As informed by the executive authorities of the European Union, the European Commission has requested certain German regions to review their project to prohibit online gambling. They could face a legal battle if they do not reconsider their position.

Günter Verheugen, Industry Secretary for the EU, sent a letter to Germany’s regional governments in which he gave them a month to change the draft on the subject. Said draft is considered incongruent by the EU authorities since it bans online lotteries, sport bets and casino games but allows horse race betting.

“We ask Germany to reconsider the total prohibition of online lotteries and sports bets. We believe that the proposed complete ban is illogical and there are less restrictive measures, like a previous mandatory register and strict guarantees concerning identification,” the European Union Commissioner explained.

The United Kingdom and Austria, two countries with strong online gambling industries, have publicly defied the ban. They argue that Germany has not presented enough information to justify the total prohibition.

Germany has now a month to answer.