right2bet petition

[jonnyb]

Hi guys, sorry to post a URL straight off the bat but I think this might be something you're interested in and could provoke some good discussion.

http://www.right2bet.net

It's an online petition and campaign to alter the EU's unfair gambling regulations. Both punters and British bookies are currently penalised in the way that their freedom of choice is restricted within the EU. This means we lose the chance to get better odds, have difficulty betting abroad sometimes, etc. However, more broadly (and perhaps more importantly), it's an example of EU hypocrisy of the highest order that badly needs rectifying if the EU is retain any semblence of credibility with voters...

Cheers

JB

[jonnyb]

PS if you want a more fun way to sign this exact same petition (read: fit girl, skimpy bikini, marker pen) then see http://www.thenakedpetition.com - It's the same deal, to increase freedom of choice in online gambling, but you get a personalised photo sent to your inbox after you've scrawled all over her body :D lol

More bookies like VC have come on board with this campaign now so it should be getting much more high profile pretty soon...

Cheers!
Jon

[free bet]

Are there any major countries currently in this position with their citizens? (major as in authority in betting volume?)

[jonnyb]

well, we're just talking about EU Member States here, but yes there are several countries affected. i personally have had problems using certain bookies when in France and the Netherlands, and according to the right2bet site, Italy and Sweden are also big offenders. I know that Spain has recently discriminated againt lottery winners based on their nationality too.

The problem has really only arisen because of internet gambling. In the past we wouldn't have wanted to cross borders to bet anyway (except when on holiday), but now with online gambling there are bookies based in other countries that we can see but not touch. It's a bit ridiculous as the only people benefiting are the governments who cream off revenues from this nationalised/protected gambling sectors. And as I said, it's hypocritical and contrary to EU law/principles...

Cheers, Jonny

[jonnyb]

...And for anyone who doubted whether or not these EU laws make a difference to your online gambling experience... http://bit.ly/1iAoxj yikes! Look at the disparity in odds between those gambling monopolies! Also here's an article showing the odds for the Liverpool v Man City premiership game: http://bit.ly/57PUt6

The Right2Bet petition is gaining significant traction at the moment amongst gambling fans, operators and also in different EU Member States. They even have a tool where you can lobby your MEP directly. As soon as their petition reaches 1million, it will go before the EU Commission so I'd encourage everyone to go to http://www.right2bet.net to add your name to the petition now!

CHeers
Jon

[ZacColbert]

I think everyone should have the right to bet and win or lose money if they so chose! Am signing the partition right now