Right2bet: Campaigning for the Right to Choose

Quite a number of players from the European Union believe that they should have the right to play with any EU-licensed betting company they choose regardless of where that company's operations may be based.

A Right2bet campaign advocates for such a safe, fair and regulated online gambling market.

Right2bet understands the concerns expressed by those opposing the deregulation of the online casino and sportsbook industry - that is, it can become an addictive pastime (and younger users in particular are vulnerable), funds might be illegally obtained or criminal syndicates might be involved. Not all operators act honestly and have been known to design programs to cheat players.

Thus, Right2bet holds the position that a completely unregulated market is not in the best interests of the customers. A properly regulated market, overseen by a European-wide regulatory body, is the most appropriate way forward. Any bookmaker or online casino based in and licensed by the EU should be allowed to operate in any EU member state, without fear of persecution by the government of that country. Players concerned about the legitimacy of a casino, or even online casinos wanting to check the validity of a high-roller's funding, would be able to approach the regulatory body and seek their advice.

Such a regulatory body could also counsel and help problem gamblers, many of whom have become addicted on the basis of false and misleading information. A recent British study reported that the increase in gambling addiction amongst students in the country was a result of the top young thinkers in the nation's mathematics departments, having won some large sums of cash during the global financial crisis, giving other students the false impression that online gambling was profitable.