Cooperation among national gaming regulators appears to be a necessary first step

A draft EU document has indicated that there are grounds for a common approach to regulating the European Union’s multi-billion-euro gambling sector.

According to Reuters, the draft authored found there were “already grounds for seeking a common approach”.

“While the legal frameworks differ, there are significant similarities in the member states’ objectives as regards gambling and betting,” said the document, obtained by Reuters. “The common challenges identified would appear to justify the development of a new EU-level approach.”

Cooperation among national gaming regulators appears to be a necessary first step to combating money laundering, fraud and corruption, the draft document said. “Topics for discussion could include methods for real-time checking of players and transactions or mandatory reporting of transactions and verification methods,” it added.

A ceiling on player rates of return could be part of an EU approach and finance ministers could look at ending double-taxation by taxing gaming where it takes place, the document said.