The European Court of Justice (ECJ) handed down four jusgements in the area of gambling this week. They laid down guidelines that should make future gambling issues non existent as it pertains to these cases.  

Gambelli: the court stated that the public interest limitations justify limitations on the free movement of services – but that they could not be disproportionate to the restrictions being imposed. 

Schindler: the court agreed that lotteries were services that were covered under article 60 of the EEC treaty, but that the UK could restrict or prohibit the lotteries from other EEC Member States – as long as it was not discriminatory on basis of nationality. 

Läärä: in regards to slot machines and sports betting – the court stated that conferring exclusive rights on a single public body did not violate the EC Treaty. However, they were expected to limit the promotion of gambling. 

Zenatti: also in regards to slot machines and sports betting – the court confirmed the same ideas that were covered in Läärä. They also stated that restricting the betting services could be justified on the grounds of public interest concerns. 

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