European Parliament
President.
Question No 31 by Malcolm Harbour 
Subject: Gambelli Ruling
In the recent ruling on the 'Gambelli' case, the European Court of Justice upheld the rights of EU gambling service providers to operate or provide cross-border services in other Member States.
Indeed a number of Member States are, at the same time, attempting to restrict private gambling service providers while vigorously promoting participation in games of chance via monopolies or licensees of the State.
Can the Commission confirm that the 'procurement of finances for public funds' cannot constitute a justification on the basis of which freedoms established by Article 43 and 49 of the Treaty can be restricted?
If the Commission does agree, can it indicate what initiatives it will take to remove unjustified restrictions on gambling service providers?

