Maltese MEPs were among a minority of 79 European deputies opposing a resolution on online gambling, which, although non-binding, could still badly affect the lucrative industry.

Malta, whose online gambling industry has boomed in the past years thanks to a favourable tax regime, is adamantly against harmonisation in the sector, except on consumer-related issues.

Although the European Parliament resolution largely left the online gambling regulation unchanged, the position adopted by the majority of MEPs – 572 voted in favour – included minor elements that may favour attempts towards harmonisation in taxation issues and were deemed unacceptable by the Maltese MEPs.

“Although the resolution has positive elements, including the need for the EU to make sure illegal gambling is dealt with and vulnerable customers are protected, some wording suggesting common taxes is not in Malta’s interests,” sources close to the Maltese industry told Times of Malta.

“The MEPs made a good job of supporting our industry as they are acting as our watchdogs in the EP.”

Malta’s stand was supported by all MEPs representing both Labour and the Nationalist Party. Labour MEP John Attard Montalto was not present for the vote.

They are acting as our watchdogs

The resolution is the EP’s response to the Commission’s action plan on online gambling proposed last year. Although the EU is not suggesting any specific common legislation to regulate this sector – a position supported by Malta – there are many countries working towards the creation of common rules for the industry across the bloc in order to protect their national markets.

In its resolution, piloted by British MEP Ashley Fox, the EP called on the Commission to ensure stricter codes are introduced such as the development of better age-verification tools and content filters.

It also calls for more responsible advertising and increased parental awareness of the dangers associated with gambling, anti-fraud and money-laundering measures and the promotion of faster information exchange among member states and whistle-blowing mechanisms.

According to a Green Paper published by the Commission, Malta is considered an “online gambling hub” in the EU with at least eight per cent of the island’s GDP depending on the industry.

At an EU level, online gambling is one of the fastest-growing service activities, with annual growth rates of nearly 15 per cent and an estimated €13 billion in annual revenues by 2015.

Online gambling includes sports betting and poker, casinos and lotteries, with a market of 6.8 million consumers participating in one or more types of games.

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