The European Commission on Monday decided to launch an investigation into US rules preventing European companies from offering Internet gambling services in the United States. ( dpa )
The decision follows a complaint lodged by the Remote Gambling Association (RGA) in December.
"The US has the right to address legitimate public policy concerns relating to internet gambling, but discrimination against EU companies cannot be part of the policy mix," said EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson.
European industry officials argue that the US rules violate World Trade Organization rules on free trade.
EU officials said all EU suppliers of remote gambling services had withdrawn from the US market further to the adoption of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2006.
The EU probe is expected to last five to seven months and present its findings in an investigation report which could lead to the launch of WTO proceedings should this be warranted, an EU statement said.