On Tuesday, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled in favor of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) in a case concerning the Dutch lottery licensing practices. The ruling orders the Dutch government to investigate the current system of lottery licensing, which the EGBA claims is in violation of EU law.

The case was brought to the ECJ by the EGBA, which is an industry association representing online gaming and betting companies in Europe. The EGBA argued that the Dutch lottery licensing system is in violation of EU law because it restricts access to the market and creates a monopoly for the state-owned lottery operator. The EGBA also argued that the system is discriminatory because it only allows Dutch citizens to participate in the lottery.

The ECJ agreed with the EGBA’s arguments and ordered the Dutch government to investigate the current system of lottery licensing. The court also stated that the current system is in violation of EU law and must be changed to comply with EU regulations.

The ruling is a major victory for the EGBA and could have far-reaching implications for other countries in Europe that have similar lottery licensing systems. The ruling could also lead to increased competition in the European gaming and betting market, as well as more consumer choice.

The decision of the ECJ is a clear indication that the European Union is committed to protecting consumers and promoting competition in the European gaming and betting market. It is also a reminder that governments must abide by EU law when it comes to regulating markets. This ruling could have a significant impact on how European countries regulate their gaming and betting markets in the future.