ongoing confusion in the Dutch market as unacceptable. We have therefore submitted an official complaint to the European Commission. The current law in the Netherlands is not in line with EU law and we have therefore asked the Commission to re-open the infringement proceedings that were initiated against the Netherlands in 2006,” says Ulrik Bengtsson, CEO and President, Betsson AB. In the face of the Netherlands’ continued failure to implement an EU compliant legal framework, Betsson must trust in the ability and authority of the European Commission to step in and take all action necessary to ensure that the Netherlands complies with its EU Treaty obligations. A compliant legal framework would remove the confusion and instability that the actions of the Dutch gaming authority, KSA, are creating for Dutch consumers at present. In addition, Betsson trusts the Commission to ensure that the KSA immediately refrains from continued enforcement of a law, which has already been the subject of infringement proceedings by the Commission.

Source: Press Release Betsson AB (Publ)

[affy]

Interesting to see that Ulrik is prepared to fight a government to safe his €100.000.000+ investment...

Hundreds of thousands are spend on frequent page covering ads in national newspapers. A dedicated website was launched and many interviews given to fight for his casino's. Which is a great thing of course! Many operators should follow his example and stand up against governmental monopolies that are not in line with EU regulations.

Sad thing though that whilst the owner picked up the gloves to fight a historical battle his own staff is making it next to impossible for affiliates to gain trust with his affiliate program. Continuous problems with tracking stats (to the point it get's suspicious) and frequent changing of staff (replacements who have no qualification whatsoever to built on reputation and trust for two potential gold mines) does not really support him in his efforts to conquer The Netherlands.

So whilst Ulrik is fighting a government, many genuine affiliates are in a continuous "fight" with his affiliate program for years already... not the best tactics IMHO...

One might expect Betsson to invest heavily in the best experienced and knowledgeable affiliate/brand managers out there that are able to strengthen the relationship with affiliates and cater for their needs.

Or does Betsson think that their own "affiliate" portal network (hundreds of sites) will outrank the affiliates soon? In other words is Betsson your toughest competitor and does the fight only serves their own interest?!

[affy]

GONE!