After Austria Gambling Ruling, Is USA Next?

The European Court of Justice ruled last Friday against Austrian restrictions on foreign gambling companies, increasing speculation that it will next target American gambling laws.

In two separate cases, Europe's highest court ruled in favor of gaming companies Bwin Entertainment, Betfair and Ladbrokes, following on from a ruling earlier the same week in which the German gaming monopoly was also found to be unlawful.

The United States could be next for court action, given that it has already been given warnings by the European Commission for not complying with trade agreement with European Union members. Under current US gambling laws, offshore companies are banned from operating there.

So what's the big deal when it comes to the United States? Well for starters, with the biggest economy in the world, a population equal to Europe's five biggest countries, and of course a thirst for gambling, the US represents the ultimate market for Europe's many online gambling companies.

In addition, the current state of online gambling stateside, where Internet gambling has been effectively banned since the transfer of funds to online gaming sites was made illegal, is seen as regressive in Europe, where more countries are opening their doors to competition in the industry.

With pro-gambling measures gaining ground in Washington, it is only a matter of time until things change, whether from within or from external pressure from Europe.