Germany. Barnier (EU Comm.): "Gambling rules must be notified to the European Commission"
(Jamma) Michel Barnier, European Commissioner for the Internal Market, answered today the question on 'games and minors' presented by MEP Cristiana Muscardini (ECR).
“The Commission shares the concerns raised by the honorable Member – Barnier clarified – A large majority of children, and increasingly precocious, use the Internet through a series of connected devices. It is therefore important to take protective measures against potentially harmful content, such as gambling, while making it easier for children and young people to access the benefits of the Internet in terms of recreation, learning and other positive online interactions.
The Commission - explains the commissioner - believes that the Member States must also have preventive measures in place to prevent teenagers from having access to offline lotteries and games of chance.
As far as gambling is concerned, there are currently no specific EU rules in place on this particular matter. It is the responsibility of the Member States to set age limits to prevent children and young people from having access to and buying games of chance and lotteries. The effective application of the relevant rules is also the responsibility of the Member States.
As announced in the recent communication on online gambling, the Commission intends to adopt a recommendation to ensure a high level of protection for consumers of gambling services, including the protection of children and young people. Among the principles to be elaborated should be the verification of the age and identity of the player”.
